Blue Jays Free Agent Thread-Who should we sign?

[Jays24]

There is already talk about cities basically bidding on being the Raptors' contingency plan for next season.

 

The Blue Jays will have an ironclad contingency plan that probably sees the organization get most of the gate revenue. I know that does not do much for lost impulse season ticket sales, but I'm not sure the uncertainty about where 2021 will be played for Toronto really matters allllllll that much.

 

I'd guess with rapid testing becoming a reality sooner than later, we might be good for when Baseball starts. Still think the Raptors might start in Newark but then come to Toronto by the end of the season.

[G-Snarls]

There is already talk about cities basically bidding on being the Raptors' contingency plan for next season.

 

The Blue Jays will have an ironclad contingency plan that probably sees the organization get most of the gate revenue. I know that does not do much for lost impulse season ticket sales, but I'm not sure the uncertainty about where 2021 will be played for Toronto really matters allllllll that much.

 

We should play in the Texas Rangers old ballpark which I think might be nicer than the new one

[AdamGreenwood]

Hate to burst some bubbles, but I don't think the Jays are going to spend much.

It will likely be a few fixer upper SP/RP projects, maybe a 3B, OF, and utility.

 

Revenue will likely be way down and they won't want to take a big loss.

[max silver]

Hate to burst some bubbles, but I don't think the Jays are going to spend much.

It will likely be a few fixer upper SP/RP projects, maybe a 3B, OF, and utility.

 

Revenue will likely be way down and they won't want to take a big loss.

 

Both the club president and general manager are on the record stating the opposite to be true, so I'll avoid the doom and gloom viewpoint until the results of the free agency season dictates otherwise.

[connorp]

Both the club president and general manager are on the record stating the opposite to be true, so I'll avoid the doom and gloom viewpoint until the results of the free agency season dictates otherwise.

 

Meh Jays are always talking about adding payroll and linking themselves to every FA and trade target. Nothing new

As others have said though, could be worse so there’s nothing to complain about I guess

[max silver]

Meh Jays are always talking about adding payroll and linking themselves to every FA and trade target. Nothing new

As others have said though, could be worse so there’s nothing to complain about I guess

 

They backed up the talk of adding payroll last offseason by picking up Ryu, Roark and trading for Anderson, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for the time being.

[Jimcanuck]

Hate to burst some bubbles, but I don't think the Jays are going to spend much.

It will likely be a few fixer upper SP/RP projects, maybe a 3B, OF, and utility.

 

Revenue will likely be way down and they won't want to take a big loss.

 

The contract for elite guys like a Springer who are getting multi year deals can be structured accordingly. $10M in 2021 made up by higher amounts in future years. That will deal with the 2021 cash flow situation. Jays are in an enviable financial position and can make these types of deals.

[Spanky99]

Agreed. All things considered Beeston is probably the most important exec to the Jays franchise, I guess tied with Gillick. Was he perfect? No. But he's certainly far from the worst exec this city has seen in terms of professional sports. It was just a good time for him to go, as he was ancient both in terms of actual age and baseball age. Now he can go run for POTUS or something.

 

As far as setting the team back a few years, meh 2015 and 2016 was worth it I think.

 

The Josh Donaldson trade saved the Birds, AA did good on that one, lol.

[Orgfiller]

Meh Jays are always talking about adding payroll and linking themselves to every FA and trade target. Nothing new

As others have said though, could be worse so there’s nothing to complain about I guess

 

Does Ryu not exist? Was that not them putting their money where their mouth is?

[Jays24]

Shatkins have both gone on record that they will spend. Then we have reports of how the Jays are being aggressive in the market. We can't even say its fake news since we landed Ryu last year.

 

We have an exciting up and coming team, in addition to having our owners largely unaffected by the pandemic, relatively apeaking. All that makes me excited about our chances this offseason.

[Key22]

So you hated adding Anderson, Roark and Yama, but want us to bring back Ray, Walker and Shoemaker. Got it.

 

Sure I have no problem adding "fillers" on a team not expected to win but the team is now capable of making a playoff run. So signing "fillers" doesn't get us anywhere. I am fine adding 2/3 of Ray/Walker/Shoemaker IF the team lands a top of the rotation starter. And Ray/Walker/Shoemaker actually pitched pretty well and showed upside. Anderson/Roark were both known to be middling mediocrities with no upside.

 

Yama was fine - a flier - lightning in a bottle but $3m a year isn't $9m and 12m

 

Here are the targets I am looking at in order and the MLB Traderumours projections(their projected teams): Jays supposedly have $80m - so they can certainly do a helluva lot to surround the good players they have.

 

1) J.T. Realmuto – Mets. Five years, $125MM ($25m AAV) - He says he wants $200m. Our catching wasn't very good.

 

2) DJ LeMahieu – Blue Jays. Four years, $68MM ($17m AAV) He's already projected to come here lol. This would move Biggio to center solves 2 problems perhaps.

 

OR

 

3) George Springer – White Sox. Five years, $125MM (25m AAV) Solves a lot of issues. Biggio stays at 2B

 

4) Trevor Bauer – Dodgers. Four years, $128MM ($32m AAV)

 

5) Trevor May – Giants. Two years, $14MM OR Brad Hand – Astros. Two years, $14MM OR Trevor Rosenthal – Angels. Two years, $14MM (replacement for Ken Giles and a veteran stable closer). ($7m AAV)

 

$89m - Realmutto/Bauer/Springer/one reliever.

$81m - Realmutto/Bauer/LeMahieu /one reliever

 

Take out Bauer and it's $57m and $49m which leaves plenty for the players below

 

Fallbacks

6) Robbie Ray – Brewers. One year, $6MM (The guy has electric stuff so he's my dream big guy. He pitched well here and this projection seems low to me - but I think the Jays could easily go 2 years here and with higher AAV.

7) Taijuan Walker – Nationals. Two years, $16MM (8m AAV) Like Ray - they know the team and they performed well. I'd rather have them over Anderson/Roark and if they were willing to drop $21m on those two why wouldn't you for Ray/Walker?

