Pending free agents traded during the month of July included Josh Reddick, Aroldis Chapman, Mark Melancon, Rich Hill, Andrew Cashner, Steve Pearce, Carlos Beltran, Ivan Nova, and Jesse Chavez. Â Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, a midseason trade disqualifies a player from receiving a qualifying offer. Â The value of the one-year offer is expected to be around $16.7MM this winter. Â Since such an offer ties the player to draft pick compensation, avoiding one can be a big benefit for him.
The current CBA expires on December 1st of this year. Â The November qualifying offer and acceptance dates remain in place until a new agreement is reached. Â A new agreement could completely eliminate, modify, or maintain the current system. Â It’s an unknown at this point.
Below, I’ve ranked the 2016-17 free agents by earning power.  You can view the full list of free agents here.
1.  Yoenis Cespedes.  Cespedes suffered a quad strain on July 8th, skipping the All-Star Game as a result.  While he’s avoided a DL stint thus far, Cespedes will be used as a left fielder for the remainder of the season as a precaution.  He’s expected to serve as the Mets’ designated hitter tonight against the Yankees, and doesn’t have to worry about playing the field until the team returns to National League contests on Tuesday.  In his brief 48 plate appearances since the injury, Cespedes’ power has been missing.  It remains to be seen how the injury will affect him over the Mets’ remaining 56 regular season games.  Regardless, Cespedes seems very likely to opt out of the remaining two years and $47.5MM remaining on his contract after the season.  If he does, he’ll likely retain his position as our top-ranked free agent.
2. Â Edwin Encarnacion. Â Encarnacion moves up a spot after a strong July. Â He’s on pace for a career-high 44 home runs, and with 29 bombs to date he’s one behind Mark Trumbo and Todd Frazier for the MLB lead. Â Since Encarnacion turns 34 in January, he seems limited to a four-year term in free agency. Â Still, that could be at a salary of $20MM or more.
3. Â Josh Reddick. Â Reddick and teammate Rich Hill were traded by the A’s to the Dodgers on Monday’s trade deadline. Â Reddick was a near-lock for a qualifying offer, so the trade boosts his earning power. Â He doesn’t turn 30 until February, so Reddick should be in line for a four or five-year deal. Â He had a strong July and has a chance to raise his profile as a key member of the Dodgers’ offense.
4.  Aroldis Chapman.  Chapman joins our top five for the first time.  The Cubs’ new closer also finds himself ineligible for a qualifying offer.  While I’ve felt Chapman’s October domestic violence incident could tamp down his free agent earning power, it didn’t seem to affect his trade value last month.  There is only one Aroldis Chapman, a lefty capable of pumping 104 mile per hour fastballs in the ninth inning.  The incident may have little bearing on his next contract.  It will be interesting to see Chapman and Kenley Jansen jockeying for record relief contracts this winter, possibly five-year deals in excess of $70MM.
5. Â Kenley Jansen. Â Jansen’s excellent season continues, and he may be able to top his career-high of 44 saves. Â Just 29 in September, Jansen is a dominant ninth inning force. Â Some teams will prefer him to Chapman.
6.  Ian Desmond.  Desmond’s power resurgence may lead to his first career 30 home run season.  Slotting in around the top of the Rangers’ order, which is more imposing with the trade deadline additions of Jonathan Lucroy and Carlos Beltran, Desmond could score 110 runs this year.  He leads all pending free agents with 4.4 wins above replacement, as a fine center fielder with renewed power.  Desmond will turn 31 in September.  He’s about the same age as Cespedes, but older than Reddick.  The comps don’t really matter though – free agency will be an auction for his services, and I imagine he’ll be seeking a five-year deal.  If Desmond gets that fifth year, he’ll likely out-earn everyone on this list aside from Cespedes.
7. Â Jose Bautista. Â Bautista tumbles down the Power Rankings, as I’m currently pegging him for a three-year deal. Â 36 in October, Bautista returned from a toe injury on July 25th. Â He’ll need a strong finish to convince teams that his age 36-39 seasons are a strong investment, especially with a qualifying offer attached.
8. Â Wilson Ramos. Â Ramos posted a solid July and has already tied his career high of 16 home runs. Â He’s been the most valuable catcher in baseball this year at 3.4 WAR, and doesn’t turn 29 until next week. Â It’s time to start considering a five-year deal as a legitimate possibility for Ramos, whose earning power has skyrocketed with his well-timed breakout.
