9:27pm: The D-Backs have checked in on Drury, reports Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic. He’s obviously a familiar target for the organization after spending three seasons there, and he aligns with the team’s search for a righty-hitting infielder.
Arizona GM Mike Hazen has noted a few times this offseason the team was hoping to bring in a right-handed bat. They were linked to Justin Turner before he landed with the Red Sox and have been connected to Evan Longoria, who remains available. Arizona presently looks likely to turn to the lefty-swinging Josh Rojas at third base, though he’s capable of bouncing around the diamond in a bat-first utility role. Emmanuel Rivera, acquired from the Royals midseason, is the top right-handed hitting third base option on the roster. He hit reasonably well in 38 games with Arizona but owns a .238/.298/.393 mark in 457 career plate appearances overall.
1:21pm: Utility player Brandon Drury is one of the most interesting free agents left still unsigned and his market is “very active,” reports Jeff Passan of ESPN.
As Passan notes, many of the bat-first players have been coming off the board recently, with Justin Turner, Michael Brantley and J.D. Martinez all agreeing to terms in the past few days. For teams still looking for an extra bat in their lineup, some of the best names still left out there include Drury, Michael Conforto, Jurickson Profar and Matt Carpenter. No specific teams are connected to Drury, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a deal come together soon on the heels of those other agreements.
The widespread interest for Drury, 30, is understandable given his defensive versatility. In his career, he’s played all four infield positions as well as the outfield corners, making it easy to imagine him on various rosters. His shortstop experience is limited, with most of his work coming at second and third base, but he’s also logged more than 300 innings at first base and each of the outfield corners. He’s not really graded as an expert defender anywhere, but that ability to play passable defense at multiple positions means just about any team could find a way to fit him into their plans one way or another.
Once he’s slotted in somewhere, he should be able to provide an impact bat that would upgrade any lineup, at least based on his 2022 performance. Drury launched 28 home runs this year en route to producing a batting line of .263/.320/.492. That production was 23% better than league average, as evidenced by his 123 wRC+. His maximum exit velocity was in the 85th percentile, his barrel rate in the 72nd and his hard hit rate in the 62nd.
Despite all those reasons for Drury to have plenty of interest, there are also things to be concerned about, which will likely lead to some variance in how teams value him going forward. Drury’s first full season in 2016 was a decent showing, as he hit .282/.329/.458 for the Diamondbacks, leading to a 102 wRC+. However, he slipped to a 92 wRC+ in 2017 and then had a miserable three-year stretch over 2018-2020 with the Yankees and Blue Jays. He dealt with various injuries in that time and hit just .205/.254/.346 for a 56 wRC+. He bounced back with a solid season for the Mets in 2021 and then was even better in 2022, though there’s concern there as well. Drury hit .274/.335/.520 with the Reds but then dipped to .238/.290/.435 after getting traded to the Padres. That latter performance was still above average with a 105 wRC+, but it was a big dip from his 131 wRC+ as a Red.
Even with those concerns, MLBTR predicted he could secure a two-year, $18MM contract. While the early offseason saw many of the top free agents soaring past their predictions, it hasn’t exactly carried down to the lower tiers. Looking at the other bats mentioned off the top, Brantley re-signed with the Astros for one year and $12MM, a bit below MLBTR’s $15MM prediction, though he can come out ahead via $4MM of incentives. Martinez was projected at two years and $30MM but settled for $10MM over a single season with the Dodgers. Turner did well for himself though, as he was predicted for a one-year, $14MM deal but secured a two-year deal with an opt-out. Sources differ on the guarantee but it seems to be in the range of $22MM.
Wow. Why?
Why did the Giants sign Correa to a ridiculous 350 million dollar contract? That’s the real why off the off-season
Because they’re determined to improve the roster. Unlike the dodgers this year. I don’t think signing Correa for less than 27mil/year is ridiculous. The length might be a bit much, but the DH rule should help in the future. At least we’re not paying a guy 40mil/year through age 40.
