Fantasy Baseball 2017: Recap of Recent Free Agent Signings

By Bill Pivetz | Dec 2, 2016

Sep 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (36) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Sometimes life and big news get in the way of the smaller signings. This is a recap of the other signings and impact on the fantasy baseball scene.

While we are still waiting for some of the big names to drop, this has been a pretty busy offseason. A new CBA was agreed upon and Yoenis Cespedes went back to the New York Mets, again. There were also some other moves that raised some eyebrows, like the Atlanta Braves moves. But, unfortunately, some get swept under the rug without even a mention.

This piece is here to touch on some of the smaller signings and how they impact the fantasy baseball landscape just as much as the bigger signings.

Marlins Sign Edinson Volquez

The Miami Marlins had a tough end of the season. They lost a teammate, friend, and role model in Jose Fernandez. While not one pitcher can replace what he could do on the mound, the Marlins need someone to fill in his rotation spot.

At 33 years old, Volquez had a poor season. He had a 5.37 ERA and 1.548 WHIP in a career-high 34 starts. He also recorded 139 strikeouts and 78 walks in 189.1 innings.

The Marlins are looking for an innings eater. He posted at least 31 starts and 170 innings in four consecutive seasons. He isn’t much of a strikeout pitcher and walks more than his fair share of batters.

If he can take advantage of the poor offense in the National League East, he will be a deep sleeper.

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Athletics Sign Matt Joyce

After a couple of down seasons, Joyce rebounded nicely and the A’s rewarded him for it. In 140 games with the Pittsburg Pirates, he hit 13 home runs, 10 doubles, 42 RBI and .242. He hit 14 combined home runs in the previous two seasons.

The A’s needed help in the outfield. Khris Davis is the primary outfielder, but could be a better fit as the team’s designated hitter. After him, Brett Eibner, Jake Smolinski and Matt Olson were other options.

Joyce does not hit well against left-handed pitchers, career .185/.265/.310 line. His best track for playing time is a platoon spot in one of the corner outfield positions. He will likely split time with Smolinski. He isn’t much of a thought in standard leagues, but viable in deeper or AL-only leagues.

Braves Sign Sean Rodriguez and Trade for Jaime Garcia

The Atlanta Braves have been very busy this offseason. They signed Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey early last month and added another pitcher to the rotation. The Braves also added a bat into the lineup.

Rodriguez had a good season with the Pirates. He hit 18 home runs, 56 RBI and .270 in 140 games. The Pirates used him all over the field. He logged at least five games at every position except pitcher and catcher.

Rodriguez will carry first base, second base, shortstop and outfield eligibility into 2017. According to Roster Resource, he will be coming off the bench, likely filling in on an off day for the starters.

As for the rotation, the Braves traded for another veteran. Garcia didn’t have his best season with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 32 games (30 starts), he had a 4.67 ERA and 1.375 WHIP. His ERA was up over two runs between 2015 and 2016.

Unless something changes, the Braves rotation will be Julio Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz, Colon, Dickey and Garcia. It’s not the most attractive rotation, but can limit base runners with ground balls. He’s an SP5 at best.

Next: Brewers Sign Eric Thames: Fantasy Fallout

These weren’t the most amazing signings, but they do serve a purpose in both real and fantasy baseball. The Braves rotation finished 28th in ERA and 15th in WHIP. Garcia should have a rebound season. Rodriguez will have one or two starts per week. Joyce will have more playing time than that. Volquez is probably the best player of the four and could succeed in Miami.

Let’s hope some of the bigger names sign somewhere soon or else it’s going to be a quiet winter.

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