It has finally come, the offseason baseball fans have been waiting for the last few years. This years stacked free agency class will separate the boys from men and can push a team over the edge or bury them even further down. Although this offseason is going to be crazy and somewhat unpredictable, here are my picks of where the top free agents will land.
Wilson Ramos
Catcher/ Age: 31/ Career: Twins ’10, Nationals ’10-’16, Rays ’17-’18, Phillies ’18
From: Philadelphia/ To: LA Angels/ Contract: 3 years, $42m
Other Potential Options: NY Mets, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle
2018 Stats: .306 AVG, 15 HR, 70 RBI, .358 OBP
The most coveted catcher in this years free agency, Ramos is at the top of the list for several teams. In a league where the productivity at the plate for most catchers is obsolete, Ramos, when healthy, provides the jolt many teams are looking for. At 31 with health issues over the years, Ramos will end up receiving a 2-3 year deal in my opinion. I can see the Angels being very aggressive this offseason in an all out push to finally put together a playoff team around Trout. Look for the Mets and Mariners to be suitors as well.
Yasmani Grandal
Catcher/ Age: 30/ Career: Padres ’12-’14, LA Dodgers ’15-’18
From: LA Dodgers/ To: LA Dodgers/ Contract: 1 year, $17.9m (Qualifying Offer)
Other Potential Options: NY Mets, Philadelphia
2018 Stats: .241 AVG, 24 HR, 68 RBI, .349 OBP
Grandal’s free agency future is going to depend deeply on if he decides to accept the qualifying offer or search for a several year deal. One of the leagues more reliable catchers over the years, Grandal had another solid season at the plate. Always a threat to leave the yard, Grandal’s stock might have dipped a little when he struggled defensively during the World Series. Regardless he will be pursued by many who need catching help but I personally can’t see him denying the almost $18m that he is guaranteed next year by signing the qualifying offer.
Martin Maldonado
Catcher/ Age: 32/ Career: Brewers ’11-’16, LA Angels ’17-’18, Astros ’18
From: Houston/ To: Texas/ Contract: 2 years, $14m
Other Potential Options: NY Mets, Colorado, Houston
2018 Stats: .225 AVG, 9 HR, 44 RBI, .276 OBP
More known for his glove than his bat, Maldonado is a safety option at catcher for most teams. For the teams that miss out on Ramos and Grandal and still in desperate need for a catcher could look either Maldonado, Jonathan Lucroy, or Devin Mesoraco’s way.
Daniel Murphy
Second Base/ Age: 33/ Career: Mets ’08-’15, Nationals ’16-’18, Cubs ’18
From: CHI Cubs/ To: CHI Cubs/ Contract: 2 years, $32m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, Tampa Bay, LA Dodgers, Arizona
2018 Stats: .299 AVG, 12 HR, 42 RBI, .336 OBP
Over the past few years Murph has been one of the leagues biggest impact players with his consistency at the plate. After his show out in the 2015 playoff push with the Mets, Murph signed a 3-year deal with the Nats that led to two all star appearances and an MVP top 3 finish. Now 33, Murphy might not get the lucrative deal he once hoped for but I believe will still land something in the 2-3 year range with a heavy amount of money per year. Many teams will be in the running but the question still stands, at this point of his career can he still play the field every day where he has struggled through his career or is he primarily a DH? We will have to wait and see.
D.J. LeMahieu
Second Base/ Age: 30/ Career: Cubs ’11, Rockies ’12-’18
From: Colorado/ To: Minnesota/ 4 years, $60m
Other Potential Options: Pittsburgh, Washington, Oakland
2018 Stats: .276 AVG, 15 HR, 62 RBI
Possibly one of the league’s most quiet stars, what D.J. has been able to do over the last few years should not be overlooked. LeMahieu is one of the best options you can find at second base and can help booster any lineup. With his great glove at second and consistent slashing at the plate, D.J. has been awarded two all star appearances, three gold gloves, and a batting title all since 2014. Even though his numbers and accolades speak for themselves, he is easy to be overlooked in Colorado’s stacked lineup behind Arenado, Blackmon, CarGo, and Story. Anyone with infield help could use D.J. but I can see the Twins going all in on him to be there impact infielder over the next few years.
