The 2020 MLB Offseason is now officially under way and the chaos has only just begun. After seeing very slow and lifeless markets the last two offseason’s, movement right out of the gate by teams suggests something different for this year. A few quick signings occurred once the market opened including Will Smith and Darren O’Day to the Braves, Drew Pomeranz to the Padres, and Adam Wainwright staying in St. Louis. With a few key names on the market this year, and many more on the trade block, I think we’re in for something special this offseason that will be much more action packed then the previous two years. So take a quick look at the top free agents available this year and where I believe they will end up.
NOTE: Zack Wheeler, Cole Hamels, and Mike Moustakas signed while editing the post so I kept my original predictions for them here.
Justin Smoak
First Base/ Age: 32/ Career: TEX ’10, SEA ’10-’14, TOR ’15-’19
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Toronto/ To: Boston/ Contract: 1 year, $6m
Other Potential Options: Toronto, NY Yankees
2019 Stats: .208 AVG, 22 HR, 61 RBI, .342 OBP
After a down year in his age-32 season, Smoak is looking to bounce back and prove his worth in the league. Still reliable with the glove and capable of smacking upwards towards 30 homers, Smoak will draw interest from probably a few teams this offseason. Although there really isn’t too much of a market for the soon to be 33-year-old who is on the down slope of his career, I can still see him landing a 1 or 2 year deal somewhere. Boston is in need of a 1B and might try to acquire one via trading Jackie Bradley, Jr., although they seem like a good fit for Justin. Toronto definitely could be an option to bring him back and the Yankees, who are in need of a 1B as well, might look his way for their left handed hitting friendly ballpark.
Ryan Zimmerman
First Base/ Age: 35/ Career: WSH ’05-’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’19), 2x All-Star, Gold Glove, 2x Silver Slugger
From: Washington/ To: Washington/ Contract: 1 year, $3m
Other Potential Options: NO ONE
2019 Stats: .251 AVG, 6 HR, 27 RBI, .321 OBP
Not really much of a shock here as Mr. National will most likely not end up anywhere besides D.C. this offseason. As the only former Montreal Expos draft pick left in the league, Zimmerman has been the face of the franchise and has played on every Nationals team since the franchise’s move to the nation’s capital in 2005. After finally delivering the only franchise he has ever known’s first title this Postseason, Ryan’s heartfelt story is too good to leave behind. I don’t see Ryan ever playing for anyone else and a potential retirement after this season might be his way out.
Starlin Castro
Second Base/ Age: 29/ Career: CHC ’10-’15, NYY ’16-’17, MIA ’18-’19
Achievements: 4x All-Star
From: Miami/ To: CHI Cubs/ Contract: 3 years, $39m
Other Potential Options: Miami, Cleveland
2019 Stats: .270 AVG, 22 HR, 86 RBI, .300 OBP
Quietly one of the league’s most consistent hitters over the past several years, Starlin hits the market in a very interesting scenario. The market doesn’t seem too high for the 2B who broadened his horizons this past season with the rebuilding Marlins by playing SS and 3B as well. Despite this, I think a 3-4 year deal at age 29 around $10-15m a year seems like the most reasonable price range for the slugger. A reunion with the Cubs seems like the best and most realistic situation for the middle infielder with the team most likely losing Ben Zobrist and the inconsistent play of Addison Russell. A reunion in Miami is also a rumor spread around although if he were to re-sign there he’d have to be a full time SS or 3B with the emergence of young prospect Isan Diaz. The Indians could also be in on the veteran if they decide to move on from Jason Kipnis and/or trade star SS Francisco Lindor.