Another reason could be ss frenzy. Turner signs for a fortune, so the Giants think they have to sign Correa for a long-term multi million dollar deal. Then the Padres get caught in the “top tier” as the media calls them day after day and spends big on another top four SS Bogaerts. I hate the cubs with a passion, but I do have to say their waiting game paid off with Swanson.
All this “contracts are crazy talk” seems to be a lot of teams crying because they missed out. Inflation is 7% right now? Not that it will stay at that level, but contracts won’t be cheaper anytime soon. I’m old enough to remember that 20 million for ten years of Dave Winfield was”insane”. 11 years from now, 27 million will be the floor for an aging veteran. Josh Donaldson is set to earn 25 million this year. As a non-contributing aging veteran in 2022! I don’t think Judge’s 40 million AAV will be top ten at the end of his deal. Wait until Soto hits FA.
I think the key is all these guys will be non contributing players making 28-40 million but it might be for 5-6 years instead 1-2. Who knows one of these guys might be more of a Nelson Cruz that ages much better.
But Swanson is way less valuable
And he’s making way less money.
Nelson Cruz has been a DH for 10 years now… lol. That’s how he is surviving. Imagine Big papi being DH only 95% of his career.. he still be playing
That’s true but he hit very well into his late 30s and even 40s. I can’t think of many guys outside of the steroid era that we’re able to do it.
There’s also the fact that some people don’t recognize those 3 longer term contracts are specifically that length because they are that teams solution to the penalties incurred from the luxury tax.
Those people should think of those 3 lengthy SS contracts as the equivalent of the 84 or 96 month auto loan options that bring down your monthly payment. Sure you end up paying a lot but at least their monthly payment is more manageable!!
Signing Correa doesn’t improve the roster, it improves 1 position. They also got worse in the rotation.
‘Way less”?
I honestly think the best 3 moves of the off-season has been resigning Luis Castillo for I say 25 mil cheaper than open market; dansby with a great price for a GG SS & while also running more than ever before in his last 2 yrs; and stripling to Jay’s 2 yrs for 25 M.
Are we so sure about 2022 just being an outlier?? His defensive ratings were by FAR the best in MLB for SS and he’s gotten way more aggressive on the base paths the past 2 years. Dansby ain’t anywhere close to garbage. Let’s give the guy his flowers and see if he lives up to that contract to fill up another bouquet.
And he’s not counting against the luxury tax for 11 years either.
Think Nellie is a known juicer. There was something early on in his career with a failed test.
Yes but will hurt in the last few seasons with the money being paid and the tax hit continuing while the released player is spending summer at the beach.
Cub fans are gonna love Swanson. JMHO, but the Braves didn’t do themselves any favors by letting two of their best players and fan favorites walk away in consecutive years.
That corral of young SP they have had better produce this year. The NL East is gonna be a three-team dog fight, and right now I’d say the Braves are looking up at both the Mets and Phillies.
You know he was also suspended for PEDS.
100% agree but my 2009 Nissan truck still runs strong with not a single repair other than wear and tear.
Hahaha we have 2 vehicles that are now paid off! My wife’s 2009 Subaru Outback has 170,000 miles and my 2014 Honda Accord has 106,000! Both are 100% reliable. That Accord engine is the quietest ICU engine on the road!
That Luis Castillo extension (in September) seems like highway robbery now! I also like the stealthy Andres Muñoz extension from earlier in the year. That one also flew under the radar. Both players should play a huge part of the Mariners success this coming decade!
You’re delusional. Mets payroll is at $400m and the Phils have spent close to $400m this off season…while the Braves spent nothing. And yet the Braves are still the best team.
A little off-topic, but my old Civic had 170,000 on it. It was almost entirely highway mileage, and you’d have to put your hand on the hood to know if the engine was running. The engine noise was less the ambient street noise.
I don’t know. Maybe he figured out how to use steroids his entire career. The guy mashed for a long time though.
CJML – Hank Aaron and Stan Musial.
@DTD Correa isn’t the only free agent or position they’ve signed and upgraded. As for the rotation, a reputable Lefty/Righty combo of 2 guys, (one who already has a no hitter), each with postseason experience, isn’t really a downgrade from overspending for too many years for Rodon. Certainly not, given the way the Giants fix pitchers.
