MLB Top Available Free Agents By: Ryan Smiertelny

MLB Top Available Free Agents

By: Ryan Smiertelny

The 2017 MLB season ended with an epic 7-game World Series between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers. Shortly after the series, the free agency signing period began. Wade Davis, Tyler Chatwood, and Zack Cozart are a few big name players to have already signed this offseason. There are still several unsigned free agents that can make a splash throughout the league.

Pitchers:

1: Jake Arrieta

Photo Credits: USA Today http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/10/jake-arrieta-shaved-beard-cubs-chicago-mlb-photo-tweet

Jake Arrieta has been the main reason the Chicago Cubs have turned their starting pitching success around over the last three seasons. In 2015, Arrieta totaled and ERA of 1.77 and claimed the NL Cy Young award. Jake Arrieta has shown no signs of slowing down as he pitched 10.2 innings in the 2017 postseason, recording an ERA of 0.84. Given Jake’s success, he is certainly expecting a long-term contract. Arrieta is definitely a number 1 starter in most rotations.

Prediction: Jake has made it clear he is looking for big time money this off-season. I expect the Chicago Cubs to make Arrieta an offer, but it is unlikely he will accept it, especially if he is offered a better deal.

2: Yu Darvish

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a huge move midway through last season acquiring Yu Darvish. Darvish added depth to the starting pitching rotation for the Dodgers, but struggled throughout the postseason. Yu Darvish started Game 7 of the World Series for Los Angeles, but was pulled after a lackluster 1 and 2/3 innings pitched allowing a 5-0 deficit. Regardless of the postseason struggles for the dynamic pitcher, Darvish remains a top-notch pickup this offseason as a number 2 starter.

Prediction: Darvish has already met with the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Twins have shown major interest in the right-hander. I predict Yu Darvish to sign with the Cubs, especially if the Cubs lose Arrieta to free agency.

3: Ubaldo Jimenez

Ubaldo Jimenez has had many ups and downs throughout his career as a Major League Baseball player. In 2010, Jimenez finished third in the NL Cy Young voting for the Colorado Rockies. In 2017, Jimenez finished 6-11 with an ERA of 6.81. Ubaldo had a tough year, but given his past accomplishments, I would still consider him as someone to take a chance on in free agency.

Prediction: After a few good seasons and a few bad seasons with the Orioles, I expect Ubaldo Jimenez to sign a 1-2 year contract with a team in need of a number 4 pitcher or to resign with the Orioles.

Position Players:

1: Jose Bautista

Photo Credits: Sportsnet http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/potential-free-agent-destinations-jose-bautista-2018/

Jose Bautista, known for his heroic bat flip in Game 5 of the ALDS in 2015, is a free agent in 2018. Bautista is one of the premier power hitters in the game with 331 homeruns over his 14 year career. Jose has been consistent over the years and will fill the cleanup hitter role nicely for almost any team. Bautista has won three Silver Slugger awards and is looking to add to that total.

Prediction: I predict that Jose Bautista will sign with the Kansas City Royals in free agency. This would be a good fit for both teams and the Royals will have the money to pay Bautista.

2: Todd Frazier

Coming off of a solid season with the vastly improved New York Yankees, Todd Frazier looks to sign a new deal. Frazier has been decorated throughout his career, even as a kid, winning the Little League World Series and Homerun Derby. Frazier is a 2-time All Star and finished third in ROY voting in 2012.

Prediction: I expect the Yankees to resign Todd Frazier even if Todd is asking for a high price. The Yankees took the Astros to 7 games in the ALCS and Frazier was a big part of their success at the back end of the lineup.

3: J.D. Martinez

J.D Martinez had a fantastic finish to the year with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Martinez slashed 45 homeruns and hit for a batting average of 303 last season. When Martinez can avoid injury, he has improved each season and is a huge threat in the middle of the lineup. Martinez along with Goldschmidt led the Diamondbacks to a 93-69 record last season securing the number 1 wildcard spot in the playoffs.

Prediction: I predict J.D. Martinez to sign with the San Francisco Giants this offseason. I think this will happen because the Giants struggled driving in runs and Martinez will fill that need.