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MLB Players that can boost their free agency stock most

ByCJ Luther|
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 4: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) heads for the dugout after finishing an inning during a game between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers in game 2 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA on October 4, 2019 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 4: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) heads for the dugout after finishing an inning during a game between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers in game 2 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA on October 4, 2019 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
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Washington Nationals
(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

MLB Players That Can Boost Their Free Agency Stock Most

Opt-Outs: Stephen Strasburg and Aroldis Chapman

Right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg and left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman are in unique situations. Both MLB players enjoyed dominant seasons in 2019, but both also have a key decision to make once their October runs are over.

Strasburg and Chapman must decide whether to opt-out of their respective deals this offseason, and a strong postseason showing could make their decisions all that much easier. Strasburg can opt-out of four years, $100MM, while Chapman can opt-out of 2 years, $30MM.

Stephen Strasburg, who entered the league as one of the most hyped prospects the game has seen in recent years, was one of the best pitchers in baseball this season. According to Fangraphs, his 5.7 WAR was seventh-best in baseball, whereas his 8.3 mark tops Baseball Prospectus’ leaderboards.

The 2019 NL Cy Young candidate has already begun the postseason on a tear, striking out 10 through six innings of one-run baseball against the Dodgers in NLDS Game 2. Prior to that, he helped the Nationals win the NL Wild Card in a dramatic relief appearance.

Aroldis Chapman, on the other hand, has been his same, overpowering self in 2019. Despite losing a tick in velocity this season, the lefty has found continued success closing games for the Yankees.  The ninth-most valuable reliever by fWAR, Chapman tied for the third-most saves this season, and ranked within the top 15 in both K% and xFIP among relievers.

Chapman closed out Game 1 of the ALDS for the Yankees, finishing  a 10-4 win against the Twins. As long as the Yankees are playing this postseason, Chapman will be among the most feared relievers going this fall.

Strasburg and Chapman have massive decisions to make this offseason. Their concern at the moment, however, is their team’s World Series chances. If the two end up being integral to their respective teams’ success, opting out may be a wise decision for them.

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