MLB Free Agency: Six bold predictions for baseball’s top free agents

MLB free agency is officially underway as general managers from across the league gathered to meet in Scottsdale, Arizona last week. As always, the rumors mill is running rampant, and fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting for the hot stove to heat up.

Although the World Series concluded less than a month ago, baseball fans are already craving some more action around the league. While their favorite teams won’t suit up again until spring training in 2020, there is a lot to be excited about this year’s MLB free agency class.

The market is full of superstar hitters, ace starting pitchers, former MVPs, productive youngsters and veterans alike. Every team is looking to improve their roster, whether they won 100 games or 60. Front offices are compiling their holiday wishlists and starting to reach out to agents. Some teams have money to spend and are looking to make a big splash, while others must be savvy with their spending.

Last offseason set the market to an all-time high. Players like Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, Nolan Arenado and Mike Trout all received record-breaking contracts. Superstar position players like Anthony Rendon are poised to cash in on the high market value. On the pitching side, Gerrit Cole could set the new contract record for a starter.

However, there is very little action happening in the free agent market to this point. It could be awhile until some of the biggest names come off the market. So, for now, let’s have some fun and make some bold predictions to see where the game’s top free agents will end up in 2020.

1. The Reds will sign Didi Gregorius and Yasmani Grandal

The Cincinnati Reds have not been competitive for a long time. They last made the playoffs in 2013, and have endured a long rebuild. However, their roster has shown signs of improvement last season under first-year manager David Bell. Their lineup is anchored by Eugenio Suarez, who has emerged as one of the game’s top sluggers. They are loaded with young talent like Jesse Winker, Nick Senzel, and of course, Artistides Aquino. They have a formidable rotation, highlighted by Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo, and Sonny Gray.

However, they have some noticeable holes. These include power hitting from their middle infield and catcher positions. Dick Williams, the Reds’ President of Baseball Operation, indicated that the team plans to be very active this offseason, and have no problem raising their payroll to do so.

The two free agents that have been linked to the Reds are former Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius and Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal.

Since his trade to the Yankees in 2015, Gregorius has transformed into one of the better hitting shortstops in the league. In five years with the team,  he hit 97 home runs, 360 RBIs, while playing lockdown defense. Tommy John limited his 2019 performance, but he still remains the best option as a shortstop. He appears to be a perfect fit for the Reds, especially since he started his career in Cincinnati.

Yasmani Grandal will be one of the most sought after names in MLB free agency this offseason. Good offensive catchers are hard to come by, and Grandal has been one of the most productive in the league in the past four seasons. This year he set new career highs in home runs, RBIs, and wOBA, while playing stellar defense behind the plate. He also adds versatility as a switch-hitter.

If the Reds wish to take their lineup to the next level, Grandal and Gregorius would make the Reds an underrated contender in 2020.

Contract Prediction: Gregorius, four years/$52 million, Grandal, three years/$55 million.

2. Dodgers add Josh Donaldson to their already stacked infield

The Los Angeles Dodgers already have one of the most formidable infields in the majors. Their infield features all-stars Justin Turner, Corey Seager, and Max Muncy. However, this apparently won’t stop them from adding another power-hitting infielder. Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Dodgers are in pursuit of former MVP third baseman Josh Donaldson.

Donaldson was one of the game’s best sluggers before having an injury-ridden season in 2018. However, he had a resurgent year in 2019 with the Braves. He demonstrated that he is still one of the premium sluggers in the league, swatting 37 home runs, 94 RBIs, with a .900 OPS. He also showed he got over his defensive struggles in 2018, posting an NL-best 15 DRS among third baseman.

So, at age 33, Donaldson is looking for a lucrative contract, short term contract. The Dodgers showed a willingness to shell out high AAV contracts, and Donaldson will definitely require that, as Rendon’s big payday will undoubtedly benefit him.

The Dodgers will certainly make a run at Rendon as well, but the Dodgers might elect to pursue a shorter term contract with Donaldson at that high of a price. He is a perfect fit for a perennial contender like the Dodgers who look to add to an already powerful lineup. If they do sign him, Turner would likely move to first or second to create quite possibly the best infield in the entire league.

Donaldson is also being pursued aggressively by the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, and others. But don’t be surprised if you see Josh Donaldson in Dodger blue in 2020.