@CJML Correa will be making less than 27 million a year, not ’28-40′
@Joey2033: 17 hours later, are the Braves still the best team?
The Mets have spent over $806m this winter. The Braves have spent less than $1m. That’s right… less than $1m. After that absurd amount if money, the Braves still have a better line-up… top to bottom.
Braves are better at catcher. 2nd. RF. CF. 1st and 3rd are a tie. Mets better at SS and LF. Braves have better pitching.. Now what were you saying?
Its easy because the Giants had to spend money somewhere to prove to their fans they are attempting to be competitive.
Vagiants even with Correa are 3rd place team at best!!
Terry is a girls name.
The Guardians are “in” on Drury. Francona envisions him as a super utility player …. playing all over the field and getting at bats nearly every day when resting other starters. Drury is enticed as he wants to go to a division winner.
Late bloomer with defensive versatility that won’t command a king’s ransom for two or three years. Why not?
You keep changing your name.
White sox
He can play second. Sign him Hahn!
No defense. No way.
Yes please
I’d rather have Segura. He’s a much better defender and, other than last year, better offensively.
He would also be a viable option
Don’t forget Segura’s 2023 numbers were compromised because he missed two months with a broken finger. When healthy, he was a solid contributor for the Phillies. No matter who eventually signs him, he’ll be a plus player for them. Frankly, I’m gonna miss him in Philly. We need more guys like Segura who don’t strike out as much as our other guys.
Holy time warp, Batman! You’ve been to the future?
Brewers need this bat. They lost out on Turner yet again. He’d mash in Milwaukee and would be a much needed bat. Urias can slot in as a super utility guy. He’s no starter
They need more than just that
Closer to being a winner than the Giants that’s for sure. Giants still the worst team in the division behind arizona and colorado who have more of a complete roster
Are you talking about the same Giants who had the best record in MLB last year and finished above AZ and CO and have improved the roster since? Sounds like someone’s sippin’ some desperate haterade lmao
They had the best record last year?
Must have missed the entire season there bud
Padres AND Dodgers are significantly better than Vagiants, even Arizona might be better!
@milwaukee 21 giants won more games then the dodgers only to fall in the first round. 22 giants finished at .500 ahead of both AZ and COL with the Pads winning the DS but the dodgers having the best record, there’s the NL west for you since you missed it.
@Milwaukee Last year being 2021, when the Giants won 107 games, ending with the best record in MLB, yes. If you don’t remember last year, that’s not my problem.
Drury and Wil Myers would both probably mash in Milwaukee and the Brewers have a need for two bats so on paper it fits
Are the Brewers gonna spend this offseason though?
Brewers have no money to spend. It’s all tied up in Yelich’s average numbers. A small market team that can’t sell out their stadium except when they play yhe Cubs can’t afford blunders like Yelich. .
Milwaukee is good…..
Drury doesn’t hit well unless he playing in a hitters park.
Or unless he’s facing LHP……which is why I can see multiple teams wanting him as a possible platoon. For ex the Mariners could pair him with Kelenic in LF
Boston
Ham Fighters
Technically the team name. Is Fighters and they’re owned by Nippon Ham. And that reality does ruin a beautiful fantasy about a baseball team with what should have been the best mascot in the world.
Ketch, I was honestly just thinking about that haha. Their cap should be two pigs squaring off with samurai swords.
One has seen crazier things in Japan.
Baseball there is like high school or college football games here.
Sick.
“Sick” as in depraved right? Or “Sick” as in awesome? Or did you mean both?
I’d say awesome.
Drury should get 3 years $36m pretty easily. Offensively, it wouldn’t surprise me if he puts up similar numbers in those 3 years to Dansby or Correa.. for so much less risk and $.
I said Cincinnati should have given him a three year deal instead of dealing him. It wouldn’t have cost a ton at the time and he would have been glad for the security.
It couldn’t have been more of a waste of money than for Minor or Moose last season.
Similar numbers to Dansby or Correa? That’s a pretty big swing right there..
