MLB Free Agents Tracker: Top 25 free agent hitters for 2017-18
20. Welington Castillo, C
Age on 2018 opening day: 30
2017 stats: .282/.323/.490, 365 PA, 20 HR, 22/97 BB/K
Career stats: .259/.319/.428, 158/571 in 2,269 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Diamondbacks, Orioles, Rockies, Tigers, White Sox
CTTP prediction: White Sox, 2 years, $8.5 million (actual signing: White Sox, 2 years, $15 million)
Info: Castillo is not a guy with a polished plate approach, and his work behind the plate is more regarded for his ability to set a good target for his pitcher more than his ability in the run game or exceptional movement laterally. Castillo does offer incredible power for a catcher, and that is valuable. He’d certainly be at last the primary of a duo with his strong bat, especially against lefty pitchers.
CTTP links:
19. Austin Jackson, OF
Age on 2018 opening day: 31
2017 stats: .318/.387/.482, 318 PA, 7 HR, 3 SB, 33/64 BB/K
Career stats: .275/.336/.403, 348/987 BB/K in 4,278 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Blue Jays, Giants, Mets, Royals, Tigers, White Sox
CTTP prediction: Rangers, 2 years, $10.5 million
Info: Jackson went through a could seasons where he slipped to the point of being a backup and platoon guy as he’s bounced around the league, but he has really re-made himself in his approach at the plate, allowing him to make excellent contact, get to his power, and also get on base at a good pace. He would work very well as either a 4th outfielder or platoon outfielder.
CTTP links:
18. Logan Morrison, 1B
Age on 2018 opening day: 30
2017 stats: .246/.353/.516, 601 PA, 38 HR, 81/149 BB/K
Career stats: .245/.330/.433, 353/642 in 3,354 PA
Interested teams: Angels, Indians, Mariners, Rays, Royals, Red Sox, Twins, White Sox
CTTP prediction: White Sox, 3 years, $32 million
Info: Morrison was once known for his impressive Twitter presence, but he’s calmed down significantly online. Now the big, lefty-hitting first baseman has established himself as a big-bopping bat with a breakthrough 2017. Originally from the Midwest, born in Kansas City, Morrison would be a prime candidate for the Royals if Hosmer isn’t re-signed, but he’ll simply be looking for a full-time position and likely a multi-year deal for security after already having worked through three organizations in his 8 years in the league.
CTTP links:
17. Lucas Duda, 1B
Age on 2018 opening day: 32
2017 stats: .217/.322/.496, 491 PA, 30 HR, 60/135 BB/K
Career stats: .242/.340/.457, 355/745 BB/K in 3,095 PA
Interested teams: Mariners, Rays, Red Sox, Royals, White Sox, Yankees
CTTP prediction: Rays, 2 years, $11 million
Info: Duda has established himself over 8 years as having an incredibly powerful bat from the left side, and also for struggling to stay healthy, only playing 150 games once in his career. Duda struggled with contact in his time with the Rays after a trade from the Mets, but he hit with incredible power, and that’s the type of guy he’s likely to be in his career.
CTTP links:
16. Carlos Gomez, OF
Age on 2018 opening day: 32
2017 stats: .255/.340/.462, 426 PA, 17 HR, 13 SB, 31/127 BB/K
Career stats: .256/.315/.419, 287/1,126 BB/K, 4,720 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Giants, Mariners, Mets, Rangers, Royals, Tigers
CTTP prediction: Athletics, 2 years, $13 million
Info: Gomez is still one of the most explosive players in the game when he is on a hot streak, however, as he’s aged, the times when he’s not on that hot streak are not as fruitful as they were in his days with Milwaukee when he was able to provide power and speed through a season due to his ability to offer production when he wasn’t “hot”, but then nearly carry a team when he was hot. Gomez is no longer a borderline Gold Glove center fielder, but he is consistent and would play well in any outfield position as a starter.
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Next: #11-15