
17. Mike Moustakas
After a disappointing foray into MLB free agency last year, Mike Moustakas may have better luck this year.
After setting a Royals team record with 38 homers in 2017, Moustakas expected to receive a solid long term contract, spurning the Qualifying Offer. Instead, he returned to Kansas City for less than half of the QO on a one year deal, and was traded to the Brewers at the deadline. He helped keep Milwaukee in the playoff hunt, bringing the Brewers to one game away from their second World Series appearance.
Even though he did not have the same production as he had in 2017, Moustakas had a respectable year. He posted a .251/.315/.459 batting line, hitting 28 homers and 33 doubles. Moustakas was his usual decent self at third, and even added a bit of defensive versatility by playing four games at first last year.
Unlike last season, when teams were holding off on spending, this offseason could be different. While there are two big names available at third (more on them later) Moustakas is a nice fallback option for a team that misses out. He is a steady producer, a solid power hitter while a decent glove. Teams could do a lot worse at third.
Mike Moustakas was one of the players hurt most by the free agent spending freeze last year. This time, he may end up with a much better situation.