MLB: Top Six Free Agents
Are you a fan of all-out chaos? Do you like absolute insanity that will undoubtedly blow your mind? Well, then you must be a fan of the MLB offseason, where nobody is safe, nobody is off limits, and nobody is untouchable.
Every year, the offseason provides us with roster moves that completely change the landscape of each league. Trades, signings of free agents, contract extensions, coaching and managerial changes, and more are always expected, and can happen at the snap of a finger.
Last offseason featured a stacked class of free agents. Daniel Murphy, Yoenis Cespedes, Chris Davis, Justin Upton and Johnny Cueto among others were all on the market. Out of those five alone, three changed teams, while two stayed with their respective clubs.
Zack Greinke also inked a huge deal with the Diamondbacks. David Price signed a large contract with the Red Sox. Jason Heyward declined a contract to remain in St. Louis to sign a lucrative deal with the Cubs. The Royals managed to keep Alex Gordon, but not Ben Zobrist, who signed a four-year contract with the Cubs. John Lackey and Jordan Zimmermann also changed teams by going to the Cubs and Tigers, respectively. The list of free agents last year was incredibly packed with talent, and the hot stove was hotter than ever.
This year, the list of free agents is not as widespread. There are still some big names on the market this offseason, and all of those big names are expected to receive very lucrative deals. This offseason, the fates of six standout performers lie in all 30 teams’ hands. All of these free agents have enjoyed relatively successful 2016 campaigns, which drastically increases their value. The question as this offseason commences: where will these players ultimately go?
Yoenis Cespedes
Although the Mets have yet to confirm, multiple sources have reported that Yoenis Cespedes has opted out of his Mets contract. Last season, Cespedes was traded in July to the Mets, and he ultimately helped turn their season around. In the offseason, Cespedes surprised everyone by signing a three-year deal with the Mets with an opt-out after the first year.
This year, Cespedes once again led the Mets offensively despite nagging quad injuries that hindered his production during the second half. Although Cespedes wants to remain a Met, the thought of more money and a longer contract has always crossed his mind.
Because of the weakness of this year’s free agent class, Cespedes will easily earn the biggest contract of his career. The 31-year old outfielder is in the prime of his career, and many teams would benefit having his offensive production in their lineups.
Possible suitors: CHC, TOR, TEX, NYM, SF
Ian Desmond
The 2015 season was a down year for shortstop Ian Desmond. Because of his limited production, Desmond was not highly sought-after during the offseason. In fact, Desmond remained a free agent until February 29th, as Spring Training was preparing to begin.
Texas decided to take a chance with Desmond by signing him and putting him in the outfield, a place Desmond was relatively unfamiliar with. Although Desmond was far from perfect in his new role, his offensive production increased, and by the All-Star break, Desmond was moved up in the order.
His flexibility at multiple positions has increased Desmond’s value, which will now make him more worthy of a longer, more lucrative deal.
Possible suitors: SF, TOR, PIT, NYM, TEX, PHI
Kenley Jansen
Kenley Jansen appeared in 71 games in 2016, finishing with 47 saves and a 1.83 ERA. These stats, combined with a high strikeout and low walk rate led Jansen to win the NL Reliever of the Year award. Now, the flame-throwing right-hander is a free agent for the first time in his career. The market does not contain many closers, but Jansen is easily one of the two best on the market. Jansen is still very young, which makes a long-term deal seem very likely.
His performance during the postseason undoubtedly increased his value to potential suitors, of which there will be plenty.
Possible suitors: NYY, SF, SEA, CHC, HOU, LAD
Aroldis Chapman
Speaking of young, flame-throwing closers, Aroldis Chapman is also a free agent this offseason. The 28-year old has once again proven his worth as a closer with an incredible 2016 season. Chapman began the year as a Yankee, finishing the year as not only a Cub, but a World Series champion. Chapman is a free agent for the first time in his career, and he will be seeking a big-money deal. Given his regular season success, playoff experience, and experience pitching in both leagues, the market for Chapman should be very high.
Chapman does come with some extra off-the-field baggage, which may turn some teams away and could potentially even keep him on the market longer.
Possible suitors: SF, NYM, SEA, LAD, HOU, CHC
Jose Bautista
2010 was a career-year for Jose Bautista, as he slugged over 50 home runs to become a mainstay in the Blue Jays lineup. His performance earned him a contract extension that is now coming to an end. Bautista is a free agent for the first time since 2009, and despite a down year is still worth a big contract.
Bautista possesses the ability to play both corner outfield positions, as well as both corner infield positions. He can also prove worthy at the DH spot based on his offensive production alone, and can fit right into an AL lineup. The 36-year old would love to stay in Toronto, but if big money calls, Bautista will follow.
Possible suitors: BOS, BAL, NYY, CHW, TEX, TOR
Edwin Encarnacion
The 2016 AL Wild Card Game may go down as the single greatest Wild Card Game in history. The game itself featured a pitching duel that started with Chris Tillman and Marcus Stroman, and ended with both bullpens trying to outmatch the other.
From the 6th inning onward, there was little production from either offense. In the bottom of the 11th, Baltimore decided to roll with Ubaldo Jimenez instead of star closer Zach Britton. This managerial decision set up a magical moment, when Edwin Encarnacion clobbered a three-run home run to win it.
Next: Cubs Decline Hammel's Option
That great moment may wind up being one of Encarncaion’s last as a Blue Jay, as he is also set to become a free agent. The slugger has experience at first base, and his power makes him fit for a DH role.
Possible suitors: BOS, BAL, NYY, CHW, TEX, HOU, PIT, TOR