Below is our list of players who have become free agents after the 2015 season (min. 50 PA or 20 IP in 2015). Each player’s 2016 age is in parentheses.
If you see any errors or omissions, please contact us. To see who represents these players, check out MLBTR’s Agency Database.
Last updated 5-20-16
Catchers
Carlos Corporan (32)
Ryan Lavarnway (28)
Michael McKenry (31)
First Basemen
Jeff Baker (35)
Corey Hart (34)
Justin Morneau (35)
Mike Morse (34)
Second Basemen
Joaquin Arias (31)
Alberto Callaspo (33)
Elian Herrera (31)
Jonathan Herrera (31)
Dan Uggla (36)
Luis Yander La O (24)
Third Basemen
Joaquin Arias (31)
Alberto Callaspo (33)
Elian Herrera (31)
Luis Yander La O (24)
Shortstops
Joaquin Arias (31)
Left Fielders
David DeJesus (36)
Chris Denorfia (35)
John Mayberry, Jr. (32)
Mike Morse (34)
Delmon Young (30)
Center Fielders
Chris Denorfia (35)
Logan Schafer (29)
Right Fielders
David DeJesus (36)
Chris Denorfia (35)
John Mayberry, Jr. (32)
Alex Rios (35)
Grady Sizemore (33)
Delmon Young (30)
Designated Hitters
None
Starting Pitchers
Chad Billingsley (31)
Mark Buehrle (37)
John Danks (31)
Aaron Harang (38)
Josh Johnson (32)
Cliff Lee (37)
Eric Stults (36)
Jerome Williams (34)
Right-Handed Relievers
Burke Badenhop (33)
Brooks Brown (30)
Buddy Carlyle (38)
Carlos Contreras (25)
Justin De Fratus (28)
Jason Frasor (38)
Ernesto Frieri (30)
Greg Holland (30)
Casey Janssen (34)
Radhames Liz (32)
Ryan Mattheus (32)
Dale Thayer (35)
Left-Handed Relievers
Joe Beimel (39)
Randy Choate (40)
Sean Marshall (33)
Aaron Thompson (29)
Cot’s Baseball Contracts was used in the creation of this post.
I don’t see many 9-figure contracts on this list, except maybe Justin Upton and David Price if they have good years. Desmond as well I guess. The other elite players are either too old (Bautista, Beltre) or have too much of their value in defense (Heyward, Gordon). It will be interesting to see what Heyward and Gordon get — good test of teams’ use of defensive stats.
Heyward is young enough to score 100+ MM if he wants to go that long. I’d say the bigger issue there is not wanting to make this his final big pay day.
While that logic is correct, it overlooks the inclusion of an opt-out close – or the old “have his cake and eat it too” scenario.
Heyward, Upton, Davis, Greinke, Price, Desmond, Zimmermann, and possibly Gordon are all getting “9 – figure contracts”……..
There are a ton of players that could get 9 figures, or come close.
Heyward, Upton, Gordon, Latos, Samardzija, Zimmerman, Price
Heyward and Upton should get paid big just because they will still be so young, that a 7 year deal is pretty easy for them.
Latos is extremely underrated, in my opinion. I’m curious to see the contract he receives.
He isn’t a dominant ace, but I could see him getting a pretty sizeable contract, just because he is so young. Since he will only be 28, as long as he stays healthy next year I don’t really think 85MM/5 would be that crazy.
At the rarity of finding a 28 year old out on the free agent market these days? Upton might be able to sweet talk his way into a 10 year deal especially if he has a good 2015. I wouldn’t doubt it. Cano got one and he was 31 at the time.
Cano is also the best 2nd baseman in the last 50 years of the game.
Better than Steve Sax?
54 career home runs and career .281 hitter gee let me think
I waz kidding…..
Remember when he couldn’t throw to first? Funny and sad.