Jason Kipnis
Second Base/ Age: 32/ Career: CLE ’11-’19
Achievements: 2x All-Star
From: Cleveland/ To: Washington/ Contract: 2 years, $12m
Other Potential Options: Detroit, Oakland,
2019 Stats: .245 AVG, 17 HR, 65 RBI, .304 OBP
The former all-star second baseman hits the free agent market as a cheap option for a variety of teams. Kipnis’ noticeable decline over the last couple of years definitely will hurt him this offseason as most teams will look at him as a fall back option in the middle infield. Although this might be the case, I still think a handful of teams will be interested in Kipnis and he will get at least a few contract offers to start at 2B. I think the Indians are out of the question after denying his team option they will probably head in a younger route. I can see teams like the Tigers and Athletics being of high interest based on their low payroll and deep needs at 2B. With Brian Dozier and Asdrubal Cabrera most likely gone, the soon to be defending champion Nationals could be a mutual match for the 32 year old.
Howie Kendrick
Utility/ Age: 36/ Career: LAA ’06-’14, LAD ’15-’16, PHI ’17, WSH ’17-’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’19), NLCS MVP (’19), 1x All-Star
From: Washington/ To: Tampa Bay/ Contract: 2 years, $22m
Other Potential Options: Boston, Washington, Cincinnati
2019 Stats: .344 AVG, 17 HR, 62 RBI, .395 OBP
One of the key pieces of the Nationals miraculous World Series run this past year, Kendrick is no newcomer to success at the plate. As a very underrated and consistent hitter over the past decade across baseball, Howie has seen his fair share of new homes throughout his career. Now hitting the market yet again at 36, Howie might have one more solid contract run left in him before he calls it quits. There’s no doubt several teams will be after Howie to be a starter at 2B for next season. Over the past several years, Howie has expanded his versatility while playing across the infield and throughout the outfield as well. I can see a team like Tampa Bay swooping in and signing him as a platoon infielder/ starting outfield option, but don’t count out the Reds who are hot on Howie’s list and in dire need for an every day 2B.
Didi Gregorius
Short Stop/ Age: 29/ Career: CIN ’12, ARI ’13-’14, NYY ’15-’19
From: NY Yankees/ To: Philadelphia/ Contract: 3 years, $42m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees
2019 Stats: .238 AVG, 16 HR, 61 RBI, .276 OBP
For the first time in his career, Sir Didi will hit the free agent market after coming off an injury that took away the first half of his 2019 season. Before being traded to the Yankees, Didi was a young SS prospect that was known much more for his glove then bat. After the trade Didi took the league by storm implementing himself as an electric SS with an above average bat. Quickly becoming a fan favorite in NY, Gregorius surged the Yankees last several postseason runs with clutch hits, utilizing Yankee Stadium’s famous short porch in right field. Now hitting the market, the question we’re wondering is if the Yankees want to keep Didi with the influx of infielders they already have in Urshela, Torres, Andujar, and LeMahieu. But with the recent DFA’s of Maikel Franco and Cesar Hernandez, and new manager Joe Girardi’s love for Didi, the Phillies are the odds on likely landing spot for Gregorius.
Anthony Rendon
Third Base/ Age: 29/ Career: WSH ’13-’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’19), 1x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger, NL Comeback Player of the Year (’16), MLB RBI Leader (’19)
From: Washington/ To: Washington/ Contract: 7 years, $231m
Other Potential Options: Texas, LA Dodgers, Philadelphia, Several Others
2019 Stats: .319 AVG, 34 HR, 126 RBI, .412 OBP
Here we go, the number one bat on the market this offseason, Anthony Rendon. Rendon had himself an unbelievable contract year, being named an all-star, silver slugger, leading all of baseball in RBI’s, and most importantly bringing home a World Series title. Now it’s Anthony’s turn to get paid and there is no doubt that either him, or Gerrit Cole, will receive the biggest contract this offseason. The early top teams linked to Rendon are all the usuals in Washington, Philly, and the Dodgers but one underdog that can’t be counted out is the Texas Rangers. I mean, we just saw Yasmani Grandal head to the White Sox, I could definitely see a legitimate threat of the Rangers bringing the Texas native back home on a lucrative contract. These are always very difficult to predict, but my hunch is that although the Nats may lose most of their other free agents, Rendon will be the one they keep to stay. But at the end of the day it’s going to be a bidding war for the young slugger. He’s projected to get around a 6 year deal worth around $31m a year but I think it will go even higher since one team will have to break the bank to lure him away from the rest.
