Mike Moustakas should not be blamed for his ongoing MLB free agency. He’s simply a victim of circumstance. No one needs him.
38 home runs, a .521 slugging percentage, and a .853 OPS …would you want a player with those power numbers to his name? You might, but apparently, there isn’t a General Manager out there that does. After having a career season in which he was an American League all-star and ranked in the top five in the league in home runs, Mike Moustakas remains within the pool of MLB free agency. Why doesn’t anyone want him?
On the surface, it seems crazy that Moustakas is unsigned. However, the reason is actually quite basic—no one needs a third baseman. Moustakas is being punished for an external factor that is completely out of his control. Third base is simply not a position in demand this offseason.
Almost every MLB team is set at the hot corner. The few who aren’t, find themselves in passive mindsets. Thus, they are in no immediate need of a new face at third base. The Chicago White Sox and Atlanta Braves are examples. The only two teams that are not already devoted to a third baseman are the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals.
Despite the fact that Moustakas would be an upgrade to both the Yanks and Cards, it is unlikely either team signs him. The Yankees agreed to a deal just a few days ago in which they acquired utility infielder Brandon Drury from the Diamondbacks. As it stands, either Brandon Drury or Ronald Torreyes will start at 3B for the Yankees on opening day.
The Cardinals have refrained from spending this offseason. They took on the contract of outfielder Marcell Ozuna and have been quiet ever since. Jedd Gyorko is St. Louis’ starting third baseman entering camp. Gyorko has the capability to play every day. He can hold his own as a big league infielder. Therefore, the Cardinals are in no state of desperation to acquire a third baseman from outside the organization.
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Mike Moustakas has nowhere to go. Those who have gone before him were either more affordable free agents or acquired by trade. The Angels signed Zack Cozart early in the offseason. Additionally, the Red Sox opted to sign Eduardo Nunez as a more reasonable roster option. The Giants filled their void at third base in a blockbuster deal which brought Evan Longoria to town. No one needs a third baseman.
It’s extremely unfortunate for Mike Moustakas. He can’t help what year he’s a free agent or what market he’ll be a part of. Though, the odds are still in his favor. Moustakas may not have the bargaining power that he thought he would after hitting 38 homers, but he’s certainly enough of a weapon for some team to take a plunge towards him.
Left-handed power hitters are generally a massive draw for teams. A team will come to the forefront before the regular season begins. There is always room for a power hitter in a lineup, especially in today’s game. Moustakas may find himself as an active DH in the near future, but he’d probably be okay with that at this point. Injuries happen all the time in spring training. A spot could certainly open up via that avenue as well.
Next: Nats need Arrieta as much as he needs them
The bottom line is Mike Moustakas is too good of a hitter to be without a team. He’s been a victim of circumstance to this point, though, he’ll catch a break in the coming month.