While it's still early in this MLB season, some familiar faces haven't found a home and may not. In what's a real departure of years gone by, Players with established backgrounds in the major leagues haven't found homes. Some of these guys may find homes, but others may be the victims of a new reality in Free Agency for players in their thirties. In years gone by, some of these players would probably be looking at a big payday. Now, they will be lucky to find a home.
Numbers don't pay like they used to
Mark Reynolds is coming off a 2017 season that saw him hit 30 home runs and drive in 97 runs for the Rockies.
In the past, he'd be looking over multiple offers. This year he's still unsigned. Part of the reason could be that front office personnel are taking a more analytical look at things. Mark Reynolds' WAR for 2017 was at 0.9. That's less than you would generally expect of a 30 homer guy. Still, a team looking for some power and depth at the corners may give Reynolds a look.
And gold doesn't glitter all that much
A team looking for defensive help in the infield may look at currently unemployed, former gold glove winner, Darwin Barney. Barney won a gold glove at second base for the Cubs in 2012 but teams apparently don't find that too impressive at this time. Barney's lack of offensive prowess makes his employment a tougher proposition.
Look for these guys on a milk carton
Adam Lind is also looking for a team. Lind was cut loose by the Yankees this spring. Last year Lind provided depth for the Washington Nationals at first base and left field. Lind's OPS of .875 is fairly impressive. Look for some teams needing a left-handed bat to sign him.
Another hitter who was decent last season but is currently unemployed is Melky Cabrera.
Cabrera split time with the White Sox and Royals and hit a combined 17 home runs while driving in 85. Melky isn't a good glove man, but can play the outfield in an emergency. Of course, it should probably be a dire emergency.
Happy trails to you
There are also pitchers that contributed to their teams last season that are nowhere in sight in 2018.
The assumption was John Lackey would retire after winning 12 games for the Cubs in 2017. Lackey hasn't officially retired, but hasn't surfaced with any MLB team. Apparently the cowboy is just going to ride off into the sunset.
What do Warren Beatty and Scott Feldman have in common? They both starred as Reds
Scott Feldman has been a serviceable major league starter for a number of years. He was the Reds' opening day starter in 2017 and went 7-7 for the season with an ERA of 4.77. Those aren't overwhelming numbers, but generally, a 35-year-old guy with that background could be found on a major league roster.
Buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride
Players mentioned above are examples of how differently major league front offices are looking at things. Baseball's next collective bargaining session should be very interesting.
