This is the third installment in our Market Snapshot series. Previously, we covered the catching market and the first base market. Next up, we’ll take a look at second base.
Teams In Need
The Athletics could see Jed Lowrie hit the open market, though there’s been talk of an extension. If he’s not re-signed, the A’s have Franklin Barreto in Triple-A. Similarly, the Rockies could lose DJ LeMahieu but have prospects Brendan Rodgers and Garrett Hampson in the upper minors.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, will lose Chase Utley to retirement while Brian Dozier reaches free agency. One of the game’s great curators of depth, the Dodgers organization isn’t hurting for replacement options with Chris Taylor, Enrique Hernandez and Max Muncy on hand.
The Twins sent Dozier to L.A. and replaced him with Logan Forsythe, who’s also a free agent. Top prospect Nick Gordon could pair with Jorge Polanco up the middle, but Gordon has yet to hit in Triple-A. The Nationals shipped out Daniel Murphy and received little from Wilmer Difo following that swap. The Pirates, too, could be in need if Josh Harrison’s option is bought out.
It’s possible that the Cardinals could enter the mix for an offensive boost if they decide to move on from Kolten Wong’s glove-first approach. Perhaps the Angels feel set with David Fletcher, but they may want a more impactful bat. The rebuilding Tigers don’t have an established option but could give prospect Dawel Lugo an audition. And if the Indians can jettison Jason Kipnis’ contract, they could seek help at the keystone, too (moving Jose Ramirez back to third base).
Free Agents
Potential Regulars: DJ LeMahieu, Jed Lowrie, Brian Dozier, Daniel Murphy, Ian Kinsler
Lowrie is coming off his best season but has been open about his desire to remain with the A’s. He may never reach the market, and even if he does, Oakland will try to retain him. LeMahieu has carved out a nice spot as a high-average hitter with quality glovework but minimal power. Dozier was the game’s most powerful second baseman by a landslide from 2015-17 but played through a knee injury in 2018 and had his worst full season since 2013. Murphy started slow in his return from knee surgery but hit .322/.358/.502 in his final 293 PAs. Kinsler will be 37 next June, but he’s still an elite defender even as his bat continues to decline.
Timeshare/Utility/Reserve Options: Josh Harrison, Logan Forsythe, Daniel Descalso, Asdrubal Cabrera, Neil Walker
Harrison had the worst full season of his career, so the cost-conscious Pirates may simply buy out his option. He can play at least three positions, though, and was a quality regular as recently as 2017. Forsythe’s 2018 season was a nightmare, but he’s spent much of his career giving left-handed pitchers fits. He can play either second or third and hit much better following a July trade to Minnesota. Descalso quietly had his best season at the plate and is capable of playing all over the diamond. He’ll be 32 next season but makes for a potential utility piece. Switch-hitters Cabrera and Walker (.249/.349/.438 from July 1 through season’s end) can still provide some value at the plate, but their defensive abilities are more in question.
Depth: Dixon Machado, Gordon Beckham, Ryan Goins, Eric Sogard, Sean Rodriguez, Brad Miller, Andrew Romine
Trade Targets
Potential Regulars: Whit Merrifield, Scooter Gennett, Starlin Castro, Kolten Wong, Ketel Marte, Cesar Hernandez, Joe Panik, Jason Kipnis, Devon Travis
The late-blooming Merrifield has established himself as one of baseball’s premier second basemen over the past two seasons. He’s controlled another four years, making him a premium trade chip who could fetch some MLB-ready pieces, as GM Dayton Moore has targeted in other deals. Gennett, too, has broken out over the past two years, though he’s only controlled for one more season. A Cincinnati native, Gennett hopes to stay with the Reds, and the feeling seems mutual. He’s projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn $10.7MM through arbitration, but an extension is possible.
Castro (one year, $12MM plus a 2020 option) had another solid season but is somewhat expensive relative to his potentially available peers. Wong (2/$17.25MM plus 2021 option) was one of baseball’s premier defenders in 2018 (19 Defensive Runs Saved, 13.4 Ultimate Zone Rating) but has persistently been in trade rumors for the past couple seasons. Marte, 25 tomorrow, isn’t a star but provided average offense and solid defense in ’18 and comes with cost certainty (4/$19MM remaining plus two club options).
The Phillies are reportedly willing to deal anyone other than Rhys Hoskins and Aaron Nola, and the 28-year-old Hernandez is a steady hitter controlled through 2020. He’s due a raise in arbitration ($8.9MM projection). Also arb-eligible for two more years ($4.2MM projection for ’19), Panik had a career-worst season and could be a change-of-scenery candidate depending on the views of the new Giants GM.
Cleveland would presumably love to shed the remaining year and $17MM on Kipnis’ deal (he also has an option for 2020) as the organization faces payroll constraints and has numerous holes to fill. Given his .230/.315/.389 slash, though, Kipnis would be tough to move.
It’s worth wondering if the Jays would move on from the injury-prone Travis. He’s controlled for another two seasons ($2.4MM arb projection), but the Jays have alternatives, including Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in the bigs and top prospect Bo Bichette looming.
