Free agency always has its fair share of head-scratching moments, and this offseason has given us a prime example: Fausto Cruz vs. Benji Gil.
Cruz, a 1993 fourth-round pick (87th overall), signed a $50,000 deal with the Washington Senators. Meanwhile, Gil—an undrafted player from 1992—has been the subject of 14 bids, with a three-year contract worth $100,000 per season seemingly on the horizon.
So why is one player in high demand while the other flies under the radar? Let’s take a closer look.
Fausto Cruz: A Defensive Utility Man with Speed but Limited Upside
Cruz isn’t flashy, and he won’t be a game-changer at the plate, but he does offer some intriguing versatility and speed.
Hitting Profile
Cruz has decent contact skills (8 across the board) but lacks any real power, maxing out at a potential of 4. His gap power (8) and ability to avoid strikeouts (9) are respectable, and he has an excellent eye (11)—suggesting he could be an on-base guy rather than a slugger.
Defensive Profile
Cruz’s defensive value comes from his ability to play multiple infield positions. While his range (11), arm (10), and double-play ability (10) make him a solid second baseman, his shortstop rating (5) leaves much to be desired. His defensive ratings suggest he’ll make the routine plays but won’t be a standout fielder.
Speed and Baserunning
If Cruz has one major asset, it’s his speed and base-stealing ability. With a 14 in stealing ability and a 9 in speed, he could be a legitimate threat on the basepaths. His bunting skills (13 for sacrifice, but only 3 for bunting for a hit) indicate he can lay down a sac bunt but isn’t much of a slap hitter.
Overall Outlook
Cruz profiles as a utility player, capable of filling in at second base and offering speed off the bench. His lack of power and limited range at shortstop hurt his stock, but he’s the type of guy who can be useful in the right situation.
Benji Gil: A More Polished Player with an MLB Future
Unlike Cruz, Benji Gil is generating serious attention—and for good reason.
Hitting Profile
Gil has a slightly better bat than Cruz, with a 9 in contact, 10 in gap power, and 6 in home run power (with a potential of 8). His eye (9) and strikeout avoidance (7) make him a well-rounded offensive player—not a superstar, but someone who could hold his own at the plate.
Defensive Profile
This is where Gil separates himself from Cruz. He is a true shortstop (14 rating) with exceptional range (17), a strong arm (17), and excellent double-play ability (17). Simply put, he is a far superior defensive player, and his ability to play shortstop at a high level is a major reason he’s so coveted.
Speed and Baserunning
If Cruz is fast, Gil is even faster. With a 14 in speed, 16 in stealing, and 14 in baserunning instincts, he has the tools to be an elite base-stealer. Unlike Cruz, he can also bunt for a hit (9), giving him another weapon to get on base.
Overall Outlook
Gil looks like a potential everyday starter at shortstop, bringing plus defense, above-average speed, and a competent bat. His ceiling is higher than Cruz’s, and he fits the mold of a top-of-the-order threat if he continues developing.
Comparing the Two: Why Is Gil in Higher Demand?
At first glance, both Cruz and Gil share some similar traits—decent contact hitters with good speed and strong plate discipline. But when you dig deeper, Gil has the clear advantage in several key areas:
| Category | Fausto Cruz | Benji Gil |
|---|---|---|
| Contact | 8 | 9 |
| Gap Power | 8 | 10 |
| Home Run Power | 3 (4 potential) | 6 (8 potential) |
| Eye (Discipline) | 11 | 9 |
| Avoid K’s | 9 | 7 |
| Speed | 9 | 14 |
| Stealing Ability | 14 | 16 |
| Shortstop Rating | 5 | 14 |
| Best Defensive Position | 2B | SS |
Key Differences
- Defense Matters – Cruz is limited to second base, while Gil can be a starting shortstop. A quality shortstop holds more value than a solid second baseman.
- Power & Hitting Potential – Gil has more pop in his bat, giving him a higher offensive ceiling.
- Baserunning & Speed – Both players are fast, but Gil is an elite baserunner, whereas Cruz is just very good.
- Position Value – Shortstops are harder to find than second basemen, making Gil more desirable.
When you stack them side by side, Gil is simply the better all-around player.
Who’s the Better Bet?
If you’re looking for a long-term starter, Benji Gil is the clear winner.
Gil has better defense, more offensive upside, and superior speed, making him a legitimate future MLB starter. That’s why teams are fighting for his services, offering multi-year deals, while Cruz was signed for just $50,000.
That’s not to say Cruz is worthless—he could be a valuable bench player, especially for a team that needs speed and a backup middle infielder. But he doesn’t have the same long-term projection as Gil.
At the end of the day, teams pay for impact players, not just depth pieces—and that’s why Gil is getting the big offers while Cruz is flying under the radar.