Minnesota Twins: Power hitting options in free agency
25+ Home Run Hitters
The long-time Texas Ranger had a dismal year hitting with a .193 average, but he still pounds the ball over the fence. After hitting a career-high 34 home runs with the Cleveland Indians in 2016, the first baseman/designated hitter came back to Texas and hit 29 home runs. Other than his power production, he was underwhelming in his return. Yet, he’s only a season removed from a great year, so he could be the ultimate low risk, high reward player.
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With the Oakland Athletics to start 2017, Alonso hit 22 home runs and 49 RBIs with a .266 average, good enough to make his first All-Star Game. After being traded to the Seattle Mariners, he finished with 28 home runs and 67 RBIs with a .266 average. The great season was unexpected considering he never hit more than nine home runs and 62 RBIs in his previous seven seasons. So, Alonso may not be the greatest option for a team who wants a reliable power hitter.
Frazier is a two-time All-Star whose best years came with the Cincinnati Reds. Yet, he had a career-high 40 home runs and 98 RBIs with the Chicago White Sox in 2016. Last season, he started with the White Sox, but finished with the New York Yankees, batting .213 with 27 home runs and 76 RBIs. While his average has taken a dip in the last two years, he’s hit at least 19 home runs in every season outside of his rookie season in 2011. He likely demands in the $15 million per year range.
The 36-year-old is way past his prime, but still hits home runs finishing with 26 in 2017. In the previous three seasons, he hit 20, 26 and 30 home runs. Additionally, he had career-highs of 41 and 43 home runs with the New York Yankees in 2011 and 2012. Sure, those days are long gone, but he’s still capable of hitting for power as an ideal designated hitter candidate in the AL. It’s fair to point out he finished last season batting .161 after a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Outside of J.D. Martinez, Hosmer may be the most intriguing option in free agency as the most well-rounded of the power hitters. In his seventh season with the Kansas City Royals, he hit .318 with 25 home runs and 94 RBIs. That marks the second straight year of 25 home runs for the first baseman. Speaking of first base, he’s also known as one of the top fielders at the position. In all, he’s a complete player and at 28 years old, his best years are yet to come.