As we continue to make our way through Roster Deep Dives, roster needs and trade candidates continue to pop up across the league.
Whit Merrifield (2/$38), Burlingame Blue Ducks
Merrifield has established an extremely strong floor, as he'll almost always be an asset in batting average, steals, and runs scored, and chip in for the remaining categories. There were some concern after his steals dropped to just 20 in 2019, but he bounced back to a 32-steal pace last year while also seeing a power spike. Merrifield is 32 years old and does not hit the ball particularly hard, but that's really irrelevant at this point. With multi-position eligibility in the outfield and at second base adding to his value, there certainly will be a market for Merrifield if GM Ryan Walsh leans towards moving him.
The Ducks were stung by injuries and under-performance in 2020 leaving their Keeper List quite shallow heading into Draft Day. Moving Merrifield could provide some needed depth, especially in the starting rotation.
Miguel Rojas (2FA/$5), Honolulu Hammerheads
A positive COVID test sidelined Miguel Rojas three games into the 2020 season. He returned Aug. 21 and was the Marlins' most productive hitter from there, helping lead the team to a surprise postseason berth. After never clearing a .100 ISO in any of his first six MLB seasons, Rojas exploded for 15 extra-base hits in his 143 PA, resulting in a .192 ISO. Rojas also upped his walk rate to a career-high 11.2% in his age-31 season after topping out at 8.8% previously. He managed five steals in six attempts despite bottom-40th percentile sprint speed. Nobody is expecting him to keep up a similar pace, but Rojas seems to have emerged as a leader in Miami and his playing time looks secure at shortstop, at least to begin 2021.
His eligibility is only at shortstop, a position the Hammerheads are deep with both Carlos Correa and Corey Seager under contract. All of their potential Keeper outfielders have limited position eligibility as well which creates a roster squeeze that will likely push Rojas to the trade market before Draft Day.
Joc Pederson (2FA/$5), Honolulu Hammerheads
A strict platoon and one-dimensional skillset limited Pederson's value in recent years as the slugger was held back from reaching his full potential in a loaded Dodgers lineup. With his recent signing in Chicago and the exit of Kyle Schwarber, who possesses a similar skillset and was an everyday player for the Cubs in 2020, Pederson could be a nice addition to a RDBL Roster seeking outfielders.
Pederson continued to hit the ball hard -- his 93.0 mph average exit velocity ranked in the 96th percentile -- but a 9.2-point jump in his groundball rate (to a career-high 51.7%) resulted in fewer balls leaving the park. Once among baseball's most patient batters, Pederson has taken fewer walks in recent campaigns, culminating in a career-low 8.0 BB% and .285 OBP last season. That patience could jump back up with a daily role and without the pressure of trying to perform with limited chances at the plate.
Additional Notes Around the RDBL
- The Alamo Short Stacks received inquiries on the availability of outfielder Kyle Tucker (Minors) but quickly shot down the rumors. According to sources, Tucker is firmly in the club's plans for 2021 and beyond.
- The Mt. Diablo Devils continue to be one of the more active teams this Winter in their pursuit of starting pitching. The club is expected to cut Max Scherzer (2/$68) in the coming weeks while rough 2020 seasons from Kyle Gibson (2FA, $5), Yusei Kikuchi (2R/$3), Anthony DeSclafani (2FA/$5) and Julio Teheran (2/$9) has the club projected with a completely empty starting rotation currently.
GM Jason Watson is believed to have interest in retaining DeSclafani among that group, but will be looking for a strong Spring Training from the new Giants right-hander before finalizing the decision.
- The Devils might hold the strong duo of big league catchers in James McCann (2FA/$5) and J.T. Realmuto (3/$30) and would be willing to part with either in pursuit of multiple rotation pieces. While Realmuto is the jewel of the position, McCann would likely generate more interest due to his favorable contract.
- The return of Carlos Rodon to Chicago has Cloverdale Clovers right-hander Michael Kopech all but certain to start 2021 in the Minor Leagues. Kopech was 24th overall in the Baseball America Top 100 List.
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