9. Â Mark Trumbo. Â Trumbo crushed seven more home runs in July. Â He was the first player to reach 30 this year, and is on pace for 46 longballs for the season. Â Like fellow free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion, Trumbo is a liability on defense. Â Trumbo strikes out more and walks less than EE, and consistently posts a low on-base percentage. Â For some GMs, a 40 home run, 110 RBI right-handed bat for the middle of the order still speaks for itself. Â Trumbo’s agent will likely be vying for a fourth year.
10. Â Dexter Fowler. Â The tenth spot came down to Fowler, Justin Turner, and Michael Saunders. Â A case can be made for any of them, but I’ll take Fowler by a hair. Â Fowler ranks eighth in baseball with a .403 OBP, and he plays center field. Â Teams will be wary of going four years on a player with his injury history, but he’ll still do much better in free agency this time around.
Turner and Saunders each have a shot at their first 30 home run season.  Both players have already set career bests in homers.  Neither Turner nor Saunders has ever played 140 games in a season, so a four-year investment would be risky.
The 2016-17 free agent market looks historically bleak for starting pitching.  You’ve got Rich Hill, who has been brilliant but turns 37 in March and has been limited to 14 starts this year due to injuries.  One of the top starters might be Jeremy Hellickson, who turns 30 in April and has a 3.70 ERA in 22 starts for the Phillies.  Barring an August trade, however, Hellickson seems likely to come with a qualifying offer attached.  There’s also Andrew Cashner, the hardest-throwing free agent starter.  30 in September, Cashner is having another middling year and will try to finish on a high note with the Marlins.
The Nats better hope Melancon gets on this list to back up the many years of control they gave up for 2 flame throwing lefties.
Not sure how an MLBTR list is going to back up anything lol
Melancon belongs on this list. The best closer in the game over the last 2-3 years. You guys will love him
Unless you’re just talking about pure saves total, Melancon doesn’t top Chapman in any way, and he holds a narrow lead over Jansen but averages five fewer strikeouts per nine innings.
Jansen and Chapman will also pitch next season at age 29, whereas Melancon will be 32. Age is an enormous factor in free agency.
Melancon will get paid this winter, and probably quite well, but I can’t envision him signing one of the 10 largest contracts of the offseason, which is what this is attempting to forecast.
I totally agree and he’s getting up there in age and if you look at the numbers he is starting to decline
Man, the Braves finally have money and there are not many fits for them, other than Ramos and Reddick might be a stretch. Anyone have opinions on who else is a good pick up for Atlanta in the offseason? Maybe Desmond if he is willing to play right field?
Unfortunately the Kemp trade probably takes the Braves out on Reddick. Would have much preferred to sign him this offseason but perhaps he will be priced out of their range anyway
Yeah, I love Reddick’s play style and I think he would fit well with the Braves. But, like you said, I think he will probably be out of the question due to multiple factors.
I’m stumped now with the Kemp addition. I can’t see how keeping Kemp and slotting in Inciarte and Smith, how are they going to get power without a 3B? There’s really none this offseason. I can see them trading away either Inciarte/Smith and going with another corner OF. No way Markakis is still here in 2017.
I like Ramos, but I could see a Wieters fit more so because he’s the hometown kid, and his bad year might equal less upfront money than Ramos.
Yeah I was confused with the Kemp move. If he didn’t have that terrible of a OBP I would be ok with it just for simply making a splash. I agree with the 3B scenario too. Garcia just isn’t going to cut it. I personally think Weiters would be great too. As long as they don’t do a Dan Uggla/BJ Upton type mistake again, I’ll count it as a successful offseason lol.
Had they not gotten Kemp I would have said Josh Reddick would have been an interesting signing. Reddick is 29, from Savannah and his signing team won’t have to give up a draft pick because he was traded midseason. He should hit above-average with 18-22 HR.
However, he’s another lefty hitter who cannot hit southpaws at all (.167/season). I’m almost thinking they should just go after the top catcher available (Ramos) then save for something else. This FA class looks abysmal.
Wow, yeah, I would not want to pay Reddick what he will get paid with that average vs. Lefties. No thanks.
There will likely be multiple teams going after reddick. Why would he sign with a last place team unless they just absolutely blew him out of the water
A lot of lefties struggle against lefties. A lot of righties crush lefties.
Harper is hitting .212 vs lefties. Is there a more feared lefty hitter in baseball right now? Ask Daniel Murphy how he likes hitting in front of Harper.
