What’s Next: Adam Dunn, Angels Targets, and More

There appears to be an increasing likelihood that slugging first baseman Adam Dunn will be leaving the Washington Nationals this off-season. Dunn has talked openly about his desire to stay in Washington, but the two sides have not progressed in extension talks and all signs are pointing to Dunn testing the free agent waters once his contract expires.

Dunn is said to be seeking a four-year commitment, but would be open to taking three years if it meant staying with the Nats. Washington GM Mike Rizzo entertained offers for Dunn during the season, but wasn’t able to find value that would have exceeded the two draft picks he will obtain should Dunn reject arbitration and sign elsewhere.

As MLBTradeRumors points out, Dunn is projected as a Type-A free agent, but would rank low on the list of available Type-A’s. That could mean that the Nats would not get a first-rounder as compensation if the team that signs Dunn also signs one of the players ranked above him.

Dunn has stated repeatedly that he does not want to become a full-time DH, so it would appear that his best bet is to stay in the National League. The market for his services will be quite limited if he sticks to that stance, however, as Dunn is a poor defender at first base, and even worse in the outfield. The Cubs, who have an opening at first after the Derrek Lee trade, seem to be the most logical fit, but if he doesn’t land there, he should find a greater pool of interested parties in the AL. Of course, that would mean becoming a DH, but it should also mean that he could more easily obtain the four-year deal he seeks.

The Nats are already formulating a backup plan should Dunn leave, as expected. According to MASN’s Ben Goessling, Washington would prefer a better defender at first and Tampa’s soon-to-be free agent Carlos Pena would fit the bill. Pena provides excellent defense and has had multiple 40-home run seasons. If Pena can return to health, he would be a significant upgrade with the glove and should have little problem matching the offensive production that Dunn has provided. Coming off an injury-riddled year, Pena should also come significantly cheaper than Dunn for the Nats.

Angels Ready to Spend

Los Angeles Angels GM Tony Reagins has stated that his team will not face budget limitations this winter and people around baseball are expecting the Angels to make a big push for several of the top free agents. Heading their wishlist is Rays outfielder Carl Crawford, but Reagins will face stiff competition for the player everyone expects to be the most in-demand.

The Angels are expected to trade C/1B Mike Napoli this off-season, but they could hold on to him as well and move him back behind the plate. Napoli has filled-in well for injured first baseman Kendry Morales, but with Morales coming back healthy next season, Napoli becomes expendable as he is not a good defender behind the plate. The decision on whether or not they trade Napoli could impact the market for Dunn as well, especially if the Cubs get involved there.

Look for the Angels to be perhaps the most talked about team in the AL during the hot stove season. In addition to Crawford, they will make a play for Jayson Werth, Adrian Beltre, and relievers such as Rafael Soriano or former Angels farmhand Bobby Jenks.

First Base Musical Chairs

In addition to the open first base job with the Cubs, there could be openings in as many as 11 other teams, that number grows even larger when you also count teams that could look to upgrade their designated hitter.

Potential free agents that could fill those spots include the afore-mentioned Dunn, Pena, and Lee, but could also include Paul Konerko, Lance Berkman (club option), Mike Lowell, Adam LaRoche (mutual option), Aubrey Huff, Lyle Overbay, and Jason Giambi.

Giambi has said he has no plans to retire and seems to be enjoying life in Colorado. With Todd Helton‘s declining production and continued health concerns, it seems logical that the Rockies would make a play to re-sign Giambi. LaRoche could also stay put and the marriage between the Giants and Huff seems like a good fit as well. There is very little chance that Konerko is not back with the White Sox next year.

That leaves just Dunn, Pena, Lee, Lowell, Berkman, and Overbay on the open market. Atlanta might be content to move Troy Glaus back to first (assuming they re-sign him) and let Omar Infante become an everyday player at either second or third. The Braves don’t like to spend big when they don’t have to and with Bobby Cox retiring after this season, this could become a good time for Atlanta to re-tool their payroll.

Still, depending on what some clubs choose to do with younger players in places like Houston and Seattle, there should be plenty of takers for all the players mentioned, even if they come as DH-type jobs in the AL, where many teams could use a better bat.