Fansided

Top 25 MLB free agents for 2019

By Joshua Sadlock

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros celebrates retiring the side during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros celebrates retiring the side during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Mike Moustakas #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates after hitting a go-ahead two-run home run in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on September 11, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Mike Moustakas #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates after hitting a go-ahead two-run home run in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on September 11, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

12. Mike Moustakas

Third baseman Mike Moustakas was unable to find any serious long-term suitors after hitting free agency for the first time after the 2018 season, so he elected to return to the Milwaukee Brewers — who had traded for him at the deadline — on a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2020. The 31-year-old proved his worth to the Brewers and should now be looking to cash in as a free agent for the first time. It’s fair to say that the three-time All-Star was not fairly valued last winter, but he’ll get a fair shake this year.

Moustakas has been one of the most consistent hitters at third base since breaking out for good at the end of the 2014 postseason. He has hit .264/.325/.491 with 130 home runs and 362 RBI over the past five years, including a career-high 38 in 2017 and 35 this season in Milwaukee. Moustakas has an OPS+ of 114 since 2015 and is among the leaders in home runs at his position.

The Brewers have also used Moustakas at second base, where he has been steady. Playing the position for the first time as a Major Leaguer this year, he made only one error in 151 chances and was not a negative by the advanced metrics. That versatility is a nice, new selling point for Moustakas and his agent as they look to coax a multi-year offering out of the market.

As the league shifts further away from spending on free agents, it is players like Moustakas who have felt the pinch. He is a winning player but doesn’t pop when viewed through the lens of analytics. Moustakas has blossomed into a well-rounded power hitter (who could stand to take a few more walks) who can play league-average defense at more than one position. He should finally get his multi-year deal this offseason.

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