Mike Moustakas (SIGNED WITH REDS BEFORE PUBLISHING)
Third Base/ Age: 31/ Career: KC ’11-’18, MIL ’18-’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’15), 2x All-Star, AL Comeback Player of the Year (’17)
From: Milwaukee/ To: Milwaukee/ Contract: 2 years, $38m
Other Potential Options: Philadelphia, Atlanta, Texas
2019 Stats: .254 AVG, 35 HR, 87 RBI, .329 OBP
For the third straight year, Moustakas will be on the market yet again still in search for that multi-year deal he’s sought after since the end of the 2017 season. I don’t think this offseason Moose will have to settle for another 1-year deal as his 2019 campaign established how consistent of a threat Moustakas is at the plate. After playing a good amount of 2B as well as 3B during his Milwaukee tenure, Moose might be looked at as a potential 2B option for some teams in need. The Phillies will definitely be shopping for a 3B and so will Atlanta if they don’t bring back Josh Donaldson. Moustakas has always been a loyal player and he seems to be have become comfortable in Milwaukee and it’ll probably be the Brew Crews top priority to bring him back. I don’t see Moustakas really signing anywhere else.
Josh Donaldson
Third Base/ Age: 33/ Career: OAK ’10-’14, TOR ’15-’18, CLE ’18, ATL ’19
Achievements: AL MVP (’15), 3x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger, AL RBI Leader (’15)
From: Atlanta/ To: Texas/ Contract: 3 years, $54m
Other Potential Options: Washington, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Atlanta, LA Dodgers
2019 Stats: .259 AVG, 37 HR, 94 RBI, .379 OBP
After signing a bet on yourself 1-year deal with the Braves last offseason, the former MVP looks to have made the right choice as the market is very high on the soon to be 34 year old slugger. Beginning to get up there in age, Donaldson won’t be able to land any ridiculous 5 or 6 year deal, but a 3 year deal is not only possible but highly likely. The market is very high on him as early on the Nats, Phillies, Cards, and Dodgers have all checked in on the slugger. The Braves also remain interested although with the emergence of Austin Riley, a talented 3B, re-signing Donaldson seems unlikely. The X-Factor of all of this I think is the Texas Rangers who are going to have a lot of money to spend this offseason and are ready to make a couple of impact signings. I think the Rangers land the Bringer of Rain this offseason to be the tank in the middle of their order.
Nicholas Castellanos
Outfield/ Age: 27/ Career: DET ’13-’19, CHC ’19
From: CHI Cubs/ To: Miami/ Contract: 4 years, $84m
Other Potential Options: San Francisco, CHI White Sox
2019 Stats: .289 AVG, 27 HR, 73 RBI, .337 OBP
Heading into his age 28 season, Castellanos hits the market for the first time in his career and his pay day is about to come. As one of the league’s more underrated hitters, Nick was overlooked for a while playing in Detroit but finally got some recognition after tearing it up in the Windy City. A lot of teams are after the young slugger and the only real question about his game is if his defense can hold up to play every day. A former 3B, he was moved into the outfield a few years ago and has been looked at as some to be more of a primary DH. Some teams in current rebuilds who have money to spend will look Nick’s way including the Giants and White Sox. I can see the Miami Marlins being the team that offers him more than anyone else to be a reliable bat among a lineup in reconstruction.
Marcell Ozuna
Outfield/ Age: 29/ Career: MIA ’13-’17, STL ’18-’19
Achievements: 2x All-Star, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove
From: St. Louis/ To: Arizona/ Contract: 5 years, $96m
Other Potential Options: Atlanta, Texas, Cincinnati, St. Louis
2019 Stats: .241 AVG, 29 HR, 89 RBI, .328 OBP
Another young slugger hitting the market for the first time in his career, Ozuna is going to be at the top of the must get list for many teams. Putting up yet another very solid offensive season, there’s a lot of reason to believe Marcell is just getting started. Early on there are a ton of teams hot on Ozuna’s list and a couple that stand out are the Braves, Rangers, and D-Backs. The Braves could put together a dynamic outfield by adding Ozuna to a core of Acuna, Inciarte, Markakis, and Riley. If the Rangers end up missing out on Donaldson or Rendon they could be a huge likelihood to go after Ozuna. But the team I can see offering something no one else can is Arizona who have a few openings in the outfield and can use a complimenting bat to go along with Eduardo Escobar and Ketel Marte. After a surprisingly good year last year with a young core, Arizona will look to add an established veteran to make a legitimate run at the NL playoffs next season. Ozuna is that guy.
