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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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Aug 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Gerardo Parra (18) doubles during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Gerardo Parra, OF

Parra’s regressed heavily over the past two years in multiple facets, but stands out as arguably the most likely candidate to bounce back in 2016 and beyond.

In 2013, Parra was one of the most underrated players in the game, totaling 4.5 WAR in 156 games with Arizona according to FanGraphs. With average offense and excellent defense in the corner outfield, Parra was a very valuable player on a friendly contract.

The next season, Parra struggled at the plate and was a replacemet-level player, and followed that up with an 0.4 WAR performance this season between the Milwaukee Brewers and Orioles. While many may view Parra’s 2013 season as a fluke, there is reason to believe he could be at least a 2-3 win player moving forward.

Parra actually posted a career-high 108 wRC+ at the plate in 2015, including a big spike in power. His season was hurt by defensive metrics that graded out as the worst of his career.

As those defensive numbers can be volatile year-to-year, it’s fair to believe Parra should at least be somewhat better in that facet moving forward. If he posts similar numbers at the plate again, Parra will be one of the best bargains available on the market.

The New York Mets need outfield help at a lower cost, so Parra would be a nice value pickup for them.

Next: Yovani Gallardo, SP

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