Jed Lowrie
Second Base/ Age: 34/ Career: Red Sox ’08-’11, Astros ’12, Athletics ’13-’14, Astros ’15, Athletics ’16-’18
From: Oakland/ To: Oakland/ Contract: 2 years, $30m
Other Potential Options: Colorado, NY Yankees, Pittsburgh
2018 Stats: .267 AVG, 23 HR, 99 RBI, .353 OBP
Coming off the greatest year of his long career, Lowrie can cash in on the season that gave him his first all star appearance. Jed was one of the key threats in Oakland’s shockingly great offensive attack this season. Now 34, only a 2-3 year deal is in order and might not be for an insane amount of money but will be the must get for the teams who miss out on Murphy and LeMahieu. Jed seems to always find his way back to the Bay Area and I think Oakland will re-sign him on a 2 year deal. Keep an eye on the Pirates and Rockies to be in the mix as well.
Manny Machado
Short Stop/ Age: 26/ Career: Orioles ’12-’18, Dodgers ’18
From: LA Dodgers/ To: Philadelphia/ Contract: 9 years, $252m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, CHI Cubs, CHI White Sox, Everyone Else
2018 Stats: .297 AVG, 37 HR, 107 RBI, .367 OBP
As this years most coveted free agent, the sweepstakes for Machado has only just begun. One of the league’s best young superstars, his glove and bat both speak for themselves as elite of the elite. Some questions have risen after his controversial comments on not hustling down the line during the Dodgers playoff push this past season. Even with these worries, Machado and many people in his camp believe he will land a massive 8-10 year deal. As of now, a ton of teams are in the mix and in my opinion someone will budge and give this young star a massive and nearly decade long contract. The Phillies are a team that just might do it with all their available cap space and desire to make an impact signing this offseason. And of course when there’s a guy who wants an absurdly long contract, the Yankees have to be a team involved and just might be the ones to land him too.
Mike Moustakas
Third Base/ Age: 30/ Career: Royals ’11-’18, Brewers ’18
From: Milwaukee/ To: San Diego/ Contract: 5 years, $105m
Other Potential Options: Texas, Tampa Bay, Kansas City
2018 Stats: .251 AVG, 28 HR, 95 RBI, .315 OBP
Another solid season for Moose might have just been enough for him to get the long term deal he sought for but never received last year’s free agency. After turning down the qualifying offer from Kansas City last offseason, Moose sat in free agency for months until he decided to return to K.C. on a 1 year/ $5m deal, losing about $12m extra he would’ve got by accepting the Q.O. Now one year later teams who miss out on some of the other top infielder free agents will look Mike’s way. I personally think that at 30 and continuously showing consistency at the plate will land Mike a big contract this offseason. This could be the piece San Diego needs to fill out their infield for years to come. A future of Moose at third, Tatis at short, Urias at second, and Hosmer at first could be a lethal lineup. Not to mention a reunion of the corner infielders of the 2015 World Series champs.
Bryce Harper
Outfield/ Age: 26/ Career: Nationals ’12-’18
From: Washington/ To: CHI Cubs / Contract: 6 years, $162m
Other Potential Options: Philadelphia, NY Yankees, Washington
2018 Stats: .249 AVG, 30 HR, 100 RBI, .393 OBP
Not necessarily the most promising, but definitely the biggest name on the market this offseason is Harper. Now don’t get me wrong, Bryce is considered a super star around the league in many regards, but I for one am not too big on the Harper hype train. So the thought of him landing the 10 year, $300 mil deal he desires is so unrealistic in my mind. Honestly 6 years seems like a lot for a guy who has put up one superstar season, his 2015 MVP campaign. But Harper is high on many teams lists and will definitely go for a lot. Philly is the odds on favorite right now due to their insane cap space, but I can see him teaming up with his old pal Kris Bryant in the Windy City.
Michael Brantley
Outfield/ Age: 31/ Career: Indians ’09-’18
From: Cleveland/ To: Philadelphia/ Contract: 4 years, $72m
Other Potential Options: Cleveland, Arizona, Minnesota, CHI White Sox
2018 Stats: .309 AVG, 17 HR, 76 RBI, .364 OBP
Another one of the MLB’s quieter superstars, Brantley hits the open market at potentially the best point of his career. With a career AVG of .295 and 3 all-star appearances over his 10 year tenure in Cleveland, Brantley has been the epitome of consistency. On the down side, injuries have been a huge part of Brantley’s career and one reason he might go under the radar so much. But at only 31, I expect him to still be able to land a pretty lucrative contract worth either 3 or 4 years. The Phillies have money to spend and this add is not only helpful but one that needs to be done for them. With their big issues in the outfield, Philadelphia can bolster their lineup with this addition. But if they are hesitant, Brantley definitely won’t have too hard of a time finding a home. In my opinion a re-signing in Cleveland is a very likely alternative along with pushes from Arizona and Minnesota to ink him.
