MLB Free Agency: Players who could rebuild their value with one-year deals

By Joey Brasch | Dec 2, 2018

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 30: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning of a game at Coors Field on September 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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MLB free agency

CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 11: Billy Hamilton #6 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds the bases during the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball Park on August 11, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

When all you have is speed

Billy Hamilton was one of the most anticipated prospects when he was younger. In 2012, he posted a .410 OBP and compiled an insane 155 stolen bases in 132 games between high-A and AA ball. Prior to the 2013 season, MLB.com ranked him as the 11th-best prospect in baseball, and people were excited to see his unique skill-set at the highest level.

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Hamilton showed potential in his rookie year of 2014, finishing runner-up in the Rookie of the Year voting while showing some offensive potential. Unfortunately, it has been downhill from there, as in his career, Hamilton has posted a paltry .298 OBP and .333 slugging percentage.

Recently, the Reds non-tendered Hamilton, making him a free agent. While his offensive numbers would make it seem like he would not have any value, he is able to provide value from his defense and baserunning, as he has been able to accumulate more than eight Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball-Reference in his career.

If Hamilton is able to go somewhere we can get a starting spot, he has the potential to rebuild the value that he had in his prospect days. If he’s able to marginally improve his offensive output while maintaining his elite defense and baserunning, he could get a multiyear deal after next season.

Next. Most intriguing non-tendered players. dark

So what do you think? Could you see any of the above players taking a contract for just one year? Are there any more rumored for multi-year deals you think could benefit from a one-year pact? Comment below!!