INTRO: Alright, its that time of year again where I predict where the top 25 FA’s will end up in MLB FA. I rank them according to my rankings. we go from #1 too #25. Bear in mind I got 22 of 25 right last year! I go off current info, rumblings, and things I have been told.
#1: OF Aaron Judge – Age 32
He’s not going anywhere. Lets be real. As Jeff Passan said today: “Judge has unfinished business with the Yankees.” He also just put up one of the greatest offensive seasons EVER with 3+ PRIME years left.
Suitors: Yankees
Prediction: Yankees 9 years $368 Million (Based off what I was told and Passan’s prediction!)
#2: RHP Jake DeGrom (OPTING OUT) – Age 35
There’s so many teams lining up for him its cray cray. Hard to figure out with injury issues and such. You know he wants to top Cole’s deal as well.
Suitors: Yankees, Mets, Braves, Dodgers, Rangers, ETC.
Prediction: Rangers 4 Years $160 Million
#3: SS Trea Turner – Age 29
Another Player with lots and lots of suitors. HAs plenty to think about and where he will go.
Suitors: Yankees, Dodgers, Braves, Phillies, Cubs, ETC.
Prediction: Phillies 10 years $250 Million
#4: LHP Carlos Rodon (OPTING OUT) – Age 30
A pitcher who rebuilt his value and is looking for a long term deal. Seeking 5 Years+ and will get it.
Suitors: Yankees, Cubs, Phillies, Dodgers, Rangers, ETC.
Prediction: Yankees 6 Years $168 Million.
#5: SS Dansby Swanson – Age 29
A intriguing player for a lot of teams. Wants to stay close ot home in Atlanta if the $ are right but is taking offers elsewhere. At just 29 is the 2nd youngest among the FA SS’s to Carlos Correa.
Suitors: Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, Marlins, Braves, ETC.
Prediction: Dodgers 10 years $240 Million.
#6: RHP Kodai Senga (TRUE FA FREE TO SING ANYWHERE!) – Age 29
Lots of teams will be reaching out to his reps but very, VERY few have a legit chance at the Japanese ACE/CLOSER!
Suitors: Yankees, Mariners, Athletics, Mets and Angels.
Prediction: Mets 5 Years $55 Million.
#7: 3B Nolan Arenado (OPTING OUT) – age 32
The best 3B on the market and one of the best in baseball. A lot of teams will talk to him but who really has a chance? Remember how much money is coming off the Yankees books here!
Suitors: Yankees, Cubs, Cardinals, Braves, Reds, ETC.
Prediction: 50/50 on him opting out. Cardinals for 8 Years $200 Million+
#8: RHP Edwin Diaz – Age 29
Was it a fluke year in finding himself again? Or is he really fixed? Only time can tell on this one.
Suitors: Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Dodgers, Rangers, ETC.
Prediction: Dodgers 5 Years $75 Million
#9: RHP Chris Bassett – Age 34
Another top starter on the market leaving the Mets. Fits a ton of teams. So amny need pitching and will make offers.
Suitors: Cubs, Yankees, Athletics, Dodgers, Braves, ETC.
Prediction: Cubs 4 Years $68 Million
#10: LHP Clayton Kershaw – Age 35
Another player with a very, VERY limited market. very few teams have the pole to get him.
Suitors: Dodgers, Rangers, Yankees
Prediction: Dodgers 1 Year $25 Million
#11: 1B Anthony Rizzo (POSSIBLE OPT OUT) – AGE 32
Very good year with the Yankees matching his career high in HR”s despite a lengthy IL Stint. Another player with extremely few suitors.
Suitors: Yankees, Cubs THAT’S IT!
Prediction: Yankees – Signs extension for 3 years $50 Million + Incentives.
#12: C Wilson Contreras – Age 31
Still has plenty of catching years left in the tank. A very large market but is a loyal guy.
Suitors: Cubs, Yankees, Reds, Dodgers, Nationals, ETC.
Prediction: Cubs 8 Years 200 Million including vesting/team/player options. Chance he joins the Yankees due to the Rizzo connection!
#13 1B Jose Abreu – Age 36
A interesting player that mutually agreed to leave the White Sox. Not many teams are fits but one has stood out.
Suitors: Cubs, White Sox, Athletics, Royals, Reds, ETC.