Hunter Pence
Outfield/ Age: 36/ Career: HOU ’07-’11, PHI ’11-’12, SF ’12-’18, TEX ’19
Achievements: 2x WS Champion (’12,’14), 4x All-Star
From: Texas/ To: Texas/ Contract: 2 years, $14m
Other Potential Options: CHI Cubs, San Diego
2019 Stats: .297 AVG, 18 HR, 59 RBI, .358 OBP
The 36 year old had a Renaissance of a season this past year as he put any doubt that he was on a true decline to rest. After sitting on the market all offseason, Pence settled on a Minor League deal with his hometown Texas Rangers. After a solid Spring Training, Pence returned to vintage Hunter Pence consistency, making his 4th all-star team in his age 36 season. Now back on the market, I don’t think there’s any doubt that Hunter will finish his career out with the Rangers and re-sign on a 2-year deal. The Arlington native seemed comfortable back home and I’m also big fan of the Rangers this offseason as I think they will make some legitimate impact signings. I expect Pence back as the DH/OF for Texas next year.
Yasiel Puig
Outfield/ Age: 28/ Career: LAD ’13-’18, CIN ’19, CLE ’19
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Cleveland/ To: CHI White Sox/ Contract: 3 years, $51m
Other Potential Options: Arizona, NY Yankees, Miami, Philadelphia
2019 Stats: .267 AVG, 24 HR, 84 RBI, 19 SB
Not too long ago Puig was one of the most dominant and impactful players in all of baseball. After a few years on the decline, and a falling out with the Dodgers, Puig was able to rejuvenate his career this past year splitting the season across Ohio’s two teams. Now an FA for the first team at age 28, Puig still runs some risk on getting a huge deal which is why he’ll be a candidate for a 2 or 3 year deal most likely. There are definitely a lot of teams on the radar for Yasiel including the Phillies, Yankees and D-Backs who all can use an extra corner outfielder. The White Sox are going to be looking to make another big bat signing after the addition of Yasmani Grandal and Puig probably is the perfect fit. Not as a expensive as the other top bats, Puig can get solid money and become an anchor in the Sox corner outfield and middle of the lineup along with Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, and newly acquired Grandal.
Alex Gordon
Outfield/ Age: 35/ Career: KC ’07-’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’15), 3x All-Star, 7x Gold Glove
From: Kansas City/ To: Kansas City/ Contract: 1 year, $5m
Other Potential Options: Retirement
2019 Stats: .266 AVG, 13 HR, 76 RBI, .345 OBP
Mr. Kansas City is here to stay as I really can’t see the team’s leader over the past decade plus going anywhere else. Reports indicate that Gordon is 50/50 between returning in free agency with the Royals for another year or retiring. As possibly a top five defensive outfielder of the 21st century, Gordon added yet another gold glove this past year in his age 35 season. He’s been through it all in Kansas City including a World Series championship along with several playoff runs. Now in rebuilding mode, the Royals will probably bring back their leader for another year and I think after this year, #4 will never be worn again by any other Royal.
