Editorials

Dodgers 2014 Off-Season Free Agent Profile: Chris Getz

Chris GetzAs 2014 approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers may be done with their moves and overall roster after their latest bullpen pickups; however, we continue to take a look at players that could still find their way on the Opening Day roster.

Today, we take a look at a second baseman that can play multiple positions and gives the Dodgers a versatile player off the bench:



Chris Getz

Getz is primarily a second baseman that’s spent the last four seasons with the Kansas City Royals. In his career, he’s hit .251 with 87 stolen bases over six seasons.

2013 Season

This past season, Getz hit .220 with 16 stolen bases in 78 games for the Royals. He started 62 games at second base for the AL Central club.

Pros

The 30-year-old has played three of the four infield positions in his career, although he’s primarily been at second base. The Dodgers may need help at second base if Alexander Guerrero can’t handle the position change. Getz could fill the void left by Nick Punto and fill in around the infield, spelling the starters when they need a day off. He’s filled the backup role in the past and would not be adamant on being an everyday player.

Getz brings another dynamic to his game in the form of speed. He’s stolen as many as 25 bases in a season and was 16-19 in stolen bases last season. This would give manager Don Mattingly an option late in the game to try and score an important run by pinch-running with Getz. His speed gives him an advantage over most utility players and could be a weapon in a close game.

Cons

The left-handed hitting Getz hasn’t made much of an impact with his bat in his career. His highest batting average in a season was .275 in 2012, but that was in just 64 games. The lack of presence at the plate shortens the Dodger bench late in the game when Mattingly needs a pinch-hitter. Getz may be able to hit well in limited time but would be an injury away from starting and he could struggle.

Although Getz has played three positions in the infield, he has only played one extensively in his career. He’s played a combined six games at third base and shortstop and didn’t play there in the past two seasons. The 30-year-old could get some work there in the spring and be comfortable at those positions but it would take some work. The Dodgers need one player off the bench that could handle the infield and Getz has most of his work at second base.

Potential Contract

Getz made just over $1 million last season and will get a two-year deal around the same value. He’s young enough to command a multi-year deal but teams will be hesitant to hand one out. Getz will likely get a two-year, $3 million deal.

Chances Dodgers Sign Him: 20%

The Dodgers haven’t been linked to any of the utility infielders on the market except for Michael Young, but they’ll be looking as the spring approaches. Getz would fill a void for the Dodgers and brings a good attitude to the locker room.

Look for the Dodgers to sign at least one of the available middle infielders and Getz’s speed may make him the one.

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Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

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