Better than Lajoie, Collins, Morgan, Hornsby, Jackie Robinson, and Gehringer? That’s news to me… Honestly, Cano might not end up being one of the five best second basemen since 1980- as of right now Whitaker, Sandberg, Biggio, Alomar and Utley all have better careers and second basemen tend to fall of a cliff early, so Cano needs to make up ground quickly..
Based purely on numbers Cano is on his way to becoming the best second baseman of all time. Including intangibles, and that is not clear. too early to tell…
He has no chance of having a better career than Nap Lajoie, Joe Morgan, Rogers Hornsby, or Eddie Collins. By “no chance” of course I mean about a .0001% chance, but my point stands.
This is simply not true.
Thought Ty Cobb was a 2B man…IF so, he’d be #1 on everyones list except yours…ha…ha…
What “intangibles” are you talking about? He’s not known to be a great clubhouse leader. He IS known to occasionally lose focus in the field and he was pulled from games during his time with the Yankees for not always giving 100%.
A little early for that conversation… Sandberg and Alomar might have something to say about that.
uh, Rogers Hornsby won 2 triple crowns and hit .424 a different season… yeah
lol, Cano is great and all, should go in the hall, but he can’t touch Hornsby at this point unless he has a Bondsian second prime. You should check out his fangraphs page sometime.
He’s the best active 2nd baseman, Robby Alomar was better.
the fact that Daniel Murphy could be the 3rd best offensive option on the FA shows that teams are locking up young talent
Daniel Murphy is not a better offensive option than many of the players listed. I’d take Encarnacion, Napoli, Chris Davis, Beltre, Desmond, Cespedes, Gordon, Upton, Bautista, Byrd and, should he hit the market, Ortiz.
Chris Davis the drug abuser already then. Encarnacion the DL machine ,Napoli the hip age wonder. Bautista will be missing 50 games unlike Murph every year.Justin Upton is right ahead of Murph in terms of stock. You think Marlon Byrd at 38 is better than a 31 year old Daniel Murphy? Ortiz value is to Red Sox. Murphy can hit and in today’s league that is very valuable. Fred Wilpon is that you?
wRC+, 2013-2014:
Davis: 135
Encarnacion: 147
Napoli: 126
Bautista: 145
Upton: 132
Byrd: 124
Ortiz: 142
Murphy: 110
and, for reference
Gordon: 113
Beltre: 137
Cespedes: 106
Desmond: 110
Also:
Juan Uribe: 115
Howie Kendrick: 115
Dexter Fowler: 115
Jason Heyward: 115
So, to recap, by wRC+, at the very least a reputable offensive statistic, Murphy has been better the last two seasons than only Yoenis Cespedes, but Cespedes was very, very good in 2012 and has been better since being traded, so that could change by next offseason. You didn’t say he was the third most valuable hitter available. Playing time matters, but when they play, all of these players except possibly Cespedes, are betters or equals to Daniel Murphy offensively, and Murphy’s statistics even receive a wRC+ boost via Citi Field’s pitcher friendly tendencies. Murphy simply isn’t a “very good” hitter. He’s above average, or “good”, but he isn’t anything special. Jason Heyward, Jose Bautista, Adrian Beltre, Edwin Encarnacion, Justin Upton, Mike Napoli, and David Ortiz all blow him out of the water. If you want to specify that Daniel Murphy is “arguably one of the five best reasonably healthy, reasonably aged, reasonably decent hitters” out there, you might have a case, even if I’d take Upton, Gordon, Heyward, Beltre, Bautista and Desmond in a heartbeat, you might have a small case.
Heyward with a .263 BA vs Murph who has a career .291 and you think .263 blows away a .291 BA. All the players you mention above except for Heyward play in hitters paradise. Bautista has a club option so I didn’t count him. Ortiz won’t go anywhere so he isn’t a FA. Napoli will be 34 they year most players decline. Encarnacion has a club option so like Bautista if he is any good that option will be picked up. Beltre has a vesting option so he might not be a FA plus he will be 37. Davis is a good hitter but with the uppers he was taking he also had an advantage to recover quicker.
