MLB Free Agents: landing spots for the top three players
The hot stove season has arrived with some excitement. Where will these top three MLB free agents land? Let’s take a closer look.
Washington D..C- formerly a place of ineptitude throughout its sports culture. The Capitals could not find their way out of the second round of the playoffs, the Redskins are a shining example of how not to run an organization and the Nationals might never win a playoff series. This commonly held joke it the recent past is simply laughable now.
Two of these three teams have now claimed the ultimate glory of a world championship, however, the Nats are primed to lose their regular-season MVP and their postseason MVP. the loss of Rendon and Strasburg, respectively, can either handicap the aging Nats for the foreseeable future or free enough space up to get younger and make substantive change.
Keeping both of these stars would likely mire them in a stalemate of the luxury tax and little return on investments due to the increasing age of those under long term deals. In essence, GM Mike Rizzo can forge a new path for his team, while also spending a deal of the money that was freed up.
As for their World Series opponents, the future may not be quite so hopeful. Many of the Astros key players are on expiring contracts- George Springer, Justin Verlander, and Carlos Correa are not signed long-term. Therefore, it makes retention of the dominant Cole seem like a dream.
Also, the Cranes do not allow the same salary cap leeway as the Lerners- perhaps that will change now too with a World Series trophy on the shelf. Thus, it is likely that these three MLB free agents will be wearing new uniforms next season and the MLB landscape should change for it.
Top 3 MLB Free Agents
Stephen Strasburg – San Diego Padres
The reigning World Series MVP was once a figure of derision, someone who was shut down and could never recoup the magic of his early years. However, his masterful performance in tight games has forced those critics to close their mouths in unison.
He is not intimidated by the big moment and is a workhorse ace in the regular season, as well. He logged 209 innings in 2019, aster greatly struggling to stay healthy in recent years. He uses a dynamic curveball and some serious velocity to attack and shut down opposing batters, even though he is susceptible to surrendering a few runs.
As an MLB free agent, Strasburg might very well opt to return to his hometown in the calm, relaxed confines of Petco Park. He may very well be interested in returning and above all else, the Padres need an ace to anchor their rotation.
San Diego has recently shown that they do not have an aversion to spending big and with a rotation filled with young arms seeping in potential- Chris Paddack and Mackenzie Gore primarily- they appear primed to make a move such as this.
With prospects receiving more experience and a few more on the way- along with more additions- the pursuit of Strasburg nearly makes too much sense. GM A.J. Preller may be asking himself at this very moment, what legitimate reason is there not to.
The injury history is certainly a red flag, yet they only require one healthy season with a matured team to win a championship. Cole certainly seems unlikely due to his strict pursuit of the highest bidder, therefore Strasburg is the only likely option.
Top 3 MLB Free Agents
Anthony Rendon – Philadelphia Phillies
Yes, the Phillies will again lob a great sum of money in the general direction of the former star of their division rival in hopes of a postseason berth. Rendon would seamlessly round out the Philadelphia lineup and provide admirable defense in the process.
An addition such as this would clearly add the immense depth that the Phillies lacked in 2019 when injury struck. The overarching liability in 2019 was pitching woes- no depth behind Aaron Nola in the rotation and a lack of reliable candidates in the bullpen.
While adding Rendon alleviates none of these pressing issues, it does provide a way to conquer them. Such an overwhelming offense can trump lackluster pitching and there is no foreseeable reason why the Phillies should have such a sub-par collection of pitchers in 2020.
They might lose out on the splashy names of Cole and Strasburg, yet could easily grab a highly undervalued Zack Wheeler or Jake Odorizzi– both of whom can easily provide 160-175 solid, reliable innings, if not more.
The bullpen market is rife with options that are there for the taking, as well, but the Phillies will likely have to spend wisely here due to the money locked into current investments and the potential one for Rendon.
Overall, there are plenty of other options for Rendon, yet the Phillies may become desperate if they lose out on Strasburg and Cole- causing them to ante up.
Top 3 MLB Free Agents
Gerrit Cole – Los Angeles Angels
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The final name on this list of MLB Free Agents is likely the man to earn the highest paycheck of the three. His pure mechanics and utter dominance in 2019 and the postseason have seriously driven his pricetag to stunning highs.
He always had great movement and limitless potential, however, his time in Pittsburgh yielded little reward, as he often stumbled and found little consistency. His time in Houston, contrarily, has seen him flourish with his dart of a fastball and razor-sharp slider. His strikeout numbers are unparalleled and at the age of 29, he is ready to cash in.
The Angels have formed a rather attractive coaching staff with Joe Maddon at the helm and Mickey Callaway serving as pitching coach. Further, GM Billy Eppler is desperate to make a splash after renewing his contract with the club.
Mike Trout has been often held back by his team and Eppler has done little to avert such fears. Aside from Shohei Otani and Hansel Robles, nearly every move made by Eppler has been a blemish on his resume. Therefore, he will feel the need to go out of his way and compensate. Cole is the perfect way to do just that.
dark. Next. Are the Pads favorites to land Strasburg?
The Angels are particularly bereft in the pitching department, thus Cole’s addition would go a lot further than spending on a number of middling starters.