Timeshare/Utility/Reserve Options: Yangervis Solarte, Derek Dietrich, Cory Spangenberg, Carlos Asuaje, Jose Pirela, Tyler Wade, Alen Hanson, Dilson Herrera
Solarte had an awful first season with the Jays but was a steadily productive player with the Padres, so perhaps a team would dub his $5.5MM option a worthy gamble. Dietrich, a perennial trade candidate like many Marlins, is a solid hitter with no real defensive home. He’s controlled through 2020 and projected at $4.8MM in 2019.
The Padres have three potential trade pieces now that top prospect Luis Urias is ready for a big league look. None of Spangenberg, Asuaje or Pirela hit in the Majors in 2018, though. Asuaje is the youngest of the bunch and has another five seasons of control, perhaps making him the most desirable. It’s a similar tale for Wade with the Yankees; the 24-year-old has hit in Triple-A but is a ways down the depth chart and has yet to produce in the Majors.
Hanson and Herrera are former Top 100 prospects who’ve yet to perform in the Majors. Hanson did show surprising pop against righties with the Giants, but his lack of plate discipline held him to a .275 OBP. Herrera returned from shoulder woes with a strong Triple-A season, but he didn’t hit in 97 MLB plate appearances down the stretch and would be blocked if the Reds extend Gennett.
But I was told by Cardinals fans that Wong was the best all-around second baseman in the NL
Strawman Jones is a big Cards fan.
I have never seen a Cardinas fan say this. Perhaps the best defensive second baseman (or one of), but all-around? Lol
I love watching kolton Wong I wouldn’t even think of replacing him
I live in STL and would never have said that. I cannot honestly believe too many people in STL ever said that. He at best is below average with the bat.
I hope Dee Gordon gets moved. He did have a toe injury, yeah, but if I have to watch another season of Dee Gordon do what he just did offensively this year, I’ll rip my eyeballs out. And reports that Jean Segura may be moved would be completely idiotic. They’d be moving him in favor of Dee Gordon, and there are so many things wrong with that.
Wait you don’t like Dee having 9 walks in 150 games?
Howie Kendrick is not a free-agent
Good grief. You are correct. I’m not really sure where my brain was when writing that. Thank you.
Howie Kendrick signed a 2yr deal with the Nats. Not an impending free agent.
Cesar Hernandez is really gonna be a near 12M/yr player in 2020. oof
Can’t be all that surprising. Look at the way contracts have ballooned over the last 10-15 years. These days a legit everyday player is gonna garner at least $12M/year on the open market. Just like back of the rotation arms can get $10M/year and middle relievers $8M/year. The market has gotten ridiculous.
That said, Hernandez has been a solid player for a few years now.
I get that, but if he doesnt bounce back, hes looking at a nontender (exactly why the Phillies should trade him). He hit .228 in the second half and had the worst defensive season of his career.
Whit Merrifield will be traded to the Cubs, probably Schwarber, Monty and prospects will be involved
The Cubs don’t need Whit Merrifield or for that matter anyone at second.
“Whit Merrifield will be traded to the Cubs” Please explain why the Cubs would add another middle infielder…
Well there is the whole Addison Russell suspension which moves Baez to short and the potential for Happ to be traded for some pitching which would leave Zobrist as an everyday player instead of in a utility role. Its possible and would be a significant addition for the Cubs, though unlikely.
They have Bote and LaStella to back up Zobrist.
Isn’t LaStella a FA, or have a player option to be one?
2nd year arb eligible. Really though, he’s pretty much a PH for the Cubs. Daniel Murphy logged more innings at second in his brief stay than Tommy did at both second and third.
I look at it as this the cubs have options but merrifield fills other holes for them other than 2nd base. Speed on the base paths and potentially a good lead off hitter. Considering they could package russell who is gone or needs to be anyways with say happ who is nothing but a luxry at this point then they should take the upgrade. Even throwing in montgomery doesnt hurt because they have smiley to take his role next year. So they wont have to get a new second baseman but merrifield checks a lot of boxes to help now and in the immediate future so why not.
Russell is gone for 40 games, and there’s 2-3 other options. That would be a total waste of a trade.
That would be like the Breeers trading for Schoop. Now that I said that, watch him become LCS or WS MVP. Sigh …
Honestly if the Reds trade Scooter, I don’t get what they are trying to do over there. Are they rebuilding, are they trying to go for it, or are they just lingering?
They should be bringing in Keuchel, Corbin, shift Lorenzen To the rotation, and then they’ll be in good shape. The offense is there, they just need to find a way to prevent runs.
3 20M+ a year pitchers might not be good shape for the Reds
The worst thing small market teams should do is saddle themselves with a 20m dollar SP. If bad small market teams can’t make the playoffs without drafting and developing they need a new GM and scouting director.
And don’t make this about a salary cap. The reason why the reds are in their current situation is because they didn’t use and abuse and trade their guys before they reached free agency. They locked them into long term extensions which is a great way for small market teams to tank but spend a ton a money.
