Headlines

  • Yankees Sign Corey Kluber
  • Yankees Re-Sign DJ LeMahieu
  • Padres Re-Sign Jurickson Profar
  • Giants Reach Agreement With Tommy La Stella
  • Nationals Sign Jon Lester
  • Blue Jays To Sign Marcus Semien
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Indians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • Last 100 Comments
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

The Top Free Agent At Each Position

By Tim Dierkes | September 5, 2011 at 7:54am CDT

You can survey our free agent list for the upcoming offseason here.  Today let's attempt to determine the best as each position.

  • Catcher: Yadier Molina's option will be exercised, leaving Ramon Hernandez as the best available.  Hernandez hasn't played in 100 games since '08, but he still easily tops a list of mostly backups at the position.
  • First base: Prince Fielder has drawn more walks this year, but I still have to give the nod to Albert Pujols.  Pujols began the year with a couple off of months and injured his wrist in June, but he's still among the game's best players.
  • Second base: Robinson Cano's option will be exercised, and Brandon Phillips appears likely.  Despite a lousy offensive year, Kelly Johnson might be the best second baseman standing.
  • Shortstop: I like Jimmy Rollins, but I don't think you can argue for anyone other than Jose Reyes.
  • Third base:  The market for third basemen is terrible, but Aramis Ramirez remains a quality option.
  • Left field: There's not much here, but Josh Willingham continues to display good power in a tough ballpark.
  • Center field: His season hasn't been amazing, but Coco Crisp looks like the best available.  I might prefer Grady Sizemore, but I think his option will be picked up.
  • Right field: This is a position with significant free agent talent: Lance Berkman, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, and Carlos Beltran, even after Nick Swisher's option is exercised.  This is a tough call, but I'll take Beltran.  Berkman and Cuddyer could potentially enter the mix for other positions, if they're flexible on that front.
  • Designated hitter: David Ortiz is the clear choice here.
  • Starting pitcher: C.J. Wilson may represent better value, but C.C. Sabathia will be the best available starting pitcher if he opts out of his Yankees contract.  If Sabathia re-ups quickly then Wilson would have the honors, unless Yu Darvish mounts a challenge.
  • Closer: With all due respect to Ryan Madson, Jonathan Papelbon is the man here.
  • Right-handed setup man: I expect Madson to continue closing, leaving our setup bracket wide open.  Joel Peralta is a respectable choice, while Kerry Wood and others also merit consideration.
  • Lefty reliever: Tim Byrdak, Mike Gonzalez, and George Sherrill have been tough on fellow lefties, but Darren Oliver is my pick.
Share 0 Retweet 17 Send via email0

Uncategorized

Quick Hits: Mets, Darvish, Ozzie
Main
Arbitration Eligibles: Detroit Tigers
51 comments
newest oldest

Comments

  1. Brandon Skibbe

    9 years ago

    Weak offseason for FA’s.  If your not good dont count on this offseason to make you much better

    Like
    Reply
  2. JackOfDiamonds

    9 years ago

    Outside of Pujols, Fielder & Reyes, not much depth in this FA class. All the more reason to build your organization through the draft and not via free agency.

    Like
    Reply
    • Jon Stark

      9 years ago

      CJ Wilson, CC, Darvish, and Papbelbon provide nice talent, but probably with exorbitant price tags

      Like
      Reply
      • captainjeter

        9 years ago

        CC is  going nowhere. He said it again  after his last  start. He  told Kim Jones  that he love pitching in  NY  and she asked CC  about  the ovation  he got  and he said  it  was great  and  nothing like the NY fans.

        Like
        Reply
        • johnsilver

          9 years ago

          Not to mention the 30m or so the NYY will be throwing his way once he opts out.

          Remember..He said last time as a FA he wanted to play on the West Coast and it was East Coast mega Millions that talked him into NY in the 1st place, not the fans have a feeling.

          Like
          Reply
          • Lunchbox45

            9 years ago

             preposterous. NY fans are the only fans who cheer for really good pitchers. 

            Like
            Reply
            • ironnat

              9 years ago

              Wait three years after he’s added another 50 pounds and strings a couple of bad stretches and see how loving the Yankee fans are.

              Like
              Reply
            • ironnat

              9 years ago

              Wait three years after he’s added another 50 pounds and strings a couple of bad stretches and see how loving the Yankee fans are.

              Like
              Reply
    • angryredmenace

      9 years ago

      Building through the draft sounds nice, but without quality free agent pick up’s, you can’t expect to contend in the majors.

      Like
      Reply
      • Lunchbox45

        9 years ago

        I completely agree

        -A.Friedman

        Like
        Reply
        • 0bsessions

          9 years ago

          In fairness, two big components to their 2008 run were free agent pickups (Pena and Iwamura) with a lot of positive contributions from Eric Hinske as well (Another free agent).

          Like
          Reply
          • mrsjohnmiltonrocks

            9 years ago

            In fairness, those pick ups didn’t appear to be big when they were made either.  Just guys that had a chance to make a contribution, that ended up being very good for them.

