MLB Free Agency: The top 30 free agents for 2018-2019

It is that time again where the Hot Stove is about to heat up. Let’s take a look at the top 30 players in MLB free agency.

MLB free agency is one of the most exciting times for a baseball fan. It is a time when fans can dream of landing that players needed to contend for the playoffs, or to help bring their franchise back to respectability. It is also a time when fans can be easily frustrated, either with their favorite team’s lack of spending, or with the free agents that have been brought in.

This offseason, there are a number of potential gems available. Manny Machado and Bryce Harper headline the free agent class, although there are plenty of other attractive options on the offensive side. For pitching, the top option is currently Patrick Corbin, although there are other intriguing options available.

More importantly, this offseason is likely to be much different than last year. During the previous free agent class, there was not a single player that could be regarded as a difference maker. The offseason moved along at a glacial pace, as teams were loathe to commit the necessary money to players that would not bring the franchise to the next level.

This year, MLB free agency should be much different. As we get ready for the madness, let us take a look at the top 30 players available in free agency.

30. Nelson Cruz

Offensively, Nelson Cruz would be one of the better players available in MLB free agency this year. The problem is, he is almost strictly a DH at this point, limited to the American League.

In theory, Cruz could still play right field. He had gotten regular playing time in the outfield as recently as 2016. The problem is, Cruz has a total of nine games in the outfield over the past two years, hardly leading anyone to think that he could survive in such a role over the course of a year.

That is unfortunate, as Cruz has continued to defy Father Time. The 38 year old put together another impressive season, posting a .256/.342/.509 batting line, hitting 37 homers. Those numbers were his lowest since 2013, and yet, Cruz has remained one of the best power threats in the game, even as he continues to age.

The slight dip in production, age, and defensive limitations will limit what Cruz is able to earn as a free agent. Although he is looking to get another multi-year contract, that may not be likely. Yes, he has been one of the premier power hitters in the game, but teams are shying away from giving long term contracts to aging players. If Cruz is adamant about getting multiple years in his next deal, he could be waiting for a long time.

Nelson Cruz certainly deserves a deal given his continued production. He just might not get the contract he thinks he should.

29. CC Sabathia

After plenty of speculation regarding CC Sabathia’s future, he is planning on coming back for one more year in 2019.

The fact that Sabathia is even on this list would have been unthinkable three years ago. He had gone from a solid start to his tenure with the Yankees to a complete disaster in the middle of his deal. Injuries and ineffectiveness had made it seem that he was at the end of the line at the end of the 2015 campaign, as his contract had become one of the worst in the game.

However, he was able to reinvent himself as a reliable back of the rotation starter for New York. Sabathia was one of the Yankees more reliable starters this past season, posting a 9-7 record, along with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.314 WHiP, striking out 140 batters in his 153 innings. Opponents only produced a .250/.319/.397 batting line against Sabathia, marks that are below league average. Even at 38 years old, he showed there is still something left in the tank.

Sabathia is also close to a couple of milestones, both of which he should reach early in the 2019 campaign. He has 246 wins and 2986 strikeouts over his career, leaving him tantalizingly close to 250 victories and 3000 strikeouts respectively. His impressive career and veteran status could make Sabathia an intriguing option even for a younger team, as he could be the perfect mentor for a developing pitching staff.

CC Sabathia has been able to become a solid back of the rotation arm. If he does not return to New York for 2019, he could be a nice addition for virtually any roster.

28. Cody Allen

Although he was not quite an All Star, Cody Allen had still become a solid enough closer with the Cleveland Indians. Paired with Andrew Miller, he gave Cleveland a solid 1-2 punch in the final two innings.

That is, he provided a solid option as a closer until last season. While he notched 27 saves, Allen was hardly a given in the ninth inning. He finished the year with a 4.70 ERA, the worst of his major league career. His 1.358 WHiP was his worst since his rookie campaign, and was fueled by a 4.4 BB/9 and a 1.5 HR/9 rate.

There were a few positives to Allen’s 2018 campaign. He remained healthy, making 70 appearances, the sixth consecutive season that he had at least 67 games pitched. Allen also struck out 80 batters in his 67 innings, showing that he could still dial the fastball up.

Yet, Allen may well be a risky choice for a team looking for a closer. His strikeout rate dropped for the fourth consecutive year, and his fastball velocity has decreased by nearly two MPH since 2015. That fastball/curveball mix has not been as effective, and Allen does have a good amount of mileage on him.

The Proven Closer is usually a hot commodity in MLB free agency. However, teams may want to think twice before committing to Cody Allen.

26. Nathan Eovaldi

The talent has always been there for Nathan Eovaldi. It has just been a question as to whether or not he can stay healthy and tap into that potential.

Eovaldi had a solid regular season coming off of his second Tommy John surgery, posting a 6-7 record with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.126 WHiP between the Red Sox and Rays. Over his 111 innings, he struck out 101 batters with only 20 walks, both numbers far better than his career marks. However, it has been his work in the postseason that may lead to a solid payout, as Eovaldi has a 1.61 ERA and a 0.806 WHiP over his 22.1 innings in six games, including two starts.

The biggest concern with Eovaldi is whether or not he can stay healthy. He has already had two Tommy John surgeries, the first coming when he was a junior in high school. He has only started 30 games once in his career, back in 2014. Aside from those elbow procedures, Eovaldi has missed time with shoulder surgery, as well as other elbow problems.

Those injuries are the biggest risk when it comes to signing Eovaldi to a contract. While he is likely to get a multi-year deal, any contract has the potential to be boom or bust. However, if he can stay on the mound, he would be a nice fit as a middle of the rotation arm, especially given his excellent velocity.

Nathan Eovaldi has made the most of his first trek into the postseason. That may well lead to a solid showing in free agency.

25. Jed Lowrie

For the second consecutive year, Jed Lowrie managed to stay healthy. The result was a career season as he entered MLB free agency.

The former utility infielder has seemingly found himself a home in Oakland. Not only has he spent five of the past six seasons with the Athletics, but he became their starting second baseman as well. Instead of moving around the diamond, Lowrie made 136 of his 157 appearances at second, occasionally filling in at third.

That health, coupled with his stability, led to a career season for Lowire. He made his first All Star Game, and produced a solid .267/.353/.448 batting line, hitting a career best 23 homers and driving in 99 runs. His production was a key part in the A’s incredible run in the latter half of the season, as they stormed back into the playoff picture.

Even with that strong performance, there are questions surrounding Lowrie. He will be 35 years old at the start of the 2019 campaign, and his health issues are more likely to reappear as he gets older. Yes, he was an excellent all around player, with solid offense and eight runs saved at second, but how long will that continue?

Jed Lowrie could be a low cost option in free agency, either as a second baseman or for a team looking for a utility option. If he stays healthy, he could prove to be a bargain.

24. Nick Markakis

Over the years, Nick Markakis had been a solid player, a steady hitter who would do all the little things right. Those players usually do not attract much attention, and little excitement in MLB free agency.

For Markakis, the narrative changed this season. He was one of the hottest hitters to start the year, and even showed a surprising amount of power. He gained notoriety as having the most hits of any active player not to make an All Star Game, a designation that changed due to that torrid start to the year.

Even though Markakis slowed down in the second half, he still had a tremendous season. He had his best season since 2012, posting a .297/.366/.440 batting line, hitting 14 homers and 43 doubles. The former Gold Glover also continued his solid defensive play, saving five runs in right while continuing to possess above average range in the outfield.

The question is – how much stock with teams put into that campaign? Markakis has been a steady player, but at 35 years old heading into next season, he is not the type of free agent that would usually command a larger contract in free agency. Yet, his production might earn him a longer deal than usual.

Nick Markakis picked the perfect time for a career year. He may be rewarded for that in free agency.

23. Adam Jones

The face of the Baltimore Orioles, Adam Jones blocked a trade that would have sent him elsewhere at the deadline.

While Jones did not want to leave Baltimore, that decision is no longer his to make. The Orioles are looking to rebuild, something that likely needed to happen during the 2017 campaign. That decision to rebuild will likely lead to Jones having to find another franchise.

It may not be an easy proposition. Although he is only 33 years old, Jones has faded over the past few years. His 2018 campaign, with a .281/.313/.419 batting line, 15 homers, and 32 doubles was just barely above league average. His 15 homers were the fewest that he had hit in a full season since 2008, when he was still developing into a future All Star.

Not only are his offensive skills fading, but Jones is no longer a Gold Glove caliber outfielder. He cost the Orioles ten runs in center last year, and another four runs in right. However, even with those struggles, he could be a solid piece as a veteran mentor. A younger team looking to win could use a player like Jones, even as a placeholder for another top prospect.

Adam Jones had once been a star, a solid outfielder on a contending team. Even though he is just 33 years old, those days seem to be in the past.

22. Zach Britton

The former Orioles closer, Zach Britton has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons. Yet, when he has been on the mound, he has been effective.

A look at Britton’s first two weeks off of the disabled list paint a poor picture if one just looks at ERA. He had a 7.04 ERA in those first eight appearances, although the damage was done in two games. He allowed six runs in just 1.1 innings, skewing his numbers despite having scoreless outings in his other six appearances at the start of the year.

Over time, his numbers normalized. Between his time with the Orioles and Yankees, Britton posted a 3.10 ERA and a 1.230 WHiP, striking out 34 batters, albeit with a relatively high 21 walks, in 40.2 innings. Opponents produced a .201/.314/.292 batting line against Britton last season, with his command being the biggest drawback.

Yet, that may not be an issue going forward. As Britton moves forward from his injuries, the command should return. He has been an All Star closer in the past, but given those injury concerns, he could be a relative bargain for a team in need of a closer for the coming years.

Zach Britton was once one of the top closers in the game. Even if he is not considered as such any longer, he may be ready to move back into that discussion. All he needs is a chance.

21. Hyun-Jin Ryu

If only Hyun-Jin Ryu could stay healthy.

When he has been on the mound, Ryu has been excellent, one of the better pitchers in the game. The problem is getting him on the mound, as he has made over 20 starts only once since 2014. In that time, Ryu has been shelved by shoulder, elbow, and hamstring issues. His shoulder problems cost him almost two full years, as he made only one major league appearance between 2015 and 2016.

Last year, when he was able to pitch, Ryu was superb. He posted a 7-3 record, along with a 1.97 ERA and a 1.008 WHiP. In his 82.1 innings, he struck out 89 batters with only 15 walks. In 324 plate appearances, the opposition only produced a .221/.260/.362 batting line, while doing an incredible job of keeping the ball in the yard.

His production is certainly that of a top of the rotation arm. However, Ryu cannot be counted on to start 30 games a season at this point. Maybe he is through his injury concerns, but until he proves to be healthy, he is best suited for a team with a lot of pitching depth. A team like, say, his current one…

Hyun-Jin Ryu is an interesting option in MLB free agency. However, he definitely comes with the “Buyer Beware” caveat.

20. Andrew McCutchen

Not that long ago, Andrew McCutchen was one of the best players in the game, a perennial All Star and MVP candidate. Then, his career took a surprising turn for the worst.

In what should have been the midst of his prime, McCutchen’s ability to make contact and speed disappeared. He was a candidate to hit over 20 homers and steal over 20 bases, but that ability on the base paths has disappeared. His strikeout has climbed, to a career worst 21.3% in 2018. He is not the same player he once was.

Yet, even a disappointing McCutchen was relatively solid. He produced a respectable .255/.368/.424 batting line, hitting 20 homers and 30 doubles. While McCutchen did steal 14 bases, he was caught nine times. It was a decent showing; just not what one would have hoped for the former All Star at the end of his hypothetical prime.

Despite that production, there were several positive signs. McCutchen had a 29% line drive rate, showing that he was hitting the ball well when making contact. He was still able to get on base as well, with his 13.9% walk rate the second best mark of his career. In the right situation, he could be a solid acquisition.

Andrew McCutchen may not be a star any longer. However, he is still a good player, and a potentially valuable option in free agency.

19. Brian Dozier

Brian Dozier had a chance to improve his standing as he headed into free agency. Instead, he fell flat.

After a relatively subpar showing for the Twins in the first half of the year, Dozier was acquired by the Dodgers as they attempted to shore up second base. The duo of Logan Forsythe and Chase Utley had been miserable, leaving the Dodgers looking for answers. The hope was that Dozier would be just that.

Instead, he struggled even worse with Los Angeles. His overall production, a .215/.305/.391 batting line with 21 homers and 30 doubles, was a disappointment. Yet, even those paltry numbers were better than his production with the Dodgers, when he had a .182/.300/.350 batting line with five homers and nine doubles in 170 plate appearances. To make matters even worse, Dozier was benched at times in the postseason, as he failed to provide the upgrade Los Angeles had hoped for.

That combination leads to an interesting offseason for the second baseman. After all, he is just two years removed from hitting 42 homers and posting a .886 OPS. However, in those two seasons, his homers were halved, and his OPS dropped by nearly 200 points. Dozier, at this point, is a risky proposition.

It could turn out that Brian Dozier becomes an impressive bargain. Or, he could be a bust, depending on how many years he is able to get in free agency.

18. Jeurys Familia

Despite his solid numbers Jeurys Familia still comes with red flags in his past.

On the injury front, Familia was diagnosed with an arterial clot in his right shoulder in 2017, costing him three months of the season. He bounced back after surgery, pitching well oer both the last month of that season, and through 2017, but those clotting issues have to be a cause for concern.

Statistically, Familia appeared to be over those problems. The Mets closer at the start of the season, he was used in a setup role after his trade to Oakland. Regardless of how he was used, Familia pitched well, posting a 3.13 ERA and a 1.222 WHiP, striking out 83 batters with only 28 walks in 72 innings. Opponents hit at a paltry .221/.298/.303 clip against him over their 302 plate appearances, showing that he was healthy once again.

The biggest mark against Familia came off the field. He was suspended for the first 15 games of the 2017 campaign after being arrested on a domestic violence charge on Halloween 2016. The charges were eventually dropped on December 15 that year, but his actions will not be forgotten. While signing Familia could be a good move on the diamond, it could be a public relations disaster.

Virtually any team could use Jeurys Familia for their bullpen. But which team is willing to make that move?

17. Mike Moustakas

After a disappointing foray into MLB free agency last year, Mike Moustakas may have better luck this year.

After setting a Royals team record with 38 homers in 2017, Moustakas expected to receive a solid long term contract, spurning the Qualifying Offer. Instead, he returned to Kansas City for less than half of the QO on a one year deal, and was traded to the Brewers at the deadline. He helped keep Milwaukee in the playoff hunt, bringing the Brewers to one game away from their second World Series appearance.

Even though he did not have the same production as he had in 2017, Moustakas had a respectable year. He posted a .251/.315/.459 batting line, hitting 28 homers and 33 doubles. Moustakas was his usual decent self at third, and even added a bit of defensive versatility by playing four games at first last year.

Unlike last season, when teams were holding off on spending, this offseason could be different. While there are two big names available at third (more on them later) Moustakas is a nice fallback option for a team that misses out. He is a steady producer, a solid power hitter while a decent glove. Teams could do a lot worse at third.

Mike Moustakas was one of the players hurt most by the free agent spending freeze last year. This time, he may end up with a much better situation.

16. Andrew Miller

Over the previous six years, from 2012 through 2017, Andrew Miller was one of the more dominant relievers in the game.

After struggling as a starter, Miller was given new life as a setup man. He became a weapon from the bullpen, posting a 2.06 ERA and a 0.892 WHiP, striking out 520 batters with only 104 walks in 332 innings in his first six years as a reliever. While he only spent one of those years as a closer, Miller was still one of the best relief pitchers in the game, a lights out option late in the game.

Last season was a different story. Miller struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He had a disappointing season as he headed towards free agency, posting a 4.24 ERA and a 1.382 WHiP, striking out 45 batters against 16 walks in 34 innings. Opponents posted a .729 OPS against Miller, their best mark since his final year as a starter in 2011.

For teams looking for a lockdown reliever, Miller was seen as a likely option. Now, those teams need to hope that this is just a one year fluke, the byproduct of injuries and an inability to have enough time healthy to find a rhythm. That will be the multi-million dollar question this offseason.

Andrew Miller has a track record of dominance as a reliever. Has that come to an end, or was last year an aberration?

15. DJ LeMahieu

No one expected DJ LeMahieu to be the hitter he was in 2016. Even though his numbers have fallen off, he is still an excellent option at second.

Back in 2016, LeMahieu was the National League batting champion, posting a .348 batting average. He .911 OPS was 165 points higher than his previous career best, an unexpected season for a the second baseman. He had been a solid player, but was nothing like he showed that year.

While he never hit those heights again, LeMahieu has settled in as a solid all around player. He produced a .276/.321/.428 batting line, a down year compared to the player he had been over the previous three seasons. However, he did hit a career best 15 homers and 32 doubles, showing more power than he had previously.

Even though his performance last year was somewhat disappointing, LeMahieu may be the second or third option amongst free agent middle infielders. Not only does he provide a solid bat, but he is a former Gold Glover, leading NL second basemen with 23 runs saved last season. That combination of offense and defense will make him an attractive option this offseason.

DJ LeMahieu will not lack for suitors in free agency, with his all around ability will be in high demand.

14. J.A. Happ

It is amazing how much of a difference a trade can make.

While J.A. Happ was having a solid year with the Blue Jays, he was a middle tier starter, the type of pitcher that could get a two or three year deal without causing much of a reaction. No one would expect Happ to be a key component on a winning franchise as a top of the rotation starter. Then, he was traded to the Yankees, where he had an impressive run over the final two months of the season.

Overall, Happ posted a 17-6 record with a respectable 3.65 ERA and a 1.131 WHiP, striking out 193 batters against 51 walks in 177.2 innings. He made his first All Star Game last season, a tribute to his solid performance in Toronto. However, with the Yankees, Happ turned into a star, posting a 7-0 record with a 2.69 ERA and a 1.052 WHiP, striking out 63 batters with 16 walks over 63.2 innings.

Happ’s track record shows what he has been – a middle of the rotation arm who is capable of providing approximately 30 starts a season. Yet, those two months may lead to an overpay, with some team gambling on a renaissance in the latter part of his career. At 36 years old, that seems highly unlikely.

J.A. Happ comes with some risk, depending on his anticipated role. As a middle of the rotation arm, he is a solid option. But to be a second starter? That is asking for trouble.

13. Charlie Morton

There was talk that Charlie Morton would retire at the end of the 2018 campaign. Instead, he is coming back for at least one more season.

A back of the rotation arm prior to 2017, Morton signed a two year deal with the Astros after the 2016 season. His $14 Million salary raised a lot of eyebrows, but Houston was convinced they had something in the righty. It was just a matter of Morton being healthy and being able to tap into his potential.

He did just that in Houston. He greatly outperformed expectations during that contract, including a stellar 2018 campaign. Last year, he posted a 15-3 record with a 3.13 ERA and a 1.162 WHiP, striking out 201 batters with 64 walks in 167 innings. Morton set a career high in virtually every statistic last season en route to making his first All Star Game.

The question that teams have to ask is whether or not that success will translate away from Houston. Yes, Morton looked like an ace over the past two seasons, but nothing in his background gave any indication that pitcher was waiting to be unleashed. As it is, he is likely to return to Houston, as he has stated that he does not want to pitch anywhere else.

If he does get signed by another team, Charlie Morton would be a risky proposition. With the Houston Astros, he may just be getting started.

12. Marwin Gonzalez

A Swiss Army knife in the field, Marwin Gonzalez is a player that any team could use.

Following in the footsteps of super utility players like Ben Zobrist and Brock Holt, Gonzalez winds up with a starter’s worth of plate appearances, but is rarely in the same spot on the diamond in any game. Over each of the last two seasons, he has played at least 20 games in left, second, short, and first, while making appearances at third, center, and right. Seemingly, the only thing that Gonzalez cannot do is play catcher and pitch, although it would not be a surprise to see him as the emergency catcher some day.

Despite that constant movement, Gonzalez has been a consistently solid hitter. Even though his 2018 campaign did not approach his breakout performance from 2017, it was still a decent showing for the utility man. Gonzalez had a .247/.324/.409 batting line, hitting 16 homers and 25 doubles. While his batting average was down, Gonzalez set a career high with 53 walks, showing a bit more plate discipline than in the past.

His combination of decent pop, along with the ability to play virtually anywhere on the diamond, would make Gonzalez the perfect option for any team. Need a backup infielder? He can play every position. Looking for a starting infielder with some pop? Again, Gonzalez fits the bill. The only question is, was 2017 a fluke year? Even if it was, he is still an above average hitter with incredible versatility.

Marwin Gonzalez can fit on virtually any team in the game. His eventual contract may end up being higher than one would expect.

11. Yasmani Grandal

When last we saw Yasmani Grandal, he was chasing pitches to the backstop and swinging wildly at everything. It was not the final impression he wanted to make.

However, over the course of the season, Grandal was a different player. A decent defensive backstop, he was one of the better hitting catchers in the game. With a strong arm and solid pitch framing metrics, Grandal can help a team defensively. On offense, the switch hitter has the second most homers for a catcher over the past three seasons. He is certainly a weapon in any aspect of the game.

Those strong numbers continued last year during the regular season. He produced a .241/.349/.466 batting line, hitting 24 homers and 23 doubles. Grandal set a career best with his 72 walks and 121 OPS+, showing that he continues to improve as he moves through his prime.

There are a couple of concerns with Grandal heading into free agency. First, the Dodgers made a Qualifying Offer to their catcher, leading to draft pick compensation. And secondly, how much will his putrid performance, and eventual benching, in the playoffs factor into the minds of decision makers around the game? Grandal does have a history of disappearing in the postseason, with a lifetime .107/.264/.200 batting line over 92 plate appearances. For teams with playoff aspirations, he may not be a player that one can trust in those pressure situations.

Yasmani Grandal should still be a coveted free agent. However, he may not be the player that the acquiring team hopes that they brought in.

10. Adam Ottavino

At this time last year, there were plenty of questions about Adam Ottavino. He had struggled with his command after dealing with shoulder inflammation, leading the Rockies to invest heavily in the bullpen last offseason.

As it turned out, the reinvented Ottavino was the Rockies best reliever. Relying on a cutter instead of a fourseasm fastball that had become eminently hittable, he dominated both sides of the plate. In doing so, he turned from a possible flyer on a one year deal into one of the most sought after relievers in free agency.

Once again, pitching in the thin air of Colorado did not matter. Ottavino posted a stellar 2.43 ERA and a 0.991 WHiP. In his 77.2 innings, he did allow a relatively high 36 walks, but he also struck out 112 batters to minimize that damage. Opponents only mustered a .158/.270/.238 batting line against him, with only five homers allowed in 309 plate appearances.

At 33 years old, Ottavino is not likely to take over the reigns as a Closer of the Present and Future. However, he is a dominant eighth inning arm, the type of pitcher that can help shorten a game for a contending team. Given the bullpen issues that several contending teams had to face last season, including into the playoffs, Ottavino should be in high demand.

Adam Ottavino may not be the type of player that wins a championship on his own. But he is the type of piece that can help lead a team to the postseason.

9. Josh Donaldson

In a desperate quest to attempt to compete in 2018, the Toronto Blue Jays kept Josh Donaldson instead of trading him during the offseason. That proved to be a mistake.

Donaldson got hurt early in the year, missing time with inflammation in his shoulder. Then, three weeks later, he was placed on the disabled list with a strained calf, keeping him out of action until September 11. For Toronto, instead of the impressive prospect package that they could have had, they ended up trading Donaldson for Julian Merryweather.

The season was not much better for the former All Star. While Donaldson did show signs of life during his brief time in Cleveland, his overall numbers were not what he hoped for heading into free agency. He posted a .246/.352/.449 batting line, hitting eight homers and 14 doubles. The power was still there, one Donaldson was still getting on base, but he was not the player he had been.

At 33 years old, he could prove to be a bargain. It is possible that a team could get Donaldson on a one year deal, re-establishing his health and showing that he is still an impact bat before heading into free agency once again the following year. For a team looking for help at third, and not willing to spend the money needed to bring in Manny Machado, Donaldson would be an excellent option.

Josh Donaldson may still get that excellent payday in MLB free agency. It just might happen a year later than expected.

8. Michael Brantley

When he is on the field, Michael Brantley is one of the better outfielders in the game. The problem is keeping him in the lineup.

Since establishing himself as a major league player, Brantley has made over 140 appearances only four times. In just 2016 and 2017, Brantley had ankle, shoulder, and bicep surgery. It is distinctly possible that, if signed to a long term deal, Brantley will miss considerable time in at least one of those seasons.

In 2018, he showed what he is capable of when on the field. Brantley played in 143 games, his most since 2014. While doing so, he posted an excellent .309/.364/.468 batting line, hitting 17 homers and 36 doubles, while stealing 12 bases. He was relatively solid defensively in left as well, saving three runs, and recording two double plays last year.

The problem with giving Brantley the type of contract he will command is his health concerns. Even though he is still just 31 years old, and in his prime, those injuries are seemingly inevitable. Brantley could easily be an excellent option in free agency, but he could just as easily be a bust, spending significant time on the disabled list.

If a team wants to role the dice, Michael Brantley is an intriguing option. They just need to have a backup plan in mind, especially given his ongoing health concerns.

7. Wilson Ramos

Wilson Ramos appeared set to cash in during free agency after the 2016 season, but a torn ACL changed that. This year, he is ready to get that awaited payday.

Ramos became quite the coveted player at the trade deadline after working his way back to health with the Rays. He continued his strong performance with the Phillies, relegating Jorge Alfaro to a backup role. That late season swoon, and their fall from the postseason picture, were not Ramos’ fault.

In fact, as he headed into free agency once again, Ramos had the best season of his career. Between his time with the Rays and Phillies, Ramos posted a .306/.358/.487 batting line, hitting 15 homers and 22 doubles. If there was ever any question as to whether or not he was healthy, Ramos even legged out his second career triple last year.

If a team is looking for an offensive upgrade behind the plate, Ramos would be exactly that. He was one of the best producing catchers with the bat, producing a 130 OPS+. Ramos was also respectable defensively, with his 29% caught stealing rate slightly above average. He may not be a Gold Glove caliber catcher, but Ramos is not likely to embarrass himself behind the plate either.

Wilson Ramos is set to get that large payday he had envisioned. It is just coming two years later than expected.

6. A.J. Pollock

If he could stay healthy, A.J. Pollock would be even higher on this list. That, however, is the biggest problem.

Over his career, Pollock has played in over 140 games exactly once. Over his career, Pollock has twice broken his elbow, suffered a broken hand, and a broken thumb, and had quad and groin injuries. It is almost a given that he will miss a significant amount of time over the course of the season.

And yet, when Pollock is on the field, he is one of the better outfielders in the game. Last year, in his 113 games, Pollock produced a solid .257/.316/.484 batting line, hitting a career best 21 homers and stealing 12 bases. However, with that power surge came a decrease in contact, as Pollock had a career worst 21.7% strikeout rate.

A part of that increase in strikeouts can likely be traced to the Launch Angle Revolution, as Pollock hit more fly balls than at any other point in his career. Yet, that is not where he is most valuable; Pollock is a player whose ability to get on base, and penchant for line drives into the gap, make him an All Star caliber player. That change in his game, coupled with his injury history, make him a risky proposition.

A.J. Pollock has been a special player in the past when on the diamond. This change in approach, coupled with his injury history, make him quite the risky option in free agency.

5. Craig Kimbrel

The shelf life on closers is generally a few years. Craig Kimbrel, meanwhile, is chasing down one of the all time greats in Mariano Rivera.

In his eight full major league seasons, Kimbrel has already put together a resume that would be the envy of most any reliever. He has been a seven time All Star, leading the league in saves four times, and never having a season with fewer than 31 saves. He is still firing the ball, with one of the highest average velocities of any reliever in the game. All of that wear has not yet hampered Kimbrel in regards to getting outs.

Last season was no exception. He continued his excellent showing, posting a 2.74 ERA and a 0.995 WHiP, striking out 96 batters in 62.1 innings. However, there were troubling signs, as he walked 31 batters. Kimbrel also got hit hard in the postseason, as he had been tipping his pitches until notified by former closer Eric Gagne.

Chances are, Kimbrel will receive one of the top contracts ever given to a closer, if not a record setting deal of its own accord. Yet, those cracks in the armor, from his walk total increasing to those postseason struggles due to his tipping his pitches, are reason to pause. However, that pause will not last for long, as even with those possible red flags, Kimbrel is still the best closer in the market.

For a team needing to solidify the back of the bullpen, Craig Kimbrel is the obvious answer. The only question is – how much money will he be getting?

4. Dallas Keuchel

Somehow, despite a resume that includes a Cy Young award, two All Star appearances, and three Gold Gloves, Dallas Keuchel has been forgotten about as free agency approaches.

While Keuchel has not been the same dominant pitcher he was in 2015, when he won the Cy Young, he has settled in as a solid rotation option. He has been a ground ball machine, averaging 1.47 ground balls per fly ball. That solid ground ball rate, coupled with his excellent command, have helped make Keuchel a solid option as a second starter.

The 2018 campaign was more of the same. He posted a somewhat misleading 12-11 record, along with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.314 WHiP. One of only 13 pitchers to reach the 200 inning plateau, Keuchel struck out 153 batters with only 58 walks. He also allowed only  18 homers, a remarkably low total in the era of launch angles and trying to put the ball into the air as much as possible.

Even though he is not quite an ace pitcher, Keuchel is still a solid option for a team looking to upgrade their rotation. At 31 years old to begin the season, Keuchel may not get a six or seven year deal, but he should still get quite the payday. While Patrick Corbin may be the top pitcher in the market, Keuchel would be a solid consolation prize.

There has been little chatter around Dallas Keuchel so far as free agency approaches. That should change soon, as he will be a coveted target on the open market.

3. Patrick Corbin

For year, Patrick Corbin was about potential. Last season, he finally became the pitcher the Diamondbacks were waiting for.

He flashed signs of that potential in 2013, making the All Star Game and looking like an ace in the making. However, his career was derailed by Tommy John surgery the following Spring, and he struggled afterwards. While there were still flashes of what he could be, particularly with his strikeout to walk rate, Corbin just was not the same.

Last year, Corbin returned back to the form he showed in 2013. He posted an 11-7 record, with an excellent 3.15 ERA and a 1.050 WHiP. In his 200 innings, he struck out a career best 246 batters, with only 46 walks. Corbin nearly halved his home run rate from 2017, despite throwing 10.1 more innings.

This success may well be attributed to his change in pitching approach. He went away from his fourseam fastball, focusing more on his slider and sinker. Opponents produced a meager .246 slugging percentage against his slider, despite his throwing the pitch 41.51% of the time. This change in approach, if it can continue, may be exactly what Corbin needed to become the pitcher he appeared destined to be.

It took longer than expected, but Patrick Corbin looked like a potential ace lsat season. That potential could lead into a hefty price tag.

2. Manny Machado

There is no questioning Manny Machado’s talent. There are, however, plenty of other questions regarding the talented infielder.

Already considered one of the top free agents heading into the 2018 season, his production did nothing to change the perception that he would be a game breaking acquisition. He was part of a pennant race last year, sent to the Dodgers at the trade deadline when the team needed an upgrade at short.

Despite that move west, Machado’s production did not waver. He produced what may have been his best season in 2018, with a .297/.367/.538 batting line, along with 37 homers and 35 doubles. He even chipped in 14 bases, his highest total since 2015. Although he struggled defensively at short, he showed that Gold Glove form at third, which may prove to be his future.

The problem with Machado comes back to when he is not in the batter’s box. He has admitted to not always hustling, which is not going to win Machado any favors in the court of public opinion. He has also developed a reputation as a dirty player, from sliding late into Dustin Pedroia on a force out to stepping on Jesus Aguilar and Steve Pearce to his antics when he started two brawls against Oakland by throwing his bat and attacking Josh Donaldson after a tag. Yes, there is some recency bias, especially given his actions in the playoffs, but Machado’s track record of being hot-headed is not exactly helping his cause.

Manny Machado is going to receive a hefty sum, a potential record breaking deal. But he may have hurt himself as well with his actions.

1. Bryce Harper

After seven years in the majors, no one is really quite sure what Bryce Harper is as a player.

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He has displayed the ability to be a superstar, winning the 2015 NL MVP, a year in which he was arguably the best hitter in baseball. However, 2017 was the only other point in time that he was a top ten player. In fact, Harper has more seasons with an OPS+ under 120 (3) than seasons at a superstar level (2).

What Harper likely is would be the player he was last season. He produced a solid .249/.393/.496 batting line, hitting 34 homers and 34 doubles while stealing 13 bases. His 130 walks led the National League, 20 more than the second place Carlos Santana. He finished the year with a 133 OPS+, the second season he had that exact mark.

Depending on where Harper ends up, his production could change. If he ends up in New York or Philadelphia, Harper could see a solid uptick in power. Yet, he may never consistently be that player he appeared to be for those two seasons. Nonetheless, Harper is still about to enter his prime, a superstar caliber player who can be a difference maker for a franchise.

Bryce Harper is the top free agent available. As he is about to embark into free agency, Harper is ready to break the bank.