Upton has a higher ceiling than Murph but he also is a strikeout machine. His stats show he shows up every other year. He has a MVP type season or a dud. Murph is consistent every year. I can’t believe you think a career .291 hitter is a bad hitter meanwhile if he was playing in Fenway his BA would be higher slapping it off the wall since his strength is to opposite field. The two players I put ahead of Murph by the way was Davis and Upton
wRC+ is park-adjusted. I even mentioned how it accounts for Citi Field, to an extent. I never said he’s bad. He’s above average. He’s simply not a top-3 offensive option for next year’s free agent class. Upton’s an MVP or dud? .289/.369/.529, .280/.355/.430, .263/.354/.464, .273/.348/.495. Those are Upton’s batting lines since ’11. Murphy? .320/.364/.448 in 2011. Worse. .291/.332/.403 in 2012. Worse. .286/.319/.415 in 2013. Worse. .295/.337/.411 in 2014. Worse. He’s literally been worse than Upton each of the last four years, and was worse in Murph’s other full season, 2009, as well. In the five seasons they’ve both been full time players Daniel Murphy has been a worse hitter all five seasons. Upton is a very good, very young, very healthy offensive option who is much more consistently good with the bat than you’re crediting him for.
For what it’s worth, I don’t care about batting average as a singular offensive statistic, which is why I think Jason Heyward is a better hitter. He has more power and draws more walks making an overall better hitter. Also, Upton and Heyward play in the same offensive environment, so I’m not sure what “All the players you mention above except for Heyward play in hitters paradise” means…
Stop relying on batting average as your measuring stick. By that logic, Murphy is a better than Giancarlo Stanton.
you went out of your way to see me but in all honesty I rather pay Murphy 7 million for a year vs Stanton 325 contract even with Stanton being a better player.I rather Vlad instead of Giancarlo. You think Heyward should get paid based off his defense so I guess Lagares should get 20 million based off of his defense and playing 3 defense positions for his team.
When did I ever say he should get paid based on his defense? He is an all around better player, offensively and defensively. He makes a much bigger impact And no, I did not go out of my way. I was on the page, reading the comments.
Weren’t you throwing the Wilpon name around in earlier comments and you make a comment stating that you would take Murphy over Stanton because of the contract? Don’t get me wrong I value Murphy higher than quite a few of the other players above because of his versatility on the field. But, your argument was about hitting and is akin to comparing Brett Gardner (one of my fav’s) to Matt Kemp
Well said….ha…ha…
I’ll take a .235 hitter like Dozier ..way more than a .290 hitter that hits mostly singles. SLG% is much more important than BAA…so is position in a batting order…
you do realize Murphy has been batting 2nd his whole career until this year. I love how you imply Dozier is a free agent in 2016
Zimmermann already turned down a 100mill contract that was Nats friendly. He’s going to free agency confident he’ll get a deal above that mark.
I’m guessing if he has a year similar to last (16-7 2.95 ERA is my optimistic, albeit reasonable estimate) he’ll be looking for something like a 6yr $125mill or better contract. maybe even 6yr $140mill or a 7th year. he only turns 29 this year.
I think Cueto and Zimmerman will also get 9 figures along with Heyward, Price, & Upton
Chris Davis could well hit 9 figures same with Yoenis Cespedes cannon arm and good bat. Johnny Cueto will definitely go 9 figures, Doug Fister will be close. Than obviously Price and Upton will get them because of their age and talent warrant.
must be blind if you don’t see a nine figure contract for Heyward. Twenty-six years old. Could be 15 years at 500,000,000 with some deferred money.
I actually think the class is stacked for SP and OF. You have Alex Gordon (32), and then Justin Upton and Jason Heyward in their 20s! Then the SP has Price, Zimmerman, Medlen, Latos, Samardzija, Porcello, Luebke. I like that there are a lot of SP options so the Cubs can get Price then while the others go for the other options.
Fister could fit well with the Cubs too….although, I’ve heard he wants to be with a west coast team.
I think that’s one of the reasons the Tigers traded him.
