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Former Cubs reliever Aroldis Chapman delivers a pitch in the eighth inning of Game 7.( Arturo Pardavila III via Wikimedia Commons)
“ ENCARNACION IS A PURE PULL HITTER WHICH
BODES WELL FOR
HIM AT FENWAY
PARK.”
SCOTT NEVILLE‘ 17
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The Rangers ' Ian Desmond swings at a pitch.( Arturo Pardavila III via Wikimedia Commons |
Scott Neville‘ 17 Contributor
For Major League Baseball, the offseason is also free agent season. As of November 8, free agents can begin signing with any team that tenders them an offer. They will be the highest paid players this off-season, and deservedly so. Below are my picks for the top free agents along with a prediction of the teams they will sign with.
Aroldis Chapman( closer) to the New York Yankees- Chapman was traded to the Yankees last off-season and posted an impressive 2.01 ERA in 31.1 IP before being traded to the Chicago Cubs at the deadline. He recorded 20 saves and struck out 44 opponents before being dealt to the Cubs for a slew of young players. This haul of prospects would make resigning Chapman an absolute steal for the Yankees. Why? The Yankees are one of only a handful of teams able to pay up for a closer of his caliber and Chapman has indicated that he would be happy to come back.
Update- Chapman signed with the Yankees.
Yoenis Céspedes( outfielder) to the San Francisco Giants- Céspedes has an opt-out clause on the three year, $ 75 million contract he signed last January. The Mets will do what they can to retain the Cuban Slugger, but San Francisco seems like the perfect fit for him. The Giants are willing to pay for a power outfielder, and Céspedes won’ t want to miss the chance to cash in on his best chance to sign a deal north of $ 100 million. Update- Cespedes signed with the Mets.
Edwin Encarnacion( designated hitter) to the Boston Red Sox- Encarnacion crushed 42 homeruns for the Toronto Blue Jays this season to tie his career high from 2012. He also drove in 127 RBIs, which was tied for the most in the league. The other player to hit 127 RBI ' s this season was none
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other than David Ortiz, who Encarnacion could replace in the Red Sox line-up next season. He is projected to make over $ 20 million a year which puts most teams out of the running. Encarnacion is a pure pull hitter which bodes well for him at Fenway Park, which means he might sign a four year, $ 89 million contract with the Red Sox based on calculated market value provided by spotrac. com. However, Dave Dombroski( Red Sox President of Baseball Operations), might have second thoughts about signing a 33-yearold to the long term deal that Encarnacion wants.
Ian Desmond( shortstop / outfielder) stays with the Texas Rangers- Desmond is coming off a great year with the Rangers, and is expected to finally get a $ 100 million contract this winter. He turned down a seven-year, $ 107 million contract with the Washington Nationals in 2014 to enter free agency in 2015. After making the switch from shortstop to outfield, Desmond looks to be a priority free agent. The Rangers have the money, and need to keep Desmond in Arlington. Spotrac. com projects that Desmond will sign a six-year, $ 103 million contract. Update- Desmond signed with the Colorado Rockies
Mark Trumbo( outfield) to the Los Angeles Angels- Mark Trumbo is the best free agent outfielder behind Céspedes and Desmond. He had a breakout year in 2016, leading the MLB in homeruns with 47. He signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles in a redemption year to bet on himself this off-season, and made his year count by driving in 108 runs while scoring 94 himself. Trumbo should make around $ 20 million a year. The Angels seem like the perfect fit with their deep pockets and need for increased production from their corner outfielders.
Justin Turner( third base) to the Los Angeles Dodgers-
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Turner is a team player who is loyal to the team he broke out with.
Wilson Ramos( catcher) to the New York Mets – The Nationals will low ball Wilson which will catapult him into free agency to find a team willing to take a bet on him. The Mets are a team with a lot of money that seem unwilling to spend it, but Ramos is the type of player they go after from season to season. Update- Ramos signed with Tampa Bay Rays.
Kenley Jansen( closer) to the Los Angeles Dodgers- Janson will make some dough this offseason as his projected salary is $ 13.2 million on a four-year deal per spotrac. com. Janson could end up going to another team like the Yankees if he goes to the highest bidder, but the Dodgers may be the only team qualified to outbid the Evil Empire.
Mark Melancon( closer) to the San Francisco Giants- The Giants are a good fit for Melancon because they have gone years without acquiring a quality closer, and they will need a stopper in the bullpen if they want another successful post-season run. Update- Melancon signed with the Houston Astros
Carlos Beltran( outfield) to the Baltimore Orioles- Beltran is already 39, and will not be receiving a large contract, making the Orioles a good fit to continue his storied career. Baltimore will be losing Mark Trumbo and will need affordable replacement. Please note- This is a condensed version of Scott Neville’ s original article. To fully experience his in depth analysis of the MLB Free Agent market, please visit us online at greenwavegazette. org
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