Gerrit Cole
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 29/ Career: PIT ’13-’17, HOU ’18-’19
Achievements: 3x All-Star, AL ERA Leader (’19), AL Strikeout Leader (’19)
From: Houston/ To: LA Angels/ Contract: 7 years, $231m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, San Diego
2019 Stats: 20-5, 2.50 ERA, 326 Ks, 0.89 WHIP
By far the ultimate prize this offseason out of all the pitching available, Cole had one of the best contract years of all-time. Finishing as the runner up in the Cy Young to teammate Justin Verlander, Cole led the AL in ERA and Strikeouts while winning 20 games in his age 29 season. Now on the market for the first time, Cole will probably land one of the most lucrative deals we’ve seen for a pitcher in several years. Although everyone would love to land Cole, the Yankees, Phillies, Angels, Reds and Padres seem like the top candidates. The Yankees and Angels seem like the two front runners early on as they both are in desperate need for a star reliable ace and both have connections to the young right hander. I’m sure before a decision is made, Cole will hold meetings with the top teams interested and it might come down to who can shell out the biggest contract. After missing the playoffs yet again, it is becoming alarming how the Halos are wasting potentially the greatest player of all time’s prime years in Mike Trout with consistent below .500 finishes. This is not only a move that should be made but one that HAS TO BE MADE for the Angels. The Angels need to do anything in their power to lure the California native home, and I think they will.
Madison Bumgarner
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 30/ Career: SF ’09-’19
Achievements: 3x WS Champion (’10,’12,’14), WS MVP (’14), NLCS MVP (’14), 4x All-Star, 2x Silver Slugger
From: San Francisco/ To: Cincinnati/ Contract: 4 years, $83m
Other Potential Options: CHI White Sox, NY Yankees, San Francisco
2019 Stats: 9-9, 3.90 ERA, 203 Ks, 1.13 WHIP
Another star Starting Pitcher on the market this offseason, Bumgarner hits the market as an 11 season vet at only age 30. One of the biggest names in all of baseball over the past decade, MadBum has seen it all winning 3 titles, making 4 all star teams, and posting some all time great Postseason stats all before the age of 30. MadBum might be the biggest winner on the market this offseason and this addition is only for a team that wants to win now. The only doubts on Bumgarner is the decline he’s shown over the last two seasons on a struggling Giants team. Regardless, I still think he’ll land a 4 or 5 year deal around $20m a year on the merits of his postseason performances. The Giants seem out of it as a potential return as their direction is completely different then the winning platform Bumgarner is looking for. After the recent signings by Philly and Atlanta, it looks like a three team race between the Reds, White Sox, and Yankees who can all use that star impactful ace that they can rely on. The Reds are serious about this offseason and are listed as legit suitors for several different players. I think Bumgarner ends up a Red.
Stephen Strasburg
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 31/ Career: WSH ’10-’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’19), WS MVP (’19), 3x All-Star, Silver Slugger, NL Strikeout Leader (’14), NL Wins Leader (’19)
From: Washington/ To: NY Yankees/ Contract: 6 years, $180m
Other Potential Options: LA Dodgers, Washington
2019 Stats: 18-6, 3.32 ERA, 251 Ks, 1.04 WHIP
Another starter coming off an unreal contract year, Strasburg opted out of his player option looking for a lucrative deal somewhere. Back in 2010, Strasburg was one of the most highly hyped up prospects in a long time. With some years of inconsistency and many injuries, Strasburg finally proved his all time worth among baseball greats with his unreal World Series performance this past year leading to a title and a World Series MVP. Now on the free agent market for the first time in his career, heading into his age 32 season, many think a 5-7 year deal will be realistic for Strasburg. With the amount of starting pitching needs for teams this offseason I do think this is likely and my guess is the Yankees will hand him a blank check if they miss out on Cole or Bumgarner. But I do think the Nats will bring back either him or Rendon but not both, I think it will be Rendon but if he ends up going elsewhere Strasburg could definitely return to D.C. The Dodgers are also a team with a high payroll and could put together a death row of starting pitching with him, Kershaw, and Buehler.