            Like
            Reply
            • 0bsessions

              9 years ago

              Given, but the Rays wouldn’t have gotten as far as they did in ’08 without free agents supplementing their strong farm system and that’s the point.

              Like
              Reply
              • Lunchbox45

                9 years ago

                That’s not the point at all. The point is that you can be competitive with out signing big name free agents which is what the guy I replied to claimed..

                The names you mentioned were minor acquisitions who ended up contributing

                Like
                Reply
                • 0bsessions

                  9 years ago

                  The point is that you can be competitive with out signing big name free agents which is what the guy I replied to claimed..

                  That’s not true at all. These were his exact words:
                  “without quality free agent pick up’s, you can’t expect to contend in the majors.”

                  Quality =/= big name. And yeah, it’s true in that it’s almost impossible to run a contender without a quality free agent acquisition or two.

                  Like
                  Reply
                  • Lunchbox45

                    9 years ago

                     you’re looking at what pena did after the fact, his 2 years before in boston and detroit were injury plagued, and really nothing special.. how is that a quality fa signing?

                    Like
                    Reply
                • 0bsessions

                  9 years ago

                  The point is that you can be competitive with out signing big name free agents which is what the guy I replied to claimed..

                  That’s not true at all. These were his exact words:
                  “without quality free agent pick up’s, you can’t expect to contend in the majors.”

                  Quality =/= big name. And yeah, it’s true in that it’s almost impossible to run a contender without a quality free agent acquisition or two.

                  Like
                  Reply
          • mrsjohnmiltonrocks

            9 years ago

            In fairness, those pick ups didn’t appear to be big when they were made either.  Just guys that had a chance to make a contribution, that ended up being very good for them.

            Like
            Reply
        • 0bsessions

          9 years ago

          In fairness, two big components to their 2008 run were free agent pickups (Pena and Iwamura) with a lot of positive contributions from Eric Hinske as well (Another free agent).

          Like
          Reply
      • Lunchbox45

        9 years ago

        I completely agree

        -A.Friedman

        Like
        Reply
  3. Dwan

    9 years ago

    Beltran is better off moving to LF. His range in RF is very bad.

    Like
    Reply
    • Rabbitov

      9 years ago

      If we are being real, he’s better off trying out DH somewhere.

      Like
      Reply
  4. Ta-Kuan Fuan

    9 years ago

    This FA class is still much better than the previous couple of years. Pujols, Fielder, Reyes, Beltran, Ortiz are far better (quality AND quantity) over Crawford/Werth/Beltre from last year and Holliday/Bay from ’09. You had a big drop-off after Cliff Lee last year while this year it could be CC and CJ along with Darvish. Lackey was the “big name” in ’09.

    Like
    Reply
  5. sourbob

    9 years ago

    As a Cub fan, I’m delighted it’s such a weak free agent class. Hopefully, that will kill whatever chance there was that our new GM would spend money on something stupid instead of rebuilding properly.

    Like
    Reply
  6. baseball1010baseball1010

    9 years ago

    Looking at your lefty reliever comment so I checked the numbers. Oliver has the worst % of stranding inherited runners at .66. (Sherrill the best % Byrdak second best). Oliver is the second worst at batting average against left handed hitters at .237. (Gonzalez the best Byrdak 2nd best.) Oliver has the best ERA of the players mentioned. Gonzalez is the only one who has an ERA above the Major League average for relievers. I think Sherrill, Oliver and Byrdak are equal for different reasons, Gonzales is the 4th best, but that does not mean he isn’t quality.

    Like
    Reply
  7. CaseyBlakeDeWitt

    9 years ago

    I thought that Joel Peralta was still eligible for arbitration one last time.

    Like
    Reply
  8. CaseyBlakeDeWitt

    9 years ago

    I thought that Joel Peralta was still eligible for arbitration one last time.

    Like
    Reply
  9. ykw

    9 years ago

    “Despite a lousy offensive year, Kelly Johnson might be the best second baseman standing.”

    His “lousy offensive year” has him posting a 97 wRC+ and a whopping 1.6 batting runs below average. The only thing that looks bad in his line is his BA; a BABIP nearly fifty points off his previous career number is pretty obviously to blame, and makes him a prime candidate for a pendulum-swing comeback year in ’12.

    “Shortstop: I like Jimmy Rollins, but I don’t think you can argue for anyone other than Jose Reyes.”

    Jose Reyes is a $100M landmine. His legs make him a massive health risk, particularly at a position where range is crucial (check out his UZRs the last three seasons) and for a player whose speed is an enormous part of his offensive game when he’s right (check out his BSRs the last three seasons, particularly 09-10). He makes little sense except for a wealthy club with a strong Plan B option who can play SS at a high level for extended periods if — well, more likely =when= — he’s unavailable. Boston, maybe Anaheim. Rollins may not have Reyes’ ceiling, but he’s a better candidate to contribute strongly, and he’s likely to appeal to a lot more clubs as a result.

