Righty Max Scherzer headlines top remaining free agents
Dec 11, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; A general view of a lobby at Manchester Grand Hyatt during the MLB Winter Meetings. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
As we approach the New Year, Hot Stove season is in full swing and there has been lots of movement in a relatively weak free agent class this winter. Lefty Jon Lester signed with the Chicago Cubs in early December, essentially kicking the offseason into high gear although other big names including Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez signed prior to Lester.
This offseason seemingly more than any other we have seen a multitude of high profile trades, with the San Diego Padres revamping their outfield, acquiring Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, and Justin Upton. The Chicago Cubs made a big splash in the trade market as well, picking up catcher Miguel Montero. The calendar turns to 2015 at midnight, and there is still a decent crop of talent available in free agency.
Let’s take a look at the top five remaining free agents.
Oct 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Norichika Aoki hits a RBI single against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning during game six of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
5) Nori Aoki – Outfielder
The outfielder will turn 33 years old on Jan. 5 and is a career .287 hitter over his three major league seasons. Aoki is capable of hitting a handful of homeruns, but is not exactly a potent power threat with a career high of 10 in 2012, although he only notched one last season with Kansas City.
The Japanese-born Aoki struggled in the playoffs this year, hitting only .195 which raises some red flags. Despite those struggles, he represents a low-cost, serviceable outfielder and as I mentioned in an earlier piece, he could be a good fit for the Cincinnati Reds.
Mar 5, 2014; Clearwater, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher
Brandon Beachy(37) warms up in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Brighthouse Networks Field. Mandatory Credit:
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
4) Brandon Beachy – Starting Pitcher
The 28-year old has yet to make it through a full major league season, but has shown flashes of being a mid-rotation starter when healthy.
Like Aoki, Beachy is a low-risk, decent reward option that has spent four seasons with the Atlanta Braves, with a career high with 25 starts in 2011. He is coming off his second Tommy John Surgery but has drawn interest from multiple clubs.
He owns a career 3.23 ERA and would virtually be a steal for a team that is willing to take a chance, if he stays healthy.
Sep 4, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder
Colby Rasmus(28) runs around the bases after he hit the game winning solo home run during the tenth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
3) Colby Rasmus – Outfielder
The Georgia native hits free agency in the prime of his career at 28 years old. Rasmus has the potential to clout 20 home runs, eclipsing the mark on three occasions but missing the threshold by two last year after he was limited to 104 games due to injury.
The still-young outfielder has some speed but isn’t really a stolen base threat and there have been questions about his defensive abilities.
He should not break the bank for a potential suitor, but likely commands a wealthier deal than Aoki.
Oct 21, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher
James Shieldsthrows a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during game one of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Square/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
2) James Shields – Starting Pitcher
The workhouse headed into the offseason as one of the top three available starters and has garnered interest from multiple clubs and has often been linked to the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants. With the Red Sox acquiring three starters this winter, they are likely out on Shields, but a handful of teams are probably still in the running.
The 33-year-old has surpassed 200 innings in each of the last eight seasons and has averaged 14 wins per season throughout his big league career. The only drawback for “Big Game James” Shields lies in his abysmal playoff numbers, including a 5.46 ERA.
Sep 25, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Max Scherzer(37) pitches in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
1) Max Scherzer – Starting Pitcher
The 2013 Cy Young Award winner is seeking a $200 million contact but has not been courted as much as had been hoped, as alluded to in one of my earlier pieces.
Scherzer owns a career 3.58 ERA and has pitched over 200 innings in each of the last two seasons. The 30-year-old punched out a career-high 252 hitters in 2014, although his ERA was a quarter point higher than in 2013.
Many teams have publicly stated that they will not pursue Scherzer, while others have kicked the tires regarding the righty.