MLB Free Agency: Free Agents that Will Bounce Back in 2017
By Jason Reed
Will Middlebrooks
Back in 2011, MLB ranked Middlebrooks as the tenth best third base prospect and the Red Sox’ number one. In 2012 Middlebrooks was called up, producing a quality 75 games. Middlebrooks batted .288 with 15 homers and 54 runs batted in. Despite a high strike out rate (24.5%), Middlebrooks was a promising young talent fit to play in Boston for years to come. However, since 2012, Middlebrooks has not provided what many thought he would.
Bouncing in and out of the minors, Middlebrooks has seen himself go from promising young talent to just a big league hopeful. In 2016, Middlebrooks only played in ten games for the Milwaukee Brewers. Middlebrooks produced three hits in 21 at-bats, striking out 13 times. The strikeout rate has remained high for Middlebrooks, and the offensive production has diminished. Middlebrooks recently signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers, and may take a similar path to Justin Turner.
Despite the bad big league numbers, Middlebrooks still has an upside of potential. In 2016 he managed to bat .288 with ten home runs for AAA Colorado Springs. While these numbers aren’t great, he is showing improvement at the plate. Middlebrooks could impress the Texas Rangers this spring, and find himself on the club in 2017.
Middlebrooks’ role would likely be a utility infielder, which may fit him better for his return to the big leagues. Not being tasked to start everyday, and to pick the match-up’s he wants, Middlebrooks very well could see his power numbers excel. If used in the right context, Middlebrooks may bounce back in 2017, revitalizing his career.