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 – SEPTEMBER 29: Brian Dozier #9 of the Washington Nationals runs to first base against the Cleveland Indians at Nationals Park on September 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 29: Brian Dozier #9 of the Washington Nationals runs to first base against the Cleveland Indians at Nationals Park on September 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

14. Brian Dozier

Second baseman Brian Dozier is a prime example of a player who signed away millions of dollars in future earning potential for up-front stability in the form of a pre-arbitration extension. Dozier agreed to a four-year, $20-million deal with the Minnesota Twins before the 2015 season. Then he went out and made his first All-Star team, hitting 28 home runs at a time when most teams would have been happy to get 15 from their second baseman. Dozier followed that up with a monster 2016 effort that saw him hit 42 home runs with an OPS+ of 134. He proved 2016 was not a fluke by hitting 34 homers in 2017 and earning MVP votes for the second year in a row, helping propel the Twins to a surprise playoff spot.

Dozier was worth exponentially more than the $11 million the Twins paid him for his three best seasons and would have earned more had he just waited for arbitration. He was open to working on a long-term extension in 2018, but talks never picked up much steam. The Twins traded him at the deadline, and he slumped to a .182/.300/.350 line in 47 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Coming off a down season, Dozier was forced to accept a one-year deal and a reduced role with Washington, but hit just .238/.340/.430 with 20 home runs and 50 RBI in 135 games.

The big, multi-year deal that Dozier could have commanded when he was racking up big numbers from 2014 to 2017 is now never going to materialize. Based on last year’s performance, he might be lucky to find a two-year deal — certainly not one for more than $10 million per year.

The best role for Dozier going forward may be in some sort of platoon arrangement. Unfortunately, teams don’t typically view second base as a platoon position. Dozier did hit .280/.375/.525 with eight doubles and seven home runs against left-handed pitching last year. He would help his value by learning to play multiple positions like Howie Kendrick.

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