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

By Lucas Friedman

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 29: Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) rounds the bases after a home run in the seventh inning during Game 6 of the World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 29: Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) rounds the bases after a home run in the seventh inning during Game 6 of the World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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.

Next. Padres not likely to add Cole, Strasburg. dark

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

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