Hyun-Jin Ryu
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 32/ Career: LAD ’13-’19
Achievements: 1x All-Star, NL ERA Leader (’19)
From: LA Dodgers/ To: San Diego / Contract: 3 years, $78m
Other Potential Options: LA Dodgers, Texas, NY Yankees, Minnesota
2019 Stats: 14-5, 2.32 ERA, 163 Ks, 1.01 WHIP
One of the more interesting cases in this years free agency, Ryu finished his contract year the best in his career finishing 3rd in the NL Cy Young voting. But heading into his age 33 season, and plagued with a career of injury issues, Ryu’s case for a big pay day will probably happen annually but not for many years. I don’t see much longer than a 4 year deal being a question and I think most realistically he will land a 3 year deal worth $25m+ a year. Now don’t get me wrong I think Ryu is one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball and he has proven when healthy he is elite. Only things against him is the question if he can stay healthy for an extended period and if age will become a factor. I can see teams like the Padres, Rangers, and Twins being the most ambitious in the race for Ryu. There is no doubt he will get a big contract from someone this offseason that needs a reliable starter which is a problem for many teams. I can see him sticking in Southern California and heading down to San Diego on a 3 year deal.
Dallas Keuchel
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 31/ Career: HOU ’12-’18, ATL ’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’17), AL Cy Young (’15), 2x All-Star, 4x Gold Glove, AL Wins Leader (’15)
From: Atlanta/ To: Milwaukee/ Contract: 4 years, $84m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, Atlanta, St. Louis
2019 Stats: 8-8, 3.75 ERA, 91 Ks, 1.37 WHIP
After leading the starting pitching free agent class last offseason, Keuchel somehow couldn’t find a home until well into the season when he agreed to a 1 year deal with the Braves. After a solid year as the veteran anchoring the Braves rotation, Keuchel hits the market again hoping for another shot at that multi-year deal he wanted last offseason. I think this time around, although I thought he would land a long term deal last offseason, he will be able to find a home on a 3 or 4 year deal. Many more teams desperately need starting pitching this offseason and although Keuchel isn’t the top option this winter, he’s still a top candidate to solve a problem many teams have. My guess is that maybe the Brewers wake up this offseason and realize it’s time to address the starter issue that has plagued them the last couple of years. After just trading one of their top starter options Zach Davies to San Diego, Milwaukee might look for a starter on the market this offseason to take his role. Don’t count out a reunion in Atlanta or with the Yankees if either team strikes out on their Plan A’s.
Cole Hamels (SIGNED WITH BRAVES BEFORE PUBLISHING)
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 35/ Career: PHI ’06-’15, TEX ’15-’18, CHC ’18-’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’08), WS MVP (’08), NLCS MVP (’08), 4x All-Star, No Hitter (’15)
From: CHI Cubs/ To: Philadelphia/ Contract: 2 years, $20m
Other Potential Options: NY Mets, Cincinnati
2019 Stats: 7-7, 3.81 ERA, 143 Ks, 1.39 WHIP
Hamels has been through a lot in his 14 seasons across baseball including a no hitter, several all-star appearances, and an amazing run at the WS title in 2008. Now on the market heading into his age 36 season, the clock is ticking for Cole who will be looking for another run at a World Series title. Putting together another solid year with the Cubs this past season, Hamels has still proven he can anchor the middle of the rotation for a contending team. Several teams will look towards Hamels’ veteran leadership but a highly likely scenario in my eyes is him returning to where it all started in Philly. The Phillies are still in win now mode after their disappointing 2019 season and with the addition of Joe Girardi at the helm their main issues they will look to address is the rotation and bullpen. But they will have some competition for Hamels without a doubt as many teams will look his way so we will have to see.
Zack Wheeler (SIGNED WITH PHILLIES BEFORE PUBLISHING)
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 29/ Career: NYM ’13-’19
From: NY Mets/ To: CHI White Sox/ Contract: 4 years, $84m
Other Potential Options: Cincinnati, San Diego, NY Mets, Minnesota, LA Angels
2019 Stats: 11-8, 3.96 ERA, 195 Ks, 1.26 WHIP
One of the young guns and a sleeper on the market this offseason is Zack Wheeler who has put together some solid, yet inconsistent, last few seasons with the Mets. Although he shows glimpses of being a clear cut ace, as a die hard Mets fan I’ve definitely seen plenty of frustrating outings by Zack. Regardless of this, I think he is a great young option for several teams who need starting pitching help and maybe a change of team and becoming the headliner of a rotation can volt Wheeler to that next level. The market seems very big for Zack who is entering his age 30 season to become an ace for a young teams rotation. Realistically, Wheeler can most likely land a 3 or 4 year deal right around $20m a year and a few teams in on him are the White Sox, Reds, Padres, and Angels. I can see the White Sox making the move to land Wheeler on a large deal to lead a rotation along youngsters Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito, and Dylan Cease.