    Like
    Reply
    • Taskmaster75

      9 years ago

      “His “lousy offensive year” has him posting a 97 wRC+ and a whopping 1.6
      batting runs below average. The only thing that looks bad in his line is
      his BA; a BABIP nearly fifty points off his previous career number is
      pretty obviously to blame, and makes him a prime candidate for a
      pendulum-swing comeback year in ’12.”

      Don’t be so sure, his BABIP and other peripherals lead to believe that he’s underachieving, but his K% has gone up significantly, and his walk rate has decreased as well. His wOBA of .319 is also the lowest he’s had in a full season of play (more than 500 PA’s).

      Like
      Reply
    • Matt Moore

      9 years ago

      Exactly. Hes a frickin landmine. Whoever signs him are gonna be screwed. Sad thing is, is that no matter what some team will give him the 100mm. Im just glad my team dont have that kinda money to spend at this point.

      Like
      Reply
    • JasonHeywardIsGod

      9 years ago

      It is the best player at that position and Jose Reyes is a WAY better player then Rollins, this coming from a Braves fan, anyone that signs Rollins will regret, he can’t even hit well in one of the most hitter friendly parks in Citizens, he’s gonna be awful wherever he goes

      Like
      Reply
  10. ykw

    9 years ago

    “Despite a lousy offensive year, Kelly Johnson might be the best second baseman standing.”

    His “lousy offensive year” has him posting a 97 wRC+ and a whopping 1.6 batting runs below average. The only thing that looks bad in his line is his BA; a BABIP nearly fifty points off his previous career number is pretty obviously to blame, and makes him a prime candidate for a pendulum-swing comeback year in ’12.

    “Shortstop: I like Jimmy Rollins, but I don’t think you can argue for anyone other than Jose Reyes.”

    Jose Reyes is a $100M landmine. His legs make him a massive health risk, particularly at a position where range is crucial (check out his UZRs the last three seasons) and for a player whose speed is an enormous part of his offensive game when he’s right (check out his BSRs the last three seasons, particularly 09-10). He makes little sense except for a wealthy club with a strong Plan B option who can play SS at a high level for extended periods if — well, more likely =when= — he’s unavailable. Boston, maybe Anaheim. Rollins may not have Reyes’ ceiling, but he’s a better candidate to contribute strongly, and he’s likely to appeal to a lot more clubs as a result.

    Like
    Reply
  11. Matt Moore

    9 years ago

    This is who the best f/a will sign with-
    Pujols- Yankees
    Fielder- yankees
    Ramirez- yankees
    Reyez- yankees
    All other f/a that I cant remember…. Yankees…

    Like
    Reply
  12. top_prospect_aw

    9 years ago

    How do you not go with Heath Bell as closer?  Underrated and overlooked…

    Like
    Reply
    • Lunchbox45

      9 years ago

      he doesn’t want to leave and will likely accept arbitration.

      Like
      Reply
      • top_prospect_aw

        9 years ago

        Not the point.  He’s a free agent and much better with a better track record than Ryan Madson.  East Coast bias?

        Like
        Reply
        • Lunchbox45

          9 years ago

          it kinda is the point, since he’s only an FA in theory only.

          Just like CC sabathia isn’t really the top FA pitcher available.

           

          Like
          Reply
          • top_prospect_aw

            9 years ago

            A few issues with your statement:
            A.  CC’s name is listed in the article.  Heath Bell is more of a FA than CC is, yet his name wasn’t listed.
            B.  “FA in theory only” because a player threatened to accept arbitration? I’m sure this has never been done before and had a different result.
            C.  Bell is 33 years old, I’m sure he’s thought about that it wouldn’t be in his best interest to accept arbitration and securing possibly his last chance at a multi-year deal while he’s putting up killer numbers
            D.  The Padres have not guaranteed that they will offer arbitration thus he would become more than a “theoretical” FA.

            Like
            Reply
            • Lunchbox45

              9 years ago

               dude, i like heath bell and i didn’t write the damn article.

              Like
              Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Yankees Sign Corey Kluber

    Yankees Re-Sign DJ LeMahieu

    Padres Re-Sign Jurickson Profar

    Giants Reach Agreement With Tommy La Stella

    Nationals Sign Jon Lester

    Blue Jays To Sign Marcus Semien

    Tigers To Sign Wilson Ramos

    Twins To Sign Andrelton Simmons

    Orioles Sign Freddy Galvis, Designate Chris Shaw

    No Players Elected To Hall Of Fame

    Recent

    Giants Interested In Joc Pederson

    Yankees Sign Corey Kluber

    Yankees Re-Sign DJ LeMahieu

    Why I Don’t Use WHIP

    Testimonials From Trade Rumors Front Office Subscribers

    Padres Re-Sign Jurickson Profar

    Giants Reach Agreement With Tommy La Stella

    Mets To Sign Aaron Loup

    Nationals Sign Jon Lester

    Mets Showing Interest In Aaron Loup

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Trevor Bauer Rumors
    • Kris Bryant Rumors
    • J.T. Realmuto Rumors
    • Marcell Ozuna Rumors
    • Masahiro Tanaka Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Indians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version