Jose Iglesias (2.5 WAR)
Iglesias is the best of the available bunch, once you get past the idea that the Pirates aren’t signing Manny Machado or Elvis Andrus (Can opt out of the four years and $58 million remaining on his contract, which is doubtful).
Iglesias already posted a farewell message on Instagram, all but assuring his stint with the Tigers is over.
If the Pirates were to have any interest in Iglesias, and it’s doubtful they will, it would be as a starter and keep Newman as the backup.
Iglesias is coming off a decent year in which he hit .269/.310/.389 in 125 games for the Tigers.
Like Mercer, Iglesias isn’t anything spectacular with a bat in his hand, but he’s consistent in the numbers he puts up.
The big value in Iglesias though comes with his glove.
The problem the Pirates would face is Iglesias will be looking for a raise from the $6.3 million he made in 2018 and that likely doesn’t make him a target for the Bucs.
But the Pirates must improve their infield defense and that would happen with a guy like Iglesias.
However the weak shortstop class of free agents alone should drive his price out of the Pirates range.
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