B/R MLB Offseason 100: The Top 15 Middle Infielders Available
The B/R MLB Offseason 100 began its look at the best hitters on the market with a roundup of the top corner infielders. Now it's time to move to the center of the diamond and examine the top middle infielders.
After plucking players from (an admittedly weak) class of free-agent and trade options, we're going to rank the 15 most desirable shortstops and second basemen available this winter. Each player is rated according to a scoring system that adds up to a total of 100 points:
- Talent Outlook: Out of 70. This is where we look at how guys have performed recently and consider the outlook of their skills going forward. Think of 35 out of 70 as a league-average player and 70 out of 70 as an all-world, Mike Trout-like talent.
- Durability Outlook: Out of 20. This is where we probe track records and injury histories for a projection for how guys' bodies will hold up. Think of 10 out of 20 as signaling a toss-up as to whether guys will remain durable, with 20 out of 20 indicating no concerns whatsoever. But to keep things fair, we'll only allow a ceiling of 15 points for players in line for short-term commitments.
- Value Outlook: Out of 10. This is where we try to project what kind of contract or trade package it's going to take to acquire a guy and then determine if he'd be worth it. Think of five out of 10 as a fair deal, with zero being a megabust and 10 being a megasteal.
In the event of ties, the nod will be given to the player we'd rather sign or trade for.
Along the way, you'll find plenty of links to relevant data at Baseball-Reference, FanGraphs, Brooks Baseball, Baseball Prospectus and Baseball Savant.
Step into the box whenever you're ready.
15. Stephen Drew, 2B/SS, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
Stephen Drew was one of the game's better shortstops in 2013, but that's looking like an accident. After hitting .201 with a .652 OPS in 2015, Drew has now hit just .215 with a .671 OPS going back to 2012. He was also moved off shortstop in 2015, so he doesn't even have that going for him anymore.
Still, maybe Drew hasn't outlived his usefulness. He showed in clubbing 17 home runs in 2015 that he still has pretty good power for a middle infielder. And though it hasn't led to any consistency, that his approach has remained solid allows for a glimmer of hope. He's at least worth a flier as a bench option.
Durability Outlook
Drew played in at least 150 games in three years out of four between 2007 and 2010, but it's been a rocky road ever since. A nasty ankle injury in 2011 put his career on hold for a bit, and since then his list of injuries notably includes a couple of concussions.
Suffice it to say that Drew is even more beat up than most 32-year-old middle infielders. Even in what's more than likely going to be a one-year deal, good health is no sure thing.
Value Outlook
Drew was only able to find a one-year, $5 million deal when he was coming off a lousy season last winter. It's doubtful he'll be able to do any better than that this offseason, as he's more of a guy to roll the dice on than one who's going to be a reliable everyday player. Heck, it wouldn't be surprising if he even had to settle for a minor league deal.
Assuming that's the case, hey, at least it means signing Drew will come without any risk.
Total
14. Chase Utley, 2B, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
After putting together a solid age-35 season in 2014, Chase Utley crumbled in his age-36 season in 2015. He hit just .212 with a .629 OPS, and rated as slightly below average on defense. With a year like that happening so late in Utley's career, you naturally wonder if he's finished.
Or is he? Though Utley's offensive numbers suffered, his approach and batted-ball profile really didn't change much. And though his defense wasn't good, it wasn't terrible, either. He's actually worth a look as a bounce-back candidate, as his borderline Hall of Fame talent may not be diminished.
Durability Outlook
Utley was a rock-solid player in his prime, but he's now quite a few years removed from those days. He's played in more than 150 games in a season only once since 2010 and is coming off a year in which he played in just 107 contests due in part to a disabled list stint with an ankle injury.
Granted, Utley's limited playing time in 2015 ultimately had something to do with his effectiveness as well. But that aside, he's still a soon-to-be 37-year-old second baseman who's taken a lot of punishment over the years. Even in a short-term deal, his health is no sure thing.
Value Outlook
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Utley does indeed want to come back for another season. That's assuming anyone wants him. And if anyone does, it'll probably be a club interested in picking up a piece of potential summer trade bait on a cheap one-year deal.
If so, said hypothetical team really couldn't lose. Even if Utley proves 2015 wasn't a fluke, he's unlikely to be bad enough to turn even a small investment into a sunk cost.
Total
13. Cliff Pennington, SS/UTIL, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
Cliff Pennington is coming off a typical year for his bat, which, as you probably well know, is not a compliment. Pennington hit .210 with a .578 OPS and has now hit just .227 with a .611 OPS over the last four seasons. He still has a solid approach, but hitting the ball squarely just isn't his thing.
