Where Will These Big Name Free Agents End Up?
The hot-stove is already heating up and these five all-stars should get ready to pack their bags
November 24, 2017
Hope you’re not too stuffed from Thanksgiving, because the MLB offseason is full of plenty more to fill that appetite.
While the Houston Astros continue to revel in the franchise’s first World Series in history, the other 29 teams need to use free agency as a way to improve their rosters. In this article, I am going to discuss the five players I consider to be the best free agents in this year’s class. For each player, I will identify two teams that would be a great fit. For fans of these teams, signing one of these free agents to a large contract would make their Christmas celebration all the merrier.
1. Jake Arrieta: Starting Pitcher
Los Angeles Angels – The Angels are in dire need of a reliable starting pitcher who they can label their “ace.” Garrett Richards and Tyler Skaggs are both injury prone while other starters in the rotation tend to produce numbers that are below league average. Adding the 2015 Cy Young award winner would certainly put the Angles on the right track for another playoff run.
Miami Marlins – After he won the National League MVP, Giancarlo Stanton said he thinks the Marlins could contend if they bolstered their starting pitching. Cue Jake Arrieta. Signing the former Cub could keep Stanton in Miami, while also making them a true contender in a weaker NL East division.
2. Yu Darvish: Starting Pitcher
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers completely flip-flopped seasons with a near division title this past season. With strong play from veterans Ryan Braun, Eric Thames, and Travis Shaw, along with breakout years from pitchers Jimmy Nelson and Chase Anderson, Milwaukee seems like it’s one more piece away. Bringing in the Japanese native would put their rotation in the discussion as one of the best in baseball.
Colorado Rockies – They have an elite group of talent at the plate, but their pitching lacks consistency. Playing in Coors Field is a disadvantage to all who pitch there, but a strikeout machine like Darvish would be a nice fit. After failing to defeat the Diamondbacks in a back-and-forth Wild Card game, Colorado needs to make a move for a bona fide rotation ace.
3. Eric Hosmer: First Baseman
New York Yankees – Greg Bird’s history of injuries has led to a carousel of first basemen for the Yankees over the past few years. Eric Hosmer’s ability to hit for high average would compliment the power of sluggers Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez. If Bird does stay healthy, he and Hosmer could also switch between first base and DH (designated hitter). The Yankees have the money and surrounding star power for this match to be a perfect fit.
Kansas City Royals – Hosmer is a homegrown talent who has played some great sesaons for the boys in blue. The Royals will most likely let other big free agent names like Lorenzo Cain and Mike Moustakas walk in order to focus their attention on resiging their biggest star. The Royals have no one else ready to play the position, so bringing back Hosmer on a substantial deal might be the move.
4. Mike Moustakas: Third Baseman
Los Angeles Angels – With Mike Trout entering his prime years, it would shameful of the Angels’ organization to waste his talent by not reaching the playoffs. Bringing in Moustakas to play third would give their lineup a lift, batting between Andrelton Simmons and Justin Upton with Albert Pujols shortly behind. Like I stated previously, if the Angels added both “Moose” and Arrieta, there’s no reason why they can’t make a deep run come October.
New York Mets – The Mets need help. They have a team that’s both set for the future and ready to win now with everyone healthy. The only real hole is third base. I can’t remember the last time David Wright was healthy, and Wilmer Flores is not the everyday answer. Moustakas brings a veteran presence at still a young baseball age. He possesses elite defense on the field and power at the plate. New York needs a new star at Citi Field, and Moustakas fits the bill.
5. J.D. Martinez: Outfielder
Washington Nationals – How have they not made it past the Divisional Series? They have an amazing lineup when healthy and a starting rotation that consists of THREE aces. But are they just missing that one corner outfield piece? Martinez was injured for more than a month last season, but still ended up with 45 home runs. His incredible power and ability to single-handedly destroy the Dodgers (see his four-homer game), would easily make the Nats World Series favorites if they were to sign the hottest free agent. But the main question is, can they afford him?
Toronto Blue Jays – What happened last year? I guess the loss of slugger Edwin Encarnacion was too much for the Jays to overcome. Their rotation was set, Justin Smoak finally had his breakout year and 2015 MVP Josh Donaldson was still in the prime of his career. But production was scarce in almost all other areas. Jose Bautista was almost a nonfactor in his corner outfield spot and he’s set to hit the free market as well. Bringing in J.D. as a production replacement for Edwin could bring Toronto back to their glory days in 2015-2016.