Fansided

Breaking down the best of what’s left in the MLB free-agent market

By Joshua Sadlock

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Atlanta Braves Third Base Josh Donaldson (20) smiles after the first inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies on September 12, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Atlanta Braves Third Base Josh Donaldson (20) smiles after the first inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies on September 12, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 31: Starlin Castro #13 of the Miami Marlins takes a swing during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 31: Starlin Castro #13 of the Miami Marlins takes a swing during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

6. Starlin Castro

It’s hard to believe, but second baseman Starlin Castro debuted to great hype with the Chicago Cubs a decade ago. Still shy of his 30th birthday, Castro has already had a long MLB career, but has not lived up to the lofty expectations that were lumped on his shoulders when he came up with the Cubs as a hotshot shortstop. Castro has mostly been held back by an inability to refine his approach at the plate, though he is a consistent contact hitter.

Castro has played nearly 1,500 games in his 10 years in the big leagues, hitting .280/.319/.414 with 1,617 hits, 296 doubles, 39 triples, 133 home runs and 636 RBI. He would have much more value if he could just learn to draw a walk. Castro played all 162 games for the Marlins last year and hit .270/.300/.436 with 31 doubles, 22 home runs and 86 RBI. A .300 on-base percentage just really isn’t going to cut it for a contender in this day and age.

Despite his flaws as a hitter, Castro remains a durable infielder who has played over 160 games three times in his career and over 150 four more. He’s a lock for a .270 batting average with 25-30 doubles and 15-20 home runs. Now, the market will decide if there’s any value in those numbers.

In a different time, Castro would have had to fend off suitors from all directions as a free agent. He is one of only 35 players in MLB history to have over 1,600 hits before the age of 30. He had 172 hits last season and set new career highs for home runs and RBI. Castro is still a good hitter — when you are only considering his ability to actually hit the ball — but not necessarily a valuable player.

Because there are plenty of older, cheaper options at his position on the market, Castro’s best bet to continue his improbable chase for 3,000 hits — he would need to average 160 hits a season for the next nine seasons to get there — is to sign with a rebuilding team that can guarantee him a full-time job and hope for the best.

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