Rick Porcello
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 30/ Career: DET ’09-’14, BOS ’15-’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’18), AL Cy Young (’16), AL Comeback Player of the Year (’16), AL Wins Leader (’18)
From: Boston/ To: NY Mets/ Contract: 2 years, $16m
Other Potential Options: Pittsburgh, Boston, San Diego, Cincinnati
2019 Stats: 14-12, 5.52 ERA, 143 Ks, 1.39 WHIP
Heading into only his age 31 season, Porcello who seems to have been around forever has accomplished more than most 31 year olds. With a Cy Young and World Series title already under his belt, Porcello had a very disappointing season with a Red Sox team who performed much worse than expected this past season. Although Porcello probably won’t receive another close to $100m deal again this offseason, he will still have a pretty solid market due to his young age and previous success. The Mets and him have legitimate mutual interest and a high likelihood remains that he joins the Mets rotation as their fifth starter.
Pat Neshek
Relief Pitcher/ Age: 39/ Career: MIN ’06-’10, SD ’11, OAK ’12-’13, STL ’14, HOU ’15-’16, PHI ’17, COL ’17, PHI ’18-’19
Achievements: 2x All-Star
From: Philadelphia/ To: Boston/ Contract: 1 year, $6m
Other Potential Options: NY Mets, San Diego
2019 Stats: 20 GP, 3 SVs, 5.00 ERA, 9 Ks
Another year, another Neshek free agency and the clock is ticking for the long tenured Reliever. Heading into a season where he will hit the age of 40 in September, Pat has dealt with injuries over the last couple of years. Regardless, Neshek will get looks from several teams who need bullpen help and I think two teams who will be high on Pat are the Mets and Red Sox. I can see a 1 year deal being the most likely option, maybe with a team option for year 2. I can see the Red Sox landing the reliever to work the back of the bullpen alongside Brandon Workman.
Dellin Betances
Relief Pitcher/ Age: 31/ Career: NYY ’11-’19
Achievements: 4x All-Star
From: NY Yankees/ To: Philadelphia/ Contract: 3 years, $39m
Other Potential Options: NY Yankees, NY Mets
2019 Stats: 1 GP, 0.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 2 Ks
For the first time in his career one of the leagues best and most consistent relievers hits the market. Betances has been named to 4 all star teams and has put together 5 consecutive 100 strikeout seasons only for that streak to be snapped this past year due to injuries that plagued him all but one game. The only thing that can hurt his stock this offseason is his late season torn achilles that could keep him out for a good chunk of the 2020 season. Regardless I can still see a team who needs bullpen help giving him a 3 year deal and dealing with the injury issues to start the season.
Will Harris
Relief Pitcher/ Age: 35/ Career: COL ’12, ARI ’13-’14, HOU ’15-’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’17), 1x All-Star
From: Houston/ To: NY Mets/ Contract: 3 years, $30m
Other Potential Options: Houston, Washington
2019 Stats: 4 SVs, 1.50 ERA, 62 Ks, 0.93 WHIP
Rounding out our free agent predictions is one of the anchors of the Astros bullpen over the past several years in Will Harris. At 35, the clock is ticking on Harris who got a late start to his career and has seemed to get better with age. With a career 2.84 ERA and not dealing with too many notable injury issues recently, several teams will be after Harris this offseason to be a 7th or 8th inning guy in the back of their bullpen. Over the past few years doing predictions, I have learned not to predict too many guys signing with the Mets but this is one that I really think they could land. Even heading into his age 36 season, I think the Mets need to give Harris a 2 or 3 year deal similar to the type of contract Jeurys Familia got last offseason.
