MLB free agent preview: Infielders
As Major League Baseball's free agent period gets underway, Paste BN Sports breaks down the best assets at each position. Today: Infielders and catchers
The market
There are no quick fixes here, and good luck finding even an upgrade. There's no Robinson Cano, who not only received $240 million from Seattle last winter, but pretty much justified the outlay with an excellent season that lifted the Mariners into contention. This group is notable not only for the dearth of franchise players, but also serviceable players.
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First basemen
The elite
Victor Martinez, Tigers: Martinez made the final season of his four-year, $50 million deal with Detroit his finest, leading the league in on-base percentage (.409) and on-base plus slugging (.974). But his OPS has topped .900 just twice in 12 seasons, and he turns 36 next month. Still, he's one of the most consistent bats available on the market, even if you pay for some decline years.
Landing spots: Tigers, Mariners, White Sox.
Difference-makers
Adam LaRoche, Nationals: You couldn't blame the Nationals if they lobbied to bring the DH to the NL, too. Otherwise, there's nowhere for LaRoche to play, and his loss will rob Washington of a left-handed bat as it moves Ryan Zimmerman to first. Like Martinez, LaRoche is getting up there - he turns 35 Thursday - but his .804 OPS his last three years in Washington suggest he'll age relatively well.
Landing spots: Brewers, Marlins, Orioles
Billy Butler, Royals: He's more of a DH these days, but "Country Breakfast" did play 37 games at first in 2014 and is entering his age 29 year. Butler's coming off a career-low .702 OPS, but it's hardly a long shot to bet he returns to 15-25 home run form, particularly with a move to a more hitter-friendly park. And he'll likely come without the draft pick compensation many suitors find onerous.
Landing spots: Rangers, Tigers, Athletics
Neutral zone
Mike Morse, Giants: Morse has played 100 or more games just three times in his 10-year career, and the 6-5, 245-pounder may fit best in the AL. But he did manage 127 games in left field and at first base for the Giants, and his splits against right-handed pitchers suggest he's more than a mere deluxe platoon option.
Landing spots: Giants, Orioles, Pirates, Mets
Bargain bin
Adam Dunn, A's; Kendrys Morales, Mariners
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Second basemen
The elite
None
Difference-makers
None
Neutral zone
Emilio Bonifacio, Braves: Speed (26 steals) and versatility, but little else (.650 OPS).
Rickie Weeks, Brewers: Lost his full-time job to Scooter Gennett; could have value in similar full-time platoon.
Alberto Callaspo, A's: You can trot out his .580 OPS at three infield positions.
Nick Punto, A's: Useful in limited spots, even at 36.
Bargain bin
Rafael Furcal, Marlins; Alexi Casilla, Orioles; Kelly Johnson, Orioles; Ramon Santiago, Reds
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Third basemen
The elite
Pablo Sandoval, Giants: This may be the perfect free agent storm for the Panda. A paucity of power on the market (and throughout the game), a strong sentimental tug for his championship-winning team to retain him and plenty of well-heeled suitors - like the Red Sox - ready to line up. It appears Sandoval's weight problems are behind him, and though he doesn't have huge power numbers for a corner infielder, not many Gold Glove-caliber third basemen hit the market at 28.
Landing spots: Giants, Red Sox, Padres
Difference-makers
Chase Headley, Yankees: This was supposed to be the winter Headley cashed in; instead, going year-by-year backfired on him as he hits the market coming off two subpar years. He does have the advantage of the Yankees desiring a reunion, thanks in part to the uncertainty of Alex Rodriguez manning third base full time.
Landing spots: Yankees, Red Sox, Giants
Bargain bin: Jack Hannahan, Reds
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Shortstops
The elite
Hanley Ramirez, Dodgers: The caveat here is whether Ramirez, 31 in December, still is a shortstop. He rated well below his peers - and the league average - in advanced metrics, but even as a third baseman, his offensive upside is significant enough to merit lucrative offers. Health is always a concern with Ramirez - he played 128 games this season after just 86 in 2013 - but he bolstered the Dodgers significantly when available. A .907 OPS the past two years plays well on anyone's left side of the infield. A bevy of young middle infielders may prevent a reunion in Los Angeles.
Landing spots: Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, White Sox
Difference-makers
Asdrubal Cabrera, Nationals: At 29 in 2015, with the ability to play shortstop or second base with some power and panache, Cabrera should find a starting job somewhere.
Landing spots: A's, Mets, Tigers
Jed Lowrie, A's: Oakland's August swoon coincided in part with an injury to Lowrie. A good short-term solution for a contending team.
Landing spots: Tigers, A's, Yankees
Neutral zone
Stephen Drew, Yankees: A pinstriped return as a defense-first replacement for Derek Jeter a possibility.
Bargain bin
Clint Barmes, Pirates
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Catchers
The elite
Russell Martin, Pirates: Martin's free agency puts the Pirates in a tight spot. He produced an .831 OPS at 31 - second-highest total in his career - and was crucial to the Pirates' second-half surge to a wild card berth. But he was so good - and dominates such a weak market - that he figures to draw offers in excess of $60 million, which figures to put him beyond Pittsburgh's financial comfort zone. They'll likely extend him a qualifying offer, but likely get blown out of the water eventually.
Landing spots: Red Sox, Pirates, Dodgers, Rangers
Difference-makers
None
Neutral zone
Geovany Soto, A's: He's 31, hit .250 in 87 games, lifetime .334 OBP. Could do worse.
David Ross, Red Sox: How much is in his tank at 38?
Nick Hundley, Orioles: They declined his option but hope to bring him back.
Bargain bin
Gerald Laird, Braves; Humberto Quintero, Mariners; Wil Nieves, Phillies, John Buck, Angels
GALLERY: TOP FREE AGENT INFs, CATCHERS