It’s almost Christmas, and 2016 is right around the corner. It’s hard to believe that we’re just over two months away from hearing those fateful words: “pitchers and catchers.”
Before we get there, though, there are still plenty of moves left to be made. Most of the heavy lifting has already been done, but several quality players with immense value remain on the market.
David Price, Zack Greinke, Jason Heyward and other high-profile names have understandably received most of the attention this winter. There’s very little doubt that MLB‘s top free-agent targets will have a huge impact in 2016 and beyond.
But in many cases, it’s the underrated, low-profile moves that are directly responsible for success in the following year. By not breaking the bank in free agency, teams can improve and stay out of long-term contracts that may serve as an albatross for years to come.
That’s where the likes of Howie Kendrick, Ian Kennedy, John Jaso and Mitch Moreland come in. No, those names won’t be universally celebrated by acquiring fanbases. But each of those players brings value to the table, and can be had at a reasonable price.
Finding that value is what separates the good teams from the great ones. Let’s look at a few candidates who could provide that spark for needy teams next season.