Dansby has a career 94 wRC+ and had a 116 wRC+ in ’22
Correa has a career 130 wRC+ and had a 140 wRC+ in ’22
————————————————————–
Drury has a career 93 wRC+ and had a 123 wRC+ in ’22
Correa’s bat is the least risky of the 3.
I think Drury vs Dansby over the next 3 years will be an interesting comp, but those 2 aren’t in the same tier as Correa.
The Correa haters won’t take your foray into facts well.
He mashed in a hitter’s paradise, so another hitter’s park would be best. Milwaukee would be a good landing spot, although, I’d rather see him leave the NL Central if he is going to repeat last seasons output.
Cubs need to sign him.
Zobrist 2.0 with more pop.
Love his versatility.
He isn’t in Zobrist’s universe either offensively or defensively.
Spiritually maybe?
Just keep him away from Ben’s ex wife
Physically, he certainly is, unless Zobrist has discovered a gateway to the multiverse and passed through.
Gbs, he is one with the great singularity now. Zobrist resides in us all.
Lol
The Cubbies have already improved enough. My Buccos don’t need your boys getting any better.
Drury is definitely a solid pickup. He was the surprise out of that mid season package. Not a great at 3rd, solid at 1st, consistent bat and a flat out gammer! I had hoped the Padres would of signed him but I get it.
As long as the hated ones up north don’t get him and it seems like the Dodgers are only signing guys with .215 avg’s and below. Soo, good luck my man!
Awful take.
While I’d rather they take a look at Jean Segura for the second base spot, Drury (or pretty much anybody) is an upgrade over Leury Garcia and I’d be happy if the White Sox could add him on a 2 year deal.
Want Madrigal back? I like the guy, when healthy, but he can’t stay on the field.
If he’s healthy now maybe Hoyer and Hahn can come to an accommodation that benefits both teams.
Madrigal is gonna win a batting title one day. Won’t be with the Cubs. Perfect player for the Giants (2B) or Yankees (Super utility who gets 475 ABs).
I think Segura is going to end up an under the radar signing. Not that he deserves that but just how it is with the nuttiness this off-season.
I wish he could of made a career playing 2B for the Yankees. Judge and Drury was short lived and greatly missed.
Add Justus Sheffield to that mix.
Too bad Arson Judge went to the Giants.
He would be a good fit in a Houston Uniform…
But his 162 gm OPS+ is 93 vs his 120 something last year
Giants very much need a RH power bat. I see the fit there.
And whomever couldn’t understand the earlier post about Giants best record last year (2021 season) surely you’re not much of a baseball fan, or Giants fan.
The Correa signing does in fact help the Giants, so does Stripling and Manea. I think anybody who checks on the stats from 2022 will see that the Giants offense was better than you might think, not sure but 8th or 9th in runs.
They have also resurrected Gausman and Rodon so coaching is solid.
What hurt them last year was defense. Crawford was out often, gotta have that solid infield and good pitching at Oracle.
Considering how much the Dodgers have spent recently,
Betts
Trea Turner
Freddie
Scherzer
Bauer
My god that’s embarrassing given the riches.
Giants should be relevant and a wild card.
Wouldn’t mind seeing Drury or Profar as the latest revolving door left fielder to start the season but would rather go younger via trade.
Third place finish at BEST for Vagiants! Seriously, after Correa their lineup is weak!
Are you a 12 year old that just thinks the word “Vagiant” is so funny that you repeat it with every post? It’s not bad, but not worth saying a thousand times.
Sid you can be honest. It’s pretty bad/dumb. Doubt he uses the term outside of these boards.
Giants were 11th in runs scored and just about league average in overall offensive production with a 101 wRC+. Correa will provide a nice spark and Haniger will provide pop. Drury would be a great fit there.
yeah I agree, I think this is the move SF should make
I still don’t get why people are so high on Drury, a guy who’s had just one good half-season… and it was while playing in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in MLB.
I’d say that with Correa and Haniger now on the roster, it’s LH power they’re in more need of.
I swear I read somewhere that Drury was seen in Baltimore. He kind of made sense for the O’s but less so with Frazier on board.
This guy has regression written all over him. Hard to believe last season wasn’t a fluke
I agree. He could never find the magic with the Jays and was pretty much a journeyman until having a great 2022. Really risky for a small market team to shell out big $$$ for this guy.