8) Ha-Seong Kim – Rangers. Five years, $40MM (plus $7.625MM posting) 2B moving Biggio to CF (in lieu of not landing Springer)

9) Jackie Bradley Jr. – Astros. Two years, $16MM (8m AAV) for not landing Springer or Kim) - Biggio stays at 2b

10) Tommy La Stella – Athletics. Two years, $14MM ($7m AAV - 3b/2b) adds flexibility to the roster - good player all round

11) James McCann – Phillies. Two years, $20MM ($10m AAV). If they can land Bauer they could target the cheaper McCann and still make a big upgrade to catcher and allow cash for other needs.

 

IMO The Jays need upgrades - 1 CF, 1 IF (3B), 1 C, 1 top of the rotation starter(better than Ryu), 1 other solid starter, 1 Dolis calibre reliever, 1 closer.

[Spanky99]

Holy Cow!!!

[saskjayfan]

Sure I have no problem adding "fillers" on a team not expected to win but the team is now capable of making a playoff run. So signing "fillers" doesn't get us anywhere. I am fine adding 2/3 of Ray/Walker/Shoemaker IF the team lands a top of the rotation starter. And Ray/Walker/Shoemaker actually pitched pretty well and showed upside. Anderson/Roark were both known to be middling mediocrities with no upside.

 

Yama was fine - a flier - lightning in a bottle but $3m a year isn't $9m and 12m

 

Here are the targets I am looking at in order and the MLB Traderumours projections(their projected teams): Jays supposedly have $80m - so they can certainly do a helluva lot to surround the good players they have.

 

1) J.T. Realmuto – Mets. Five years, $125MM ($25m AAV) - He says he wants $200m. Our catching wasn't very good.

 

2) DJ LeMahieu – Blue Jays. Four years, $68MM ($17m AAV) He's already projected to come here lol. This would move Biggio to center solves 2 problems perhaps.

 

OR

 

3) George Springer – White Sox. Five years, $125MM (25m AAV) Solves a lot of issues. Biggio stays at 2B

 

4) Trevor Bauer – Dodgers. Four years, $128MM ($32m AAV)

 

5) Trevor May – Giants. Two years, $14MM OR Brad Hand – Astros. Two years, $14MM OR Trevor Rosenthal – Angels. Two years, $14MM (replacement for Ken Giles and a veteran stable closer). ($7m AAV)

 

$89m - Realmutto/Bauer/Springer/one reliever.

$81m - Realmutto/Bauer/LeMahieu /one reliever

 

Take out Bauer and it's $57m and $49m which leaves plenty for the players below

 

Fallbacks

6) Robbie Ray – Brewers. One year, $6MM (The guy has electric stuff so he's my dream big guy. He pitched well here and this projection seems low to me - but I think the Jays could easily go 2 years here and with higher AAV.

7) Taijuan Walker – Nationals. Two years, $16MM (8m AAV) Like Ray - they know the team and they performed well. I'd rather have them over Anderson/Roark and if they were willing to drop $21m on those two why wouldn't you for Ray/Walker?

8) Ha-Seong Kim – Rangers. Five years, $40MM (plus $7.625MM posting) 2B moving Biggio to CF (in lieu of not landing Springer)

9) Jackie Bradley Jr. – Astros. Two years, $16MM (8m AAV) for not landing Springer or Kim) - Biggio stays at 2b

10) Tommy La Stella – Athletics. Two years, $14MM ($7m AAV - 3b/2b) adds flexibility to the roster - good player all round

11) James McCann – Phillies. Two years, $20MM ($10m AAV). If they can land Bauer they could target the cheaper McCann and still make a big upgrade to catcher and allow cash for other needs.

 

IMO The Jays need upgrades - 1 CF, 1 IF (3B), 1 C, 1 top of the rotation starter(better than Ryu), 1 other solid starter, 1 Dolis calibre reliever, 1 closer.

 

If we were going by MLB projections I would rather sign Morton for 1 year 8, Paxton for 1 year 10 and Kluber for one year 12 with 2nd year option, than Bauer for 4 years 32 per year.

[connorp]

Short season was good for people like McCann. Can line himself up for a decent payday as a big upgrade for someone based on 111 PAs

[connorp]

They backed up the talk of adding payroll last offseason by picking up Ryu, Roark and trading for Anderson, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for the time being.

 

While I stand be my assertion that there’s an ownership commitment level above the Jays, like a Steven Cohen or Ballmer. And while signing Ryu doesn’t disprove that, I concede it could be much worse than Jays ownership and I’m not going to s*** on someone that has optimism that they’ll do Jays right this off-season. We’ll see

[Spanky99]

Short season was good for people like McCann. Can line himself up for a decent payday as a big upgrade for someone based on 111 PAs

 

Idk man, he's been pretty damn good for his last 600 AB's.

[connorp]

Idk man, he's been pretty damn good for his last 600 AB's.

 

What’s his Steamer projection? Because I’d think if you threw everything in a pot you’d come out with an average player. I have it on good authority that Jays fan do not take kindly to players making $10m year to be possibly average, even if it’s skill position

[Spanky99]

What’s his Steamer projection? Because I’d think if you threw everything in a pot you’d come out with an average player. I have it on good authority that Jays fan do not take kindly to players making $10m year to be possibly average, even if it’s skill position

 

fWAR 1.5... they have his bat as terrible. He's obviously been doing something right to be worth fWAR of 3.2 in the last year and a half.

[connorp]

fWAR 1.5... they have his bat as terrible. He's obviously been doing something right to be worth fWAR of 3.2 in the last year and a half.

 

It’s still basically one year of ABs. Jason Castro had one good year in his mid-20’s and that led plenty of 20 team dynasty owners to roster him over the next 5 years. The results weren’t good

[Spanky99]

It’s still basically one year of ABs. Jason Castro had one good year in his mid-20’s and that led plenty of 20 team dynasty owners to roster him over the next 5 years. The results weren’t good

 

Ok... 3.2 fWAR is f*** all.

Edited November 3, 2020 by Spanky99

[connorp]

Why don’t they have the Steamer projections on the players main page on FG? They do that later?

[Brownie19]

Holy Cow!!!

 

I think he missed my point Spanky...

[Spanky99]

I think he missed my point Spanky...

 

lol

[The Iceman]

Why don’t they have the Steamer projections on the players main page on FG? They do that later?

