LA Angels free agent preview: Second Base

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ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 09: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim owner Arte Moreno (R) talks with manager Mike Scioscia prior to the start of the home opener against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 9, 2013 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

The Los Angeles Angels have a hole at second base, will they address the hole via free agency?

According to Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Angels are going to shop for a second baseman at the general managers meetings in Orlando, Fla.

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While a trade for a second baseman is very possible considering GM Billy Eppler’s past with recent trades, we’ll go the free agency route, since the free agency route is a little more predictable given the amount of free agents at each position.

Now, Eppler has a philosophy he follows when finding key free agents to fulfill the teams’ needs.

First, Eppler looks for defense and has high praise for it. A good example of this is when Eppler traded for arguably the best defensive shortstop in the league, Andrelton Simmons. Simmons is not the only example, Eppler also traded for catcher Martin Maldonado last offseason because of his pitch framing and defense behind the plate. Both Simmons and Maldonado won Gold Gloves this year.

Eppler also emphasizes players getting on base.

“Something I learned a long time ago: get that on base percentage up,” Eppler said. “don’t make so many outs,” he said in an interview with the Orange County Register.

The Angels on-base percentage (OBP) for 2017 was ranked 11th in the American League. They especially could look to improve upon second base which had an OBP of .274.

Also, it is worth to mention that the Angels have a lineup heavy with right-handed bats. Especially after signing outfielder Justin Upton. They could definitely use another left-handed bat in their batting lineup.

Seeing how Eppler emphasizes defense and OBP, and the need for a left-handed bat, these are factors to consider when Eppler makes his move for a free agent.

Neil Walker

Walker’s name may sound familiar to some. Throughout the 2015 and 2016 season, many baseball experts speculated the Angels would make a move to trade for Walker. However, a deal was never made. Maybe 2017 is when the two agree to terms.

Walker definitely offers an offensive upside, hitting 14 home runs with a batting average of .265 in 111 games played. Walker can also get on base. Between playing with the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers, Walker’s OBP for 2017 was .362.

He also bats both left and right-handed, another skill to Eppler’s liking. However, he definitely has his drawbacks.

Considering his age, 32, Eppler may go with a younger, healthier player to shore up second base for many years. Walker did miss some time with injuries as well. In 2017, he played in 111 games. In 2016, only 113 games. Health is a definite issue.

In addition to his age, Walker’s defense at second base is average. Having only played 95 games at second for 2017, he committed six errors and has a fielding percentage of .983

Not only his health and defense, but Walker will demand some money. He’s the premium second baseman in this years’ free agent crop and could be overpaid. Walker signed a 1yr / $17,200,000 contract with the Mets last season according to Spotrac.com.

Walker has plus and minuses like every player. Are his positives enough to outweigh his negatives? Regardless, it would be an upgrade at second if the Angels do make a move for him.

Zack Cozart

The Cincinnati Enquirer recently noted that shortstop Zack Cozart did not receive a qualifying offer from the Cincinnati Reds, making him a free agent this offseason.

Cozart is a shortstop who can transition to second base. It would be an ideal fit for the Angels. It would be an ideal fit because Cozart’s 2017 campaign was impressive. His OBP sits at .385 while also batting .297. Both of these were career highs for him.

Cozart also offers some pop for a shortstop, hitting 24 home runs and slugging .548. Since he will be converting from short to second, his defense shouldn’t miss a beat and playing with Simmons, could actually improve.

Furthermore Cozart can be a cheaper option for the Angels. Cozart’s salary for 2017 was $5,325,000 which seems like a bargain. Of course, that number will double or even triple considering how desperate teams are. MLB.com predicts his salary can be similar to Baltimore’s J.J. Hardy’s salary, 3yr / $40 million.

Then again, Cozart’s 2017 season was his best season as a pro and he could come back down to earth. His career average OBP is only .305, his career batting average at .254. An impressive 2017 season may be just enough to have teams drooling for him.

Like Walker, Cozart’s health is also a concern. He’s 32 and played in 122 games for 2017. In 2016, only 121 games and for 2015, just 53. Health is a concern.

Cozart is a solid player with an amazing 2017 season, is that enough to have the Angels interested?

Eduardo Nunez

Eduardo Nunez is an under the radar type player the Angels could make a move for. Similar to what the Angels did last year when signing catcher Maldonado.

What Nunez offers is his versatility, having played second base, third base, shortstop and outfield during his eight year career.

Nunez definitely has the tools to be an everyday starter however. In 2017, his bat proved it by batting .313 with an OBP of .341. Besides his bat, Nunez also offers great speed and aggressive baserunning. The ability to go first to third is something manager Mike Scioscia has stressed in being important.

When Nunez was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the Boston Red Sox, Nunez provided an immediate jolt to the ball club which lead them to win their division. The Angels could use some of that provided energy.

Because Nunez is an under the radar player, he’ll command less on the market. MLB.com predicts Nunez could ink a 4yr / $40 million deal. A great bargain that allows the Angels to pursue other needs.

In contrast, Nunez is a versatility player and has never played as an everyday player. It asks the question if he can withstand an entire MLB season.

Also, since he is versatile, his defense is below average and he has not had the opportunity to increase his defensive skill at a certain position. Sadly, Nunez did suffer a knee injury late last season which is alarming and has seen the disabled list multiple times in his career.

However, Nunez does offer versatility and pop off his bat. Coming in at a cheaper option, the Angels could take a look at Nunez if they want to save some money.

Howie Kendrick

A reunion between the two could take place this offseason. Howie Kendrick has always been a consistent hitter throughout his MLB career, something the Angels could definitely use; consistency.

Even though at 34-years-old, Kendrick still had a slash line of .315/.368/.475. He also still has something left in the tank, having played in 146 games during the 2016 season.

He too could also come in at a bargain price, allowing the Angels to look elsewhere and might even take a hometown discount. It’s definitely possible seeing him finish his MLB career where he started.

Kendrick has been playing as a versatile player for the later half of his career, and hasn’t seen a lot of stints at second base, causing some red flags.

Also, he doesn’t necessarily have the power that Eppler is looking for, hitting only 104 homeruns in his 12-year career.

Next: Time for Scioscia to Move Out

If the Angels don’t necessarily find someone they like on the market, Kendrick could be a stopgap option that can provide some consistency at a relatively cheap price.

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