Fortunately, Pennington can still get it done on defense. He has an established track record as a good defensive shortstop, and he's proven recently that he can also get it done at third base, second base and even left field. Thanks to these skills, he's a worthwhile infield backup.
Durability Outlook
Pennington hasn't played in a full season since 2011, and injuries he's suffered along the way are partially to blame for that. But of course, his infrequent playing time over the last four years has much more to do with how he's been serving as a mere part-time player.
If there's a bright side to that, it's that he's not as beat up as most 31-year-old middle infielders. In a short-term deal, he's a solid bet to stay on the field.
Value Outlook
Pennington is coming off a season in which he made a little over $3 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility. He might be lucky to find a deal worth that much on the open market, as there just isn't a ton of demand for defense-first backup infielders.
On the bright side, that means it will be virtually impossible for Pennington to be a waste of money.
Total
12. Sean Rodriguez, 2B/UTIL, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
You never know what Sean Rodriguez is going to do offensively in a given year. He's had some solid seasons here and there, but he's coming off a 2015 campaign in which his .642 OPS dropped his overall career OPS to .666. Such is life when you're an aggressive hacker with no real patterns in your batted-ball profile.
But lest we sell Rodriguez's offense short, he's generally good when played against left-handed pitching. Then there's his main selling point, which is a glove that can be put at virtually any position on the diamond. He's no Ben Zobrist, but Rodriguez is a solid utility man.
Durability Outlook
For a guy who has a bad habit of beating up inanimate objects, Rodriguez's durability track record could look worse. He's been on the disabled list only once in his career, and he's played in more than 110 games three times in five seasons despite being a part-time player.
As such, Rodriguez is a solid bet to stay healthy in what will presumably be a one-year deal. The only worry is that his body could crumble without warning, as he's now on the wrong side of 30 and has accumulated a decent bit of mileage—unless you count the punching, in which case there are two worries.
Value Outlook
Rodriguez made only $1.9 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility in 2015. If he finds a raise on the open market, odds are it won't be for much. Backup infielders with modest offensive skills aren't in high demand, after all.
But like we're going to be saying about quite a few players on this list, it'll be hard for Rodriguez to be a waste of money if he comes that cheap.
Total
11. Kelly Johnson, 2B/UTIL, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
There was a time when Kelly Johnson was one of the more capable everyday second basemen in the league, but those days are gone now. He's spent the past few seasons as a left-handed bat for hire, and he's made his living at quite a few positions outside of just second base. So shall it be going forward.
We can give Johnson some credit, however. He gets billed as a platoon hitter, but his career splits against righties and lefties are pretty even. And while he's not a very good hitter anymore, the 14 homers he hit in 2015 vouch he still has power to offer. That and his versatile glove make him a worthwhile addition.
Durability Outlook
It's been years since Johnson last played a full season's worth of baseball, but that has as much to do with his part-time status as it does the injury bug. Throughout his career, Johnson has been relatively durable.
That obviously bodes well given that he'll very likely only be choosing from one-year contract offers this winter. The only word of warning, really, is that Johnson is no longer a young man. At 33 years of age, he's in that range where durability can disappear without warning.
Value Outlook
Johnson signed just a one-year, $1.5 million contract last winter. He's coming off a better season this time around, however, so it's fair to expect that another one-year deal would pay him slightly more. Say, maybe $3 million or $4 million.
That would be just fine. Johnson won't be a steal at that rate, but he can live up to it.
Total
10. Jose Reyes, SS, Trade
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Speculation Source: Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post
Talent Outlook
Jose Reyes had a lost year in 2015, finishing with just a .688 OPS that, when combined with his usual well-below-average defense, helped make him a well-below-average player. And now that he's 32 years old with a lot of miles on his body, the notion that Reyes has begun his decline can't be ignored.
To be sure, Reyes' 24 steals go to show that his trademark speed isn't disappearing, and his ability to put the ball in play is a valuable talent these days. But his power looks like it's on the downswing, and what was already bad defense isn't going to get better as he treads deeper into his 30s. In the final two years of his contract, he may have trouble standing out as even an average everyday shortstop.
Durability Outlook
It's not a closely guarded secret that Reyes has had issues with durability throughout his career. He managed to play in 160 games back in 2012, but that remains the only season in the last seven in which he's topped 150 games. Most recently in 2015, he played in only 116 contests.
This, certainly, is a bad look on a guy who's now inching toward his mid-30s. In the last two years of his contract, nothing should be taken for granted where his durability is concerned.