 

BJ catchers sure put up a couple steamers last season

[The Iceman]

From Bowden @ The Athletic

 

1. J.T. Realmuto, C

Age: 29 B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 215 WAR: 1.2 OPS+: 123

 

Realmuto is arguably the best overall catcher in baseball. He hits for average and power, and defensively is above average at blocking, calling a game, framing and stopping the running game. There is no doubt that he will shatter the four-year, $73 million contract Yasmani Grandal signed with the White Sox last year, even considering the pandemic-related losses. It only takes one large-market team to make the investment, and there just aren’t many middle-of-the-order catchers that do everything well like Realmuto. He’s definitely a difference-maker, and will get the extra year and dollars because of it.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Yankees, Nationals, Angels, Mets, Rockies.

 

Contract prediction: 6 years, $134 million.

 

2. Trevor Bauer, RHP

Age: 29 B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 208 WAR: 2.7 ERA: 1.73

 

Bauer has said in the past that he didn’t want to sign a multi-year contract, preferring to go year to year. This would be, in my opinion, one of the worst business decisions any major-league free agent has ever made. However, if he stuck with that plan, he’d get a one-year contract in excess of $30 million and teams would be lining up. Bauer is the front runner for the NL Cy Young Award after a dominating season that saw his spin rates spike across the board by a significant amount. He has yet to publicly credit how he was able to accomplish this, and interested teams may want to know more before signing him. Bauer’s colorful personality and his embrace of social media — for good and bad — has made him a lightning rod in the baseball world, but the Cincinnati Reds insist it has never affected his performance or what kind of teammate he was in the clubhouse. After the year he had, he’s going to get paid.

 

Best fits: Angels, Red Sox, Yankees, Twins, Mets, Astros, Braves, Padres, Reds.

 

Contract prediction: 1 year, $32.5 million (if he really goes the one-year route); 5 years, $135 million (if he goes with a more traditional route).

 

3. George Springer, CF

Age: 31 B: R T: R HT: 6-5 WT: 220 WAR: 1.9 OPS+: 140

 

Springer has proven to be one of the best postseason players of this generation, as shown by his .895 OPS with 19 home runs and 38 RBIs in 292 plate appearances. The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger is the best power bat on the free-agent market. He’s been the heart and soul of the Astros, and it’s been surprising that the team didn’t make a better effort over the last four years to try and lock him up long term. Don’t be surprised if he ends up with the Red Sox or Mets in free agency.

 

Best fits: Red Sox, Cardinals, Astros, Rangers, Mets, Nationals.

 

Contract prediction: 5 years, $119 million.

 

4. DJ LeMahieu, 2B

Age: 32 B: R T: R HT: 6-4 WT: 220 WAR: 2.8 OPS+: 177

 

LeMahieu is a Gold Glove second baseman who has won batting titles in both leagues. His quiet leadership is a special skill and he’s the hitter you want at the plate with the game on the line. His ability to play multiple infield positions only increases his value. Several teams will be chasing him, but a return to the Yankees makes the most sense.

 

Best fits: Yankees, Athletics, Red Sox, Rangers, Cardinals, Angels.

 

Contract prediction: 3 years, $54 million.

 

5. Marcell Ozuna, LF/DH

Age: 29 B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 225 WAR: 2.3 OPS+: 175

 

Ozuna signed a one-year deal with the Braves last year to prove what he can still do with the bat, and that included a league-leading 18 home runs and a .338/.431/.636 slash line. I’m expecting he’ll be rewarded with a multi-year contract from someone this offseason. The biggest question that Ozuna will have to deal with is if baseball is going to implement the universal DH or go back to the National League rules in 2021. MLB reportedly will not use the universal DH in 2021. If that’s the case, it will hurt Ozuna’s chances of maximizing his contract, and he might have to once again sign a one-year contract with an American League team, then go back to free agency when the universal DH is implemented again in the NL in 2022 as expected, to finally get that long-term contract.

 

Best fits: Braves, Twins, Rangers, Cardinals, Brewers.

 

Contract prediction: 3 years, $54 million.

 

 

Charlie Morton. (Daniel Shirey / MLB Photos via Getty Images)

6. Charlie Morton, RHP

Age: 36 B: R T: R HT: 6-6 WT: 216 WAR: 0.2 ERA: 4.74

 

Morton finished third in the AL Cy Young Award voting in 2019 and the two-time All-Star had another impressive postseason this year, going 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in the Division Series against the Yankee and then 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA against the Astros in the ALCS. His only poor postseason start came against the Dodgers when he got knocked out in the fifth inning in his only World Series start. Morton has dealt with shoulder issues over the last couple of years, so it’s important that whoever signs him does an in-depth physical on him. However, if he’s healthy he’d be a solid free-agent signing for any contending club. He’ll probably have to sign a one-year contract with a club option loaded with incentives and award bonuses.

 

Best fits: Yankees, Nationals, Twins, White Sox, Braves.

 

Contract prediction: 1 year, $14 million.

 

7. Nelson Cruz, DH

Age: 40 B: R T: R HT: 6-2 WT: 230 WAR: 1.6 OPS+: 169

 

Cruz never seems to age. It’s amazing how consistent he’s been in the DH role, belting an average of 40 homers a year since 2014. Despite the fact that he’s entering his age-40 season, I think he’ll get a two-year pact with a slight bump in salary. Most likely he’ll return to the Twins, but he’d be a great fit for the Tampa Bay Rays who desperately need another middle-of-the-order impact bat.

 

Best fits: Twins, Rays, Rangers, Braves (if universal DH).

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $30 million.

 

8. Liam Hendriks, Closer

Age: 31 B: R T: R HT: 6-0 WT: 230 WAR: 1.4 ERA: 1.78

 

Hendriks is one of the best closers in baseball, so contending teams will be lining up for him this offseason. Hendriks had a 1.80 ERA in 2019 with 25 saves and repeated that dominance this year with a 1.78 ERA and 14 saves. His FIP was a staggering 1.14 and his strikeout-per-9 ratio was 13.1, the same as last year.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Nationals, Mets, Angels, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Twins, Astros, Dodgers, Athletics.

 

Contract prediction: 3 years, $42 million.

 

9. Marcus Stroman, RHP

Age: 29 B: R T: R HT: 5-7 WT: 180 WAR: N/A ERA: N/A

 

Stroman decided to opt out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, and it remains to be seen how this could affect his free agency. I’ve heard from multiple general managers that their interest would be only in a shorter-term deal due to not being able to scout him this year, while other GMs said they think he’ll do OK regardless thanks to a shortage of available starting pitching. Stroman made 32 starts in 2019, going 10-13 with a 3.22 ERA between the Blue Jays and Mets.

