Haruki Nishikawa a respectable George Springer consolation prize

George Springer may be one of the prizes of free agency, but Haruki Nishikawa is a solid consolation prize for teams needing a center fielder.

The center field position is one of the weakest in free agency. George Springer is the obvious prize, and the best center fielder in free agency, but what exactly is behind him? Jackie Bradley Jr. may be the second best free agent center fielder which speaks volumes to how thin the position is.

But now, there is another candidate for teams looking to improve at center. The Nippon Ham Fighters have posted Haruki Nishikawa, giving major league teams 30 days to come to an agreement with the outfielder.

Nishikawa is absolutely not the type of player that Springer is. He posted a .306/.430/.396 batting line in his 523 plate appearances, hitting 17 doubles and five homers. However, he is adept at getting on base, drawing 92 walks. Nishikawa also has excellent speed, stealing 42 bases in 49 attempts.

His speed has held up well both on the basepaths and in the outfield. Nishikawa has led the league in steals three times, and is a three time Gold Glove winner. He has displayed an excellent ability to make contact during his career, with only 854 strikeouts in his 4671 NPB plate appearances.

While that profile makes him an intriguing option for a team looking for a leadoff hitter, it also limits his earning potential. He is likely to earn less than Bradley will in free agency, making him an intriguing lottery ticket for multiple teams. And his ability to play all three spots in the outfield could make him a fit anywhere around the league.

However, there is a question as to what type of impact Nishikawa can have on the majors. If his performance in Japan can translate stateside, he could be a perfect table setter atop a lineup. Otherwise, his ceiling may be that of a fourth outfielder, one that can also be used as a defensive replacement or pinch runner.

There is another center fielder available, as the Nippon Ham Fighters are posting Haruki Nishikawa. If a team misses out on George Springer, he may be a solid consolation prize.