While I scramble to get some help fixing a dead sump pump to ward off the creeping waters that threaten to flood our basement (they’re on their way), I thought I’d point out that there has been another rare bird spotted: a free agent signing.
A re-signing, in this case, with the Red Sox re-upping with World Series hero Steve Pearce on a one-year, $6.25 million deal.
Sounds like a steal for a guy who hit .284/.378/.512 (140 wRC+) before tearing up the postseason. Then again, he was down in 2017, doesn’t offer any real defensive contributions, is more of a platoon righty, and turns 36 in April. I suppose it’s conceivable his market would have been more limited than the pure slash line would suggest.
Also, consider this:
For those who believe the Red Sox got a steal with Steve Pearce at one year and $6.25 million: It's a bigger guarantee than any 35+ position player received last season. The market has shifted hard against players over 35. Curious to see what Cruz, Beltre, Grandy, etc., receive.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 16, 2018
You factor in that this was a guy staying on a World Championship team that he seemed to really enjoy, and I’m not sure this seemingly cheap signing tells us too much about the broader market just yet.
Remember, even last year, when there was a clear free agent freeze out, the top of the market still got paaaaaaaid. It was only in the middle and lower tiers where there were some surprisingly modest deals (or guys who didn’t sign at all).