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MLB Players that can boost their free agency stock most

By CJ Luther

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 4: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) heads for the dugout after finishing an inning during a game between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers in game 2 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA on October 4, 2019 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 4: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) heads for the dugout after finishing an inning during a game between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers in game 2 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA on October 4, 2019 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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New York Yankees
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MLB Players That Can Boost Their Free Agency Stock Most

Didi Gregorius, SS

Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius seems to already be making his claim for a larger deal this offseason, breaking open Game 2 on Saturday night with a monstrous grand slam.

Gregorius has endured a grueling 2019 season, returning from Tommy John surgery in June only to struggle to reclaim his 2018 form. Last season, Gregorius launched a career-high 27 HR and amassed a 122 wRC+ and 4.7 WAR. This season, virtually all of his statistics have taken a step back, likely due to entering the fold mid-season.

Originally beginning his season hitting well, Gregorius struggled down the stretch, slashing a scant .190/.247/.380 in the regular season’s last month. Luckily, the shortstop’s struggles didn’t keep the Yankees from finishing strong, earning home-field in their opening matchup against Minnesota. The Bronx Bombers are deep, and it’s that depth that may give Gregorius an advantage this postseason.

Gregorius doesn’t have to be the end-all-be-all for the Yankees, who have the likes of Aaron Judge, D.J. LeMahieu, and Gleyber Torres to help support their offense. He has a quality lineup around him, which will give him plenty of opportunities to drive in runs, just as he did in Game 2.

Gregorius’s one-year, $11.75MM deal expires at season’s end, putting the shortstop in unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career. With a solid showing this postseason, the 29-year old could show teams that he’s fully recovered from his injury and capable of hitting as he did in 2017 and 2018.

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