Outfield/ Age: 33/ Career: Mariners ’06-’07, Orioles ’08-’18
From: Baltimore/ To: NY Mets/ Contract: 2 years, $18m
Other Potential Options: Philadelphia, Cleveland, San Diego, Washington
2018 Stats: .281 AVG, 15 HR, 63 RBI, .313 OBP
Always a valuable piece to any lineup, Jones has gone high under the radar this offseason due to the surplus of valuable outfielders available. At 33, Adam has shown he’s on the decline of his career but regardless can still swing the bat at a middle of the order level. With Baltimore’s recent dump of veterans to go young, the center fielder who spent the last 11 seasons, earning 5 all-star appearances, and 4 gold gloves, with the O’s is on his way out. Although Jones most likely is not the top choice for most teams, he will definitely find a job next year on a 1-2 year contract. Yes I might be being very optimistic about my Mets but this is an inexpensive fit that can help big time. A veteran who hits for average rather than power and can patrol center field regularly is just what the Mets need. Not to mention a right handed bat. Either way, Jones might sign late and get good looks from teams who miss out on Harper, Brantley, and McCutchen.
Nick Markakis
Outfield/ Age: 35/ Career: Orioles ’06-’14, Braves ’15-’18
From: Atlanta/ To: Oakland/ Contract: 2 years, $24m
Other Potential Options: LA Angels
2018 Stats: .297 AVG, 14 HR, 93 RBI, .366 OBP
Coming off the best year of his career in his age-34 season, Markakis earned his first all-star nod, his first Silver Slugger award and third Gold Glove. Although Markakis’ play isn’t flashy and noticeable among the fair-weather fan, he has quietly been one of the league’s most durable and consistent players over the past decade. The best example was the impact he had on this years NL East winning Atlanta Braves, being the glue and reliable veteran the team leaned on. But at 35, Markakis will only be looking to sign a short deal probably worth in the range of $9-14 mil per year. With the recent signing of Josh Donaldson in Atlanta, Johan Camargo will most likely be moved to the outfield leaving no room for a Markakis return. Oakland can be a good spot as a contender who could use a veteran bat with a good young team.
Andrew McCutchen
Outfield/ Age: 32/ Career: Pirates ’09-’17, Giants ’18, Yankees ’18
From: NY Yankees/ To: Cleveland/ Contract: 3 years, $48m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, San Francisco
2018 Stats: .255 AVG, 20 HR, 65 RBI, .368 OBP
Another former MVP to grace the list of this years free agents, Cutch is in a rather weird situation. At only 32, Cutch has been on a noticeable decline at the plate since his great stretch from 2012-2015 where he won the NL MVP in 2013 in Pittsburgh. Regardless at only 32, McCutchen can still patrol center field well and maintains a high OBP while his average has seemed to drop. A contender like Cleveland can definitely look Cutch’s way on a multi-year deal to fill in their need in center field. But several other teams can be looking at Cutch; basically almost anybody who needs outfield help. So in my opinion McCutchen won’t have trouble finding a starting job, and quite honestly, will probably land a 3-4 year deal somewhere.
A.J. Pollock
Outfield/ Age: 30/ Career: Diamondbacks ’12-’18
From: Arizona/ To: Cincinnati/ Contract: 4 years, $56m
Other Potential Options: CHI Cubs, Arizona, Minnesota, Oakland
2018 Stats: .257 AVG, 21 HR, 65 RBI, .316 OBP
A difference maker when on the field, Pollock is a gamble due to his plague of injury issues throughout his career. Since being called up in 2012, Pollock has played only one full season; in 2015 where he played 157 games, batted .315, won a Gold Glove, and made the All-Star team. Pollock has proven that when healthy he can be one of the best in baseball, but what is that going to correlate into the free agent market? At only 30, there is reason to believe if Pollock can stay healthy, he can be a major impact. Likewise, there is also reason to believe his injuries will get worse with age. A team like Cincinnati can afford to take this gamble as they already have an explosive offensive attack and room in the outfield for a big piece. Although Cincinnati’s main focus this offseason will be on pitching, Pollock could be a great fit with the Reds.
