MLB Free Agents Tracker: Top 25 free agent hitters for 2017-18

(Photo by Brian Davidson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Davidson/Getty Images)
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MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

The MLB offseason is here! Follow the top hitters who are MLB Free Agents, including rumors and signings, here!

This offseason, we at Call to the Pen will be giving you a one-stop place to track all the latest on the biggest names who are MLB Free Agents. We will have a list of the top 25 hitters and top 25 pitchers. We will be keeping this up with any articles from CTTP with rumors on future destinations on these players. Each player will feature his age, 2017 stats, career stats, teams that either has shown interest or likely will have interest, a signing prediction from CTTP, and then a quick bit of info on each player.

Let’s start with the first batch of hitters:

MLB
MLB /

25. Danny Valencia, 1B/3B/OF

Age on 2018 opening day: 33
2017 stats: .256/.314/.411, 500 PA, 15 HR, 2 SB, 40/122 BB/K
Career stats: .269/.317/.427, 195/598 BB/K over 2940 PA
Interested teams: Twins, Royals, Rays, Mariners, Rockies
CTTP prediction: Rays, 1 year, $6.5 million

Info: Valencia is the type of guy who is a perfect single-year platoon hitter. He’s incredibly strong against lefties, carrying a .313/.370/.493 career line against them, almost 200 points higher than his split against righties. He can handle third in a pinch, but he’s mostly a first base/corner outfield/DH type at this point, but there’s plenty of value in that. He made $5.5 million last year.

CTTP links:

PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 11: Catcher Alex Avila
PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 11: Catcher Alex Avila /

24. Alex Avila, C

Age on 2018 opening day: 31
2017 stats: .264/.387/.447, 376 PA, 14 HR, 62/120 BB/K
Career stats: .243/.351/.401, 425/851 BB/K in 3,030 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Diamondbacks, Tigers, White Sox
CTTP prediction: Athletics, 2 years, $10M

Info: Avila has always walked well, but he’s also struggled to make consistent contact over his year, and he’s now coming off his second-best offensive season. He could push hard for a starting gig with that performance, and he’s coming off a season where he made just $2.5 million. He could attract a lot of interest to be a high-paid backup if he’s willing to go that route, but this prediction is based on pursuing a starting role.

CTTP links:

ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 26: Cameron Maybin
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 26: Cameron Maybin /

23. Cameron Maybin, OF

Age on 2018 opening day: 30
2017 stats: .228/.318/.365, 450 PA, 10 HR, 33 SB, 51/94 BB/K
Career stats: .255/.321/.372, 290/737 BB/K over 3,464 PA
Interested teams: White Sox, Mets, Giants, Royals, Tigers
CTTP prediction: Royals, 2 years, $17.5 million

Info: Maybin has turned into a very reliable player under the radar. He’s able to handle center field, but plays up to an elite level in left. He has a dynamic combination of power and speed, and what has been impressive in the last three seasons is that Maybin has been able to keep bump up his walk rate the last three seasons to 11.3% last year, and at the same time, he’s not striking out at a mid-20% rate like he was early in his career. His contact rate is not great, but he’s really developed into a Mike Cameron with less defensive skill.

CTTP links:

MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

22. Mark Reynolds, 1B

Age on 2018 opening day: 34
2017 stats: .267/.352/.487, 593 PA, 30 HR, 2 SB, 69/175 BB/K
Career stats: .237/.329/.455, 661/1,806 BB/K over 5,846 PA
Interested teams: Indians, Mariners, Rays, Red Sox, Royals, Twins, White Sox
CTTP prediction: Mariners, 2 years, $11.5 million

Info: Reynolds has been a high-strikeout, high-power guy since well before it was in vogue. When Ian Desmond went down for Colorado in 2017, Reynolds stepped in and hit 30 home runs on the season with his third-best OPS in his career. While not the youngest, Reynolds has been very consistent as a power hitter, even though he’s been used as a platoon or bench bat for much of his career. After earning just a couple million dollars the last few seasons, he’ll likely be easily swayed by someone offering a multi-year deal.

CTTP links:

MILWAUKEE, WI – SEPTEMBER 03: Neil Walker
MILWAUKEE, WI – SEPTEMBER 03: Neil Walker /

21. Neil Walker, 2B

Age on 2018 opening day: 32
2017 stats: .265/.362/.439, 448 PA, 14 HR, 55/77 BB/K
Career stats: .272/.341/.437, 375/754 BB/K in 4,332 PA
Interested teams: Angels, Mets, Padres, Brewers
CTTP prediction: Brewers, 1 year, $9 million

Info: Walker continued what he has done for years in the major leagues – provide steady, albeit not spectacular defense, and offer an above-average bat, especially for a middle infielder. Walker made a very positive impression in Milwaukee, especially in the clubhouse, and he could be at a point where he’s used around the infield, providing a quality bat and a veteran presence in the clubhouse.

