Catchers:
Who’s Available:
There are 10 teams or more that could use an upgrade over what they have at catcher. However there are only 2 guys available on the market that – using saber metrics – are worth the title of “quality starter” having a WAR of over 2.0. I don’t see Jarrod Saltalamacchia leaving Boston and Brian McCann will sign with an American League team. Salty will likely get a 4 year deal for 7-9 million annually while McCann will get about the same.
A.J. Pierzynski has at least another good year left in him, but he continues to decline defensively, and his plate discipline has seemed to evaporate. Carlos Ruiz is a quality catcher if he can stay healthy, which is a big if. The rest of the market is for average backups who cannot produce enough to be the solo guy for a franchise.
1st Baseman:
Who’s Available:
This is the year to go get a 1st basemen/DH type if you are in need because the market is full of them and they can all be had for a decent price. The bad news for these free agents is not many teams are really searching for a first baseman, therefore the market will be down.
Mike Napoli will get a 3 or more year deal for 15 million annually. Kendrys Morales will be a nice DH for a contender and James Loney will find a home on a multi-year deal in a small market for the right price. You don’t really sign veteran backup first baseman, so these guys at the bottom of the backup list will hope to be a part time DH or platoon player.
2nd Basemen:
Who’s Available:
It’s good news for Robinson Cano, Mark Ellis, and Omar Infante that a lot of big money contenders need second baseman this off season. They will all be receiving multi-year contracts for big dollars. Cano won’t be signed for south of 25 million per season, and Ellis will get a 2 year deal max because of his age. Infante will wait out the Cano signing, and get teams into a bidding war for his services when he’s the only one of quality left. Kelly Johnson will find a platoon role somewhere, Brian Roberts will get a low risk flyer, and Schumaker will find a national league gig because of his defensive versatility.
3rd Baseman:
Who’s Available
This is a bad year to need a free agent 3rd baseman. Outside of Michael Young, who likely belongs in a retirement home than on a MLB baseball field, is the only slight option on the free agent market. At this point in his career, you’ll be lucky to get 110 games out of him, and the batting average and power numbers will continue to plummet. There really isn’t anyone worth giving a multi-year deal or anything north of a 1-year, 2 million dollar deal to.
Shortstop:
Who’s Available:
While Jhonny Peralta is an all bat and no glove option and Stephen Drew is an all glove with a marginal bat option at shortstop both are likely to receive a multi-year deal for 8+ million dollars annually each. Both guys has red flags though as Stephen Drew hasn’t had a fully healthy year for several seasons and Jhonny Peralta has already been suspended for PED use. Aside from that both guys are of above average starting quality and there are plenty of teams that could use their services.
The backup market for Clint Barmes and Brendan Ryan will both net them jobs, but on one year deals for less than 3 million dollars. Rafael Frucal is coming off a injury lost season and will be 37 before the year is over. A low risk, incentive laden, deal will likely come his way.