BEST OF THE REST: MLB FREE AGENCY

SportsBeat!

Written by Aaron Cantin

We are just weeks away from Spring Training, yet there are still significant players available on the free-agent market. That’s the reality of MLB’s offseason nowadays. Conner has kept us up to date on Sports Tree up to now with his ​Tree’s Three breakdowns. ​I’ll take a look at who’s still available and predict where the pieces fall.

Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher and free-agent Trevor Bauer throwing two-seam fastball; Source: USA Today | Photo from David Kohl

Trevor Bauer

​The current NL Cy Young Champion is coming off a remarkable year; however, he has not been consistent throughout his career. Bauer is asking for record-breaking money, somewhere near the $36-40 million/year range. That Eliminates more than half the league. The New York Mets reportedly have an offer on the table for Bauer. That’s the only reported offer to date. If there’s one team that should pursue Bauer, it’s the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels have underperformed in the Mike Trout era and are running out of time. The Angels would benefit the most from signing Bauer, but I think the deep pockets of new Mets owner Steve Cohen will sway the outspoken pitcher.

Pick: New York Mets

Justin Turner

The reigning World Series Champions Los Angeles Dodgers have a need at third base, and Justin Turner wants to retire a Dodger. The reunion is not quite that simple, however. Turner is on the wrong side of 35 and wants a four-year deal. That's hard to work with if you're the Dodgers. The only way Turner leaves L.A. is if another team overpays for four or more years. I don’t see that happening. A two or three-year deal would still see both sides walk away happy.

Pick: L​os Angeles Dodgers

Marcell Ozuna

It looks like a two-team race for the 2020 NL home run leader. The Braves still have an open spot in their lineup that Ozuna would fill nicely, between Ronald Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman. The Twins don’t have as obvious a hole, but if Nelson Cruz were to walk, Ozuna would be the best possible replacement. Considering how much the New York Mets have improved, Atlanta will be feeling the pressure to keep pace in the National League.

Pick: Atlanta Braves

Nelson Cruz

If my above prediction is correct, it seems inevitable Nelson Cruz will find his way back to the twin cities if the MLBPA were to approve a designated hitter in the National League that could affect Cruz’s market. Cruz is looking for a two-year deal, and it's hard to believe Minnesota would not be willing to match his offer. The Tampa Bay Rays have also expressed interest in the power hitter and may seem like an attractive offer for the slugger. Perhaps Tampa is the reason Cruz has not already resigned from the Twins. I can see this dragging out, but in the end, Cruz stays put.

Pick: Minnesota Twins

Jackie Bradley Jr.

JBJ is a great outfielder and will improve any team's defence. He will also command significantly less than George Springer, making him an attractive option for teams who missed out on Springer. The former Red Sox outfielder would fit many teams nicely. The Mets are a clear option considering they were willing to dish out over $100 million for Springer. The Astros also have an open spot in the field. Remaining in Boston is still very much on the table as well, and the longer this goes on, returning to Fenway is looking more and more likely.

Pick: Boston Red Sox

Didi Gregorius

The former Yankee/Phillies shortstop is still looking for a home, and ironically it's his first major league team that may be the best fit. The Cincinnati Reds’ offence came up short many times last season, and if the Reds decide not to tank, they would make a great fit. That's a big IF though. The Reds are allowing their Cy Young winner to walk for free, and after splashing big cash and falling short the last off-season, you have to believe the Reds front office will be hesitant to hand out contracts with lots of zero’s again. The market is surprisingly weak for the infielder, and for lack of real interest, I can see Didi staying put.

Pick: Philadelphia Phillies

Kolton Wong

​Wong has proven himself to be one of the strongest defenders in the MLB, leading all second basemen with 57 defensive runs saved since 2014, his first full MLB season. The former Cardinal has many suitors. The Tigers, Mariners, Cubs, and Phillies have all reportedly checked in. Twenty-four hours ago, I would have penciled in the Toronto Blue Jays as Wong’s new team. That's off the table after the Jays snatched up Marcus Siemen to a one-year $18.5 million deal. The Cardinals turned down a team option $12.5 million deal this year, allowing Wong to hit the open market. Now that the infielder market is dwindling down, the Cardinals may have no choice but to convince Wong to return on less money. It won’t be easy, but I can see the Cardinals getting very close to the $12 million range.

Pick: S​t. Louis Cardinals