Top 25 MLB Free Agents
Nos. 9-10
On the South Side, the operating assumption is that the White Sox will work out a deal that extends Jose Abreu (10), who has spent his entire six-season career In the middle of the White Sox lineup.
Since signing with them as a free agent from Cuba, Abreu has delivered 179 home runs – that’s 30 per season – and 611 RBI. A 2019 team-leading 123 home runs, 33 home runs and the perception that he provides invaluable leadership suggests he’s not slowing down. His All-Star Game selection was his third.
In the event Abreu does decline both the Sox’ qualifying offer and any extension, the draft pick any signing team would lose could slow interest in him somewhat. Still, that power and productivity are prototypes at first base.
And it’s not as if Abreu is slowing down. He’s only topped 33 home runs once, that in his rookie 2014 season. His 123 RBIs were a personal best.
Madison Bumgarner’s (9) reputation as a clutch pitcher requires no explanation. His league-leading 34 starts in 2019 demonstrated that Bumgarner can still deliver innings, although his 3.90 ERA was a career-worst, and his 107 ERA+ was his lowest since 2014.
There was a point when it appeared the Giants might trade Bumgarner, eliminating the potential draft pick attachment. That would have enhanced Bumgarner’s market value. Bumgarner, too got a qualifying offer, potentially limiting his desirability. If he holds out for a premium deal, he could be a candidate for the kind of off-season icing that Dallas Keuchel went through last year. If he’s negotiable, Bumgarner should find work fairly quickly.