The Chicago White Sox released infielder Brett Lawrie on Friday, March 3 but he is expected to clear waivers and become a free agent. The latest MLB rumors have linked him to several teams that need a backup second or third baseman.
Brett Lawrie hit .248 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 94 games last season in his first year with the White Sox. The team tendered his contract but injuries to Lawrie's lower body and the White Sox's rebuild prompted the move, per the Chicago Sun-Times.
At 27 years old, Brett Lawrie still has the potential to be an everyday infielder for many teams but he could settle as a platoon player or backup. Here are the three potential destinations for the former first-round draft pick.
Toronto Blue Jays
Brett Lawrie spent three seasons with the Blue Jays from 2011 to 2014 and he is Canadian. It makes sense for Toronto to sign their former players as a backup third baseman, and possibly a starting second baseman.
According to TSN, the Blue Jays are still without starting second baseman Devon Travis, who underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason. Third baseman Josh Donaldson, who Lawrie was traded for back in 2014, is out due to a calf injury so the Blue Jays have a good reason to re-sign the 27-year-old infielder.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals have a bad history with Brett Lawrie as the hot-headed infielder slid hard on Alcides Escobar back in 2015 that caused a sprained knee. Lawrie then got plunked by the late Yordano Ventura and Kelvin Herrera threw behind his back as payback.
However, Max Rieper of SB Nation believes the Royals should take a chance on Lawrie since manager Ned Yost does not like the team's options at second base. If the Royals sign him, he could start at second base while providing backup at third just in case Mike Moustakas goes down with an injury or gets traded.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are looking for a right-handed bat and a player to platoon the infield. David Hill of FanSided pointed out that Brett Lawrie is a fit to the Rays because he is powerful right-handed hitter while he can play multiple positions in the infield.
Hill also noted that Lawrie has not played first base but he could easily learn the position this spring. He can then platoon with Logan Morrison as the Tampa Bay tries to get competitive this season.
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