Regardless of whether a 2020 season actually occurs, the prominent players who are currently on schedule to reach free agency after the campaign will stay on that track. MLBTR’s Jeff Todd just examined the catchers who could wind up on the open market next winter. Let’s now turn our focus to the potential shortstop group…
Top Of The Class
- Marcus Semien (30): If we’re going by 2020 production, there’s no touching Semien in this category. He was a 7.6-fWAR player last season, after all, but had only gotten to the halfway point of that number once prior to then. So, was last year a fluke, a significant breakthrough or something in between? It’ll be interesting to see how teams evaluate Semien in the event that a season doesn’t happen.
- Andrelton Simmons (31): Simmons is one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the game, and he added to his value with slightly above-average offense from 2017-18, but has typically failed to reach those heights at the plate. Last season was a rough one on offense for Simmons, who dealt with ankle issues throughout, though he could further position himself for a sizable payday with a bounce-back showing.
- Didi Gregorius (31): Although Gregorius was an eminently valuable member of the Yankees between 2017-18, last season represented a major step back. Gregorius sat out the first couple months of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and then batted a disappointing .238/.276/.441 in 344 plate appearances. As a result, he didn’t quite cash in as hoped as a free agent this past winter, signing a one-year, $14MM contract with the Phillies.
Other Regulars (based upon 2019 playing time)
- Freddy Galvis (31): He’s a switch-hitter who has some pop, but if we’re to believe the wRC+ metric, Galvis has never quite approached league-average offensive production. An inability to consistently get on base has been a problem; just last season, for instance, Galvis hit .260/.296/.438 with 23 home runs in 589 trips to the plate between the Blue Jays and the Reds. That amounted to an 89 wRC+, a career-high showing but one that didn’t blow anyone away. But Galvis is extremely durable, having totaled five straight seasons ranging from 147 to 162 games, and someone who has tended to mix passable offense with plus defense. In other words, a shortstop-needy team could certainly do worse.
- Jose Iglesias (31): Iglesias isn’t all that dissimilar from Galvis, in that he’s also an acceptable stopgap. While Iglesias has never been a force at the plate, his impressive defense has helped make him an essentially average contributor during his career. That said, whether Iglesias will reach free agency next offseason is in question. The Orioles, who signed him in January, have the ability to control Iglesias in 2021 with a $3.5MM club option (as opposed to a $500K buyout). That looks fair relative to what he brings to the table.
Top Timeshare Candidates
- Eric Sogard (35): Age isn’t on Sogard’s side, but he at least possesses defensive flexibility (he played all over the infield and outfield in 2019). Of course, while Sogard hit quite well last year between the Blue Jays and Rays (.290/.353/.457 across 442 PA), offense typically hasn’t been the now-Brewer’s forte.
- Ehire Adrianza (31): Adrianza saw time all over the diamond last year, though he didn’t garner a ton of action at short (152 innings). No matter, the switch-hitting Twin’s versatility and – if he hits like last season (.272/.349/.416 in 236 PA) – decent production at the plate could make him an appealing target.
- Adeiny Hechavarria (32): Count Hechavarria as another member of this list who’s known more for his defense than his offense. The light-hitting journeyman (he played for a least two teams in each season from 2017-19) lined up at short, second and third last year.
For more on the 2020-21 MLB free agent shortstop class, check out Jeff Todd’s video below.
Simmons is the BEST!
angels absolutely need to extend him!
Here is a point for the commentors to argue over: Would Simmons be able to move around the infield and still be an elite defender at said position? He has a good arm, terrific range, and may be the best defensive short stop of all time. So would 3rd base be a possibility? What about 2nd?
Why would you want to move him?
Maybe you already have a good short stop.
Simmons is playing shortstop for whatever team he’s on.
Or you move your current shortstop to 2nd.
Padres shift Tatis Jr to 2B for instance to accommodate Simmons.
A player of Simmons caliber you don’t think about moving him. You find ways to move others.
It would be fun to watch a circus doubleplay tandem of Tatis and Simba.
No team has shortstop better on defense that Simmons so why would he move
You only move Simmons if he loses range as he gets older. Until then he’s the guy you pencil in at position 6.
Simmons would be able to play the infield because he has great hands, excellent body control and good footwork. He has a rocket arm, so 3B would not be an issue. 2B would take getting used to as it’s a different angle.
The legs are always the first to go unless you blow your arm out.
Why would you move him off shortstop
He’s not the best defensive SS of all time. That title still belongs to Ozzie Smith.
He’s top 5, not the best. Maybe by the end of his career he will be, but it’s certainly true for this generation.
If it were to happen, it would have when Zack Cozart signed…
No way Simmons gets moved based on his ability to play SS defensively and how weak his bat is.
His bat is sub-par at SS, a more traditionally light-hitting position. It’s atrocious at 3B.
Jordy Mercer quietly put together an ok season in limited action for the tigers in 2019.
.270/.310/.438 in about 250 at bats. Doesnt walk much but doesn’t strikeout as much either.
Could be a decent backup for someone.
Marcus Semien was 5th in AL MVP voting last year. It would be nice if the A’s resigned him
He was actually 3rd in voting, but I agree, A’s should sign him.
If Semien was the best in 2020, I want to know when the season started and finished.
Jokes aside, he really was the best last season. Oakland must be trying to work out an extension. The QO could serve as leverage given the cast of shortstops due to hit free agency in 2022.
Remember that time when Freddy Galvis was guaranteed to sign with the Padres because they traded for him?
Don’t forget about Addison Russell. LMBO
Would love the braves to go get Simmons. Maybe use Swanson at 3rd or trade him if this were to happen idk.
As Braves fan, I’ll pass on Simmons and use that money for something else. He can’t hit and I’d rather 3b/ss be Riley and Swanson instead of Swanson and Simmons. Gotta see what the young guys can do.
Swanson’s WAR was only 0.4 less than Simmons. Not much difference overall between the two right now.
Simmons will be 31, has dealt with injuries and won’t have much of a sample size to rebound from last season. He shouldn’t cost that much.
He’s a solid rebound candidate, and despite the bad overall line last season, he still hit lefties well.
That said, easy to see Milwaukee taking a strong interest.
That a lot of old guys. Speaking as someone who is about to turn 40, the last decade has seen my body take a nose dive performance wise. I’m still as strong as ever, but speed, agility, balance, and joint health have all crapped the bed.
This whole free agent class is pretty sad. Not a whole lot to get excited about.
Semien is in class of his own. If I’m looking for someone affordable , give me Galvis.