Market still flush with free-agent role players

As 2017 approaches, most of the Hot Stove’s biggest names have found homes, although some high-profile bats and a high-upside arm remain on the market.

But successful teams are made up of more than just stars. There also are the guys who might not play every day or be five-tool talents but still bring something to the table that helps their teams find success.

Here’s a look at the best complementary players still available this offseason, broken down by role.

• Hot Stove Tracker

Right-handed power: Chris Carter Rather than give him a raise through arbitration, the Brewers non-tendered Carter and took a chance on Eric Thames. Now the slugger might have to wait in line behind bigger names such as Edwin Encarnacion, Mark Trumbo and Mike Napoli.

But like Encarnacion and Trumbo, Carter topped 40 home runs in 2016, and his 131 homers ranks sixth in MLB since ’13. Of course, that thump comes with a modest .314 career on-base percentage and MLB’s second-highest strikeout rate.

Carter also wasn’t a great fit as a regular first baseman on a National League club, as Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) puts him at -19 runs there in his career, and -10 in the outfield. A return to the American League as a designated hitter would suit him best.

Others: Mark Reynolds, Dae-Ho Lee

Left-handed power: Brandon Moss Moss’ weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 105 in 2016 put him just above the league average — not all that impressive for a corner-of-the-diamond player. However, that number was dragged down both by a season-ending 10-for-106 slump — Moss was batting .270/.344/.586 through Aug. 26 — and his struggles against southpaws (.232/.289/.375).

Even so, Moss smacked 28 home runs, thanks to his ability to consistently hit the ball high in the air. Per Statcast™, his average launch angle measured at 21 degrees. That was highest in the Majors, just ahead …

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