Other Notable Free Agents
Mitch Moreland
First Base/ Age: 35/ Career: TEX ’10-’16, BOS ’17-’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’18), 1x All-Star, 1x Gold Glove
From: Boston/ To: NY Yankees/ Contract: 2 years, $12m
2019 Stats: .252 AVG, 19 HR, 52 RBI, .328 OBP
Eric Thames
First Base/ Age: 33/ Career: TOR ’11-’12, SEA ’12, MIL ’17-’19
From: Milwaukee/ To: Toronto/ Contract: 2 years, $14m
2019 Stats: .247 AVG, 25 HR, 61 RBI, .346 OBP
Asdrubal Cabrera
Second Base/ Age: 34/ Career: CLE ’07-’14, WSH ’14, TB ’15, NYM ’16-’18, PHI ’18, TEX ’19, WSH ’19
Achievements: WS Champion (’19), 2x All-Star
From: Washington/ To: Washington/ Contract: 2 years, $12m
2019 Stats: .260 AVG, 18 HR, 91 RBI, .342 OBP
Wilmer Flores
Infielder/ Age: 28/ Career: NYM ’13-’18, ARI ’19
From: Arizona/ To: Oakland/ Contract: 1 year, $3m
2019 Stats: .317 AVG, 9 HR, 37 RBI
Todd Frazier
Third Base/ Age: 33/ Career: CIN ’11-’15, CWS ’16-’17, NYY ’17, NYM ’18-’19
Achievements: 2x All-Star
From: NY Mets/ To: Minnesota/ Contract: 2 years, $16m
2019 Stats: .251 AVG, 21 HR, 67 RBI, .329 OBP
Corey Dickerson
Outfield/ Age: 30/ Career: COL ’13-’15, TB ’16-’17, PIT ’18-’19, PHI ’19
Achievements: 1x All-Star, 1x Gold Glove
From: Philadelphia/ To: San Diego/ Contract: 3 years, $27m
2019 Stats: .304 AVG, 12 HR, 59 RBI
Kole Calhoun
Outfield/ Age: 32/ Career: LAA ’12-’19
Achievements: 1x Gold Glove
From: LA Angels/ To: Arizona/ Contract: 2 years, $12m
2019 Stats: .232 AVG, 33 HR, 74 RBI, .325 OBP
Avisail Garcia
Outfield/ Age: 28/ Career: DET ’12-’13, CWS ’13-’18, TB ’19
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Tampa Bay/ To: Cleveland/ Contract: 2 years, $13m
2019 Stats: .282 AVG, 20 HR, 72 RBI, .332 OBP
Edwin Encarnacion
Designated Hitter/ Age: 36/ Career: CIN ’05-’09, TOR ’09-’16, CLE ’17-’18, SEA ’19, NYY ’19
Achievements: 3x All-Star, AL RBI Leader (’16)
From: NY Yankees/ To: Tampa Bay/ Contract: 1 year, $10m
2019 Stats: .244 AVG, 34 HR, 86 RBI, .344 OBP
Rich Hill
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 39/ Career: CHC ’05-’08, BAL ’09, BOS ’10-’12, CLE ’13, LAA ’14, NYY ’14, BOS ’15, OAK ’16, LAD ’16-’19
From: LA Dodgers/ To: Boston/ Contract: 1 year, $10m
2019 Stats: 4-1, 2.45 ERA, 72 Ks, 1.13 WHIP
Alex Wood
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 28/ Career: ATL ’13-’15, LAD ’15-’18, CIN ’19
Achievements: 1x All-Star
From: Cincinnati/ To: San Francisco/ Contract: 3 years, $24m
2019 Stats: 7 GP, 1-3, 5.80 ERA, 30 Ks
Julio Teheran
Starting Pitcher/ Age: 28/ Career: ATL ’11-’19
Achievements: 2x All-Star
From: Atlanta/ To: LA Angels/ Contract: 2 years, $20m
2019 Stats: 10-11, 3.81 ERA, 162 Ks, 1.32 WHIP
The Sports World According To Paul 