Fansided

One free agent each MLB team should sign right now

By Joshua Sadlock

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb /
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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 21: Melky Cabrera #53 of the Kansas City Royals warms up during batting practice before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 21, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 21: Melky Cabrera #53 of the Kansas City Royals warms up during batting practice before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 21, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Royals: Melky Cabrera

Having lost Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain already this winter, and likely to lose Mike Moustakas, the Kansas City Royals are looking down the barrel of a multi-year rebuilding plan. That’s the smart move for a small-market team that had neglected its farm system while spending the last four seasons in win-now mode. Even with their need to begin starting anew, the Royals will probably not go with a bare-bones approach like the Tigers and White Sox.

Still a very serviceable hitter and slightly better than a defensive liability, Melky Cabrera spent the end of last season playing his second stint with the Royals. The 13-year veteran hit .285/.324/.423 on the year with 17 home runs and 85 RBI. Cabrera is still a very good contact hitter with occasional pop in his bat. He is the type of player the Royals could use in their lineup to help bring youngsters like Jorge Soler and Raul Mondesi Jr. along. Both have struggled to establish themselves in the big leagues, but have good potential.

The Royals won’t have to spend much to bring Cabrera back. The 33-year-old outfielder has already made over $70 million in his MLB career. What he needs now is a job with a team that can keep giving him playing time and regular trips to the plate. A rebuilding Kansas City squad is a good place for him to do just that. There’s also some value in this for the Royals if Cabrera can hit well enough on a cheap contract and becomes an attractive trade chip at the deadline.

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