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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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Angels 8-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Angels 8-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

8. Kole Calhoun

Update: Kole Calhoun signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks for two years and $16 million.

Teams looking for a value play to fill out their outfield or add depth for a platoon could do much worse than eight-year veteran Kole Calhoun. The 32-year-old’s run with the Angels is complete, but he won’t be going away any time soon like some of MLB’s middling outfielders once they hit their mid-30s. Calhoun is a well-rounded hitter who is durable and gets on base at a solid clip.

If Calhoun is interested in signing with a contender, he may have to accept a reduced role. His best years came from 2014 to 2016, where he hit .266/.327/.436 with averages of 30 doubles, 20 home runs and 72 RBI per year. He also won the 2015 Gold Glove for his work in right field. Calhoun was a darling of the analytical community during that three-year run, but failed to take the next step.

Calhoun’s numbers dipped in 2017 and fell off a cliff in 2018, when he hit just .208/.283/.369 with 19 home runs and 57 RBI. He was able to rebound in 2019, hitting .232/.325/.467 with 33 home runs and 74 RBI. Calhoun’s best role going forward is in a platoon role, as he has a .761 OPS against right-handed pitching and a .710 OPS against southpaws. The splits are becoming even more pronounced, as Calhoun’s OPS against right-handers was .816 in 2019, compared to .736 against lefties.

Veteran outfielders like Calhoun continue to be squeezed out of the league, so it will be interesting to see which route he decides to go with his career. There may be a better opportunity for guaranteed playing time with a rebuilding team looking for at least one steady bat, but his career may be prolonged by showing he can age into a part-time role where he is not playing every day.

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