Kansas City Royals: Making the case, Tigers free agents

There could be value in picking up a veteran player who can fill out at several positions without taking playing time away from young, upcoming fielders.

Jordy Mercer, SS

After seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jordy Mercer signed a one year contract to play for Detroit.  Given enough playing time he can reach double digits in home runs and plays an above-average shortstop compared to league average.

He has the versatility to fill in at all of the infield spots and a career slash of .257/.316/.388 could be useful on a limited basis to spot rest some players.  I cannot see his $5.25 million salary in 2019 fluctuating up from that so he could be a nice leader to have the bench.

Verdict: Pursue

Gordon Beckham, INF

If it seems like Gordon Beckham has been around forever, he has.  Called up to the Chicago White Sox as a 22-year-old back in 2009 he started off with a bang producing an OPS+ of 106 and finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting.  He has never come close to those numbers again seems destined for a backup role the remainder of his career.

For Detroit, Beckham appeared in 83 games and put up a light .215/.271/.372 slash while filling in at every position in the infield.  At this point in his career, I do not see the value he could bring to the Kansas City Royals.

Verdict: Pass