As the calendar soon turns from January to February, the 2017 MLB season inches closer and closer. With that said, one of the top home run hitters from last season remains a free agent. Where exactly will Chris Carter end up?
There’s no questioning Chris Carter‘s power. The 30-year-old hit 41 home runs last season. In his seven years in the league, Carter has hit 150 home runs. But in an era of baseball ruled by analytics and new-school stats, home runs aren’t as valuable as they once were.
Besides hitting home runs, Carter strikes out at a high-rate. He finished second in MLB last season with 206 strikeouts. Along with striking out a lot, Carter hits for a low average. He possesses a .218 career batting average. His career on-base percentage is not much better (.314).
Carter started his career in Oakland, in which he spent three seasons. He played just 106 games with the A’s. In 2013, Oakland traded Carter to Houston. With the Astros, Carter displayed his powerful swing. After the 2015 season, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Carter to a one-year deal. Despite a 41 home run season, the Brewers non-tendered Carter and made him a free agent.
Heading toward February, Carter remains a free agent. Even though Carter has never hit for an average higher than .239 and he averages 187 strikeouts over the past four seasons, his power still fits well in a lineup.
According to Fangraphs’ Steamer, the projection has Carter hitting 21 home runs, driving in 57 runs and holding an average of .221 next season. Expect those projections to change when Carter signs with a team.
Here are four possible fits for Carter in 2017.