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MLB Free Agency: 10 potential free agent bargains

By Nathaniel Reeves

Oct 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) reacts as he comes out of the game during the fourth inning of game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) reacts as he comes out of the game during the fourth inning of game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Steve Pearce (28) stretches for the out at first base against Detroit Tigers shortstop Andrew Romine (not pictured) during the third inning of game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Steve Pearce, 1B/2B/OF

Nobody expected Pearce to match his monster 2014 season after bouncing around the league to begin his career, but he still looked like a promising power hitter entering the spring. However, a mediocre 2015 season has left Pearce’s stock very low going into the offseason.

Pearce was a huge part of the Baltimore Orioles‘ run to the AL East title two years ago, posting a 161 wRC+ and 4.9 WAR per FanGraphs. He regressed in a major way in 2015, as that wRC+ mark dipped to 91.

At 32 years old, it’s easy to see why many would write Pearce’s one great season off as a fluke and be hesitant to give him any sort of contract. Still, Pearce has a skill set that could make him valuable at around $10-15 million dollars a season.

Despite the poor season, Pearce still slugged 15 home runs and could be a cheap source of power. Add in the fact that Pearce has solid plate discipline and can play first base or the corner outfield at a decent level, along with second base in an emergency, and he could at least be an effective bench piece for some team.

The Orioles are likely going to focus their financial resources elsewhere, but Pearce could fill a definite need for the club. The Texas Rangers also stand out as a good fit for Pearce.

Next: Denard Span, CF

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