MLB free agents: 3 inexpensive OF that could make an impact
For teams still in need of outfielders, these three MLB free agents are still available and could make big contributions for a small cost.
As the Super Bowl concludes football season, it is officially time for baseball. Pitchers and catchers report in about one week and Spring Training games are set to kick off in about two weeks.
There were many strong MLB free agents that have already been signed. Anthony Rendon went to the Los Angeles Angels, while Stephen Strasburg opted to stay in D.C., and Gerrit Cole‘s deal with the New York Yankees rounded up the biggest names to go this offseason.
Also, 27-year-old Nicholas Castellanos, who signed a four-year, $64 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, inked the largest deal for an outfielder. His contract with the Reds was tied for the ninth largest of this offseason.
However, the free-agent pool remains deep for outfielders. There are multiple unsigned outfielders that could definitely contribute to a team as an inexpensive, last-minute signing.
The only outfielder, and free agent really, left on the market with the potential to sign a large contract is Yasiel Puig. For the sake of that, he will not be on this list.
Here are three more outfielders that would be cheap solutions for teams seeking more depth.
MLB free agents: 3 inexpensive OF that could make an impact
Melky Cabrera
The 2012 All-Star made it clear that he seeks to play a 16th MLB season. The outfielder has been on 8 different teams and is looking to play for another. At 34. Melky Cabrera still contributed last year for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Over 133 games. Melky hit .280 and slugged 22 doubles, playing both right and left. He is a career .285 hitter and would add a little consistency to any lineup.
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Many people would not think this, but the outfielder has 13 seasons on at least 100 hits. He has 1,962 career hits, meaning that if he makes a big-league roster this year he will have a good chance to reach 2,000 for his career.
Last season, Melky signed a one-year, 1,150,000 contract with Pittsburgh, meaning he would not be seeking much more.
A team like the Yankees that battled a lot of injuries last year could snag Cabrera. A reunion there is logical. The Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants could use outfield help, but the Giants might not want to bring him back since he was suspended as a Giant for using PEDs earlier in his career.
It is uncertain where he will end up, but I am certain somebody adds Cabrera for depth before the season starts.
MLB free agents: 3 inexpensive OF that could make an impact
Cameron Maybin
Cameron Maybin has not been a super special player throughout his career, having a career OPS. of just .701, but his 2019 campaign with the New York Yankees shows that he has plenty of left in the tank.
Gaining time because of injuries, Maybin had a strong 82-game stint for the Yankees. Through 238 at-bats, he hit 11 home runs, drove in 32 runs and had a .285 average and .858 OPS., playing both left and right for the Yankees.
Going by OPS., 2019 was his best season. That was his best OPS> in a season of at least 10 games. There might be something about Maybin that contributed to his success in New York.
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Maybin is an inexpensive guy that could make an impact. Any contender looking to add outfield depth should consider signing him because he was significant for the Yankees when Stanton and Judge were both hurt.
Even though he has played 13 seasons already, Maybin will only be 33 next year. Having him as a fourth or fifth outfielder would be a steal. He still has some speed left, stealing nine bags for the Yankees in 2019.
Just like Cabrera, Maybin is a guy who must remain unsigned for a little longer but should definitely be seen somewhere in the league this season.
MLB free agents: 3 inexpensive OF that could make an impact
Hunter Pence
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The 2019 All-Star was considering retirement after battling a back injury but has announced that he wants to and intends to play in 2020.
After struggling during his last two seasons in San Francisco, Hunter Pence revamped his swing as a Ranger, hitting .297 with a .910 OPS over 83 games. He hit 18 home runs and had 59 runs batted in before he went down for the season with a back injury. At 36, he stole 6 bases as well.
He was named to the All-Star team as the DH, his fourth selection over 13 seasons. He has 242 career home runs and is looking to break the 250 threshold this season.
It would make the most sense for Pence to stay in the American League so he can spend time in the outfield and as a designated hitter.
A reunion with the Giants has been discussed but nothing has moved forward yet. Pence won the 2012 and 2014 World Series with the Giants.
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Any team would benefit from having Pence in their lineup, but also in the clubhouse. He has been a great leader in MLB for years and would be a great role model for younger players.