Manny Machado and Bryce Harper may dominate the free agent talks, but there are still plenty of good players still on the free agent market. Any team looking to make 2019 their own should look into other names that could very well fit the bill as well as anyone. Plus, their new potential teammates could benefit from these players’ knowledge of the game down the line. Time is of the essence, and these names will not be available forever.
Here are some of the top free agents (that are not Harper or Machado) still on the market.
1. Craig Kimbrel, Relief Pitcher
As much as the masses idolize the starting pitcher, the reliever has an equally pivotal role in keeping batting orders in check. Few have done it better than Craig Kimbrel. The seven-time All-Star has not only a commanding presence on the mound, but also has a deceptively huge amount of accolades. These include four consecutive saves leader awards and two “Reliever of the Year” awards. Kimbrel, most recently, has a World Series ring from last season as a member of the Boston Red Sox.
2. DJ LeMahieu, Second Baseman
Two-time All-Star, DJ LeMahieu, was a household name in the Colorado Rockies. Along with Nolan Arenado and an emerging Trevor Story, the Rockies had one of the most imposing infield corps in baseball. LeMahieu, on his own, has three Golden Gloves to his name, including one in 2018. He may not lead the free agency in Wins Above Replacement, but his defensive knowledge could prove beneficial for franchises seeking veteran leadership. He could also pass some of his knowledge to new teammates when it’s time to hit the diamond.
3. Dallas Kuechel, Left-Handed Pitcher
Dallas Kuechel played a huge role in the Houston Astros’ launch to success over the course of the decade. He earned himself the 2015 AL Cy Young Award after going 20-8 from the mound that season. A two-time All-Star and four-time Golden Glove winner, Kuechel, along with others prominent pitchers like Justin Verlander and Charlie Morton, formed a pitching powerhouse that would help anchor the Astros to its first World Series ring in 2017. Not to mention Houston have an even better regular season in 2018. Though he had shaky numbers last season, Dallas has shown he could flip the script and shut down the best of them.
4. Mike Moustakas, Third Baseman
The man they call “Moose” split his 2018 campaign between his long-time team, Kansas City Royals, and the current NL Central Champs, Milwaukee Brewers. Moustakas’ power-hitting added to the already formidable batting order for the Brew Crew. Along with breakthrough seasons from newcomer Christian Yelich and Jesus Aguilar, The Brewers swung their way to the NLCS. Unfortunately, Moustakas and company would fall to the Los Angeles Dodgers in that round. The 2017 Comeback Player of the Year finished his 2018 outing with 28 home runs and a career-high 95 RBIs. Teams looking to beef up their offense should look into Moose as an available option.
5. Nick Markakis, Right Fielder
The 13-year veteran got a huge break in 2018. With the Atlanta Braves at the time, Markakis made it the All-Star Roster for the first time in his career. He also grabbed his third career Golden Glove and first Silver-Slugger. His veteran leadership may have had a bigger in Atlanta’s success in 2018 than we visibly see. Now a free agent, Markakis sits second at his position in Wins Above Replacements among all available right fielders (behind only Bryce Harper).
6. A.J. Pollock, Center Fielder
A.J. Pollock is a popular name to remember for many Diamondbacks fans. Their longtime centerfielder is deceptively one of the most defensive savvy in baseball. The 2015 Golden-Glove winner has never boasted a fielding percentage below .990. Not to mention he has only committed eight errors in his seven-year baseball career. His batting may be lacking in fireworks, but it still is effective in a pinch. Pollock blasted a career-high 21 home runs and 65 RBI in 2018. Pollock currently leads all center fielders available on the free agent market in Wins Above Replacement. Pollock could also provide some defensive advice and could anchor a shut-down out-fielding crew.
Featured image courtesy of Blue Crew Ball
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