 

Best fits: Angels, Red Sox, Twins, White Sox, Astros, Mets, Brewers, Rockies.

 

Contract prediction: 3 years, $45 million.

 

10. Masahiro Tanaka, RHP

Age: 31 B: R: T: R HT: 6-3 WT: 220 WAR: 0.7 ERA: 3.56

 

Tanaka was inconsistent again this year but can still deliver quality starts. He finished the year with a 3-3 record and a 3.56 ERA, pitching 48 innings, allowing 48 hits and walking 8 batters while punching out 44 hitters. A return to the Yankees is likely, but it might take a while for him to come to terms with the fact that he’ll have to take a dramatic pandemic/age/performance-related pay cut from the $22 million annual salary he’s received since 2014. If he leaves the Yankees, it will be because a team like the Angels or Mets decide to overpay.

 

Best fits: Yankees, Angels, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mets.

 

Contract prediction: 3 years, $45 million.

 

11. Michael Brantley, LF

Age: 33 B: L T: L HT: 6-2 WT: 210 WAR: 1.5 OPS+: 126

 

Sometimes there are baseball cliches that are so fitting that you just have to use them, and “professional hitter” is one made for a player like Brantley. He’s hit .300 or better in each of the last three seasons and he covers the plate both horizontally and vertically, with the ability to hit fastballs, breaking balls and off-speed pitches at all locations and velocities. He’s a quiet leader in the clubhouse and is a tremendous mentor for his younger teammates, a winning player who hits for average with 15-20 home run type power.

 

Best fits: Astros, Indians, Cubs, Braves, Cardinals.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $28 million.

 

12. Justin Turner, 3B

Age: 35 B: R T: R HT: 5-11 WT: 205 WAR: 1.3 OPS+: 105

 

Turner has hit over .300 in three of the last four years, including belting 27 home runs for the second time in his career in 2019. He has been a consistent run producer for the world champion Dodgers since his arrival in 2014. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t return to Los Angeles, but there are certainly other contending teams he could really help, including the Washington Nationals, who desperately need more production from the third-base position than they got in 2020.

 

Best fits: Dodgers, Nationals, Blue Jays, Cardinals.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $28 million.

 

 

Didi Gregorius. (Adam Hagy / USA Today)

13. Didi Gregorius, SS

Age: 30 B: L T: R HT: 6-3 WT: 205 WAR: 0.9 OPS+: 119

 

Gregorius signed a one-year contract with the Phillies in the hopes that he’d be able to rebound and have a solid season now that he was another year from Tommy John surgery. His gamble worked out, as he slashed .284/.339/.488 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 2020. The Phillies would like to retain him, but they’re expected to get stiff competition from the Yankees, Angels and Athletics, and there will definitely be an interesting game of musical chairs with shortstops both this year and next.

 

Best fits: Yankees, Phillies, Angels, Athletics.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $26 million.

 

14. Brad Hand, LHP

Age: 30 B: L T: L HT: 6-3 WT: 215 WAR: 0.7 ERA: 2.05

 

It was quite shocking that not a single major-league team claimed Hand on waivers, considering his club option was only $10 million and just a one-year commitment. That could be a foreshadowing of what could turn out to be one of the coldest winters in free-agent history. Hand produced another solid year, as shown by his 2.05 ERA in 22 innings, allowing just 13 hits and 4 walks while punching out 29 batters and leading the league with 14 saves. He hasn’t had an ERA over 3.30 since 2015. The three-time All-Star should be sought after by most contending clubs.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Nationals, Braves, Mets, Angels, Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs, Reds, White Sox, Athletics, Rays, Twins, Tigers.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $16 million.

 

15. Marcus Semien, SS

Age: 30 B: R T: R HT: 6-0 WT: 195 WAR: 0.3 OPS+: 91

 

Semien likely lost a lot of money this year after having a dreadful regular season both offensively and defensively. At the plate, he hit just .223 with a .305 on-base percentage and 7 home runs. Defensively he had -5 defensive runs saved, making 7 errors and just not showing his normal range. However, he did increase his value in the postseason, especially during the ALDS against the Houston Astros, hitting .553 and playing solid defense. He also hit a home run in both the wild card round and the Division Series. It probably was a little too late to bring his value back to the type of player he was after the 2019 season. However, he’ll still land a solid short-term contract.

 

Best fits: Athletics, Angels, Phillies.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $18 million.

 

16. Andrelton Simmons, SS

Age: 31 B: R T: R HT: 6-2 WT: 195 WAR: 0.2 OPS+: 95

 

Simmons has been arguably the best defensive shortstop in baseball over the last five years, and with so much emphasis on run prevention, teams will look past his lack of offensive production. Simmons did slash .297/.346/.356 in 2020, but with only 7 extra-base hits, no home runs and just 10 runs batted in. Still, the fact that there are three teams that desperately need a shortstop will help him land in a good spot.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Athletics, Angels, Giants.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $18 million.

 

17. Trevor Rosenthal, RHP

Age: 30 B: R T: R HT: 6-2 WT: 230 WAR: 1.2 ERA: 1.90

 

Rosenthal should thank Royals manager Mike Matheny, who not only gave him a chance for his comeback season, but also wasn’t afraid to put him in the closer’s role early in the year. Rosenthal’s fastball is back to 100 mph, his confidence has returned and so have his results. Rosenthal finished the year with 11 saves, a 0.845 WHIP and 1.90 ERA. Teams will be lining up for his services now that he’s healthy and back to being the dominant reliever he was back in 2014-15 when he closed 93 games with an ERA under 3. His performance after the Padres acquired him at the trade deadline was staggering. He appeared in 9 games and didn’t give up an earned run, striking out 17 and walking just 1. He’s going to get paid.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Padres, Angels, Royals.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $15 million.

 

18. Adam Wainwright, RHP

Age: 39 B: R T: R HT: 6-7 WT: 230 WAR: 0.5 ERA: 3.15

 

At 39, Wainwright continues to make adjustments and finds ways to win. He finished the year with a 5-3 record, 3.15 ERA and a 1.051 WHIP. His leadership qualities are special and he has earned the right to finish his career with the Cardinals. His contract situation is tricky, though, because the Cardinals have overpaid so many of their veteran players, like Matt Carpenter, but really haven’t taken care of Wainwright the last few years. After the solid year he just delivered, I would think they’d give him a respectable base with a ton of incentives if he can repeat what he did this year. I can’t imagine him in another uniform, but I can also see a contending team jumping in and outbidding the Cardinals for his services.

