Fitting pretty: Finding teams for top FA bats

Nearly two weeks after the Winter Meetings, many of the top free-agent hitters are now off the board.

Third baseman Justin Turner has moved close to a deal to return to the Dodgers, joining Yoenis Cespedes (Mets), Dexter Fowler (Cardinals), Ian Desmond (Rockies), Josh Reddick (Astros), Carlos Gomez (Rangers) and several others in agreeing to deals. Yet for teams still in need of a potent bat, particularly one that fits at designated hitter or a corner spot, plenty of options remain available.

Here is a look at five high-profile free-agent hitters and where each might fit best, based on player skill set, team needs and each hitter’s track record in free agency. (Note: Ages listed are “seasonal ages,” meaning as of July 1, 2017.)

• Hot Stove Tracker

Edwin Encarnacion, 1B/DH, age 34Best fit: Rangers

The defending American League West champs have a battle on their hands, as the Astros have loaded up with Reddick, Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann this offseason — and might not be done.

Meanwhile, with Prince Fielder and Mitch Moreland gone, the Rangers have an opening at first base and DH. As of now, the club’s options at those spots likely would be the relatively unproven trio of Joey Gallo, Jurickson Profar and Ryan Rua.

Encarnacion would bring a far more established bat. His 193 home runs rank second in the Majors over the past five seasons, and he has hit .272/.367/.544 in that span. While he can play first base, Texas would have the option to stick him at DH as much as needed and let his bat do the talking.

On the other hand, Encarnacion does turn 34 in January, and the Rangers might prefer to supplement their internal options with one of the many more affordable corner bats still on the market. Still, Encarnacion would be the biggest upgrade the club could sign for a season when a win or two might make a huge difference.

Other fits: Indians, Blue Jays, Astros, Cardinals

Mark Trumbo, 1B/DH/OF, age 31Best fit: Rockies

Colorado’s five-year pact with Desmond was surprising for multiple reasons. First, signing a player who had declined a qualifying offer meant losing a first-round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, as the Rockies had the highest unprotected slot, at No. 11. Second, the club has said it plans to put Desmond — who converted from shortstop to center field last year — at first base.

However, now that the first-round pick is gone, …

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