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Could Ian Desmond be a free-agent target of the Tampa Bay Rays? (Photo Credit: Unknown)

Historically, we’ve come to expect very little in terms of the Tampa Bay Rays making a big splash in the free agent market, but will this year be different? As the proverbial “big chips” start to fall, (Chris Davis, 7 years and $161-million; and Justin Upton 6 years and $132.75 million), the Rays could find a bargain with a number of veteran players looking to bounce back from a substandard 2015 season. Join JJ and Anthony as they delve deeper into that question.

First off, it wouldn’t be unheard of for the Rays to ink a one-year pillow contract with a player who may be trying to re-establish himself as a commodity in the following year’s free-agent class. Of course it goes without saying, to add a bigger named free-agent, they’d need the blessing of Stu Sternberg. However, Stu has previously expanded the payroll for the unexpected additions of Rafael Soriano and the second coming of Grant Balfour. Six players who might be in the sights of Matt Silverman instantly come to mind: Ian Desmond, Pedro Alvarez, Justin Morneau, Steve Pearce, David Murphy, and Marlon Byrd.

Ian Desmond

Ian Desmond's left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)
Ian Desmond’s left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)

JJ: Much like Asdrubal Cabrera in the ’14 offseason, Ian Desmond, Sarasota native, finds himself unsigned after a disappointing ’15 campaign in which he struggled both offensively and defensively. Desmond batted .255 with 24 homers and 91 RBI with an OBP of .313 in 2014. In Desmond’s ’15 contract year, we saw a slight decrease in offensive production, reverting to an average of .233, 19 homers, and 62 RBI with a pedestrian .290 OBP and 27 errors. Could the Rays and Desmond benefit from a 1 year deal similar to that of Asdrubal Cabrera in ’14? With the recent addition of Brad Miller, that scenario seems unlikely. However there’s no denying that Desmond could be a steal as he looks to bounce back from what most believe was just a down year.

Anthony: Demand for Desmond has always looked iffy, and his lackluster .233 BA/.290 OBP/.384 SLG/.674 OPS/.294 wOBA certainly did him no favors. He isn’t projected to fare much better in 2016, but his upside is appealing and his athleticism allows him to play anywhere on the diamond.

Pedro Alvarez

Pedro Alvarez's left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)
Pedro Alvarez’s left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)

JJ: Another interesting free agent still unsigned is former Pirates left-handed slugger Pedro Alvarez. Not only can Alvarez provide home run production (30, 36, 18, 27 in the last 4 seasons respectively), but Alvarez can play either first base or spell Evan Longoria at third base from time to time. In the unlikely event that the Rays were to sign Alvarez, they would clearly have to move James Loney; who along with recently acquired Logan Morrison gives them a surplus of left handed hitting First baseman.

Anthony: Alvarez represents a negative with the glove ― his 23 errors, -14.7 UZR, and -14 DRS in 2015 speaks to that. Nevertheless he is blessed with something the Rays could use: the ability to mash right handed pitching. Alvarez’s power is legitimate (yes, that is a .237 ISO), and he could be the impact bat Tampa Bay craves.

Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau's left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)
Justin Morneau’s left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)

JJ: 4 time All-Star Justin Morneau’s name had also been linked to the Rays per Marc Topkin’s article. Morneau played only 49 games last year with Colorodo, but played well in his two years with the Rockies batting over .300 both years. Signing Morneau would only add to the previously mentioned logjam at first base. He’d likely be relegated to DH duties where he’d be a nice addition to a offense that can be stagnant at times.

Anthony: Morneau is a lefty, which bodes well for a team that could use someone who can hit right handed pitching, although there are legitimate concerns about his concussions. His injuries last season did have one positive impact, his market price dropped which is good for a small market team like the Rays. His projected 0.4 WAR, combined with his projected overall production, would mean he’d have to seek somewhere in the ballpark of $5-$6 million if the Rays are going to take a chance on the 34 year-old Morneau.

Among the remaining free agents names that make the most sense for the Rays are: Lakeland native Steven Pearce, David Murphy, Marlon Byrd.

Steve Pearce

Steve Pearce's left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)
Steve Pearce’s left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)

JJ: Pearce has tormented the Rays the past two seasons with the Orioles. He hit 21 homers with an OBP of .377 in ’14, but saw a drop in production last year batting only .219 with 15 homers and 40 RBI. Pearce’s versatility should attract the Rays who are looking for another super utility player to replace Ben Zobrist.

Anthony: Pearce handled himself well at first last season, and also showed he can play some second. A partial rebound towards his 2014 numbers could make the Lakeland native a great value.

David Murphy

David Murphy's left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)
David Murphy’s left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)

JJ: The Rays could also benefit from another left handed bat in the outfield. A player like like David Murphy or Zephyrhills native Dominic Brown could meet the Rays low salary criteria. Murphy is the more consistent player of the two, but Brown would offer a huge upside if he could show the same offensive prowess he displayed in ’13.

Marlon Byrd

Marlon Byrd's left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)
Marlon Byrd’s left/right splits, and 2015 Steamer projection. (Source: FanGraphs)

JJ: Ageless wonder and journeyman Marlon Byrd’s name is also in the mix. Aside from the 20/70 production he’s managed to sustain over the past 3 seasons(with 4 different NL teams), Byrd could provide the young Rays with a Cliff Floyd type presence in the clubhouse.

Conclusion

While the bullpen was the most glaring weak spot last season, the lackluster offense, especially against right handed pitching, contributed to their 80-82 record. Only three current players (Logan Forsythe, Kevin Kiermaier, and Steven Souza) posted a plus 100 wRC+ against righties in 2015, and the Rays could benefit from the offensive boost that a player like Pedro Alvarez or Steve Pearce has to offer.

…That is, if the price is right.

Noteworthiness

― Tampa Bay added LHP Justin Marks and Adam Wilk, and RHP Kyle McPherson (former Montgomery Biscuit) to Minor League deals. All three are invited to Spring Training, bringing the count to 60 players invited to Major League camp.

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