 

Best fits: Cardinals, Braves.

 

Contract prediction: 1 year, $8 million.

 

 

Taijuan Walker. (T. Ludwig / USA Today)

19. Taijuan Walker, RHP

Age: 28 B: R T: R HT: 6-4 WT: 235 WAR: 1.3 ERA: 2.70

 

Walker was a first-round pick in 2010 but his career has been mostly filled with injuries and disappointment. He’s won in the double digits just once in his career, but still has gone 35-34 with a 3.84 ERA in 105 games started and 3 relief appearances. His trade to the Blue Jays really helped him, as he delivered a 1.37 ERA in 6 starts. The fact he’s only made 15 starts over the last 3 years tells me that he’ll probably have to settle for a one-year contract with a low base salary, loaded with incentives and bonuses based on games started and innings pitched. A return to Toronto or a team desperate for pitching like the Angels makes the most sense for him.

 

Best fits: Blue Jays, Angels, Red Sox, Mets.

 

Contract prediction: 1 year, $8 million.

 

20. Kolten Wong, 2B

Age: 30 B: L T: R HT: 5-7 WT: 185 WAR: 1.1 OPS+: 87

 

The Cardinals declined their $12.5 million club option on Wong, but do have an interest in re-signing him at a lower salary. Wong slashed .265/.350/.326 with 26 runs scored and 16 RBIs in 53 games this season. He also won a Gold Glove Award in 2019 and has a chance to get another one for his defense this year.

 

Best fits: Yankees, Athletics, Red Sox, Rangers, Cardinals, Angels.

 

Contract prediction: 1 year, $7 million.

 

21. Alex Colomé, RHP

Age: 31 B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 225 WAR: 1.0 ERA: 0.81

 

Colomé has saved 42 games over the last two seasons, combine that with his 2.80 ERA in 2019 and his 0.81 ERA this year and he’ll have a lot of teams interested in him despite the fact that he doesn’t miss bats and walks 3.2 batters per 9 innings. Teams interested will probably look at him more as a set-up reliever than a closer, but he’s certainly proved he can close at a high level. I like the Angels as one of the best destinations for him.

 

Best fits: White Sox, Angels, Phillies, Cubs, Blue Jays, Twins, Marlins.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $16 million.

 

22. James McCann, C

Age: 30 B: R T: R HT: 6-3 WT: 220 WAR: 1.2 OPS+: 144

 

McCann made the All-Star team for the first time 2019, then lost his job to Yasmani Grandal when the White Sox signed him in free agency. McCann did end up playing in 31 games, blasting 7 home runs and driving in 15 this season. The prior year, he had 18 homers and 60 RBIs. His slash line this year was an impressive .289/.360/.536. He’ll be looking for a starting job and, quite frankly, I think he’s developed enough the last few years to be able to handle it. If Realmuto leaves the Phillies, that would be a solid landing spot for him.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Nationals, Angels, Brewers.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $14 million.

 

23. Mark Melancon, RHP

Age: 35 B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 215 WAR: 1.0 ERA: 2.78

 

Melancon had a solid year that included saving 11 games with a 1.279 WHIP and 3.72 FIP. However, his strikeout rate was his lowest since his rookie year and his walk rate was his highest since 2011.

 

Best fits: Braves, Phillies, Angels.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $14 million.

 

24. Shane Greene, RHP

Age: 31 B: R T: R HT: 6-4 WT: 200 WAR: 1.0 ERA: 2.60

 

Greene is one of the better set-up relievers on the free-agent market and the keys for him have been his cutter and change-up where opponents have hit just .182 against the former and .167 against the latter.

 

Best fits: Braves, Phillies, Angels, Twins, Athletics, Rockies.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $12 million.

 

25. Blake Treinen, RHP

Age: 32 B: R T: R HT: 6-6 WT: 225 WAR: -0.2 ERA: 3.86

 

The Dodgers took a $10 million free-agent gamble on Treinen last offseason, and although he didn’t live up to the contract, he was obviously an important piece to the world champion Dodgers bullpen this year. Treinen finished with a 3-3 record with a 3.86 ERA, pitching 25 2/3 innings and allowing 23 hits while walking 8 and striking out 22. His sinker is still nasty, but just not consistent enough for him to become a closer again.

 

Best fits: Dodgers, Angels, Red Sox, Nationals, Braves, Cubs, Blue Jays.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $12 million.

 

Best of the rest of the free agents:

C: Yadier Molina, Tyler Flowers, Alex Avila, Jason Castro, Sandy León, Kurt Suzuki.

 

1B: C.J. Cron, Ryan Zimmerman.

 

2B: Jonathan Villar, César Hernández, Jonathan Schoop, Tommy La Stella, Jurickson Profar.

 

SS: Freddy Galvis.

 

3B: Asdrúbal Cabrera, Brock Holt, Jake Lamb.

 

OF: Joc Pederson, Jackie Bradley Jr., Josh Reddick, Yoenis Céspedes, Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Kevin Pillar, Jake Marisnick.

 

DH: Shin-Soo Choo, Jay Bruce.

 

LHS: Robbie Ray, James Paxton, Cole Hamels, José Quintana, Mike Minor, Brett Anderson.

 

RHS: Anthony DeSclafani, Julio Teheran, Jake Odorizzi, Jake Arrieta, Kevin Gausman, Rick Porcello, Michael Wacha.

 

RHR: Kirby Yates, Greg Holland, Trevor May, Brandon Workman, Tyler Clippard, Jeremy Jeffress.

 

LHR: Sean Doolittle, Tony Watson, Aaron Loup, Jake McGee, Alex Wood, Justin Wilson.

[Spanky99]

Jim Bowden suxxxxx

[Laika]

Jim Bowden suxxxxx

 

He's a clown. I find it rather sad that he gets a pay cheque from the Athletic that could go to a worthwhile writer, but I assume he justified it with clicks...

[Jimcanuck]

What do you guys think of Joc for the Jays? 28 yrs old, average 118 wRC+ for his career. Yes the defense is suspect.

