Oakland A’s: Unexciting Freddy Galvis option for infield

The Oakland A’s are not likely to make any blockbuster signings in free agency, but Freddy Galvis could be an option for their infield openings.

The Oakland A’s options are seemingly limited when it comes to shortstop this offseason. While they would like to keep Marcus Semien for the foreseeable future, he may well be outside their price range. Other options, such as Andrelton Simmons and Didi Gregorius, are also likely to cost more than the A’s are comfortable with.

This will likely lead to the A’s shopping in the bargain bin once again, bringing in a relatively unexciting option who can play at both short and second. One player that fits that description is former Reds infielder Freddy Galvis.

Galvis could be considered a poor man’s version of Semien. He has some power and speed, but has not put everything together over the course of a season. Galvis has displayed the ability to hit over 20 homers in a season, and has three seasons with double digit steals, but his production is hindered by a lack of patience at the plate.

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Nonetheless, Galvis has been a relatively steady player with the bat. He has produced a .247/.291/.385 batting line in his 3844 career plate appearances, with 156 doubles and 95 homers while stealing 56 bases. As a switch hitter, Galvis would also provide some balance to what has been a very right handed heavy lineup.

He also has the defensive versatility that the A’s like. While he is not going to be a Gold Glove caliber infielder, Galvis has been relatively solid with the glove at both second and short. He also has some experience at third and left, although he likely would not appear at either position unless the A’s desperately needed a replacement.

In theory, signing Galvis would not necessarily preclude the A’s from bringing Semien back. However, he would be a low cost alternative, providing similar results with the bat at a fraction of the cost. If Galvis could match Semien’s production, the A’s would be thrilled with that investment.

The Oakland A’s will need to find a shortstop. Freddy Galvis may not be an exciting player, but he could be the piece the A’s need as a stopgap.