There should be no such thing as large market small market. If baseball wants to grow all teams must be on equal footing.
Let best run win not deepest pockets.
agreed!!!!
why would anyone want Dallas is beyond me. If he losses 1 mph he will be in the minors. he is so overrated.
they have the 4# prospect in baseball who plays 2ed and 3ed. we also have 2 others well rated prospects. we have no pitching and any trade would be for an arm or to get prospects to trade for an arm. what good does scooter on a losing team?
If the Pirates buy out Harrison’s option? That’s a close to a dead cert as you can get.
Red Sox should be involved.
No telling what Pedie will give you.
Sox have Hernandez coming back and depending on the market, could try to extend Kinzler. That said, those still with rooting interests, it’s premature to address next year.
Until the Sox know Pedey’s status for 2019 they will stand pat. They have a full 13 active hitters with: 3 C’s, 4 OF’s, Moreland, Nunez, Holt, Boegey , Devers & Pedey; with Travis and Lin at AAA. If health or other issues arise they can make a trade. It makes no sense to pay big $$$$ for for a FA.
I could see how you want to keep Hoskins -3.6 dWAR. Solid.
they’re moving him back to 1B lol
Where are they Moving Santana’s fat but then? and don’t say third, that will last about two weeks
Santana at 3B and Hoskins at 1B with a real left fielder is a much better defense than Franco/Santana/Hoskins respectively
I wonder what the Brewers do with Schoop and what the O’s do with Villar. Do you think they are potential trade bait or even just non-tender candidates based upon salary demands and 2018 play?
Villar would be trade bait, he isnt getting nontendered.
Schoop is… interesting.
You will see Schoop be tendered for the simple fact that if he gets back on track he is as good as any second baseman and can carry a team on his back. I honestly think the Brewers should resign Moose because of his leadership not too mention Shaw could get regular ab between first, second, third. Not to mention we aren’t guaranteed what we have in Aguilar yet plus if Huira and Erceg prove they are ready for the majors half way through the season you can trade some of these guys for prospects and injuries happen. The player I think could be a great find to bounce back year is Travis in Toronto with a change of scenary.
Devon Travis is a absolute bandaid. That knock on player gets thrown around too much but Travis has had chronic shoulder and knee issues. He’s also gotta be one of the worst defenders at 2B. He’s certainly not a everyday 2b.
I’m really disappointed that Nate Orf wasn’t put in this article for being a great possible pick up to be a regular second baseman available. I had to one last time lol
Erceg stinks. Huira will be ready mid 2019 if he puts up even average numbers in AAA. Though his defense/shoulder is still a question mark. They limited his defensive innings in AA this year
I feel like Asdrubal should be noted as a regular option. Too good of a year with the bat. Maybe I’m wrong though.
Went back and forth on it, but he’s sort of similar to Neil Walker last offseason in my mind. He’s still productive at the plate, but not really a good fielder anywhere, and I think teams will have more interest in bouncing him around a bit in a 400-PA type of role than in giving him 600+ PAs at one set position.
It’s certainly possible that he gets a regular role — Tigers or some rebuilding club could just plug him in and hope to trade him midseason, Bucs could consider him a cheap option, etc. — but these are all kind of rough approximations of their future roles. There’s little certainty outside of the very top tier guys as to who’ll be starting, who’ll be a semi-regular utility option and who’ll have to settle for a surprisingly limited bench role.
The Dodgers might have a lot of possibles to play 2B already on the roster but none of them look like every day solutions. The value in Hernandez is his ability to play everywhere, Taylor pretty much the same, and Muncy isn’t someone you want to see play a lot of middle infield. I have a feeling they will go after Dozier despite if not because his bat was so lousy at the end of this season.
A’s have a big problem with lowrie. If they sign him that means Barreto could get traded. Barreto is a power hitting 2B who could be a all star for years while Lowrie is coming to the end of his career. letting lowrie go to help the future of the A’s may be the best long term plan.
I actually agree. Lowrie also wasn’t as consistent this year as he was last year. Whether that is age catching up to him or just running out of steam it’s time to let him go. His September was maddening, and he was worthless during the WC game.
Barreto had an interesting season where he struck out far too much, walked more than he had in any other season in his career and posted the best raw power numbers in his career, and he was steady defensively at second from what I saw of him. I think it’s time to give him the shot.
Ben Zobrist is also a potential trade target. No trade clause expires this year.
Cubs wont trade zobrist to much leadership and honestly one of there best hitters last year plus he still covers a lot of positions adequately. He will be a cub next year
Only if the Cubs are sellers at the trade deadline. 5% chance.
Let’s just trade everyone. That scrub Kris Bryant should be moved.
Zo could fetch a bunch of prospects from Atlanta for example and find a home on younger team. If they go after a big FA and someone will pay this could be an off season trade. Less likely at deadline.
And not wishing for this it’s just a possible trade target not mentioned.
A swap of bad contracts Kipnis for Alex Gordon makes sense for both clubs. Tribe gets someone who can actually play the outfield and Royals save $7 million dollars. Indians need to sign or trade for another 2b and put Ramirez back at 3b