 

edit - forget it, platoon OF

[Grant77]

From Bowden @ The Athletic

 

1. J.T. Realmuto, C

Age: 29 B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 215 WAR: 1.2 OPS+: 123

 

Realmuto is arguably the best overall catcher in baseball. He hits for average and power, and defensively is above average at blocking, calling a game, framing and stopping the running game. There is no doubt that he will shatter the four-year, $73 million contract Yasmani Grandal signed with the White Sox last year, even considering the pandemic-related losses. It only takes one large-market team to make the investment, and there just aren’t many middle-of-the-order catchers that do everything well like Realmuto. He’s definitely a difference-maker, and will get the extra year and dollars because of it.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Yankees, Nationals, Angels, Mets, Rockies.

 

Contract prediction: 6 years, $134 million.

 

2. Trevor Bauer, RHP

Age: 29 B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 208 WAR: 2.7 ERA: 1.73

 

Bauer has said in the past that he didn’t want to sign a multi-year contract, preferring to go year to year. This would be, in my opinion, one of the worst business decisions any major-league free agent has ever made. However, if he stuck with that plan, he’d get a one-year contract in excess of $30 million and teams would be lining up. Bauer is the front runner for the NL Cy Young Award after a dominating season that saw his spin rates spike across the board by a significant amount. He has yet to publicly credit how he was able to accomplish this, and interested teams may want to know more before signing him. Bauer’s colorful personality and his embrace of social media — for good and bad — has made him a lightning rod in the baseball world, but the Cincinnati Reds insist it has never affected his performance or what kind of teammate he was in the clubhouse. After the year he had, he’s going to get paid.

 

Best fits: Angels, Red Sox, Yankees, Twins, Mets, Astros, Braves, Padres, Reds.

 

Contract prediction: 1 year, $32.5 million (if he really goes the one-year route); 5 years, $135 million (if he goes with a more traditional route).

 

3. George Springer, CF

Age: 31 B: R T: R HT: 6-5 WT: 220 WAR: 1.9 OPS+: 140

 

Springer has proven to be one of the best postseason players of this generation, as shown by his .895 OPS with 19 home runs and 38 RBIs in 292 plate appearances. The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger is the best power bat on the free-agent market. He’s been the heart and soul of the Astros, and it’s been surprising that the team didn’t make a better effort over the last four years to try and lock him up long term. Don’t be surprised if he ends up with the Red Sox or Mets in free agency.

 

Best fits: Red Sox, Cardinals, Astros, Rangers, Mets, Nationals.

 

Contract prediction: 5 years, $119 million.

 

4. DJ LeMahieu, 2B

Age: 32 B: R T: R HT: 6-4 WT: 220 WAR: 2.8 OPS+: 177

 

LeMahieu is a Gold Glove second baseman who has won batting titles in both leagues. His quiet leadership is a special skill and he’s the hitter you want at the plate with the game on the line. His ability to play multiple infield positions only increases his value. Several teams will be chasing him, but a return to the Yankees makes the most sense.

 

Best fits: Yankees, Athletics, Red Sox, Rangers, Cardinals, Angels.

 

Contract prediction: 3 years, $54 million.

 

5. Marcell Ozuna, LF/DH

Age: 29 B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 225 WAR: 2.3 OPS+: 175

 

Ozuna signed a one-year deal with the Braves last year to prove what he can still do with the bat, and that included a league-leading 18 home runs and a .338/.431/.636 slash line. I’m expecting he’ll be rewarded with a multi-year contract from someone this offseason. The biggest question that Ozuna will have to deal with is if baseball is going to implement the universal DH or go back to the National League rules in 2021. MLB reportedly will not use the universal DH in 2021. If that’s the case, it will hurt Ozuna’s chances of maximizing his contract, and he might have to once again sign a one-year contract with an American League team, then go back to free agency when the universal DH is implemented again in the NL in 2022 as expected, to finally get that long-term contract.

 

Best fits: Braves, Twins, Rangers, Cardinals, Brewers.

 

Contract prediction: 3 years, $54 million.

 

 

Charlie Morton. (Daniel Shirey / MLB Photos via Getty Images)

6. Charlie Morton, RHP

Age: 36 B: R T: R HT: 6-6 WT: 216 WAR: 0.2 ERA: 4.74

 

Morton finished third in the AL Cy Young Award voting in 2019 and the two-time All-Star had another impressive postseason this year, going 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in the Division Series against the Yankee and then 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA against the Astros in the ALCS. His only poor postseason start came against the Dodgers when he got knocked out in the fifth inning in his only World Series start. Morton has dealt with shoulder issues over the last couple of years, so it’s important that whoever signs him does an in-depth physical on him. However, if he’s healthy he’d be a solid free-agent signing for any contending club. He’ll probably have to sign a one-year contract with a club option loaded with incentives and award bonuses.

 

Best fits: Yankees, Nationals, Twins, White Sox, Braves.

 

Contract prediction: 1 year, $14 million.

 

7. Nelson Cruz, DH

Age: 40 B: R T: R HT: 6-2 WT: 230 WAR: 1.6 OPS+: 169

 

Cruz never seems to age. It’s amazing how consistent he’s been in the DH role, belting an average of 40 homers a year since 2014. Despite the fact that he’s entering his age-40 season, I think he’ll get a two-year pact with a slight bump in salary. Most likely he’ll return to the Twins, but he’d be a great fit for the Tampa Bay Rays who desperately need another middle-of-the-order impact bat.

 

Best fits: Twins, Rays, Rangers, Braves (if universal DH).

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $30 million.

 

8. Liam Hendriks, Closer

Age: 31 B: R T: R HT: 6-0 WT: 230 WAR: 1.4 ERA: 1.78

 

Hendriks is one of the best closers in baseball, so contending teams will be lining up for him this offseason. Hendriks had a 1.80 ERA in 2019 with 25 saves and repeated that dominance this year with a 1.78 ERA and 14 saves. His FIP was a staggering 1.14 and his strikeout-per-9 ratio was 13.1, the same as last year.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Nationals, Mets, Angels, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Twins, Astros, Dodgers, Athletics.

 

Contract prediction: 3 years, $42 million.

 

9. Marcus Stroman, RHP

Age: 29 B: R T: R HT: 5-7 WT: 180 WAR: N/A ERA: N/A

 

Stroman decided to opt out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, and it remains to be seen how this could affect his free agency. I’ve heard from multiple general managers that their interest would be only in a shorter-term deal due to not being able to scout him this year, while other GMs said they think he’ll do OK regardless thanks to a shortage of available starting pitching. Stroman made 32 starts in 2019, going 10-13 with a 3.22 ERA between the Blue Jays and Mets.

