Like many positions in the 2022 Free Agent Class, the second base group is extremely top heavy but that shouldn't be a major concern for RDBL Front Offices as they head into Auction.
The 2021 season saw multiple frontline players gain eligibility at second base, including Mookie Betts, giving clubs plenty of options at the position for Opening Day. That could cool the top end price for the likes of Ketal Marte and Ozzie Albies, the clear Tier 1 options available on Draft Day.
Second Base Free Agents 1. Ketal Marte, ARZ 2. Ozzie Albies, ATL 3. Kolten Wong, MIL 4. Brandon Lowe, TB 5. Jeff McNeil, NYM 6. Luis Arraez, MIN 7. Tommy La Stella, SF 8. *David Fletcher, LAA (Fish) 9. Cesar Hernandez, WSH 10. *Joey Wendle, MIA (Heads) | Second Base Trade Candidates 1. Max Muncy (2/$17), Falcons 2. Ian Happ (2/$20), Goutfish 3. Josh Rojas (2FA/$5), Falcons 4. Garrett Hampson (2FA/$5), Hops |
Team Needs:
Mission Viejo Maulers, Honolulu Hammerheads
Activation Candidates:
The addition of Freddie Freeman in Los Angeles could squash the planned activation of Falcons prospect Gavin Lux at second, but his flexibility to cover shortstop and the outfield could still make him a factor in 2022. That could push the Falcons to move on Cubs keystone Nick Madrigal instead. While Lux's immediate future is uncertain, Jazz Chisholm is a lock to join the Opening Day roster for the Burlingame Blue Ducks. The long-awaited activation of Brendan Rodgers might also have arrived as well for the Idaho Taters. Rodgers was selected in the 5th Round of the 2014 Draft as a High School Senior by Adler's Man Crush and has been with the same Franchise ever since.
Top Free Agent:
While Ketal Marte certainly has a case for the top spot, Ozzie Albies' on-field stability might give him the edge in Auction, having missed just 12 games over the past three full seasons. Albies was one of the many players who benefitted to a return of a full schedule as his level of production picked up where it left off in 2019. In fact, Albies is the only player who has hit at least 20 homers, scored at least 100 runs and swipe at least 10 bases in each of the past three full seasons.
Under the Radar Free Agent:
It was a disastrous 2021 campaign for Jeff McNeil, but a steady track record leading into last season could have the second baseman as a nice sleeper selection for RDBL clubs. Just don't expect a return to the Clovers following their $29 investment last season. McNeil struggled to a .251/.319/.360 line last year after posting a .319/.383/.501 line in his first three years in the league. Despite a crowded depth chart in New York, new Mets manager Buck Showalter already made things clear that McNeil would be the primary second baseman.
Top Trade Candidate:
The Falcons appear to at least be entertaining the idea of dealing Max Muncy (2/$17) who brings eligibility at first, second and third. While unlikely, Muncy could fetch back a significant return if the Falcons want to clear additional cap space after their addition of Clayton Kershaw last week.
Under the Radar Trade Candidate:
Injuries derailed Cavan Biggio's (2R/$3) 2021 season as he was banged up throughout the campaign, making multiple trips to the injured list with a cervical spine ligament sprain and later dealing with a UCL sprain. He's a patience hitter as evidenced by his career 15.1 BB% and ranked 21st among all hitters in scoring in the shortened 2020 season. With Will Smith likely out of the fold for the 'Crats, Biggio could slide into the final Keeper spot but also might serve as an under the radar trade candidate with control through 2023.
Potential Deal Before Draft Day:
Meinert Hops acquire IF/OF Cavan Biggio (2R/$3) and OF Randy Arozarena (2/$25) from Las Vegas Aristocrats for C Austin Nola (2/$7) and 2022 1st Round Pick (9th Overall)
The Hops have a pair of Keepers at catchers and with a lack of depth to their overall roster, GM Garrett Shelley should look to move one of them to improve the rest of the group. That could lead to the availability of Austin Nola (2/$7) who will fill a currently vacant catcher spot for the Las Vegas Aristocrats. Additionally, the 'Crats are facing a serious salary cap crunch which has multiple higher priced assets potentially available. By attaching their 1st Round Pick to Nola, the Hops could land a bounceback candidate in Cavan Biggio and outfielder Randy Arozarena, each under team control through 2023.
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