Value Outlook
Saunders is right to think that the Rockies will look to move Reyes this winter, as he notes one factor being that they have "prospect Trevor Story on deck to take over shortstop at some point next season." But the incumbent didn't do them any favors by struggling in a Rockies uniform. Odds are they're only trading him if they agree to eat a sizable portion of the $48 million he's still owed, or if they find a team willing to swap bad contracts.
But while none of that sounds good for the Rockies, it could sound worse for prospective buyers and drive his price way down. Reyes may be finished as a good player, but it's possible he can be had with relatively little risk.
Total
9. Alexei Ramirez, SS, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
Following a solid 2014, Alexei Ramirez endured a not-so-solid 2015. Though he once again notched double-digit homers and steals, he finished with a career-low .642 OPS and continued his defensive decline. And now that he's 34 years old, whether he can put a year like that behind him is a good question.
There may not be much hope for Ramirez's bat. He's very good at putting the ball in play, but he doesn't take his walks or hit the ball all that squarely. But because he should at least still have some speed to give, and because his defense isn't entirely terrible yet, he's a solid option for a stopgap shortstop.
Durability Outlook
Ramirez's talent may be on the fritz, but there's never been any cause to question his durability. He's played in at least 154 games each year since 2010. In all, only three players have played in more contests than he has over the last six seasons.
That's what you can do when the only injuries you've suffered have been nagging ailments, and which have been few and far between, to boot. And though Ramirez's durability will surely fade eventually, it likely won't be within the life of his next deal. Odds are it'll be a short one.
Value Outlook
Ramirez is a 34-year-old who was essentially a replacement-level player for the White Sox in 2015, so turning down his $10 million option for 2016 was a no-brainer for the club. He now finds himself in a position similar to where Stephen Drew was last winter. A one-year deal worth less than $10 million may be in the cards.
Given where he is in his career, it's not a given that Ramirez could make a steal out of a contract like that for a prospective buyer. However, it would also be hard for him to go bust.
Total
8. Jean Segura, SS, Trade
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Speculation Source: Buster Olney of ESPN.com
Talent Outlook
Jean Segura made the National League All-Star team in 2013, but it's been all downhill from there. He OPS'd just .583 in the second half of 2013, and .615 in two seasons since then. He's also been just OK on defense, making it hard to tell what the 25-year-old is supposed to be, exactly.
Segura's offensive struggles don't look fluky. He can put the ball in play just fine, but he's not much for making good contact or drawing walks. That leaves his speed as his only skill that actually produces results. So at this point, interested parties have to look at him as a change-of-scenery candidate who might get his career back on track in new surroundings.
Durability Outlook
Segura has played in at least 140 games in each of the last three seasons, going on the disabled list only once with a broken finger this past year.
As such, one bright side of his career is that the injury bug has largely left him alone. And considering that he's still only 25 with little mileage on his body, he should have plenty more healthy years in front of him before his inevitable breakdown comes.
Value Outlook
Olney reports that the Brewers are willing to listen to offers for anyone on their roster. That presumably includes Segura, who is at a point where he's still young enough for interested parties to be optimistic about what he can do in his final three seasons before free agency. If the Brewers move him in a rebuilding trade, they might be able to get a B-list prospect or two for him.
Given his recent trajectory, there's no guarantee Segura could justify such a deal. But if nothing else, it makes him a low-risk target relative to your usual young shortstop who was recently an All-Star.
Total
7. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
After a couple of rough seasons in 2013 and 2014, it looks good that Asdrubal Cabrera bounced back with a .744 OPS and 15 home runs in 2015. It also looks good that, a year after being pushed out of the position, he lasted the entire season at shortstop. His value looks very much re-established.
However, buyers should be wary of Cabrera. His numbers may have improved in 2015, but his extra-aggressive approach and mediocre contact are red flags. And though he lasted the whole season at shortstop, he continued to rate as a subpar defender. Going forward, the 29-year-old may not be much more than a warm body to stick at shortstop.
Durability Outlook
Cabrera hasn't played in more than 150 games in a season since 2011, but injuries have hardly wrecked his career. The soon-to-be 30-year-old has dealt with only minor ailments, and those haven't kept him from playing in at least 140 games in each of the last two seasons.
Cabrera won't stay healthy forever, of course. But regarding his next contract, he doesn't have to. If he gets more than a one-year deal, it'll probably be for only two or three years. He should keep from falling apart.
Value Outlook
Cabrera earned a $7.5 million contract when he was coming off probably the worst campaign of his career in 2014. After a bounce-back season in 2015, he is indeed likely to find a multiyear deal worth close to or even over $10 million per year.
Any team that hands that kind of money to Cabrera will be hoping for the player who showed up in 2015. As we discussed, that player may have been a mirage.