I want Mike Leake to be on the Cubs. If not him, then Samardzija again.
I don’t know about relievers.
Is Lester a FA? I don’t see him listed.
I’m sure he’ll sign a multi year contract. This is for 2016 free agents not FA for this upcoming offseason.
Thanks! Must have missed the title.
I have to believe Heyward and JUpton will get 100MM+ contracts. I hope this season hasn’t hurt the Braves ability to sign one long term.
Fister, Kennedy, Latos, Medlen, Porcello, Price, Samardzija, Zimmermann is a good class of starting pitchers, particularly because Medlen will be difficult to value on an extension, and I’m highly doubting Price, Shark and Zimm are extended since Price will be so young and want to test free agency this close, I would imagine, Shark is currently with a low-budget team, and Zimmermann signed away his two arbitration seasons via extension already. Zimmermann and Price could top 100 MM, and Latos should approach that with a good, healthy 2015 considering his youth. If Kennedy and Fister have similarly productive 2015 seasons they should command some money, too.
Two good catchers here in Wieters and Avila, some stars in Desmond, Gordon, Upton, Heyward, and a slew of good above average starters like Kendrick, Utley, Alexei, Jackson, Fowler, Cespedes, Davis, Napoli, Morneau, Freese, and Uribe. I doubt Bautista and Beltre hit the open market, but I suppose we’ll see. Also isn’t Cliff Lee potentially on this list too?
Desmond is a star but Cespedes isn’t?
In my opinion, yeah. I think Desmond is baseball’s third best shortstop and a legitimate 4-win player. Cespedes has name value, but performance-wise, he’s a bit overhyped. He’s not far behind Desmond, but they sit on opposite sides of my “star” line.
I agree. Have to look at the position as well. Finding a shortstop who can hit the way Desmond can is a lot harder than finding a left fielder who can hit 15-20 homers
Yeah Cespedes is a bit overhyped performance wise isn’t he Metsfan lol
Nelson cruz
Cruz will be a free agent after this season. This list covers players who are currently set to become free agents after 2015.
Price, Latos, JUpton and Heyward
the rest: meh
Alex Gordon? If you’re going to list Heyward….. Also, if Latos, why not Zimmermann?
Doug Fister, Jordan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond, Scott Kazmir, Shark, Porcello, Medlen, and Ian Kennedy have all had at least one great year over the last two years.
Also Cueto will be a FA too.
For Heyward’s sake, I hope sabermetrics don’t help solve this defensive WAR issue. Once they realize he’s getting 3 fly balls a game it could cost him million$
Pity A-Rod and Howard aren’t on there. Imagine the bidding wars we could watch.
It would be The Price is Right-like—“$1!!!!”
Here’s hoping Tigers lock up Price this offseason
Judging by the Beltran signing, I’m gonna go out on a (short) limb and say this will be the time the Yankees finally get Utley….
Would like the Cubs to pursue Martin this offseason, but after seeing Wieters will be a FA after the 2015 season, I’ve flipped on that view, especially since I believe Martin will be interested in a 3-yr offer, at least.
Shouldn’t Jimmy Rollins be on the list? He has an option that vested for 2015 (unless he’s expected to start the season on the DL, which is unlikely) then will be a free agent after that.
Yes, he should. Thanks!
Reds should definitely explore locking up Latos and Leake this offseason if they can get a good price. I mean, they shouldn’t do that, because that would be good for Cincy.
Latos to the Red Sox!
Missing Johnny Cueto on this list
Cueto has an option for next year, so he is still on the 2015 list (for now).
Don Kelly Baby!
There are some guys on that list that is interesting
Man jeff baker plays a lot of positions.
Plenty of players the Mets could sign to improve the big question is are the Mets going to sign some of these players.
Ortiz is retiring so i see the Socks getting a Billy Butler.
I dont see Melky Cabera. colby rasmus on this list..isnt Lester a FA as well?
Didn’t see Johnny Cuetos name on the starters list… I believe he is a free agent.
