MLB Free Agency: Potential landing spots for A.J. Pollock

Colorado Rockies

This one may seem odd, as the Rockies just made a move to lock up their three-time All-Star center fielder, Charlie Blackmon, to an extension that will last three more years, and potentially more if he exercises team options in 2022 or 2023. Even after a slightly disappointing offensive season in 2018, there is absolutely no doubt that Blackmon has a spot in the lineup for many years to come.

However, there is certainly a question as to whether he should stay in center field due to his poor defense. According to the defensive metric Defensive Runs Saved, Blackmon cost the Rockies 28 runs with his fielding, the worst mark of any player at any position in 2018. Blackmon is simply unplayable in center, especially given the huge amount of space in the Coors Field outfield. A.J. Pollock may not be an elite defensive center fielder, but he’s certainly passable, and moving Blackmon to a corner spot would immediately improve the Rockies.

The Rockies also desperately a bat like Pollock in their lineup, as the 2018 team had the sixth-worst offense in baseball by wRC+. The ineptitude of their offense was on display on the national stage, when the Brewers allowed just two runs in three games en route to an NLDS sweep. Pollock’s bat would be a great addition to the Rockies’ lineup, and his ability to play a solid center field would improve them on the other side of the ball.