A Look at the Top Free Agents by Position for the Dodgers

This is where I get to have my fun. Third baseman can typically rove the field and again like I said earlier, the Dodgers value versatility over just about anything. So, let’s sign some more versatility here and with that get a good bat for the bench, an incredible person with a great story and a veteran. Let’s sign Yangervis Solarte.

Solarte is an interesting buy here and I have actually been arguing for this to happen for quite some time now. The 31-year old infielder brings to the table just about everything the Dodgers could be looking for in an infielder they can stash on the bench while having the pull to demand nothing more than a one-year deal.

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The attraction for Solarte, in my opinion, is the ability to play all four infield spots. In 2018, he covered all four but the issue was his defense was lackluster in every spot he played. By lackluster I mean he did not have a DRS of 0 or higher at any position. In my opinion, that could very well be because he was in a starting role. I do not think Solarte is built for that and he certainly would not be an everyday starter in LA. Bench roles inflate the stats.

Offensively, I actually really like Solarte. He OPS+ was below 100 for the second straight season in 2018 but, like his defensive metrics, putting him on the bench for the first time in his career could really help. In that starting role, however, Solarte has hit 14, 15, 18 and 17 home runs over the last four years respectively.

Solarte also has experience playing in Dodger Stadium, for whatever that is worth. He played as a member of the Padres from 2014-’17.

I would not mind seeing Solarte signed by the Dodgers at all. But I must reiterate that this has to be at the right price. 1 year for $5 million is fair and should not be exceeded for a guy that is already 31 and needs to do some prooving himself after his non-surface stats have taken a slide. Still, I think he is the best option as a free agent third baseman with Mike Moustakas needing an everyday role and too much money.

Thus concludes our free agent breakdown for the infield. If I had to pick a favorite from this group it would be Wilmer Flores as I am genuinely intrigued as to how that would look this year in Dodger Blue. He won’t be too expensive and has the versatility to play anywhere on the infield. His bat is pretty good as well. Also, don’t be so opposed to Yasmani Grandal, it would be nice. Stay tuned for the outfield piece outfitted with the guy everyone wants for a lot of money.