As the 2016-2017 MLB free agency signing period gets underway, don’t expect to see the large amount of signings that we are accustomed to as baseball fans. A weak free agent market will turn the attention of baseball executives to acquiring their needs via trades rather than free agency.
The 2016-2017 MLB free agent class has been highlighted for its severe lack of depth over the last few weeks, with that class becoming even less appealing over the past five days with some of the best available free agents being extended the dreaded qualifying offer by their respective clubs.
Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Mark Trumbo, Ian Desmond, Kenley Jansen, Justin Turner, Jeremy Hellickson, Neil Walker, Yoenis Cespedes and Dexter Fowler were all extended qualifying offers for the 2017 season at $17.2 million dollars. Teams will now have to forfeit an early draft pick if they choose to sign those players.
Which brings me to my opening statement. Baseball front office executives will rely heavily on the trade market to acquire their respective needs this winter, and avoid losing a draft pick or overpaying for a second-tier free agent. As a prime example, the best available starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson fits into the middle of most teams’ starting rotations, but will cost them a draft pick and a multi-year deal for somewhere in the ballpark of $8-$10 million per year.
The poor market coupled with the fact that teams are positioning themselves to follow the Theo Epstein blueprint will make for some excellent trade discussion this winter. Here are five trades that need to happen in the 2016-2017 offseason.