The Morning Chop: Baby Watch, Valbuena

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Aug 29, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) sits in the dugout during the game against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agent Profile: Luis Valbuena

CONNOR BYRNE / MLBTRADERUMORS.COM

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While Valbuena has been terrific against righties, his bat has been virtually unplayable at times versus same-handed pitchers. In 530 career PAs, he has hit a meager .221/.310/.356 against lefties – including a lackluster .206/.299/.335 over the past three seasons.

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“Several” teams have expressed interest in Valbuena this offseason, his agent, Scott Schneider, said last month. The only reported suitors are the Yankees and Rays. Neither team looks like an obvious fit, though, given the options they have on hand at third, first (Valbuena’s occasional position since 2015) and designated hitter.

Clubs that could still stand to upgrade in the corner infield include the Braves, Red Sox, Athletics and Rangers. Atlanta might be the best choice, as Valbuena and right-handed-hitting third baseman Adonis Garcia would have the potential to make for a formidable offensive platoon.

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[ Ed. note: Valbuena was non-tendered by the Astros after receiving $6.1 million in 2016.

As a lefty hitter, yes – you would think there might be an obvious platoon situation available for the Braves with the RHH Garcia. And the career numbers shown above would back that up… except that you should then also quote his hitting vs. RH Pitching:

.234 / .319 / .403 / .722 with a 98 wRC+ score.

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That’s not a lot better. Also, in 2016, Valbuena hit better vs. LHP (.267, nine points higher than against RHP). Plus, if you think there’s something to the splits, then the biggest differential involved his home/road numbers: .286 at Houston, .234 everywhere else.

Now Valbuena was hurt last year and was limited to 292 AB’s… with 13 dingers in that limited time frame. But nine of those did come at Minute Maid Park and it is noteworthy that Houston chose not to re-sign him (though they are tight with money and they had at least a couple of other 3B options available). That said, they couldn’t move him in a trade, either.

The Braves have probably checked in on Valbuena – heck, they have on virtually anyone carrying an infielder’s glove – but we haven’t seen any concrete rumors regarding him thus far. ]

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