Missing baseball yet? Get ready for some news as the MLB Hot Stove is getting ready to heat up when the Winter Meetings (Dec. 6-10th) arrive in Nashville. Ahead of the meetings, here's a look at where the top free agents in the game should land.
1. David Price
Former Team: Toronto Blue Jays
Where He’s Headed: Boston Red Sox
Here’s Why: David Price is by far the best free agent available. Not only is he an amazing player, but he is also a fantastic addition to any clubhouse. Price, 30 years old, experienced one of his best years last season. After being traded from Detroit to Toronto, Price established himself as a top-five starting pitcher in all of Major League Baseball. He's in for a huge payday, but there are not many teams that look to be willing to spend over 200 million dollars and commit to seven or more years with an aging starting pitcher.
Boston is the logical choice because they may have the biggest need in the entire sport. The Red Sox had high expectations going into last year, but their pitching failed them. It's almost a given that their rotation will be vastly improved next year. Also, Price seems like a player who would take well to Boston and the team's fans. If not the Red Sox, look for the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Giants to be involved.
2. Jason Heyward
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Former Team: St. Louis Cardinals
Where He’s Headed: Los Angeles Angels
Here’s Why: Heyward, 26 years old, came up with the Braves in 2010, and was often compared to Willie Mays. While he hasn't lived up to the expectations offensively, Heyward is by far the best defensive outfielder in baseball. He also is a pretty above average hitter. What makes Heyward so intriguing is his age, as it's likely that his offense will improve over the next few years. A concern that is attached to the outfielder is his injury history. Since coming up, Heyward has missed time every year. Since he's so young, Heyward is looking at a seven-to-ten-year contract, which should total above 200 million dollars.
The Angels are the likely destination because they have the money to spend as well as the need for talent. With Kole Calhoun and Mike Trout in place, adding Heyward would make the Angels outfield among the best in the game. Also, Heyward would greatly benefit batting in the same order as Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. Other teams expected to be involved are the Cardinals, Cubs, and Dodgers.
3. Zack Greinke
Former Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Where He’s Headed: Los Angeles Dodgers
Here’s Why: Zack Greinke, 32 years old, has found a home with the Dodgers. Since joining the team in 2013, Greinke has gotten better each year. There is a lot going for Greinke. He has a god reputation among the league as one of the most prepared pitchers in the game, and he is coming off his best season ever. The Dodgers need pitching, and so it makes sense to bring back a player that they know can thrive in their environment. The only true contender for his services should be the Giants or crosstown Angels.
4. Chris Davis
Former Team: Baltimore Orioles
Where He’s Headed: St. Louis Cardinals
Here’s Why: This makes a lot of sense. The 29-year-old slugging first baseman is coming off of a tremendous year, and so he is in for a big payday. The Cardinals have a need at the position, as well as an opening in their lineup. Something else that makes sense about this move is that the Cardinals may be the only potential suitor that is willing to pay him upwards of $135 million dollars. Other logical fits are the Orioles, Angels, and Mariners.
5. Justin Upton
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Former Team: San Diego Padres
Where He’s Headed: San Francisco Giants
Here’s Why: Since coming up with the Diamondbacks in 2005, many have considered outfielder Justin Upton to one day be a superstar. While he has been an extremely productive player throughout his career, the 28-year-old Upton hasn't elevated his game to the level that many have expected. Either way, he is a very good player and would provide an upgrade in right or left-field for almost any team.
The Giants are in need of an outfielder as well as a big bat to bolster their lineup. Another team that could potentially be involved is the Mariners. They have a need for a player like Upton, but it remains to be seen how serious of a destination they would be. Upton in the past has vetoed a trade to Seattle. Expect the Indians and White Sox to be involved in talks.
6. Johnny Cueto
Former Team: Kanas City Royals
Where He’s Headed: Arizona Diamondbacks
Here’s Why: This move makes more sense for the team than it does for the player. Arizona needs pitching. In fact, it can be said that by adding an ace, Cueto may be the most affordable sure-fire ace on the market, the Diamondbacks may be ready to take their division. The question will prove to be whether or not Cueto wants to sign with a team that has not been a legitimate contender for years. Cueto was great in the first half while playing for Cincinnati, but his production trailed off once he was traded to Kansas City. The reason he’ll make a lot of money on the open market will surely be his performance in the World Series as well as his performance in years past. Look for the Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, and Cubs to be involved.
7. Yoenis Cespedes
Former Team: New York Mets
Where He’s Headed: Chicago White Sox
Here’s Why: The world saw what the flamboyant and boisterous Cespedes could be during his extraordinary run with the New York Mets. In a perfect world, the defending National League Champions would resign Cespedes, but he probably will be way out of their price range. The White Sox are in desperate need of an additional offensive force in their lineup, and so this move makes conventional sense. If he doesn't land in Chicago, the 30-year-old outfielder will likely land with the Angels, Mariners, Giants, or Mets.
8. Alex Gordon
Former Team: Kansas City Royals
Where He’s Headed: Boston Red Sox
Here's Why: Gordon is one of the best best defensive outfielders in all of baseball. He's also a very productive hitter. Even though the Red Sox have a crowded outfield, taking on a leader and contributor like Gordon makes too much sense. Look for them to trade Jackie Bradley Jr. for pitching, and turn to Gordon to be a big part of their lineup for the foreseeable future. The only thing that can hamper his market is his prone to injury. It's likely that the Angels, Cardinals, and Royals get involved as well.
9. Jordan Zimmerman
Former Team: Washington Nationals
Where He’s Headed: San Francisco Giants
Here’s Why: Zimmermann, in my opinion, is the best-valued pitcher on the market. I view him as an incredibly effective number two or three starter in almost any rotation. Any team looking for semi-affordable pitching would be better off spending their money on the 29-year-old control-oriented pitcher. Zimmermann had a good run with Washington, but now he has a chance to cash in and go somewhere where he has a great shot at winning a championship. Look for the Tigers and Cubs to be heavily involved.
10. Ben Zobrist
Former Team: Kansas City Royals
Where He’s Headed: Kansas City Royals
Here’s Why: With more potentially departing players than any other team, it only makes sense for the defending World Series champs to try and lock up one of their free agents. You could place the useful Zobrist on basically any team, but because he has expressed a sincere desire to return to Kansas City, returning back to KC makes the most sense. The only argument against this is that the 34-year-old, multi-positioned player could be out of the team’s budget, but that doesn’t seem likely. While he's a fit for everyone, the Mets, Dodgers, Nationals, and Angels are all possible destinations.