Contract Prediction: three years/$81 million

3. The Yankees miss out on Cole and Strasburg, but sign Zack Wheeler and Madison Bumgarner

It is no secret that the New York Yankees are in the market for a starting pitcher this offseason. They fell short of their World Series dreams in 2019, and they will look to reload their rotation using the power of money. Without a doubt, Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg will be at the top of their wishlists. The talents of Cole and Strasburg have been well-documented, and both are going to be rewarded with lucrative paydays. Thus, it is likely the Yankees will be able to get one, but not both.

However, the Yankees are not the only ones who have Cole and Strasburg as their top priorities. Teams like the Phillies, Padres, Angels, and Rangers all seem willing to unload the kitchen sink on these guys. While the Yankees can certainly win a bidding war with any team in the league, they may reconsider their approach.

Instead of giving Cole or Strasburg one massive contract, they could elect to spread that money out to two quality starters. Two that instantly come to mind as good fits are Zack Wheeler and Madison Bumgarner.

Bumgarner has been linked to the Yankees dating back to the 2018 trade deadline, but the Giants’ asking price was too high. Now, the Yankees can use their financial resources to sign him. While the former World Series MVP has declined from his dominant years, he has still been a quality starter. Last year, he posted a 3.90 ERA and FIP, with 203 strikeouts. His price will be affordable, and postseason experience makes him attractive to a team of the Yankees’ caliber.

Zack Wheeler is another affordable, quality starter on the market. Wheeler’s career has been hindered by injuries, missing all of 2015 and 2016. However, when he has been healthy, he has proven to be an effective starter.

With both Wheeler and Bumgarner, the Yankees’ rotation would be great front to back, with Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, and James Paxton on the front end.

Contract Prediction: Wheeler, five years/$90 million, Bumgarner, three years/$48 million

5. Rendon leaves Washington to the division rival Phillies

Unlike his former teammate, Anthony Rendon appears to be on his way out of Washington. The Nationals simply cannot afford the high price he will require.

Rendon is undoubtedly the best position player in MLB free agency. He has gotten better every single year, and he cemented himself as one of the game’s top superstars in 2019. He finished with an impressive .319/.412/.598 slashline with a career-high 34 home runs and a league leading 126 RBIs. His excellence continued in October, as the Nationals took home the World Series title.

There is a lot that would keep Rendon in Washington, but the money on the table might be too much for Rendon to remain loyal. He will most likely receive a contract similar to Nolan Arenado’s eight year, $260 million extension he signed last year. Rendon’s comments about not wanting to player past 36 have raised questions, but the generous offers he will receive will likely change any reservations.

Suitors are already lining out the door, and the Philadelphia Phillies are right in the thick of the race. The Phillies have a noticeable hole at third base, as Maikel Franco has failed to live up to his potential. They are desperate to return to contender status with new manager Joe Girardi at the helm. They already gave Bryce Harper a massive thirteen year contract, and they will be aggressive in their pursuit of Rendon. Expect Harper and Rendon to reunite in Philadelphia.

Contract Prediction: seven years, $224 million

6. Gerrit Cole ends up in Los Angeles with the Angels

Would you be excited to see the best pitcher in baseball play alongside the best position player in baseball? Of course, you would.

Gerrit Cole is the best player overall in MLB free agency, and maybe one of the best free agent starters to hit the free agent market ever. The 29-year-old righty had undoubtedly his best season in 2019, leading the league in strikeouts, ERA+, and K/9. He was edged out by his teammate Justin Verlander for the AL Cy Young, and many could make the argument that he should have won.

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Regardless, every team could use the services of Cole. However, he is set to receive one of the largest contracts for a pitcher in MLB history, so his suitors are limited to those willing to spend the money. The Astros obviously want to keep him, but Jeff Luhnow and company are aware that they might not be able to match other offers. Plus, Cole’s comments have suggested that he is ready to move on and follow the money.

Thus, big market teams such as the Yankees, Phillies, and Rangers are expected to pursue Cole aggressively. But they might not have an advantage over the Angels.

There is no team in the pursuit of Cole that is more desperate for his services than the Angels. They had the second worst starter ERA in 2019, with an abysmal 5.64 mark. They appear prepared to outbid anybody.

Additionally, Cole is a California native, and could look to return to his roots. Pairing Cole with the likes of Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani would draw national attention, and be good for baseball as a whole.

Contract Prediction: eight years/$273 million