 

Best fits: Angels, Red Sox, Twins, White Sox, Astros, Mets, Brewers, Rockies.

 

Contract prediction: 3 years, $45 million.

 

10. Masahiro Tanaka, RHP

Age: 31 B: R: T: R HT: 6-3 WT: 220 WAR: 0.7 ERA: 3.56

 

Tanaka was inconsistent again this year but can still deliver quality starts. He finished the year with a 3-3 record and a 3.56 ERA, pitching 48 innings, allowing 48 hits and walking 8 batters while punching out 44 hitters. A return to the Yankees is likely, but it might take a while for him to come to terms with the fact that he’ll have to take a dramatic pandemic/age/performance-related pay cut from the $22 million annual salary he’s received since 2014. If he leaves the Yankees, it will be because a team like the Angels or Mets decide to overpay.

 

Best fits: Yankees, Angels, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mets.

 

Contract prediction: 3 years, $45 million.

 

11. Michael Brantley, LF

Age: 33 B: L T: L HT: 6-2 WT: 210 WAR: 1.5 OPS+: 126

 

Sometimes there are baseball cliches that are so fitting that you just have to use them, and “professional hitter” is one made for a player like Brantley. He’s hit .300 or better in each of the last three seasons and he covers the plate both horizontally and vertically, with the ability to hit fastballs, breaking balls and off-speed pitches at all locations and velocities. He’s a quiet leader in the clubhouse and is a tremendous mentor for his younger teammates, a winning player who hits for average with 15-20 home run type power.

 

Best fits: Astros, Indians, Cubs, Braves, Cardinals.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $28 million.

 

12. Justin Turner, 3B

Age: 35 B: R T: R HT: 5-11 WT: 205 WAR: 1.3 OPS+: 105

 

Turner has hit over .300 in three of the last four years, including belting 27 home runs for the second time in his career in 2019. He has been a consistent run producer for the world champion Dodgers since his arrival in 2014. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t return to Los Angeles, but there are certainly other contending teams he could really help, including the Washington Nationals, who desperately need more production from the third-base position than they got in 2020.

 

Best fits: Dodgers, Nationals, Blue Jays, Cardinals.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $28 million.

 

 

Didi Gregorius. (Adam Hagy / USA Today)

13. Didi Gregorius, SS

Age: 30 B: L T: R HT: 6-3 WT: 205 WAR: 0.9 OPS+: 119

 

Gregorius signed a one-year contract with the Phillies in the hopes that he’d be able to rebound and have a solid season now that he was another year from Tommy John surgery. His gamble worked out, as he slashed .284/.339/.488 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 2020. The Phillies would like to retain him, but they’re expected to get stiff competition from the Yankees, Angels and Athletics, and there will definitely be an interesting game of musical chairs with shortstops both this year and next.

 

Best fits: Yankees, Phillies, Angels, Athletics.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $26 million.

 

14. Brad Hand, LHP

Age: 30 B: L T: L HT: 6-3 WT: 215 WAR: 0.7 ERA: 2.05

 

It was quite shocking that not a single major-league team claimed Hand on waivers, considering his club option was only $10 million and just a one-year commitment. That could be a foreshadowing of what could turn out to be one of the coldest winters in free-agent history. Hand produced another solid year, as shown by his 2.05 ERA in 22 innings, allowing just 13 hits and 4 walks while punching out 29 batters and leading the league with 14 saves. He hasn’t had an ERA over 3.30 since 2015. The three-time All-Star should be sought after by most contending clubs.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Nationals, Braves, Mets, Angels, Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs, Reds, White Sox, Athletics, Rays, Twins, Tigers.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $16 million.

 

15. Marcus Semien, SS

Age: 30 B: R T: R HT: 6-0 WT: 195 WAR: 0.3 OPS+: 91

 

Semien likely lost a lot of money this year after having a dreadful regular season both offensively and defensively. At the plate, he hit just .223 with a .305 on-base percentage and 7 home runs. Defensively he had -5 defensive runs saved, making 7 errors and just not showing his normal range. However, he did increase his value in the postseason, especially during the ALDS against the Houston Astros, hitting .553 and playing solid defense. He also hit a home run in both the wild card round and the Division Series. It probably was a little too late to bring his value back to the type of player he was after the 2019 season. However, he’ll still land a solid short-term contract.

 

Best fits: Athletics, Angels, Phillies.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $18 million.

 

16. Andrelton Simmons, SS

Age: 31 B: R T: R HT: 6-2 WT: 195 WAR: 0.2 OPS+: 95

 

Simmons has been arguably the best defensive shortstop in baseball over the last five years, and with so much emphasis on run prevention, teams will look past his lack of offensive production. Simmons did slash .297/.346/.356 in 2020, but with only 7 extra-base hits, no home runs and just 10 runs batted in. Still, the fact that there are three teams that desperately need a shortstop will help him land in a good spot.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Athletics, Angels, Giants.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $18 million.

 

17. Trevor Rosenthal, RHP

Age: 30 B: R T: R HT: 6-2 WT: 230 WAR: 1.2 ERA: 1.90

 

Rosenthal should thank Royals manager Mike Matheny, who not only gave him a chance for his comeback season, but also wasn’t afraid to put him in the closer’s role early in the year. Rosenthal’s fastball is back to 100 mph, his confidence has returned and so have his results. Rosenthal finished the year with 11 saves, a 0.845 WHIP and 1.90 ERA. Teams will be lining up for his services now that he’s healthy and back to being the dominant reliever he was back in 2014-15 when he closed 93 games with an ERA under 3. His performance after the Padres acquired him at the trade deadline was staggering. He appeared in 9 games and didn’t give up an earned run, striking out 17 and walking just 1. He’s going to get paid.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Padres, Angels, Royals.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $15 million.

 

18. Adam Wainwright, RHP

Age: 39 B: R T: R HT: 6-7 WT: 230 WAR: 0.5 ERA: 3.15

 

At 39, Wainwright continues to make adjustments and finds ways to win. He finished the year with a 5-3 record, 3.15 ERA and a 1.051 WHIP. His leadership qualities are special and he has earned the right to finish his career with the Cardinals. His contract situation is tricky, though, because the Cardinals have overpaid so many of their veteran players, like Matt Carpenter, but really haven’t taken care of Wainwright the last few years. After the solid year he just delivered, I would think they’d give him a respectable base with a ton of incentives if he can repeat what he did this year. I can’t imagine him in another uniform, but I can also see a contending team jumping in and outbidding the Cardinals for his services.

