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MLB Offseason 2017: Top 50 free agents

By Joshua Sadlock

PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 27: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a solo home run in the ninth inning of the MLB game against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field on September 27, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 27: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a solo home run in the ninth inning of the MLB game against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field on September 27, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 8: Mitch Moreland #18 of the Boston Red Sox points to Hanley Ramirez #13 after scoring a run during Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park on Sunday, October 8, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 8: Mitch Moreland #18 of the Boston Red Sox points to Hanley Ramirez #13 after scoring a run during Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park on Sunday, October 8, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

45. Mitch Moreland

Gold Glove first baseman Mitch Moreland ended up playing far more than the Boston Red Sox likely envisioned when they signed him to a $5.5-million deal for the 2017 season. Hanley Ramirez has put away his fielder’s mitt for good, and Pablo Sandoval was so bad that the front office had no choice but to swallow their pride and eat the rest of his money. That meant more at-bats for Moreland at first base.

The overall numbers for the season paint a nice enough picture for the 32-year-old Moreland. He hit .246/.326/.443 with 34 doubles, 22 home runs and 79 RBI. However, Moreland hit just .231/.296/.440 in the second half, including below .200 in the months of July and September. The inconsistency did not help a Red Sox lineup looking for its identity in the first season without David Ortiz.

What Moreland is as an MLB player is well established at this point of his career. He plays good but not great defense, is more suited for a platoon role and is a well-liked presence in the clubhouse. Moreland should not be expected to push 600 plate appearances again next year unless he signs with a rebuilding team. The Red Sox should be looking to the future with Sam Travis at first base.

Last year’s free-agent class featured a deep class of first base/DH types. There aren’t quite as many to bog down the market this year. That will make it easier for Moreland to find a job for next year.

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