Prediction: Cubs 3 Years 48 Million
#14: OF/DH Mitch Haniger – Age 32
Fits so many teams and especially with his opposite field power. Mariners really want to keep him as well. That said returning home to CALIFORNIA has mega appeal with him.
Suitors: Dodgers, Mariners, Athletics, Giants, Padres, ETC.
Prediction: Giants 4 years $65 Million
#15: SS Xander Bogarts (EXPECTED TO OPT OUT) – Age 30
So many teams looking at this guy and at 3 different positions in SS, 2B, and 3B. Will be one of the more interesting ones to watch.
Suitors: Redsox, Braves, Dodgers, Twins, Yankees, ETC.
Prediction: Braves 8 years $225 Million
#16: INF Carlos Correa – Age 28
So much to think about here. So many fans inexplicably like this known sing stealing cheater. Who really wants him enough to make an offer?
Suitors: Cubs, Dodgers, Braves, Twins, Redsox, ETC.
Prediction: Cubs or Dodgers 10 Years $285 Million
#17: RHP Justin Verlander (MAY OPT OUT)- Age 40
A obvious as day cheater to at 39 years old come of TJ and have a CY Young esc year. Obvius;y on PEDS and using Foreign Substances.
Suitors: Dodgers, Tigers, Astros, Phillies, Braves, ETC.
Prediction: Astros – Does not opt out. Signs extension.
#18: OF Brandon Nimmo – Age 30
Coming off a batting title will command a massive contract. Especially being just 30 years old still. Absolutely loaded market for him.
Suitors: Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, Royals, Mets, ETC.
Prediction: Dodgers 8 years $185 Million.
#19: RHP Jamison Taillon – Age 30
Had a decent year in his 1st full year in 4 years. A solid middle of the rotation arm. Will be a good get for a lot of teams.
Suitors: Cubs, Phillies, Athletics, Dodgers, Yankees, ETC.
Prediction: Cubs 5 years $85 Million.
#20: RHP Kenley Jansen – Age 35
Veteran relief pitchers with his stuff are heavily sought after. IE: He went form one division champ to another. Will have a huge market.
Suitors: Dodgers, Braves, Mets, Yankees, Cubs, ETC.
Prediction: Dodgers 3 years $48 Million
#21: 1B Josh Bell – Age 30
A interesting player here. Had a so so year batting .266 with 17 HR’s and 71 RBI’s between 2 mega pitchers parks in SD and DC. Several teams looking at him.
Suitors: Cubs, Phillies, Yankees, Padres, Nationals, ETC.
Prediction: Cubs 5 Years $78 Million
#22: 3B Brandon Drury – Age 30
Coming off a mega bounce back year with the Reds and Padres batting .263 with 28 HR’s, and 87 RBI’s. Just a phenomenal break out year for Drury. Will get a massive contract for sure.
Suitors: Padres, Reds, Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees, ETC.
Prediction: Padres 8 Years $181 Million
#23: OF Andrew Benintendi – Age 28
Coming off a great year batting .305 with 5 HR’s, and 51 RBI’s. Yankees would like to keep him but have pans elsewhere as well.
Suitors: Yankees, Royals, Cubs, Dodgers, Mariners, ETC.
Prediction: Yankees 3 Years $33 Million
#24: OF/1B/DH Trey Mancini – Age 30
Still just 30 years old this vet has a ton of productive years left with just about every team eyeing him. Who gets him though is a mystery.
Suitors: Astros, Orioles, Royals, Dodgers, Reds, ETC.
Prediction: Cubs 5 years $59 Million
#25: C Omar Narvaez – Age 30
Coming off his 3rd straight down year and thus should come cheap. Bats left handed which fits a ton of teams. Bigger market then you would expect!
Suitors: Yankees, Brewers, Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies, ETC.
Prediction: Cubs for 4 Years $12-$15 Million. Replaces Higashioka.
SUMMERY:
There you have it. My top 25 MLB FA’s and their predicted destinations based of current info. Take the Yankees who just had well over $100 Million fall off their books. They will spend big. The Cubs as well. The Dodgers and Braves have $$ to spend and holes to fill. Should be an exciting off season with little to no interruptions this time!
BONUS FA PREDICTION:
INF/OF Cody Bellinger – Age 27
The Dodgers are expected to non tender him making him a FA. He’s a power lefty bat that has lost his way since his MVP season but is just 27. I expect the Yankees OR CUBS to take a flier on him.
BY: ADAM KING
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.