Mercer (1.1 WAR)
The thing about Mercer is the Pirates know what they have in him and are comfortable with him.
Obviously they aren’t comfortable enough to pay him $6 million plus, but if Mercer could be had for $2-3 million for next season it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
He could fill the Clint Barmes role for Newman that Barmes filled very professionally for Mercer.
Mercer would be open to a return, but also is going to test the market. If he can get an offer for more money and more playing time elsewhere, he should take it. He’s earned that.
Offensively Mercer wasn’t terrible in 2018 as he put up his typical Mercer-like numbers of .251/.315/.381. If Mercer is anything, he’s consistent as he owns a career .line of 256/.316/.381.
The issue with Mercer wasn’t necessarily his bat, but he really lost a step defensively.
Mercer had a DRS of -9 this season. To put it in perspective, in 2014 he had a DRS of +9 so that’s an 18 run swing for the worse in four seasons.
That’s worrisome, but if Mercer didn’t have to play every day he makes some sense to bring back at the right price.
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