MLB: One free agent each team needs to target this offseason

One free agent each MLB team needs to target this offseason

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JULY 23: Scooter Gennett #3 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a single in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on July 23, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Baltimore Orioles: Scooter Gennett

As their lengthy rebuild continues, the Orioles won’t be chasing any of the top free agents in this year’s class, but that does not mean they should sit the process out entirely.

Baltimore should be looking to sign cheap veterans who can help take pressure off their younger players and offer some potential value as trade chips. The Orioles don’t have many chips to offer besides middle infielder Jonathan Villar and reliever Mychal Givens and they need to continue looking for avenues outside of the draft to build their farm system.

For two years, second baseman Scooter Gennett was an elite offensive second baseman. The 29-year-old hit a combined .303/.351/.508 with 52 doubles, 50 home runs and 189 RBI in 2017 and 2018. Gennett’s offensive explosion was one of the most improbable in MLB history. He had hit just 35 home runs in parts of four seasons before breaking out.

Gennett’s 2019 season was an absolute disaster. He began the year on the injured list and was never able to get on track after being activated in June. He hit just .217/.236/.261 in 21 games with Cincinnati before getting shipped to San Francisco at the deadline for a player to be named later. Things went slightly better for Gennett after the trade, but he was released after just 21 games. He hit .234/.254/.391 with four doubles, two home runs and six RBI.

The awful season means Gennett will be forced to sign a one-year deal to prove he can still hit at an elite level. Baltimore, with its hitter-friendly park and division, would be an excellent place to do that. Signing Gennett would also allow the Orioles to keep promising shortstop Richie Martin in the minor leagues.

If Gennett returns to form, the Orioles can trade him for a solid prospect. If not, he can be released with little hit to the bottom line.

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