CTTP links:

Now, to the next group of 5, #16-20…

Next: #16-20

MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

20. Welington Castillo, C

Age on 2018 opening day: 30
2017 stats: .282/.323/.490, 365 PA, 20 HR, 22/97 BB/K
Career stats: .259/.319/.428, 158/571 in 2,269 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Diamondbacks, Orioles, Rockies, Tigers, White Sox
CTTP prediction: White Sox, 2 years, $8.5 million (actual signing: White Sox, 2 years, $15 million)

Info: Castillo is not a guy with a polished plate approach, and his work behind the plate is more regarded for his ability to set a good target for his pitcher more than his ability in the run game or exceptional movement laterally. Castillo does offer incredible power for a catcher, and that is valuable. He’d certainly be at last the primary of a duo with his strong bat, especially against lefty pitchers.

CTTP links:

CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 06: Austin Jackson
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 06: Austin Jackson /

19. Austin Jackson, OF

Age on 2018 opening day: 31
2017 stats: .318/.387/.482, 318 PA, 7 HR, 3 SB, 33/64 BB/K
Career stats: .275/.336/.403, 348/987 BB/K in 4,278 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Blue Jays, Giants, Mets, Royals, Tigers, White Sox
CTTP prediction: Rangers, 2 years, $10.5 million

Info: Jackson went through a could seasons where he slipped to the point of being a backup and platoon guy as he’s bounced around the league, but he has really re-made himself in his approach at the plate, allowing him to make excellent contact, get to his power, and also get on base at a good pace. He would work very well as either a 4th outfielder or platoon outfielder.

CTTP links:

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – AUGUST 10: Logan Morrison
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – AUGUST 10: Logan Morrison /

18. Logan Morrison, 1B

Age on 2018 opening day: 30
2017 stats: .246/.353/.516, 601 PA, 38 HR, 81/149 BB/K
Career stats: .245/.330/.433, 353/642 in 3,354 PA
Interested teams: Angels, Indians, Mariners, Rays, Royals, Red Sox, Twins, White Sox
CTTP prediction: White Sox, 3 years, $32 million

Info: Morrison was once known for his impressive Twitter presence, but he’s calmed down significantly online. Now the big, lefty-hitting first baseman has established himself as a big-bopping bat with a breakthrough 2017. Originally from the Midwest, born in Kansas City, Morrison would be a prime candidate for the Royals if Hosmer isn’t re-signed, but he’ll simply be looking for a full-time position and likely a multi-year deal for security after already having worked through three organizations in his 8 years in the league.

CTTP links:

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 13: Lucas Duda
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 13: Lucas Duda /

17. Lucas Duda, 1B

Age on 2018 opening day: 32
2017 stats: .217/.322/.496, 491 PA, 30 HR, 60/135 BB/K
Career stats: .242/.340/.457, 355/745 BB/K in 3,095 PA
Interested teams: Mariners, Rays, Red Sox, Royals, White Sox, Yankees
CTTP prediction: Rays, 2 years, $11 million

Info: Duda has established himself over 8 years as having an incredibly powerful bat from the left side, and also for struggling to stay healthy, only playing 150 games once in his career. Duda struggled with contact in his time with the Rays after a trade from the Mets, but he hit with incredible power, and that’s the type of guy he’s likely to be in his career.

CTTP links:

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 09: Carlos Gomez
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 09: Carlos Gomez /

16. Carlos Gomez, OF

Age on 2018 opening day: 32
2017 stats: .255/.340/.462, 426 PA, 17 HR, 13 SB, 31/127 BB/K
Career stats: .256/.315/.419, 287/1,126 BB/K, 4,720 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Giants, Mariners, Mets, Rangers, Royals, Tigers
CTTP prediction: Athletics, 2 years, $13 million

Info: Gomez is still one of the most explosive players in the game when he is on a hot streak, however, as he’s aged, the times when he’s not on that hot streak are not as fruitful as they were in his days with Milwaukee when he was able to provide power and speed through a season due to his ability to offer production when he wasn’t “hot”, but then nearly carry a team when he was hot. Gomez is no longer a borderline Gold Glove center fielder, but he is consistent and would play well in any outfield position as a starter.