 

Best fits: Cardinals, Braves.

 

Contract prediction: 1 year, $8 million.

 

 

Taijuan Walker. (T. Ludwig / USA Today)

19. Taijuan Walker, RHP

Age: 28 B: R T: R HT: 6-4 WT: 235 WAR: 1.3 ERA: 2.70

 

Walker was a first-round pick in 2010 but his career has been mostly filled with injuries and disappointment. He’s won in the double digits just once in his career, but still has gone 35-34 with a 3.84 ERA in 105 games started and 3 relief appearances. His trade to the Blue Jays really helped him, as he delivered a 1.37 ERA in 6 starts. The fact he’s only made 15 starts over the last 3 years tells me that he’ll probably have to settle for a one-year contract with a low base salary, loaded with incentives and bonuses based on games started and innings pitched. A return to Toronto or a team desperate for pitching like the Angels makes the most sense for him.

 

Best fits: Blue Jays, Angels, Red Sox, Mets.

 

Contract prediction: 1 year, $8 million.

 

20. Kolten Wong, 2B

Age: 30 B: L T: R HT: 5-7 WT: 185 WAR: 1.1 OPS+: 87

 

The Cardinals declined their $12.5 million club option on Wong, but do have an interest in re-signing him at a lower salary. Wong slashed .265/.350/.326 with 26 runs scored and 16 RBIs in 53 games this season. He also won a Gold Glove Award in 2019 and has a chance to get another one for his defense this year.

 

Best fits: Yankees, Athletics, Red Sox, Rangers, Cardinals, Angels.

 

Contract prediction: 1 year, $7 million.

 

21. Alex Colomé, RHP

Age: 31 B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 225 WAR: 1.0 ERA: 0.81

 

Colomé has saved 42 games over the last two seasons, combine that with his 2.80 ERA in 2019 and his 0.81 ERA this year and he’ll have a lot of teams interested in him despite the fact that he doesn’t miss bats and walks 3.2 batters per 9 innings. Teams interested will probably look at him more as a set-up reliever than a closer, but he’s certainly proved he can close at a high level. I like the Angels as one of the best destinations for him.

 

Best fits: White Sox, Angels, Phillies, Cubs, Blue Jays, Twins, Marlins.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $16 million.

 

22. James McCann, C

Age: 30 B: R T: R HT: 6-3 WT: 220 WAR: 1.2 OPS+: 144

 

McCann made the All-Star team for the first time 2019, then lost his job to Yasmani Grandal when the White Sox signed him in free agency. McCann did end up playing in 31 games, blasting 7 home runs and driving in 15 this season. The prior year, he had 18 homers and 60 RBIs. His slash line this year was an impressive .289/.360/.536. He’ll be looking for a starting job and, quite frankly, I think he’s developed enough the last few years to be able to handle it. If Realmuto leaves the Phillies, that would be a solid landing spot for him.

 

Best fits: Phillies, Nationals, Angels, Brewers.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $14 million.

 

23. Mark Melancon, RHP

Age: 35 B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 215 WAR: 1.0 ERA: 2.78

 

Melancon had a solid year that included saving 11 games with a 1.279 WHIP and 3.72 FIP. However, his strikeout rate was his lowest since his rookie year and his walk rate was his highest since 2011.

 

Best fits: Braves, Phillies, Angels.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $14 million.

 

24. Shane Greene, RHP

Age: 31 B: R T: R HT: 6-4 WT: 200 WAR: 1.0 ERA: 2.60

 

Greene is one of the better set-up relievers on the free-agent market and the keys for him have been his cutter and change-up where opponents have hit just .182 against the former and .167 against the latter.

 

Best fits: Braves, Phillies, Angels, Twins, Athletics, Rockies.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $12 million.

 

25. Blake Treinen, RHP

Age: 32 B: R T: R HT: 6-6 WT: 225 WAR: -0.2 ERA: 3.86

 

The Dodgers took a $10 million free-agent gamble on Treinen last offseason, and although he didn’t live up to the contract, he was obviously an important piece to the world champion Dodgers bullpen this year. Treinen finished with a 3-3 record with a 3.86 ERA, pitching 25 2/3 innings and allowing 23 hits while walking 8 and striking out 22. His sinker is still nasty, but just not consistent enough for him to become a closer again.

 

Best fits: Dodgers, Angels, Red Sox, Nationals, Braves, Cubs, Blue Jays.

 

Contract prediction: 2 years, $12 million.

 

Best of the rest of the free agents:

C: Yadier Molina, Tyler Flowers, Alex Avila, Jason Castro, Sandy León, Kurt Suzuki.

 

1B: C.J. Cron, Ryan Zimmerman.

 

2B: Jonathan Villar, César Hernández, Jonathan Schoop, Tommy La Stella, Jurickson Profar.

 

SS: Freddy Galvis.

 

3B: Asdrúbal Cabrera, Brock Holt, Jake Lamb.

 

OF: Joc Pederson, Jackie Bradley Jr., Josh Reddick, Yoenis Céspedes, Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Kevin Pillar, Jake Marisnick.

 

DH: Shin-Soo Choo, Jay Bruce.

 

LHS: Robbie Ray, James Paxton, Cole Hamels, José Quintana, Mike Minor, Brett Anderson.

 

RHS: Anthony DeSclafani, Julio Teheran, Jake Odorizzi, Jake Arrieta, Kevin Gausman, Rick Porcello, Michael Wacha.

 

RHR: Kirby Yates, Greg Holland, Trevor May, Brandon Workman, Tyler Clippard, Jeremy Jeffress.

 

LHR: Sean Doolittle, Tony Watson, Aaron Loup, Jake McGee, Alex Wood, Justin Wilson.

 

I'll take LeMahieu at 3/54, Hand at 2/16, and Walker at 1/8 from that list.

 

I'm not really opposed to any of the top 3 at that price either, but wouldn't blow the entire budget on one player if that's all we have.

[Jays24]

That Jim Bowden piece was depressing. Was waiting to see the Jays name on any of the big guys but...