![Eric Sogard is easily in the midst of the best season of his career. [Image Source: Flickr | Scott U]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/7/20/660x290/b_502x220x82/eric-sogard-is-easily-in-the-midst-of-the-best-season-of-his-career-image-source-flickr-scott-u_2297987.jpg "Eric Sogard is easily in the midst of the best season of his career. [Image Source: Flickr | Scott U]")
This past offseason saw many free agents have to wait a few months before they signed their new deals.
There were also instances where players who were clearly major league-caliber, weren’t able to secure a major league deal, and instead settled for one in the minor league variety.
Here are some players that have been productive after signing a minor league deal.
Eric Sogard - Toronto Blue Jays
Sogard didn’t receive much interest after hitting just 13-97 (.134) for the Brewers in 2018. He has been one of Toronto’s most reliable hitters this year with a .306 batting average and 10 home runs (had 11 in 1,556 career at-bats prior to 2019).
Derek Dietrich - Cincinnati Reds
It was somewhat of a surprise Dietrich didn’t receive a major league deal after slugging 16 homers with the Marlins in 2018 and posting four straight above-average OPS+ marks. While he has slipped a bit recently, he has hit 19 long balls this year with 12 coming in a stretch from May 3-May 28.
Jose Iglesias - Cincinnati Reds
The 29-year-old Iglesias has long been a light-hitting, above-average defender at shortstop type of player. He mostly still has been that this year with the Reds but is also hitting a solid .282 (albeit with just 13 walks).
Stephen Vogt, San Francisco Giants
An All-Star in 2015 and 2016, Vogt did not even play in the majors last season. Mostly utilized as the backup backstop to Buster Posey, Vogt has done well when called upon with an .858 OPS and 20 extra-base hits (14 doubles, two triples, four home runs) in just 121 at-bats.
Cameron Maybin, New York Yankees
Maybin was actually signed to a minor league deal by the Indians before the Yankees acquired him for cash considerations. With a multitude of injuries in the Yankees outfield, Maybin has flourished in his opportunity batting an impressive .314 with an .891 OPS in 133 plate appearances.
Hunter Pence - Texas Rangers
The Dallas News took a look at Pence’s journey where he nearly retired due to a lack of production the past few years, but he instead became an All-Star for the Rangers this season. Utilized both as a designated hitter and outfielder, the 36-year-old is hitting .292 (highest batting average since 2011) with 15 homers.
Danny Santana - Texas Rangers
Santana has put up very impressive numbers for Texas in 2019 despite not being a full-time starter (55 starts in the Rangers 98 games). A .317 batting average, .917 OPS, 13 homers, and 12 stolen bases have made him quite the asset for the Rangers this season.
Daniel Hudson - Toronto Blue Jays
After pitching to a 4.61 ERA from 2016-18, Hudson was unable to secure himself a major league deal in the offseason. He has become one of Toronto’s best relievers in 2019 with a 2.72 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 43 innings.
Francisco Liriano - Pittsburgh Pirates
Now in his 14th season, Liriano owns a 3.26 ERA in his 43 appearances and 45 innings as a reliever. Dodgers Nation recently took a look at whether the team should acquire him to help bolster their bullpen.
Josh Tomlin - Atlanta Braves
Tomlin has often been utilized as a multi-inning for Atlanta this season and has mostly excelled. In the year, he possesses a 3.88 ERA and has walked just four batters in 51 innings.
