If you’re hoping your favorite baseball team makes a big splash in free agency this winter, it might be time to check your expectations. The market for position players is limited. Here are the best:
1. Josh Hamilton » The Rangers center fielder put up 43 home runs and 128 RBIs, but reports have the team tiring of Hamilton’s idiosyncrasies. He’s a former drug addict who has admirably turned his life around despite some stumbles along the way. But he also looked lost at the end of the season, and that past may limit his suitors.
2. Adam LaRoche »
The Nationals first baseman must decline a mutual contract option, but there’s little reason to come back next season for $10 million when he can earn more on the open market. He’s not an elite hitter — he ranked 28th in OPS last season — but he’s solid at the plate and in the field and respected in the clubhouse. The length will be the big issue here for the soon-to-be 33-year-old.
3. Michael Bourn » You have to take all aspects of the game into account. At 29, Bourn is one of the game’s best defensive center fielders. He also stole 42 bases in 55 tries for the Braves and had 45 extra-base hits.
4. Mike Napoli » He’s not the best defensive catcher in the world, but Napoli’s bat will play in most any lineup (24 homers, 352 at-bats). Nagging injuries limited his playing time with Texas in 2012.
5. Melky Cabrera » He was suspended 50 games for high levels of testosterone at the worst possible time — for his team and himself. He’s still only 28 and put up a .906 OPS. But it is telling the Giants didn’t want him back for the playoffs when his suspension ended.
– Brian McNally
