Now that we have had time to decompress from the Nationals disappointing season and the World Series just a few days away, I thought this would be an excellent and appropriate time to analyze some of the best free agents available this winter and attempt to predict the terms of the contracts they will sign. Although this class of free agents is not as deep as some years, there is depth at the corner outfield positions, a few quality catchers available, and a number of quality back-of-the-rotation starting pitchers.
Because of the sheer number of free agents available this offseason, I have broken up this piece into 2-parts – Today in Part 1, I highlight nine of the best free agent hitters available.
Hitters:
1) Robinson Cano 2B New York Yankees
Cano is clearly the best free agent in this class, and one of the most unique and talented free agents to hit the market in many years. An above-average defensive player at second base with a .309/.355/.504 batting line over his 9-year professional career, the almost 31-year-old hitter is in line for a monster contract this winter, though he will likely fall short of his desired 10-year $300 million contract.
Prediction: Re-Signs with New York Yankees, 8-years $215 million
2) Jacoby Ellsbury CF Boston Red Sox
A supremely talented, but often injured centerfielder, Ellsbury has a career .297/.350/.439 batting line and finished 2nd in the AL MVP race just two years ago. Only 30-years-old and plays a premium defensive position, Ellsbury will likely angle for a contract similar to the one Carl Crawford signed with Boston in 2010.
Prediction: Seattle Mariners, 7-years $145 million
3) Shin-Soo Choo OF Cincinnati Reds
An underrated player with a career .389 on-base percentage, the 31 year-old Choo will have plenty of suitors this winter. After playing center field rather poorly for Cincinnati in 2013, expect Choo’s next team to shift him back to a corner outfield position. With power and on-base percentage at a premium in the major leagues, expect Choo to have his choice of 4-year contract offers, with the team that gives him a 5th year likely signing the talented outfielder.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates, 5-years $80 million
4) Brian McCann C Atlanta Braves
One of the most consistent and excellent catchers in the past decade, McCann enters free agency as a 29-year-old with a career batting line of .277/.350/.473 and six consecutive seasons of 20 or more home runs. With numerous big-market teams seeking upgrades at catcher this winter including the Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies, McCann should sign one of the biggest free agent contracts this offseason.
Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays, 5-years $75 million
5) Carlos Beltran OF St. Louis Cardinals
Somehow underrated after an outstanding 16-year major league career, Beltran signed with St. Louis two seasons ago and was terrific for the Cardinals, hitting .269/.346/.495 with 32 home runs in 2012 and hit .296/.339/.491 with another 24 home runs in 2013. Not to mention Beltran has built the reputation as one of the best postseason players in baseball history. Entering free agency at 37-years-old, Beltran will have a more limited market than many of the other stars in his class, but Beltran will likely select between various 2-year offers from various contenders.
Prediction: Re-signs with St. Louis, 2-years $29 million
6) Mike Napoli 1B Boston Red Sox
Although his days as a catcher are behind him, Napoli produced an excellent season in Boston this season, producing a .259/.360/.482 batting line while playing solid defense at first base. A right-handed slugger in a market devoid of much power, or depth at first base, Napoli should have at least five to seven teams attempting to secure his services.
Prediction: Re-signs with Boston, 3-years $37.5 million
7) Jarrod Saltalamacchia C Boston Red Sox
Saltalamacchia enters free agency as a 28-year-old catcher with the resume as a good defender, a quality switch hitter with power, and an excellent clubhouse leader. He will have many suitors this winter as numerous teams are seeking a starting catcher, but his greatest value is likely to the Red Sox, which is why he stays in Beantown.
Prediction: Re-signs with Boston, 4-years $41 million
8) Jose Abreu 1B Cuban National Team
The 26-year-old right-handed power hitter, and top hitter in Cuba’s baseball league, defected from his country this past August and can sign with any major league team this winter. Because of his age, his salary will not count against team’s international bonus pool money, making him a “true” free agent. With rumors of an above-average hit tool, and massive power, Abreu is likely the top free agent first baseman this offseason, and his suitors should include the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and Texas Rangers.
Prediction: Texas Rangers, 5-years $70 million
9) Curtis Granderson OF New York Yankees
Following back to back 40+ home run seasons in 2011 and 2012, Granderson suffered a fractured forearm in spring training and would only play in 61 games in the 2013 season. Capable of playing all three outfield positions, the 32-years-old Granderson is a career .261/.340/.488 hitter. Granderson should still sign a hefty contract this winter, although probably for half of what he would have received 12 months ago.
Prediction: Kansas City Royals, 3-years $48 million
I will return tomorrow with Part 2, previewing the top pitchers available in free agency this winter. Thank you for reading and please continue to spread the word.