Total
6. Yunel Escobar, SS/2B, Trade
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Speculation Source: Mark Zuckerman of Nats Insider
Talent Outlook
After racking up a .256 average and a .668 OPS between 2012 and 2014, Yunel Escobar surged to a .314 average and .790 OPS in 2015. It was his best offensive season since 2009, and it put him back on the map of quality infielders.
However, Escobar's resurgence doesn't pass the smell test. It's fine that he got more aggressive, but it's odd that he hit for such a high average without cutting his strikeouts or changing his batted-ball profile. Factor in how even a move to third base didn't correct his bad defense from 2014, and you get the sense he'll be roughly an average player in the final guaranteed year of his contract in 2016.
Durability Outlook
Escobar has been an everyday player since 2008, yet he's played in more than 150 games in just one season of his career. That's the price he's paid for dealing with a laundry list of minor injuries over the years.
Still, Escobar could have a worse durability track record. He's made it over 150 games only once, but he's typically been good for around 140 contests. And though he is 33 years old, remember he has to make it through only one more season before his contract runs out of guaranteed years.
Value Outlook
It's not clear whether Escobar actually is on the block, but Zuckerman is right to think it's a possibility. The Nationals have an excess of infielders, and they can sell high on Escobar by putting him on the block. If the Philadelphia Phillies could get a couple of young players for Jimmy Rollins' walk year last winter, then surely the Nationals could do even better for Escobar.
But while that would be good for them, it may not be so good for whoever deals for Escobar. The idea would presumably be to get another season like 2015, and that's probably not happening.
Total
5. Daniel Murphy, 2B, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
If you watched the postseason, you might be thinking Daniel Murphy is one of MLB's best power hitters. But while there is some substance to his awakening as a power hitter in the postseason, it's Murphy's regular-season numbers that tell the true story. With a .288 career average and .755 career OPS, he's really only a solid hitter.
And he should stay that way. Murphy is outstanding at putting the ball in play, which is as strong a backbone for good production as there is. But he's more of a line-drive hitter than a power hitter, and that keeps his overall production from rising too high above average territory. Add in subpar defense and baserunning that won't get better with age, and you get only a good, solid player.
Durability Outlook
Murphy's durability hit its peak in 2012 and 2013, when he played in 317 of a possible 324 games. But he failed to make it through full seasons in 2011, 2014 and this past year. Each time, the main culprit was a leg injury.
That's not the best look for a guy who's now on the wrong side of 30. It's an even worse look on a second baseman, as the only position that deals out more physical punishment on an annual basis is catcher. In a multiyear pact, Murphy is no sure thing to remain healthy.
Value Outlook
It was once debatable as to whether Murphy should receive a qualifying offer, but not anymore. He earned one with his postseason performance, and he put himself in line for a rich multiyear deal. He probably won't get the five-year, $75 million contract that an American League executive proposed to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, but four years for eight figures a year is possible.
That may sound like a good deal right now, but it's not so much in reality. Murphy is only a solid player to begin with, and the prime of his career likely doesn't have much life left in it.
Total
4. Howie Kendrick, 2B, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
Howie Kendrick has been remarkably consistent at the plate since becoming a full-timer in 2009. His average has landed in the .279-.295 range each year, mainly through a Derek Jeter-like focus on the opposite field. Along the way, he's also averaged double-digit home runs and stolen bases, and carved out a reputation as a solid defender to boot.
Now 32 years old, however, you do have to wonder how much longer Kendrick can be a complete threat. He stole only six bags in 2015 and rated as a poor defender. His ability to hit for average and some power is fine, but those issues point to fading athleticism that is likely permanent.
Durability Outlook
Kendrick has generally been durable throughout his career, but his 117 games played in 2015 made it two out of three years that he fell short of 125 contests. Both times, a leg injury was the primary culprit.
That's not a good look on a guy who's 32 years old, much less one who has been one of the more active two-way second basemen in the league for the last seven seasons. In a multiyear deal, continued durability is probably not guaranteed for Kendrick.
Value Outlook
Kendrick has received a qualifying offer from the Dodgers, which he will most surely reject. Assuming he does, he'll become tied to draft pick compensation, which will hinder his market. But not too much. If Omar Infante could get a four-year, $30.25 million contract heading into his age-32 season a couple of winters ago, then Kendrick may be in line for as much as $50 million over four years.
That would be a fair deal based on Kendrick's track record. But considering that he's very likely in the twilight of his career both from a talent and a durability perspective, it wouldn't necessarily be money well spent in the end.