CTTP links:

Next: #11-15

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 03: Melky Cabrera
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 03: Melky Cabrera /

15. Melky Cabrera, OF

Age on 2018 opening day: 33
2017 stats: .285/.324/.423, 666 PA, 17 HR, 1 SB, 36/74 BB/K
Career stats: .286/.335/.418, 473/812 BB/K, 6,852 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Blue Jays, Giants, Mariners, Mets, Rangers, Royals, Tigers
CTTP prediction: Tigers, 2 years, $15.5 million

Info: Since being traded away from the Yankees after being a highly hyped prospect in the Yankee organization, Melky has been a journeyman, playing with 5 organizations in 8 seasons. Cabrera has excellent contact skills, but he doesn’t bring a ton of power to the plate, offering gap power and the ability to hit consistently as his primary positives as he’s not strong in the outfield defensively either. He’s likely looking for a spot he can get some time as a DH and in the outfield to get a full-time load.

CTTP links:

MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

14. Todd Frazier, 3B

Age on 2018 opening day: 32
2017 stats: .213/.344/.428, 576 PA, 27 HR, 4 SB, 83/125 BB/K
Career stats: .245/.321/.459, 336/819 BB/K, 3,766 PA
Interested teams: Braves, Mets, Padres, Royals, White Sox
CTTP prediction: Royals, 2 years, $21 million

Info: After a half-decade in Cincinnati, Frazier was part of a big blockbuster trade before the 2016 season that sent him to the White Sox. He hit 40 home runs in his first season with the White Sox in 2016 but managed a .225 batting average. His 2017 wasn’t any better, hitting 27 home runs between the White Sox and Yankees with a .213 average. Frazier came up late (25 at his debut), so he’s hitting free agency for the first time already with his skills in decline, and that could cost him some significant money, but he is well-regarded in the clubhouse and would be a good fit for a team looking for someone in that role.

CTTP links:

BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 05: Eduardo Nunez
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 05: Eduardo Nunez /

13. Eduardo Nunez, Util

Age on 2018 opening day: 30
2017 stats: .313/.341/.460, 491 PA, 12 HR, 24 SB, 18/54 BB/K
Career stats: .282/.320/.415, 115/304 BB/K, 2,330 PA
Interested teams: Indians, Angels, Mets, Royals, Cardinals
CTTP prediction: Indians, 2 years, $16.5 million

Info: Nunez struggled to break through in New York, but in Minnesota, he found a role as a utility man, starting at short, third, second, the outfield, and a number of positions. Along the way he’s developed into a solid contact hitter that can combine some power along with above-average speed, leading to 16 HR and 40 SB in 2016 between the Twins and Giants. He has value in that role for a number of teams in that he could start 5 days a week around the field giving days off and working in platoon/partnership with another player at one position.

CTTP links:

ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 21: Mitch Moreland
ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 21: Mitch Moreland /

12. Mitch Moreland, 1B

Age on 2018 opening day: 32
2017 stats: .246/.326/.443, 576 PA, 22 HR, 57/120 BB/K
Career stats: .252/.317/.439, 268/709 BB/K, 3,338 PA
Interested teams: Angels, Indians, Mariners, Red Sox, Royals, Rays
CTTP prediction: Angels, 3 years, $17 million

Info: Moreland is a borderline-elite defensive first baseman that offers above-average power, making his presence fairly valuable wherever he lands, but also a commodity that seems fairly replaceable for the team he’s part of each season. He would fit best with a team with a fairly established power lineup around him that would allow him to simply do his work at first while letting whatever he gave with the bat be gravy.

CTTP links:

MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

11. Zack Cozart, SS

Age on 2018 opening day: 32
2017 stats: .297/.385/.548, 507 PA, 24 HR, 3 SB, 62/78 BB/K
Career stats: .254/.305/.411, 195/491 BB/K, 3,028 PA
Interested teams: Cardinals, Marlins, Orioles, Padres, Royals
CTTP prediction: Orioles, 3 years, $44 million

Info: Cozart is a near-impossible player to rank. His 2017 was incredibly outside of his career performance thus far. His defensive skills at short are off the chart, but after a devastating knee injury in 2015, how much time he’s got left at that level is anyone’s guess as he already saw some significant steps back defensively this year. He would work well as a utility player or at short with a strong third baseman defensively to ensure any steps back defensively don’t hurt the team.

