While the MLB offseason is typically focused on the landing spots of the premier free agents, what about the markets for players that aren’t top-tier but still solid options? One under-the-radar free agent that could potentially help any number of teams is first baseman slugger C.J. Cron.

Cron’s journey to the big leagues began during his college years at the University of Utah. His powerful swing and ability to make consistent contact quickly drew attention from scouts and fans alike. As a first baseman and designated hitter, Cron’s offensive contributions have been a key factor in the success of the teams he’s played for. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the first round in 2011, Cron has spent 10 seasons in the big leagues providing quality offense at every stop of his career.

During stops with the Angels, Twins, Rays, and Tigers, Cron showed that he can be an everyday player that provides pop in the lineup but it wasn’t until 2021 that he was able to fully put his potential on display. Cron found a resurgence for his career over the past few seasons with the Colorado Rockies. Coming off knee surgery that ended his 2020 season early, Cron signed a minor league deal with the Rockies in 2021 and won the starting job at first base. A solid year in 2021 earned Cron a two-year contract extension with Colorado, where he was an All-Star in 2022. He continued to see some success in 2023 before being traded to the Angels in 2023.

Cron now finds himself as a free agent looking for a new home for the new season. Unfortunately for him, 2023 wasn’t as good as the previous couple of years. While he did hit 11 home runs while batting .260/.304/.476 with the Rockies, Cron played in just 15 games with the Angels following the trade. He hit just .200/.259/.260 with one home run and missed the entire month of September because of injury. Cron’s 2023 was mired by back spasms that kept acting up through the year.

Injuries are likely to be a concern for clubs as they assess the viability of signing a 34-year-old first baseman and designated hitter. The reason for this is that Cron’s offensive output is dependent on a healthy back and legs. Cron showed that his knee isn’t much of a problem anymore, but that problem has now moved into his back. Spasms are a bothersome injury that tends to linger, so Cron’s market could be hurt by concerns about his ability to stay healthy and productive.

Cron’s production in 2021 and ’22 could also be viewed as products of playing for the Rockies at Coors Field. It is true that Cron benefited greatly at home and did struggle more on the road. Despite having a large sample size playing elsewhere, the Coors Field bias could also play into teams being doubtful that he can still provide 25+ home runs in a season.

While Cron is primarily known for his offensive capabilities, his defensive skills should not be overlooked. As a first baseman, he has demonstrated agility, quick reflexes, and a reliable glove ability to pick throws in the dirt and stretch for difficult catches. He may not be the best glove out there, but he is plenty comfortable at the position.

But is there a market for him?

The market for Cron is one where he may have to settle for a minor-league contract once again. The concerns of his health could force him to settle for such a deal and try to prove that he is healthy and capable. His market may also have to wait as Jorge Soler and J.D. Martinez still remain as top free agents for teams needing a DH while Rhys Hoskins remains one of the top free agent first baseman. Once those players come off the board, teams could pivot to taking a gamble on Cron at a more reasonable price. The Rockies made the gamble in 2021 and it paid off quite well for them as Cron came just shy of 30 home runs in back-to-back seasons, was an All-Star, and had a career-high 102 RBI in 2022.

Depth can be hard to come by, but Cron may still have some good baseball left in him. Load management may have to be part of his game or he may have to enter a platoon situation. Cron has been adept at hitting both lefties and righties, with an affinity for hitting against same-handed pitchers, but a job is a job and Cron is a reliable bat.

As spring training gets closer, teams will become more desperate to fill out their rosters. There are legitimate concerns about him, but teams would be wise to keep on eye on Cron and give him a chance in big league camp to prove he’s healthy and ready to mash dingers heading into the 2024 season.