PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Decisions, decisions (free agent driven)
Sep 15 2018
Jordy Mercer (SS, PIT) has avoided arbitration every year with the Pirates, and has now arrived at free agency. He is a solid-average defender, but a below-average offensive contributor (ranked 14th in NL shortstops OPS). If the Pirates are not able to re-sign Mercer, what are their in-house options, considering backups Sean Rodríguez (2B, PIT) and Jung-Ho Kang (3B, PIT) are free agents as well?
Kevin Newman (SS, PIT) has been the regular shortstop at AAA-Indianapolis since midway through the 2017 season. He made frequent contact at the plate (88% ct%) with a decent (0.53) Eye, but he could stand to walk more (6% bb%) and has very little power. He was recalled in late August, and is getting semi-regular playing time...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Tomorrow
The Cardinals have a deep outfield bench but Báez could make an impact. Plus more from around the NL Central.
Jun 12 2026 3:05am
Jun 12 2026 3:05am
With Colt Keith struggling, is it time for the Tigers to give Jace Jung another shot? Plus, more potential call-ups for the White Sox, SP depth in CLE, an intriguing waiver claim in KC, and a possible closer in MIN.
Jun 11 2026 3:07am
Jun 11 2026 3:07am
With Hunter Brown returning soon, Mike Burrows may be the odd man out in the rotation.
Jun 10 2026 3:05am
Jun 10 2026 3:05am
Brody Hopkins is showing control improvements in Triple-A - could it be enough to get a shot in the majors? Plus, Judge injury fallout in NYY, rotation updates in BOS and BAL, and more.
Jun 9 2026 3:05am
Jun 9 2026 3:05am
We take a tour of NL West prospects with Ryan somewhere in their names and then use team-wide stats to look at why the Padres have had success while the Giants have struggled mightily.
Jun 6 2026 8:34pm
Jun 6 2026 8:34pm