CTTP links:

Next: #6-10

MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

10. Yonder Alonso, 1B

Age on 2018 opening day: 30
2017 stats: .266/.365/.501, 521 PA, 28 HR, 2 SB, 68/118 BB/K
Career stats: .268/.340/.407, 276/455 BB/K, 2,864 PA
Interested teams: Indians, Mariners, Rays, Red Sox, Royals, Twins, Yankees
CTTP prediction: Twins, 3 years, $30 million

Info: If someone would have told you in 2008 that the first year that Alonso would top 20 home runs at the major league level would be almost a decade later after an incredible career at the University of Miami, you would have taken that bet every time. Alonso did an excellent swing overhaul to go from a guy who was able to give good contact with doubles to getting power and still getting plenty of walks for a good OBP. He may be a guy who chooses to go for a 2-year or 3-year deal in order to get another crack at the market while he’s not “too old” to cash in again.

CTTP links:

CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 26: Shortstop Alcides Escobar
CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 26: Shortstop Alcides Escobar /

9. Alcides Escobar, SS

Age on 2018 opening day: 31
2017 stats: .250/.272/.357, 629 PA, 6 HR, 4 SB, 15/102 BB/K
Career stats: .260/.294/.346, 202/702 BB/K, 5,171 PA
Interested teams: Cardinals, Marlins, Orioles, Padres, Royals
CTTP prediction: Padres, 1 year, $4.5 million

Info: Escobar has played 155 or more games of elite defense in all but one season since 2011 at shortstop. He’s played all 162 games 3 of the last 4 games, so he’s going to be on the field, but his offensive skills, especially his speed, have taken a huge hit over the last half-decade as well, and he’s coming off arguably his worst offensive season of his career, so he could be a guy looking for a one-year, make-good sort of deal to earn his way to a better payday next offseason.

CTTP links:

MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

8. Jay Bruce, OF

Age on 2018 opening day: 30
2017 stats: .254/.324/.508, 617 PA, 36 HR, 1 SB, 57/139 BB/K
Career stats: .249/.319/.472, 528/1,378 BB/K, 5,806 PA
Interested teams: Blue Jays, Cardinals, Giants, Mariners, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins
CTTP prediction: Cardinals, 4 years, $48 million

Info: One of the most competitive guys you’ll ever meet, Bruce enjoyed being back in a playoff race with the Indians in 2017, and it showed in the way he was carrying himself. He will most likely be shooting for a playoff rush again, and his power bat from the left side is certainly going to draw interest. A guy who was willing to work things out to stay in Cincinnati for quite some time, he very feasibly is a guy who would sign for more years and less money in a situation where he felt he’d be competing every year.

CTTP links:

MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

7. Jonathan Lucroy, C

Age on 2018 opening day: 31
2017 stats: .265/.345/.371, 481 PA, 6 HR, 1 SB, 46/51 BB/K
Career stats: .281/.343/.433, 310/542 BB/K, 3,786 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Diamondbacks, Orioles, Rockies, Tigers
CTTP prediction: Rockies, 3 years, $31 million

Info: A guy well-renowned for his framing and his well above-average offensive production from catcher, Lucroy suddenly dropped off significantly in both to open the season with the Rangers, but he picked up with the bat with the Rockies after being traded (.310/.429/.437). He likely will end up being a guy with a very splintered market, with some teams wanting to stick to 1- or 2-year deals, and a few willing to go beyond that, but likely for less annual value.

CTTP links:

OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 16: Mike Moustakas
OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 16: Mike Moustakas /

6. Mike Moustakas, 3B

Age on 2018 opening day: 29
2017 stats: .272/.314/.521, 598 PA, 38 HR, 34/94 BB/K
Career stats: .251/.305/.425, 214/515 BB/K, 3,318 PA
Interested teams: Angels, Braves, Indians, Mets, Royals
CTTP prediction: Mets, 5 years, $83 million

Info: “Moose” is a curious case this offseason. He was hurt significantly in 2016, and his defense took a big step back in 2017 to the point where he was borderline playable at third base. However, how much he was still recovering from the previous year’s injury and could bounce back in 2018 and how much is going to remain going forward is anyone’s guess right now until the medicals are seen after nearly 150 games played in 2017, though only 127 games in the field. The lefty power is sure, but his size (6′, 210-220 pounds) is less than ideal at first base if he is unable to handle third anymore, which would drastically affect his value.

