The Blue Jays, Tigers, Twins, Mets, Cubs, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Rockies, and Dodgers may be in the market for second base help this offseason, and the market offers a good number of viable options.
Starting Second Basemen Available In Free Agency
As many as six free agent second basemen will likely be considered as starters: Kelly Johnson, Clint Barmes, Mark Ellis, Aaron Hill, Jamey Carroll, and Nick Punto. If Johnson were coming off his 2010 season, he'd be a lock for a multiyear deal. But given his struggles with Arizona this year, he might even prefer a one-year deal to rebuild value. Hill could prefer the same. Otherwise, Omar Infante's two-year, $8MM extension with the Marlins will be a target for most of these guys. Having shown an ability to play shortstop everyday, Barmes may be looking for more.
Thinking Outside The Box
Aside from Barmes, shortstops like Rafael Furcal, Yuniesky Betancourt, Ronny Cedeno, Alex Gonzalez, and Marco Scutaro could be signed as second basemen. Mark DeRosa and Carlos Guillen are other candidates. Enough teams need shortstops that I don't expect Jose Reyes or Jimmy Rollins to consider second base.
Quality Backups
Willie Bloomquist, Jerry Hairston Jr., Aaron Miles, Ramon Santiago, and John McDonald should be able to find big league deals for utility jobs.
Non-Tender Candidates
Non-tender candidates abound. Skip Schumaker, Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot, Chris Getz, and Adam Rosales are just a few middle infielders who may be cut loose. Their tenuous tender situations make them trade candidates as well.
Other Trade Candidates
Jeff Keppinger is a prime trade candidate, if the Giants are confident in Freddy Sanchez. The Rockies' Chris Nelson is another name to consider. If Gordon Beckham doesn't show signs of improvement, he could become available.
Check out the full free agent list, as well as our articles on the markets at catcher and first base.
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