I think it’s the risk they have to take to play with the big dogs. I’d throw in a little extra for him to agree to not have a limited-trade clause in a deal.
Sorry 11th In runs and rbi 2022
That’s 11th in all of MLB, not just the NL, so despite all their troubles last year they still managed to produce an above-average offense. With the recent additions, they’ve done nothing but improve. I think many people are under-estimating this lineup, just like they did in 2021.
The braves need someone. If they have improved it’s marginal improvement, but the way I see it is that they have downgraded from last year.
Doubt it. He plays like his balls are on fire.
We miss him , too.
The Pirates need a better second baseman than Rodolfo.
Bucs should sign Profar. Plays all over and a fan favorite.
Drury seems like a late bloomer who could quietly make bank with the higher profile free agents off the board.
I think 3 years/$30M w/ a $3M buyout on a $15M option is realistic in this market and with his power and defense.
A lot of other players who are similarly late bloomers with similar numbers often get multi year deals in the $10M-20M AAV range for the kind of platform season Drury had in 2022, but he still seems like he will be undervalued.
A team signing him to a 3/30 would be regretting it around the middle of May.
I’d be stunned if he got more than a year with a club option or mutual option.
Kinda crazy he was only 25 when the Yankees gave up on him. Never understood why, even though Andujar took the 3b job at the time (and I’m a big Andujar fan), Cashman moved on from him even though he had such versatility. The concussions haunted him for multiple seasons and after having a bout of vertigo recently I will never short change a concussion.
I’ve heard Padres.kicked the tires on Segura and Drury…
Probably got turned down even though they offered bigger money too.
Reds fan? Lol I’d be jealous, too.
He had a solid playoff performance. Competitive teams short on pop could use this guy. I can see a Mets reunion.
This is a move AA should make for multiple reasons.
Wild card move for the Braves. He can play outfield, which is a plus… but I’m calling it now… put him at 2nd, move Oz to his former SS position.
Had that thought also. Still think they want to see how Grissom does though. Ozzie doesn’t have the best arm for SS ideally but makes a great 2B. Drury making it an option adds to his value though. Injuries happen all of the time.
I know. Just teasing some food for thought more than anything
This is a move AA should make. Power bat that could play LF, DH, backup 1B & 2B.
More than 100 points above his career OPS at age 29? More than one year and more than $6 M is an overpay.
Ok. It’s settled. My wife just came in and said “he has a swing tailor made for Fenway. Bloom better not f%$#ing blow this”.
The obligatory “Devers replacement?”.
Wouldn’t mind a reunion with the D-Backs on a 2 year deal. 3B/DH mostly plus flexibility to give just about any other position a day off as needed. If the numbers continue to justify the contract, flip for catching or bullpen help.
Brandon Drury was one of the few bright spots for the Reds last season
Padres need to re-sign him! Great protection for Manny in the lineup as the Padres DH and occasional 1B or OF option.
Kind of sad when Conforto and Profar are listed as extra bats
Mets should sign Drury or Luke Voit to DH with Vogelbach
They certainly could use a RH batter. Ruf needs to go bye byes
I’m showing interest in Vivian at work. I hope she signs a contract.
Judging by what he did in SD, I’d say 3/45 Mil. And that’s being Nice. With Today’s market being what it is. It’s Probably closer to 2/28 & that Still is Being Nice.
Emmanuel Rivera might be as good as Drury. Diamondbacks are not going to catch Dodgers, Padres, Mets, Phillies or Atlanta. Drury will get more than a one-year deal. Why not take Rivera out for a longer spin and see what he can do? Platooning Rojas is an acceptable back-up plan.
I like Rivera a lot. His defense was surprisingly smooth (which is more than either Rojas or Drury can say) and he squared up a decent number of pitches.
The difference between his defensive stats in AZ and KC are kind of gnarly though, so I don’t really know what to expect going forward. Let the man play!
Highheat
Do you think the Dbacks are looking at Drury as the utility guy in place of Rojas? Trade Rojas. Having a right handed utility guy instead of the left handed Rojas makes it more likely the Dbacks keep all 4 left handed OF.
