Oakland Athletics’ Offseason Options: Shortstops
Sep 17, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) hits a two run home run against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Ian Desmond / 30 years old
Position: Shortstop
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6’ 3”, Weight: 215 lb.
This former 3rd rounder is easily the best from this year’s shortstop free agent class. However, this also makes him easily the most desirable and likely the most expensive. Having earned three silver slugger awards in a row for hitting 20+ HR’s and driving in 70+ RBI, Desmond will certainly be a hot commodity. However, this does not mean he is out of the A’s range because the market will dictate his price tag.
Should teams choose to focus on his struggles on the defensive side (143 errors over the past six years) as well as his declining batting average (.280 in 2013 – .232 in 2015) along with increased strikeout rate (22.1% in 2013 – 26.8% in 2015), he may not get as big of a payday as some might think. However, the A’s should still give him a look based on his potential and the fact that he would easily be the most talented shortstop to wear a green and gold uniform since Miguel Tejada. $11.5 million – his current annual salary – may seem like a lot right now, but the investment definitely could be worth the production.
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