MLB: Ranking the Biggest Logjams in the League Right Now

10 – 6

10. Texas Rangers (Adrian Beltre, Rougned Odor, Shin-Soo Choo, Nomar Mazara, Mike Napoli, Jurickson Profar, Ryan Rua, Joey Gallo)

Thanks to a recent report that Mike Napoli had reached an agreement with the Texas, the Rangers were effectively pushed into the top ten of this list. Before the imminent deal, Joey Gallo and Ryan Rua looked to split time in a platoon at designated hitter. Now, Napoli looks like he will be the everyday DH, launching Rua and Gallo into ambiguity. The outfield spots are also locked up with Nomar Mazara, Carlos Gomez and the expensive Shin-Soo Choo still under contract. There will be some potential time at first base off Profar were to falter, but that seems like more of a negative for a player that was once ranked as the best prospect in MLB. Luckily, Gomez and Napoli are only signed for one year, meaning that at the very least some of the younger guys can have more time to refine their game.

9. New York Yankees (Matt Holliday, Greg Bird, Chris Carter, Aaron Judge, Tyler Austin, Aaron Hicks, Clint Frazier)

I’m not sure that the Yanks would have even been mentioned if not for their recent signing of first baseman/designated hitter Chris Carter. Getting a 41-home-run hitter for $3 million is pretty much a steal. But there is a reason that the Bronx Bombers weren’t frequently mentioned as a suitor. One, the team already signed a defensive liability in Matt Holliday earlier in the winter, while already having two promising first base prospects in Greg Bird and Tyler Austin. Now Carter will likely split time at DH and first base against lefties. This leaves Aaron Judge in a precarious position because of the gluten of power hitters, in addition to another more defensive outfielder in Aaron Hicks.

8. New York Mets (Neil Walker, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jose Reyes, Wilmer Flores, Amed Rosario, Gavin Cecchini)

Much of the spotlight has been on the outfield with Sandy Alderson re-signing Yoenis Cespedes and picking up Jay Bruce‘s option. Bruce and Curtis Granderson have been the subjects of trade rumors all offseason. This outfield dilemma has overshadowed a crowded infield with veterans Asdrubal Cabrera and Jose Reyes both vying for the starting shortstop spot. Wilmer Flores is a little more versatile defensively, but he won’t see everyday playing time assuming David Wright is healthy. Down on the farm, Ahmed Rosario projects to be an MLB All-Star shortstop with Gavin Cecchini also having starting potential as well. Don’t overlook that the Mets still have some tough decisions to make regarding the middle infield.

7. Colorado Rockies (Ian Desmond, DJ LeMahieu, Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, Brendan Rodgers, Ryan McMahon)

Another club that has put a lot of emphasis on the outfield, the Rockies have a very good problem brewing for the future of the organization. After signing Ian Desmond, Colorado seems to have a set lineup for the 2017 season, but the real controversy stems from what the organization will do down the road. Nolan Arenado is going to be a free agent two years from now with the team seemingly having to make a spot for a high first-rounder in Brendan Rodgers. Many have questioned Rodgers’ ability to stay at short because of how big he is, but even if the team keeps him there, the Rockies already have one of the most powerful middle infielders in MLB. Trevor Story burst onto the scene last season with a surprising All-Star campaign.

DJ LeMahieu is a legit elite second baseman as well. Corner infield prospect Ryan McMahon is not far away from his MLB debut too. There’s no shortage of talent; the Rockies just need to figure out what to do with it.

6. Los Angeles Dodgers (Andrew Toles, Trayce Thompson, Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier, Cody Bellinger, Alex Verdugo)

Ever since the days of Carl Crawford, the Dodgers have always had a numbers issue in the outfield. Dave Roberts knows he has Joc Pederson firmly entrenched as the center fielder, but it’s the corner outfield slots that may keep him up at night. Andrew Toles was a welcome surprise late in the season. However, Trayce Thompson will definitely cut into some of his playing time. Yasiel Puig has been on the trade block for over a year and Andre Ethier is well past his prime.

The Dodgers may be wise to turn to the farm with top prospects Cody Bellinger and Alex Verdugo waiting in the wings. Both are ranked in the top 65, according to MLB Pipeline, and both have put up good numbers in Triple-A. There’s not much use for them in the minor leagues if they continue their dominance, but the large contracts and glut of outfielders will make it tough for Roberts to give them a large role in MLB this season.