(RADIO.COM Sports) Throughout Michael Brantley's 12-year MLB career, the sweet-swinging four-time All-Star outfielder's biggest problem has been staying on the field. However, when he's done so, the 33-year-old Brantley has consistently been one of the elite players at his position.
Brantley has largely stayed healthy over the past three seasons, and he has been the fourth-most valuable left fielder in MLB since the start of the 2018 season, per FanGraphs, trailing only Christian Yelich, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto.
On top of that, Brantley, once an option in center field, has turned into an excellent defender in left field, posting 16 defensive runs saved over the past two seasons.
Following a two-year stint with the Houston Astros, Brantley once again finds himself on the free-agent market. While the Astros figure to be competitive for his services, they're among a group of five potential suitors we've identified as possible landing spots.
Houston Astros
Michael Brantley has spent the last two years with the Astros.Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThe Astros and Brantley would like to work out a new deal and have had discussions to such an end, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported in November. That shouldn't be especially surprising when you consider that the team's regular right fielder -- Josh Reddick -- has already announced he won't return to Houston next season, and it seems pretty unlikely that the team will retain franchise icon George Springer in center field. Whether the plan is to use Brantley in left field, at designated hitter or a bit of both, it would behoove the Astros to re-sign him if they hope to have any shot at reaching the American League Championship Series for the fifth consecutive season.
New York Yankees
Michael Brantley is reportedly a target of the Yankees.Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today SportsThe Yankees' ideal offseason would see them re-sign star infielder DJ LeMahieu, who has been one of the best players in the sport over the past two seasons, but they face competition for his services. As for Brantley, the Yankees have had contact with him, Buster Olney of ESPN reported, suggesting he could be a fallback option from an offensive standpoint. Under that scenario, the Yankees would likely move Gleyber Torres back to second base and in addition to signing Brantley would probably add a veteran shortstop like Andrelton Simmons, who has received interest from New York, RADIO.COM Sports insider Jon Heyman has previously reported.
Atlanta Braves
Michael Brantley is a free agent after posting an .840 OPS in 2020.Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today SportsIf the DH isn't going to return to the National League in 2021, the Braves may prefer to replace Marcell Ozuna's offensive production with a better defensive option, a bill that Brantley would fit. With Ronald Acuña Jr., Ender Inciarte and Christian Pache in the fold -- along with Drew Waters knocking on the door of the majors -- the Braves don't necessarily need to replace Ozuna's production with an outfielder. They could consider third base options instead, for example. That said, the Braves finished a game away from reaching the World Series in 2020, and the addition of Brantley to their lineup may help them in their quest to knock off the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors projected that Brantley will sign a two-year, $28-million deal with the Braves, one we believe would age pretty well.
St. Louis Cardinals
Michael Brantley is one of the game's elite corner outfielders.Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today SportsRather miraculously, the Cardinals overcame a borderline unfair schedule in 2020 -- brought on because of COVID-19 problems -- to return to the postseason a year after reaching the NLCS. While their first priority this winter is to attempt to re-sign franchise icons in catcher Yadier Molina and right-hander Adam Wainwright, they could stand to add some more production in the outfield this offseason. Tyler O'Neill, the team's primary left fielder in 2020, hit just .173 in the pandemic-shortened season. Center fielder Harrison Bader is more known for his defense. Right fielder Dexter Fowler is entering the final season of what's been a really disappointing five-year pact. Top prospect Dylan Carlson may be ready to take over one of the outfield spots on a full-time basis in 2021, and if you added Brantley into the mix with him, the Cardinals could boast above-average outfield production as soon as next season.
Chicago White Sox
Could Michael Brantley be a fit for the White Sox?Joe Nicholson/USA Today SportsAt first glance, some thought that the addition of outfielder Adam Eaton on a one-year, $7-million deal with a club option for a second season nixed the possibility of Brantley coming to Chicago, but that may not be the case. The White Sox remain in the Brantley sweepstakes, MLB insider Jayson Stark reported. From here, it's still a bit difficult to find an exact fit for Brantley defensively, because he's primarily a left fielder and the White Sox appear to be looking for a right fielder with Eloy Jimenez manning left. The White Sox could shift Jimenez more often to DH, but highly regarded prospect Andrew Vaughn may debut with the team in 2021 and primarily fill that role. Even so, the White Sox have have money to make a splash, and Brantley's bat would be a big addition to their lineup.
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