Top 3 Bargain MLB Signings for 2020
Start writing a post
Sports

Top 3 Bargain MLB Signings for 2020

Everyone loves a good bargain, even our favorite MLB teams, but this offseason the American League dominated the discounted talent.

350
Top 3 Bargain MLB Signings for 2020

Spring training games for the 2020 MLB season begin this weekend! The sound of catchers' mitts popping and bats cracking is my favorite symphony. Baseball is the foundation for my love of sports but is also so hard to keep track of on a year-to-year basis thanks to how large the rosters are.

Throw in trades, free-agent signings, retirements, and you don't know who's wearing what uniform anymore. This week I wanted to focus on this year's free-agent signings that were an absolute bargain! We all know Gerrit Cole signed with the Yankees or that Anthony Rendon signed with the Angels, but I bet you my top three deals for 2020 are players you had no idea were on the market.

These athletes should far exceed the value of their contracts this season. Now, without further ado, here are my top three 2020 underrated MLB free-agent signings.

3. Gio González (Chicago White Sox / 1 yr. - $5 million / SP)

Flickr

From the Brew Crew to the South Side goes veteran starting pitcher Gio González. Yes, he's 34 years old, but getting a veteran presence for a young pitching staff that may also contribute 150 innings (if he stays healthy) for $5 million, wow! González's career ERA is 3.68 and he's had nearly 30 innings of playoff experience to his name.

He's a southpaw who eats up innings and always gives a ball club a chance to win each night he takes the mound. Although his ERA in 2020 might hover around 4.00, I could see him winning 12 games, which is well worth it for Chicago. He will easily make all other 29 MLB ball clubs regret not signing him this offseason to be their number three or four starter.

2. César Hernández (Cleveland Indians / 1 yr. - $6.25 million / 2B)

Flickr

César Hernández is very comparable in my eyes to St. Louis Cardinals' second baseman, Kolten Wong. Wong made $6.5 million last year and is making $10.25 million in 2020, making this a great value signing by the Indians.

The era of Jason Kipnis was coming to an end in Cleveland as he struggled with nagging injuries towards the end of his Indians' tenure. Enter Hernández, the former Philadelphia Phillies' infielder who had a career high 71 RBIs in 2019. Between 2016-2018 he averaged 17 SB and a .367 OBP per season.

The one-year deal is probably a trial period to see how he fits into their lineup, but one thing is for sure, Indians' coach, Terry Francona, should let Hernández run wild on the base paths. I could easily see Hernández steal 20 bases this season if he finds himself near the top of the Indians' order early on.

1. Kevin Pillar (Boston Red Sox / 1 yr. - $4.25 million / CF)

Wikimedia Commons

Sometimes you just need to tip your cap, even at your most hated of rivals. The Red Sox organization made an A+ offseason move by signing Kevin Pillar to a one year contract for less than $5 million. First and foremost, Pillar should now have an everyday role to begin the year after the Sox released that Alex Verdugo had a stress fracture in his back and probably won't be ready by Opening Day.

It was a shock to many that the San Francisco Giants let Pillar enter free agency, after posting 21 HR, 87 RBIs, 14 SB, and holding down center field for 129 of his 152 games in a Giants' uniform in 2019. He's still only 31 years old and between 2015-2017, Pillar had an average defensive runs saved (DRS) of 16.7 while playing center field for the Toronto Blue Jays, so we know he has the ability to be a plus defender. The AL East outfields were Pillar's old stomping grounds, making this a great signing from a comfort standpoint.

Although his defense hasn't been as elite the past two years, Pillar's sprint speed actually went up by 0.2 ft/s from 2018 to 2019. His power at the plate has also been nice to see, with 20+ HR the past two seasons. For a team struggling with an identity after the loss of their manager, Alex Cora, and their best player, Mookie Betts, Pillar provides stability they desperately need. He allows the Red Sox to DH any of their starting outfielders on a day-to-day basis, because he isn't a defensive liability.

Don't forget that longtime Red Sox centerfielder, Jackie Bradley Jr., is a free agent at the end of 2020, as is Pillar. Pillar's ability to play centerfield gives the ballclub options if one of these guys decides to leave after this season. Considering Bradley Jr. is making $11 million this season, Pillar's contract will be worth every penny.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

93392
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments