There’s enough talent available on the MLB free agency open market these days to stock a winner…it’s just a question of money
The mega MLB free agency class of 2018-2019 has been touted for years as the one with everything. It’s so deep that even large-market teams like the Yankees and Dodgers spent the past several years strategizing how to reset their payrolls under the luxury tax just to be able to splurge on the upcoming crop.
Now that crop is here, and the bidding is guaranteed to be intense.
With good reason. Eleven future free agents qualified to play in the 2018 All-Star game, as did the World Series MVP.
The class obviously is led by outfielder Bryce Harper, formerly of the Washington Nationals, and infielder Manny Machado, traded in mid-season from the Orioles to the Dodgers. Both are just 25, ratcheting up their value on the open market.
But it doesn’t stop there. Need a left-handed starter? You can choose from among J.A. Happ, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dallas Keuchel and Patrick Corbin, who put together a combined 47-27 record. The market for right-handers is a bit more chancy, but if a team is willing to gamble ever so slightly, Nathan Eovaldi or Matt Harvey are both available. Charlie Morton is in his mid-30s, but coming off the two best seasons of his career.
Craig Kimbrel leads a large group of potential closers on a market that also includes Zach Britton.
If it’s power you need, look over Josh Donaldson, Michael Brantley or Nelson Cruz.
Here’s a position-by-position look at the best of the class. Assemble this team if you want…it’s just a matter of cash.