If they are, they shouldn’t. They already have RHH for every infield spot (I know Ketel is a SH, but he hits LHP better), and any UTIL add should be capable of covering SS (every position is covered by at least 3 people on the 26-man, except SS).
If anything, they might be looking at him over the spot that Pavin currently occupies on the roster (since Drury has also covered the COF historically) if they intend to stash Thomas in AAA to work on his swing.
Highheat,
With an all RHH infield and C, plus Lewis and Drury to play the OF corners, that would be a stronger lineup against left handed pitching, and expose only 1 of the LHH OF to left handed pitching. So, either Pavin or Rojas replaced by Drury.
I think it would be a smart move by the Dbacks.
Highheat,
And against RHP, Walker will bat usually anyway. Ketel switch hitter. Perdomo at SS. Rojas at 3b. Herrera C.. and the 4 left handed OF.
McCarthy might be able to stay platoon neutral, so that could solve the one LHH OF in the lineup. Could still play one at DH (which would probably be Drury) to get Carroll developmental reps against LHP as well (gotta happen sometime).
Pavin is redundant on this roster as constructed, but fortunately still has options; so they don’t have to give up on him entirely, but that probably leaves the 40-man subtraction as one of Uceta/Widener (keep in mind we also have to add Pfaadt to get him to MLB).
I think the Reds rumors might come into play as a way to clear a 40-man spot and move back some timelines for adds while getting some IF depth.
I would legitimately cry laughing if they trade Fletcher (pick was part of the Goldy deal) for McLain (they received a compensation pick for not signing him in 2018 draft that later turned into Walston).
Vs. RHP Vs. LHP
Carroll McCarthy
McCarthy Marte
Marte Drury
Walker Walker
Varsho Lewis
Rojas Rivera
Drury Kelly
Kelly Ahmed
Perdomo Carroll
Obviously those won’t be the exact orders, but not terrible starting points. Kind of hard to decide who goes up top and how far up.
I’m hoping the Cubs show some interest in Drury
Brandon Drury is not worth more than 1/$6million. Dudes a DFA waiting to happen
Drury will get a similar deal to Justin Turner, maybe even slightly better. (Note that I am commenting what I would predict will happen, not what I would do as a team or as a GM)
Yet another hot bat traded midseason to the Prellers then instantly cooled off.
Would love to see the Cubs either pick up Drury or Hosmer (with the latter to be had for the league minimum to play 1B). Or sign Drury to play third and put Hosmer at first and trade Wisdom…the strikeouts are just wearing on me.
With those two guys in place, the Cubs would have a very solid lineup.
I think Mertz will be better than Hosmer.
Might as well add Conforto to that mix, as well. I like adding the versatile Drury, however, don’t see Hosmer bringing much to the party.
But if the Padres and/or the Red Sox are paying most of his cheese, and the Cubbies are only on the hook for the league minimum, well, why not? Might be able to flip him and that low salary for something in July.
Unless Boston pays like 80% of his salary and it doesn’t take more than 2 maybe 3 low to mid level prospects then I don’t think he’s worth trading for. Plus when he was traded to Bawston I think a full no trade kicked in. If that’s true, he would probably veto the trade. I’d rather try to sign Mancini.
So your solution is to pay a guy nearly 10 million a season whose career triple slash line is the exact same as Wisdoms and has a lower career WAR.
Drury had a nice 90 some games last year. Aside from that he has been a wet turd. The guy is a worthy gamble at 1 year 5 million but anything more is far exceeding his risk vs reward
Padres are already paying near 100% of his salary. Boston doesn’t need to pay anything.
Boston also recently designated Hosmer for assignment.
Drury is hot garbage. Let’s put this into perspective, he posted a 2.6 WAR last year… which brings his CAREER WAR to 2. Is he a “late bloomer”? Perhaps but given he’s been terrible his entire career and aside from less than 100 games last year, was terrible then too.
The guy has Aquino/Dietrich written all over him.
I’m surprised he didn’t hit worse considering he was dealing with vertigo symptoms for years.