Total
3. Starlin Castro, 2B/SS, Trade
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Rumor Source: Julie DiCaro of 670 The Score
Talent Outlook
It has become hard to know what to make of Starlin Castro. He's been a flawed player all along, but the last three years have seen him go from terrible (2013) to quite good (2014) to mediocre (2015). This past season also saw him lose his job at shortstop to Addison Russell, as he made the move to second base in August.
But at the least, Castro is a good contact hitter who's capable of good bat control. Also, it shouldn't be lost on anyone that he caught fire and played solid defense after making the move to second base. And above all, remember that he's still only 25. Dealing for him could potentially mean trading for one of the game's better two-way second baseman, and one who's controlled for five more seasons to boot.
Durability Outlook
Castro suffered a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for the final month of the 2014 season. Apart from that, he's played in at least 150 games since becoming an everyday player in 2011.
And once again, he's still only 25 (though he'll turn 26 in March). He's not at an age yet where his body should be breaking down. As such, there's only one real concern: that the general roughhousing that goes hand-in-hand with playing second base will accelerate his breakdown.
Value Outlook
There were only whispers before, but DiCaro's report suggests the Cubs are serious about moving Castro this winter. If so, here's thinking they aren't simply looking to offload an inconsistent player. With talent, youth and a team-friendly contract, Castro is a legit trade chip who would command a strong package.
So no, the Cubs won't be giving him away. And though Castro has plenty of ability, the reality is that dealing for him would involve paying a hefty price for one of the game's biggest enigmas.
Total
2. Ian Desmond, SS, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
Ian Desmond picked a bad time to have a down year, finishing 2015 with a .674 OPS while making 27 errors on defense. But his season looks worse than it actually was. He once again topped double-digit home runs and stolen bases, and his offense (.777 OPS) and defense really improved in the second half.
Mind you, Desmond still strikes out too much and generally sells out for power too often to be a consistent hitter. But his hot second half dispelled the notion that his style of play has outlived its usefulness. He may not be finished as the guy who OPS'd .788 while averaging over 20 homers and steals and playing solid shortstop defense between 2012 and 2014.
Durability Outlook
Desmond dealt with an oblique strain in 2012 that held him out of action for about a month, but he's otherwise been a picture of durability since becoming an everyday player in 2010. In five years out of six, he's played in at least 154 games.
To be sure, the reality that Desmond is now on the wrong side of 30 with quite a few miles on his body means continued health can't be taken for granted. But in a short-term deal, it's a good bet.
Value Outlook
Assuming he rejects the Nationals' qualifying offer, Desmond will signal that he thinks he can do better than $15.8 million per year even despite the fact he's coming off a lost season. In his mind, there will be a multiyear deal for him somewhere out there.
Given the scarcity of good offense at shortstop, there just might be. If a guy like J.J. Hardy is worth a three-year, $40 million extension heading into his age-32 season, Desmond is certainly worth more heading into his age-30 campaign. Even for a guy whose down year wasn't as bad as it seems, that and the lost draft pick would sound like a pretty steep price.
Total
1. Ben Zobrist, 2B/UTIL, Free Agent
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Talent Outlook
Even if you disregard WAR's notorious love affair with Ben Zobrist, you can still see a really good player. After OPS'ing .809 with 13 home runs in 2015, Zobrist has now racked up an .804 OPS and averaged 16 homers a year since 2008. In the process, he's played quality defense at multiple positions.
His glove held up until recently, that is, as Zobrist's defense didn't rate well in 2015. Between that and his three stolen bases, it's possible the 34-year-old's athleticism is fading. But even after acknowledging that much, we can still grant that Zobrist is a very talented player. On offense, he draws walks, puts the ball in play and provides solid power. And on defense, he'll at least have his versatility going forward.
Durability Outlook
Zobrist was extremely durable between 2009 and 2013, playing in at least 150 games each year. But he fell short in playing in 146 contests in 2014, and knee surgery helped limit him to only 126 games in 2015.
To be sure, that Zobrist's issues with durability have begun so recently hardly makes for the worst track record. But he is at an age that makes his recent issues look like a larger red flag, and we have to consider the reality that he's put his body through a lot by being so active throughout his career. In a multiyear deal, it wouldn't be surprising if good health eluded him.
Value Outlook
The trade that sent Zobrist from Oakland to Kansas City blocked him from receiving a qualifying offer, so he won't be tied to draft-pick compensation. Between that and the reality that he's a fit for pretty much every team, he should get plenty of interest. Maybe even enough to land a three- or four-year deal worth upward of $10 million per year.
With a lost draft pick, a pact like that would be pushing the boundaries of good sense. But without a lost draft pick, Zobrist could probably do just enough to live up to such a deal.
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