Neil Walker and Melky Cabrera
With $15 million or a little more of room in their salary structure before the luxury tax is an issue, the Los Angeles Angels could go big for a player who may want a one-year deal for good money that could be fairly expensive for that short term, especially if the player knows he’s likely not getting a full-time role.
Two guys stick out for this possibility for the Angels. In spite of bringing in new players to handle both second and third base, bringing in Neil Walker, who primarily plays those positions, would be a wise choice.
Walker is a switch hitter who has played primarily second base over his career, but last season he added third base to his background. He’s not an elite defensive player by any means, but he’s not a negative either.
Walker has been a 20+ home run hitter in his career as recently as 2016. Last season in 385 plate appearances, he hit 14 home runs.
Over his career, Walker has been a significantly better hitter from the left side as well. He has a 113 point split in favor of the left hand side over his career, and in 2017, the split was even heavier, hitting all 14 of his home runs from the left side with a 244 point higher OPS from the left side.
Walker accepted the Mets’ qualifying offer last season, and at his age 32 season, it’s very feasible that he would take a 1-year deal for the right amount, though that may require 8 figures to get done.
While not quite to that same price level to sign, Melky Cabrera has been a steady performer for the last seven seasons. While not a home run guy, Cabrera has hit .297/.340/.442 over the last 7 seasons, averaging 32 doubles and 13 home runs.
Cabrera is not a guy who can cover center field, but he can work in the corner outfield. Melky is nearly equal from either side of the plate in power and contact skills over his career, but he has been hitting better from the right side.
Most likely Cabrera won’t need to have 8 figures for his age-33 season, but he’ll likely be a high 7-figure guy.
Next: Pie in the Sky