MLB Free Agency: Biggest Bargains Left on the Market
There seems to be a common theme with the top catchers on the MLB free agent market this winter. After Jason Castro got a generous 3 yr, $24.5 million deal to things off, backstops have had a rough go of it in finding teams that will invest heavily in the position.
Wilson Ramos was arguably the best offensive catcher in the MLB in 2016 and he had to settle for a two year, $12.50 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, this was mostly due to the torn ACL he suffered at the end of the regular season.
Welington Castillo signed for a modest two year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, and the man that he is replacing, Matt Wieters is struggling to find a suitor for the price tag Scott Boras is putting out there.
However, while Wieters may be the most talented catcher out there, Nick Hundley represents the best value. For the past two years in Colorado, the 33 year-old hit .301 and .260, respectively. His walk numbers increased from 2015 to 2016, and he was able to hit 10 home runs in each season in a part-time catching role. Granted, playing for the Rockies can provide a reasonable boost to your offensive production, but Hundley has put up solid offensive numbers earlier in his career, albeit he did struggle with the bat at times.
Defensively, his pitch framing is below average according to StatCorner, and suffered a 20 percent drop off in caught stealing numbers over the past two seasons.
Still, for his defensive liabilities, Hundley’s ability with the bat, especially for a backstop will give a team a solid option behind the plate for a short-term contract.