Image Credit: SportingNews.com
With the Hot Stove heating up and plenty of Major League teams already making moves, here’s a look at my top-5 free agents in this winter’s class. 5.) Dexter Fowler – OF Fowler proved in 2016 how valuable he is, both at the plate and in the field. He wasn’t one of the Cubs’ big middle-of-the-order thumpers, but he made that lineup go as the team’s leadoff hitter. A good leadoff man is incredibly valuable, especially one that can get on base consistently and has pop. This past season, Fowler hit .276 with 13 HR, a career-high .393 OBP, 79 walks and a solid .840 OPS, his best mark since 2012. He wasn’t among the game’s elite on defense, but Fowler patrolled center field well for the Cubbies, making six outfield assists and flashing above-average range. Fowler also used his speed to his advantage in 2016. “Daddy Long Legs” swiped a modest 13 bags and scored 84 runs, fueling the Cubs deep, lethal lineup. Fowler’s athleticism and well-rounded game make him one of the top free agents on the market this winter. Entering his age-31 season, Fowler should have no trouble landing a five-year deal in the range of $75 million. Potential Fits: Cubs, Rangers, Orioles, Indians, Nationals, Astros 4.) Edwin Encarnacion – 1B/DH Encarnacion wasn’t always the most-talked-about power hitter in the Blue Jays lineup the past few seasons, but he consistently produced and made a lot of noise with hit bat. As a first baseman/designated hitter, he’s essentially limited to signing with an American League team, but that doesn’t diminish his value at all given what he’ll bring to the team that signs him. This past season, Encarnacion batted .263 with 42 HR and a league-high 127 RBIs. He’s hit 42 homers twice in his last five seasons and has 34+ long balls and 98+ RBIs in five straight seasons. The three-time All-Star is undoubtedly one of the best power hitters in baseball, and although he’s on the back end of his prime years, he isn’t showing signs of slowing down yet. Entering his age-34 season, Encarnacion should get a solid three- or four-year deal with a high AAV, potentially in the $20-million range. Potential Fits: Blue Jays, Yankees, Tigers, Mariners, Red Sox, White Sox 3.) Yoenis Cespedes – OF Cespedes was one of the hottest names on the market last offseason, and he is once again after opting out of his three-year, $75 million deal with the Mets. The Cuba native brings serious power and a rifle of a throwing arm to whichever team signs him, and he’ll immediately make an impact in the middle of any lineup. Cespedes’ offensive numbers in 2016 were down a bit across the board, but he came on strong in the second half. He hit .280 with 31 HR, 86 RBIs and an .884 OPS and almost single-handedly carried the Mets’ offense after the trade deadline. He doesn’t have a ton of range but his arm is among the best in the Majors, so he provides value as a corner outfielder with the ability to play center field if needed. The fact that he’s performed well in the middle of a playoff run in consecutive seasons bodes well for Cespedes. He’s 31, but didn’t debut until he was 26, so he doesn’t have a ton of miles on him. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Cespedes land a $100+ million deal over five or six years. Potential Fits: Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Yankees, Mariners, Dodgers 2.) Kenley Jansen – RHP Jansen solidified himself among the league’s elite closers in 2016, converting a career-high 47 saves with a stellar 1.83 ERA in 68.2 IP. He struck out 104 batters with only 11 walks, good for a 9.45 K:BB ratio, and posted a career-best 0.67 WHIP. Jansen was the most important piece of the Dodgers’ pitching staff when Clayton Kershaw was out with a back injury, as he was almost automatic closing out games at the back end of a strong bullpen. He also proved he’s capable of working multiple innings a game and can come into a close game in the 7th or 8th inning and be a stopper, as evidence of his 2016 postseason performance. He’s only 29, and with a fastball touching the upper 90s, he’ll be one of the most sought after names on this winter’s market, especially with the starting pitching class so weak and dominant relievers in high demand. Jansen should easily cash in on a healthy five-year deal with an AAV around $13-$15 million. Potential Fits: Dodgers, Yankees, Giants, Nationals, Red Sox, Cubs 1.) Aroldis Chapman – LHP Chapman has been a top-three reliever since he came into the league and he’s in a prime position to cash in on a mega-deal this winter. In 2016, “The Cuban Missile” struck out 90 batters and posted a 1.55 ERA in 52 appearances over 58.0 innings of work. In his time with the Cubs alone, he converted 16 saves with a 1.01 ERA and 0.82 WHIP. Reaching triple digits on more than half of his pitches, Chapman’s fastball is arguably the game’s deadliest pitch. When he’s on it’s unhittable, and the southpaw also has a filthy slider. Like Jansen, Chapman proved he can work multiple innings and still be effective after racking up a high pitch count. He’ll be 29 when the 2017 season starts, so he’s young enough that he’ll still be effective long term, and there’s no telling how many prime years he has left. Mark it down now, Chapman will sign the richest contract for a reliever in Major League history this offseason, and he may get that $100 million deal he’s reportedly seeking, potentially over six or seven years. Potential Fits: Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees, Giants, Nationals, Red Sox Other Top Free Agents: Jose Bautista – OF/3B, Ian Desmond – OF, Wilson Ramos – C, Mark Melancon – RHP, Mark Trumbo – OF/1B/DH, Justin Turner – 3B
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March 2020
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