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

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

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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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 09: Hunter Pence #24 of the Texas Rangers rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on August 09, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

9. Hunter Pence

A return to his home state of Texas breathed life into four-time All-Star Hunter Pence’s MLB career. The 36-year-old latched on with the Rangers after hitting just .226/.258/.332 with four home runs and 24 RBI in his final season with the San Francisco Giants. Injuries plagued the outfielder at the end of his Giants career. He played only 389 games from 2015 to 2018 and hit .265/.320/.410 with 39 home runs and 188 RBI.

The Rangers signed Pence to a one-year deal for only $2 million and got more than their money’s worth in the first half of 2019. Pence hit .297/.358/.552 with 17 doubles, 18 home runs and 59 RBI in 83 games to make his fourth All-Star Game. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by groin and back injuries.

Pence looked like a productive big leaguer in his one-year run with Texas, and set himself up for a chance to keep playing for at least one more year. The 13-year veteran can offer a contender a solid DH bat and power against left-handed pitching. He is also a solid clubhouse presence who became the heart and soul of two World Series winners in San Francisco.

Texas would be a great place for Pence to finish out his MLB career, much like it was for future Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre. The Rangers weren’t able to woo Anthony Rendon and are out on Josh Donaldson. Reuniting with Pence makes sense on the Texas side, but he has to do what’s best for himself at the tail end of his career. Pence could carve out a niche for himself similar to Howie Kendrick’s in Washington.

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