CTTP links:

Next: #1-5

MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

5. Carlos Gonzalez, OF

Age on 2018 opening day: 32
2017 stats: .262/.339/.423, 534 PA, 14 HR, 3 SB, 56/119 BB/K
Career stats: .288/.346/.511, 393/1,075 BB/K, 4,881 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Blue Jays, Giants, Rangers, Tigers, Twins
CTTP prediction: Blue Jays, 2 years, $17.5 million

Info: After averaging 68 extra base hits the previous two seasons, Gonzalez dropped off to just 48 in 2017, and unlike previous years where injuries were the main reason, he still played 136 games, but until a late streak brought his batting average up significantly, he had some of the worst power numbers of any regular in the league. Gonzalez has been thought to be a product of Coors Field, but when he’s on, it doesn’t matter what park he’s hitting in, and in the late part of the season, when he hit .377/.484/.766, he actually hit 4 of his 6 home runs in that stretch on the road. He likely will be on a short deal, but Gonzalez has a legit power bat that could really benefit the right lineup and could be one of the biggest bargains of this year’s class.

CTTP links:

MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

4. Carlos Santana, 1B

Age on 2018 opening day: 31
2017 stats: .259/.363/.455, 667 PA, 23 HR, 5 SB, 88/94 BB/K
Career stats: .249/.365/.445, 726/812 BB/K, 4,782 PA
Interested teams: Indians, Mariners, Rays, Red Sox, Royals, Twins, White Sox, Yankees
CTTP prediction: Indians, 4 years, $64 million

Info: Santana is a bit undervalued because of the role that the Indians have used him in within their lineup over the years. Due to his excellent eye, he’s often batted leadoff, meaning that in spite of having above-average power, he’s only had one 30+ home run season. Santana is a guy who plays legit Gold Glove defense at first base. Santana will be wanted back strong by his own team, but don’t be surprised if he gets into a bidding war more than what the predictions say he’ll make due to his skills being underrated by much of the media.

CTTP links:

PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 24: J.D. Martinez
PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 24: J.D. Martinez /

3. J.D. Martinez, OF

Age on 2018 opening day: 30
2017 stats: .303/.376/.690, 489 PA, 45 HR, 4 SB, 53/128 BB/K
Career stats: .285/.342/.514, 248/786 BB/K, 3,118 PA
Interested teams: Cardinals, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Mariners, Rangers, Red Sox, Twins, Yankees
CTTP prediction: Red Sox, 7 years, $178 million

Info: Martinez was having a solid season with Detroit, but he simply exploded with power in Arizona, hitting 29 home runs in just 62 games. Crazy to consider that he was flat-out released by Houston in spring training before the 2014 season as their roster didn’t have any room. The Tigers gobbled him up, and he’s been mashing the ball ever since. Martinez really is not a positive contributor on defense, so he’s a better fit in the American League for the money he’s likely going to get.

CTTP links:

MLB Free Agents
MLB Free Agents /

2. Lorenzo Cain, OF

Age on 2018 opening day: 31
2017 stats: .300/.363/.440, 645 PA, 15 HR, 26 SB, 54/100 BB/K
Career stats: .290/.342/.421, 204/568 BB/K, 3,052 PA
Interested teams: Athletics, Blue Jays, Giants, Mariners, Mets, Rangers, Royals, Tigers
CTTP prediction: Giants, 5 years, $80 million

Info: Cain is an excellent defender in center field whose offensive game is very underrated. He’s had some issue staying healthy, but when he is healthy, he’s a .300 hitter with power enough to hit double-digit home runs and steal 20+ bases, a combination that isn’t exactly common in the game. Cain will not get the same push as some of the bigger boppers like Moose, Hosmer, and JD, but he’s just as attractive or more so for many teams this offseason.

CTTP links:

More from Call to the Pen

1. Eric Hosmer, 1B

Age on 2018 opening day: 28
2017 stats: .318/.385/.498, 671 PA, 25 HR, 6 SB, 66/104 BB/K
Career stats: .284/.342/.439, 360/714 BB/K, 4,393 PA
Interested teams: Royals, Red Sox, Indians, Mariners, Rays
CTTP prediction: Royals, 7 years, $163 million

Info: Hosmer certainly didn’t deserve a Gold Glove this offseason, but that’s about the only press this offseason that isn’t merited. Hosmer is a legit hitter at first base, even if he’s not the guy who crushes 40 home runs like some expect a big first baseman to be. He is a very good all-around hitter who is good at scooping throws at first (though in 2017 there were a number of more worthy options at 1B for defensive awards). He will certainly be the highest-paid guy this offseason through a combination of his age and talent.

CTTP links:

Next: MLB Free Agent Tracker - Top 25 Pitchers

MLB free agents should be very fun to track, so keep on coming back and checking in to see how our predictions do and how rumors break down this offseason!

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