Carlos Gonzalez
Outfield/ Age: 33/ Career: Athletics ’08, Rockies ’09-’18
From: Colorado/ To: Detroit/ Contract: 3 years, $33m
Other Potential Options: Colorado, Atlanta
2018 Stats: .276 AVG, 16 HR, 64 RBI, .329 OBP
Heading into another year of free agency, CarGo this time around will probably be looking to find a new home. Now 33 and with Colorado looking to fill in the outfield with younger prospects, the decade of Gonzalez manning right field at Coors looks to be coming to an end. With this inevitable, Gonzalez’s tenure in Colorado was definitely not one to be disappointed about. With 3 all-star appearances, 3 gold gloves, 2 silver slugger awards, and an NL batting title, Gonzalez put together one of the better tenures in Rockies history. Looking to find a new home, a team like the rebuilding Tigers could look to bring in a veteran bat to take the spot of Victor Martinez around their young prospects. CarGo might just be the perfect fit, regardless, some team will look Gonzalez’s way to potentially man a corner outfield for a couple years.
Nelson Cruz
Designated Hitter/ Outfield/ Age: 38/ Career: Brewers ’05, Rangers ’06-’13, Orioles ’14, Mariners ’15-’18
From: Seattle/ To: Houston/ Contract: 1 year, $11m
Other Potential Options: Seattle, Tampa Bay
2018 Stats: .256 AVG, 37 HR, 97 RBI, .342 OBP
Still one of the league’s most blatant threats to leave the yard, Cruz enters free agency lightly talked about. At 38, and primarily a DH rather than a position player, Cruz will definitely have limited teams looking at him. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t get anything. He will most likely stay in the A.L. to anchor a DH spot for some team for the next year or two before considering retirement. After slugging nearly 40 homers again last year, Cruz can easily still be an every day middle of the order hitter. With Evan Gattis and Marwin Gonzalez’s pending free agencies, I can see Houston looking at Cruz to fill their DH spot for next year’s season. Houston is all in to win another World Series so this move makes a lot of sense to add power to their already dynamic lineup.
Dallas Keuchel
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 30/ Career: Astros ’12-’18
From: Houston/ To: Houston/ Contract: 5 years, $115m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, LA Angels, Oakland, Cincinnati, CHI Cubs, Washington
2018 Stats: 12-11, 3.74 ERA, 153 SO, 1.31 WHIP
Over the past several years, Keuchel has been one of the league’s premier pitchers and the time has finally come for him to hit free agency. As the number one starting pitching option this offseason, many teams will be looking to break the bank to add him to their rotation. The question will be what can the Astros offer him that other teams can’t? Well for one all he has known is Houston and has won a Cy Young, a World Series, 4 Gold Gloves, and 2 All-Star selections in his seven years with the ‘Stros. Houston will definitely have to break the bank to retain him but I think that will be top priority for them. The Astros are looking to make several more World Series runs and at the top of their list I would imagine is to keep the big 3 in their rotations, Verlander, Keuchel, and Cole, together for several more years. Although Dallas is now looked at as the third best pitcher in this rotation, the temptation to become the ace of another squad might entice him to leave. Look for the Angels, Yankees, and Reds to be top suitors to try to lure him away from Houston.
Patrick Corbin
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 29/ Career: Diamondbacks ’12-’18
From: Arizona/ To: NY Yankees/ Contract: 5 years, $90m
Other Potential Options: Philadelphia, LA Angels, Cincinnati, NY Mets
2018 Stats: 11-7, 3.15 ERA, 246 SO, 1.05 WHIP
Another top young arm in this years free agency is Patrick Corbin. Corbin has spent his first several years in Arizona, but unlike Keuchel, has dealt with more difficult circumstances. After his breakout season in 2013 and getting elected to his first all-star team, Corbin underwent Tommy John Surgery and missed all of the 2014 season. He returned in June of 2015 and struggled a bit in the following years, posting a 5.15 ERA in 2016 while being exiled to the bullpen. 2017 was slightly better and 2018 deemed well for Corbin as we saw him return to his 2013 state. Corbin posted a 3.15 ERA this past season and was named an NL all star while anchoring the Diamondbacks rotation along with Zack Greinke. Now a free agent, many teams with starting pitching issues are looking at Corbin to come in and help their rotation. With Arizona’s future in question, and Greinke and Goldschmidt potential trade targets, the D-Backs don’t seem interested in breaking the bank to retain Corbin. The Yankees are among a top team to sign him as he will most likely land a contract around 4-5 years and up to $20 mil annually. Philadelphia is also a team with a lot of money and ready to make a splash to become a World Series contender.
J.A. Happ
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 36/ Career: Phillies ’07-’10, Astros ’10-’12, Blue Jays ’12-’14, Mariners ’15, Pirates ’15, Blue Jays ’16-’18, Yankees ’18
From: NY Yankees/ To: NY Yankees/ Contract: 2 years, $18m
Other Potential Options: Toronto, Houston
2018 Stats: 17-6, 3.65 ERA, 193 SO, 1.13 WHIP
More of a fall back option for some teams, the 36 year old is no foreigner when it comes to negotiating contracts. Looking to join potentially his seventh team, Happ is coming off arguably the best year of his career leading to his first all-star appearance. After a midseason trade to the Yankees, Happ became a fan favorite, shining in a rotation that was anything but dynamic. At his age, I don’t think a drastic change in scenery is necessary and his arm in the rotation for another year or two should be on the Yankees checklist. On the other hand, Happ always seems to find a way back to Toronto so don’t rule out a potential third tenure up north.
Gio Gonzalez
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 33/ Career: Athletics ’08-’11, Nationals ’12-’18, Brewers ’18
From: Milwaukee/ To: LA Angels/ Contract: 3 years, $36m
Other Potential Options: Philadelphia, Atlanta
2018 Stats: 10-11, 4.21 ERA, 148 SO, 1.44 WHIP
Over the past decade Gio has seen a lot of success in the league putting together a pretty solid career to this point. Known more for his movement rather than his speed, Gonzalez is going to be a valuable add to a rotation that needs arms. Several contenders will definitely look at Gio to be a 3 or 4 in their rotation and can even land up to a 3 year deal in my opinion. The Angels NEED to address the starting pitching issue if they want to contend in 2019 and this could definitely help. Whether or not they miss out on any of the guys above, Gio should be high on the Angels checklist to sign this offseason. Look at a few NL teams to want to add Gio to be a middle of the rotation starter as well.
Charlie Morton
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 35/ Career: Braves ’08, Pirates ’09-’15, Phillies ’16, Houston ’17-’18
From: Houston/ To: LA Angels/ Contract: 1 year, $15m
Other Potential Options: Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia
2018 Stats: 15-3, 3.13 ERA, 201 SO, 1.16 WHIP
From a career journeyman to one of the league’s most dynamic pitchers, the 2018 season for Morton was a wild one. After spending many years in Pittsburgh putting up mediocre numbers, Morton found a home in Houston pitching great and helping win the 2017 World Series. But not only was 2017 amazing, 2018 proved to be spectacular leading to Morton’s first all-star appearance in his age-34 season. Now on the market, a bunch of teams will look at Morton to help out the rotation in hopes he continues his 2018 dominance. Due to the uncertainty, a one or two year deal is all Morton will most likely get but could be pretty solid in pay. Along with Gio, I can see the Angels adding Morton on a nice one year deal to try to revamp their rotation with successful veterans. Besides LA, Houston is probably a high likelihood to retain Morton on a similar deal I predicted above.
Matt Harvey
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 29/ Career: Mets ’12-’18, Reds ’18
From: Cincinnati/ To: Cincinnati/ Contract: 1 year, $5m
Other Potential Options: Oakland, Milwaukee
2018 Stats: 7-9, 4.94 ERA, 131 SO, 1.30 WHIP
Well most baseball fans know the story of Matt Harvey at this point so here’s your quick summary. Harvey came up with the Mets in 2012 as a top prospect and quickly showed it. Dominating hitters and earning the nickname the Dark Knight by New York fans, posted a 2.73 ERA in his rookie year. 2013 would be his best where he put together a 2.27 ERA and 191 SO while starting the all-star game for the NL and finished 4th in Cy Young voting. Harvey would undergo Tommy John Surgery and miss all of the 2014 season, later returning in 2015 to win Comeback Player of the Year and become a key factor in the Mets’ World Series run. Well nothing was the same after that, injuries and personal issues plagued Harvey’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons until the Mets had enough and sent him to the Reds for the remainder of the year. Now on the market I can’t see Harvey getting more than a 1 year deal and potentially staying in Cincinnati and out of the media infested New York might be his best bet to get his career back on track.
Nathan Eovaldi
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 28/ Career: Dodgers ’11-’12, Marlins ’12-’14, Yankees ’15-’16, Rays ’18, Boston ’18
From: Boston/ To: Boston/ Contract: 3 years, $24m
Other Potential Options: Houston, LA Angels, Cincinnati
2018 Stats: 6-7, 3.81 ERA, 101 SO, 1.13 WHIP
Eovaldi is one of the sneakier and solid options as a starter in this years free agency. At only 28, Eovaldi has done his fair share of bouncing around in his several year career. He’ll be an inexpensive option with a lot of upside shown from this past year’s postseason run with the Red Sox. Although he will go for cheap, many have skepticism on him due to his two Tommy John Surgery’s, one that cost him the entire 2017 season. He’ll still most likely see a 2 or 3 year deal and, if healthy, can be a great option for teams with pitching issues. A return to Boston in my opinion is likely but don’t rule out a Cincinnati or an LA who needs to pitching help.
Craig Kimbrel
Closing Pitcher/ Age: 30/ Career: Braves ’10-’14, Padres ’15, Red Sox ’16-’18
From: Boston/ To: Boston/ Contract: 5 years, $90m
Other Potential Options: Atlanta, Philadelphia
2018 Stats: 42 SVs, 2.74 ERA, 96 SO, 0.99 WHIP
One of the league’s best when it comes to the 9th inning, Kimbrel hits the market as a World Series Champion and looking to get paid. Initial reports indicate Kimbrel is looking for a 6-year deal, I personally see him getting 5 years, similar to Chapman or Jansen’s contracts the last couple offseasons. Either way, Kimbrel is the top relief pitcher to go after this offseason and will be for the highest price. Although many teams will be in on him, I could see Boston, Atlanta, and Philly being serious threats to fulfill the total cost that he’s seeking. I think the two highest chances are with teams he’s familiar with in the Braves and Red Sox. Although early on in free agency many relief pitchers don’t look to sign right away, Kimbrel could be gone very soon.
Andrew Miller
Relief Pitcher/ Age: 33/ Career: Tigers ’06-’07, Marlins ’08-’10, Red Sox ’11-’14, Orioles ’14, Yankees ’15-’16, Indians ’16-’18
From: Cleveland/ To: NY Mets/ Contract: 3 years, $39m
Other Potential Options: St. Louis, Philadelphia
2018 Stats: 2 SVs, 4.24 ERA, 45 SO, 1.38 WHIP
Another elite level arm coming out of this years free agency, Miller has been one of the most dominant and consistent over the last few years. After spending the beginning part of his career as a journeyman, Miller came into his own with the Yankees in 2015. But plagued with injuries and at the age of 33, many wonder how much the lefty has left. In my opinion Miller will land a 2 or 3 year deal with solid pay to be a setup man for a contender. I think this is a move the Mets need to make, and with the newly acquired Edwin Diaz, this can become and elite back of the bullpen.
Zach Britton
Closing Pitcher/ Age: 30/ Career: Orioles ’11-’18, Yankees ’18
From: NY Yankees/ To: Washington/ Contract: 4 years, $60m
Other Potential Options: Boston, Washington, Philadelphia
2018 Stats: 7 SVs, 3.10 ERA, 34 SO, 1.23 WHIP
Hitting free agency for the first time in his career, Britton will be approaching his age-31 season seeking a closer role and a lengthy contract. Britton put together three of the best consecutive stretches we have ever seen out of a closing pitcher in 2014, 2015, and 2016 (including his unbelievable ’16 with 47 saves and a 0.54 ERA). Injuries have become an issue for Zach the last two years but has shown when he’s playing he’s still one of the best in the game. This is definitely enough for Britton to seek a lengthy contract worth top closer money for 4-5 years. Many teams are in on Britton but not many will pay high price if they don’t consider him their closer. I can see the Nationals swooping in to lock up Britton on a nice contract in hopes they can still stay relevant in the crowded NL East. Look for Boston to make a push if Kimbrel doesn’t return.
Cody Allen
Closing Pitcher/ Age: 30/ Career: Indians ’12-’18
From: Cleveland/ To: Philadelphia/ Contract: 3 years, $30m
Other Potential Options: Cleveland, Atlanta, NY Mets
2018 Stats: 27 SVs, 4.70 ERA, 80 SO, 1.36 WHIP
Coming off a year that definitely won’t help his free agent stock, Allen has been one of the familiar faces late in games for the competitive Tribe the last few years. After 5 straight seasons of sub-3.00 ERA performance, Allen struggled a bit in 2018 even losing the closing job for a period of time. Regardless, Allen does have a history of big game pitching and durability, finishing each season since 2013 with right around 70 relief appearance. Cody will definitely be one of the more cheaper options compared to some of the other free agents and might even be sought by a few to be a 7th or 8th inning guy. Along with many other things, the Phillies will be looking to buy a potential closer and this could be just the guy they turn to.
David Robertson
Closing Pitcher/ Age: 33/ Career: Yankees ’08-’14, CHI White Sox ’15-’17, Yankees ’17-’18
From: NY Yankees/ To: Tampa Bay/ Contract: 2 years, $21m
Other Potential Options: Boston, NY Yankees
2018 Stats: 5 SVs, 3.23 ERA, 91 SO, 1.03 WHIP
It’s going to be an interesting market for the 33 year old as he’ll be seen as a backup option for many teams at closer. Robertson has put together a solid career thus far in the Bronx and Chicago and has even cashed in on a 4 year, $46m deal in the 2014 offseason with the White Sox. The market for Robertson looks to be at most 2 or 3 years and might not even be a closer role. Either way he’ll still be asking for around $10m a year in my opinion and several teams who hope to contend will look at him as their ninth inning guy. This is the kind of move that would make sense for the Rays and could play in very well to their “opener” routine when it comes to relief pitchers.
Jeurys Familia
Closing Pitcher/ Age: 29/ Career: NY Mets ’12-’18, Athletics ’18
From: Oakland/ To: LA Angels/ Contract: 3 years, $27m
Other Potential Options: Oakland
2018 Stats: 18 SVs, 3.13 ERA, 83 SO, 1.22 WHIP
Another one of the league’s better closers to hit the market is Familia who is known for his ninth inning dominance in Queens for several years. Now 29, Familia had a dynamic stretch between 2014-2016 where his numbers were arguably the best in the game. In his breakout season in 2014, he posted 5 saves with a 2.21 ERA, following that up with 43 saves on a 1.85 ERA in 2015, helping surge the Mets’ run to the World Series that year. 2016 might have been his best, earning his first all-star appearance and finishing with an NL leading 51 saves and a 2.55 ERA. The last couple of years Familia has struggled with inconsistency and injuries and it raises the question if a team should invest in him to be their ninth inning guy. I think so and a team like the Angels could use him to help bolster their bullpen. Regardless of if it’s a closer role or an 8th inning role, Familia is probably worth a 2-3 year contract at about $7m-$10m per year.
Adam Ottavino
Relief Pitcher/ Age: 33/ Career: St. Louis ’10, Colorado ’12-’18
From: Colorado/ To: NY Yankees/ Contract: 3 years, $32m
Other Potential Options: NY Mets, St. Louis, Colorado
2018 Stats: 6 SVs, 2.43 ERA, 112 SO, 0.99 WHIP
Rounding out the list is Adam Ottavino who is probably one of the more unknown stars in all of baseball. Helping to bolster the Rockies dynamic bullpen over the last few seasons, Ottavino hits the market with a few questions. Some wonder if he can be signed as a closer but it seems more likely teams are looking at him as more of a 7th or 8th inning option where he has shined over the years. Although 2018 was probably the best and most consistent year of his career, the stats don’t really do justice to what Ottavino is capable of. I am a big fan of him and think he is one of the more dominant relievers in baseball. The market is going to be enticing for him as many contenders are going to look to sign him for the back of their bullpen. In my opinion, as a New York kid, Ottavino’s most likely scenario is landing in either the Bronx or Queens. My guess as of now would be the Yankees because I think they won’t re-sign Britton or Robertson and look to sign Ottavino to take their spot in the back of the bullpen.
The Sports World According To Paul 