Texas Rangers: Free agents who could fill the need at 3rd base
He might have the lowest WAR of the 2019 third basemen free agents, but Yangervis Solarte should be worth a look.
The switch-hitter will turn 32 in July. In his five years in the MLB, he’s played for the Yankees, Padres, and Blue Jays. His career slash is .259/.317/.410 with 74 home runs and 300 RBI. He’s no Beltre, but if the Texas Rangers are going bargain shopping, he’s not a bad choice.
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In his 122 games, he played 83 at third base. His range is practically identical to that of Moustakas. And, his slash isn’t much different. However, Solarte’s home run numbers are slightly lower.
Solarte made MLB headlines during a double-header against the Cleveland Indians on May 3. In the first game, he went 5-6 in seven plate appearances, scoring two runs of his own and hitting a game-winning grand slam in the 11th inning. In the second game of the day, he went 3-4 with another home run. Unfortunately, the Blue Jays could not get the win in the second game.
Solarte hit well in May and June. While he didn’t hit for power, he did manage to have more hits than games played. He had 15 games with multiple hits in those two months. His bat slowed in July and then hit the DL in August. He never got back to his earlier form when he returned to the team after a month on the DL.
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Solarte would be an affordable addition. He made $4.2 million with the Blue Jays in 2018. The Blue Jays look to be in a rebuild themselves, as they’ve let several players go and they had to make room for their prospect Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. who is expected to play third base for the Jays and win the Rookie of the Year, too.