MLB free agency — Second Base: Neil Walker
Every team in baseball has a weakness in its lineup, and in this case, it’s the middle infield. The MLB free agency market doesn’t showcase outstanding options at second base and shortstop, so it’s essentially a toss-up between veteran guys.
In this instance, Neil Walker just seemed to be more appealing than the rest. Only Brandon Phillips can compare in this category.
While Walker is a borderline starter for any team, he still provides something that many second basemen don’t – power. The infielder cracked double-digit home runs in eight consecutive seasons.
His OPS sat above .750 in all but one season, while his average never dipped below .250 in his career. He will likely never qualify for the All-Star team with his numbers, but he is consistent and rarely endures terrible stretches at the plate.
Walker ranked seventh in OPS among second basemen with at least 350 at-bats last season, better than Robinson Cano and DJ LeMahiue. While that doesn’t seem like much of an accomplishment because of his lack of at-bats, it’s encouraging.
It represents Walker’s potential, even as a 32-year-old free agent.
Walker might be heading toward a reunion with the New York Mets. But until a deal is made, nothing is set in stone. He is arguably a more talented player than both of the Yankees’ second basemen – not Gleyber Torres.
Some team will sign him before Spring Training, even if it’s a minor-league deal.
MLB free agency — Shortstop: Erick Aybar
Few teams, if any, desperately needed a shortstop before the offseason began. And the two teams that arguably did – Mets and Royals – acquired them prior to the final stretch.
That leaves slim pickings for any team looking for another solid free-agent shortstop. To be blunt, there aren’t any left.
Thus, in this situation, Aybar will suffice for the all-free-agent squad.
Aybar hasn’t been relevant since his days in Los Angeles, and even then, he was never a prodigious up-and-comer. At this point, he’s a veteran that can eat up innings and provide tips for younger infielders – not much more.
The Dominican never made a name for himself at the dish. But he is much more consistent than any other guy on the market, including J.J. Hardy and Mike Aviles. At least teams know they will get someone that can hit about .250 to .270 with Aybar.
But overall, there’s nothing special about the 34-year-old, other than the fact that he celebrated his birthday last month. He is easily the least-talented member of this hypothetical team.
Also, any team willing to sign Aybar this offseason should look at giving him a minor-league deal. That probably suits him best.