Edwin is 31, not really a big deal
This could potentially be a good free agent class, depending on how many big extensions get signed. Several players could land $100+ million, depending on how they play. I could see Matt Wieters, Chris Davis, Edwin Encarnacion (if his option is declined), Ian Desmond, Yoenis Cespedes, Alex Gordon (if his option in declined), Justin Upton, Jason Heyward, Doug Fister, Ian Kennedy, Mat Latos, Mike Leake, Kris Medlen, Bud Norris, Rick Porcello, David Price, Jeff Samardzija, Jordan Zimmermann, Tyler Clippard, Neftali Feliz, Tommy Hunter, Antonio Bastardo, Jerry Blevins, Eric O’Flaherty, James Russell, and Jonny Venters all getting at least 5 year contracts worth anywhere from $25 million for the relievers to $150 million for guys like Heyward, Zimmermann, Desmond, and Latos.
I see a long list of starting pitchers…that will likely be whittled down by the Spring with extensions but only 2 or 3 of them look like 1’s or 2’s in a rotation….the rest appear to be good but not great.Maybe 2015 season will cause that to change. I expect Porcello, Price, Leake and Zimmerman to have good seasons next year as they seem to be front runners to top value contracts.
Medlen may be one of the better pitchers on this list… we just didn’t see him because of his TJ surgery this year.
A lot of good loogys on the market for 2016. Neftali Feliz could get a big payday too if can maintain his late season increased velocity through 2015. He will only be 28.
–
Fister, Latos, Medlen, Shark, Zimmerman, Price and most likely Cueto will headline a strong SP class.
Zack Greinke can opt out of his contract for this year.
Nobody is chatting up Cueto? Man he’s a horse, and he’ll get 9 figures. If he has a year like 2012 or 2013? He’ll get great money.
Pretty sorry list if you ask me…..older players whose best days are behind them. This bodes well for teams like the Yankees who are building their farm system amazingly fast and getting younger at all levels.
The Yankees are in pretty bad shape. Good thing money is no object for them or else they would be in a tailspin with all of those franchise crippling contracts they have on the books.
I believe Cliff Lee should be on the list. He has a club/vesting option, but could become an FA.
You’re missing Cliff Lee from the SP list.
Now you should include Craig Breslow to your left-handed reliever’s list…
THats a very weak FA class. zimmerman bucholtz and price are the only ones who stand out
Guess you didn’t see Bautista,Cueto,Encarnacion,Fister, or Samardzija.Not the strongest class but there are a view worth mentioning.Few decent center fielders that could be nice platoon guys.+ Upton and Cespedes should get some big money as well
Braves need three free agents: 1) Catcher – Matt Weiters is favorite for 4years, 48 Million (10,11,13,14); 2) Left Fielder/Third Base – Right Handed Run Producer – Ian Desmond, 1 year pillow for $16mil or 3years 40 Million (11,13,16); Starting Pitcher – Kyle Lohse, 2 Years 25Million (12,13).
Red Sox Offseason Suggestions:
Sign on the Free agent market : Jordon Zimmeman, who is an outstanding SP, and sign Jeff Samardzija, who had an offseason, but if you look more into the numbers, he has the least innings pitched then most good SP. Very little usage on that arm, and will be at a discount.
sign Parra for the OF nd Murphy for 1B
Mets should try for Heyward. He fits nicely into that team. Decent power, and power should improve, as he is only 26, good average, and speed. Good fit for the Mets
RED SOX for 2016
Sign Zimmerman, and Samardzija – SP’s
Sign G.Parra for OF and Murphy for 1B, with trades for RP ‘s. They have tons of prospects that they can fetch top RP’s. Another option, is, Trade for Sonny Gray.
Thank you for creating and maintaining this list.
I was wondering one thing, though. All your other posts usually provides a link to the player’s Baseball-Reference.com profile URL, which would be pretty handy to any fan wanting to compare, say, Kennedy with Leake with Iwakuma, but this one does not. Does the BB-Ref widget not work for your editing system to replace the players name with a link to his profile?