Reddick has been a good defender with a strong arm, solid baserunner, and hitter through his career. If you put any weight in being a clubhouse leader, many would vouch for that of Reddick.
I doubt he makes it back to Oakland, but if we signed him in the offseason, I’d be pumped.
Ask Greinke
I am not saying he is a bad player, and he deserves to get paid. I just personally would not want to pay the the amount of money that he would require to obtain his services..
Each team has reasons why you would and would not sign. If you believe 2016 will be 2018 for the Braves, then I can understand, but Reddick is a GA boy and ATL will have the money to make him a great offer, if they go that route. Point is, I don’t see them doing that after Kemp’s acquisition.
Harper has had one great year and a few decent years. At this point, he’s more hype than reality. People said Heyward was going to be great and look at him. Same with Buxton. If he’s the most feared left handed hitter, MLB has become a farce.
I say we go all out for Ramos and maybe a good BP guy and sign Prado to a 1/2 year deal. Then save, when that huge FA class hits in a couples years go balls to the wall for a 3rd baseman and an ace.
Kemp, Inciarte, Smith
2017/18 FA, Swanson, Ozzie, Freeman
Ramos.
FA 2017/18 ace, Folty, Teheran, prospect, prospect
This would be my 2018 team? Kemp probably gets traded before this season to a AL team who needs a DH. If anything he shows improved life in ATL and gets back to good health through the magic of our trainers and he gives us good enough value in LF and in the lineup until we get a good prospect for that position.
Kemp to me screams move to a hitter friendly park where he can DH in AL. Mostly, Toronto comes to mind. Had they gotten Kemp instead of Upton from SD then they could focus on locking up Donaldson and then go for one of the other of EE or Bautista. Kemp would replace whoever leaves at a much cheaper cost. I kinda feel like Atlanta wanted to wash its hands of Olivera, and get something out of it. Kemp deal does that and if he finishes strong maybe they can deal him to an AL team and get a solid piece out of it. Just my hunch, and if I’m wrong and they plan on keeping him for his contract instead of flipping him in the offseason really it was probably mostly about getting rid of Olivera.
Yes Weiters bad year is gonna lose him money and I think it was just a bad year Weiters is a good fit
This winter the Braves won’t be signing anyone, but trading for Trout. If there’s a team that could get him, it’s them. And having the best player in the league starting in center field on opening day at the new stadium will certainly get the owner more money.
No one is going to trade for Trout. You would not compete for years because his price tag (deservingly) will be so high that it will gut a team’s lineup or farm system too much to be worth it.
Most intelligent fan base in MLB, bar none.
I’m actually hearing from sources that Moreno is looking to sell Trout to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks for a few million. Probably a lot more likely than him being traded to Braves for Nick Markakis.
I’m going to make this as simple as I can for you, so you won’t be crushed when the Braves DON’T trade for Trout: He is under contract through 2020. This means
A) He will be earning $19M next season, then $33M the final three years
B) He has a full no-trade contract.
This is important because
A) The Braves won’t be paying a single player as much as the entire rest of the player payroll
B) There is no compelling reason for him to play for the Braves. None. And so, no reason to waive a NTC.
I think the braves end up keeping markakis. The outfield is set for better or for worse. I think Ramos would be a great fit and I think they go after prado or another 3rd baseman in the offseason. And being that it is the braves they will always add more pitching.
Objectively (not a Braves fan), the Braves are probably best off reserving their dollars for the following off seasons. Let the kids play in ’17, maybe acquire a Brian McCann type (if they truly value ticket sales for their new stadium), and acquire yet another high draft pick to compliment their burgeoning farm. By ’18 they won’t be drafting high anymore and multiple high ceiling prospects will have been introduced to the big leagues, signaling the emergence of a quality core to build around. It’d be foolish to spend lots of dollars this off-season just for the sake of spending dollars.
That sounds like a very good plan. Sure is going to suck living through another season like this one again next year. Maybe they will be a little better with Swanson and possibly Albies being promoted.
(Braves fan) — Completely agree. These list of names don’t make sense to spend on anything outside of catcher. If they could sign someone to 3-4 deal, I’d be okay with that. The fan base will be excited about the new park, amenities and some improvement, but I think we all understand that prolonged success comes in stages.
Ah all my favorites in the Braves commenting section; Run and Krillin. I know I am the odd one out in liking the Kemp trade, preached about him all year. I don’t like the thought of us paying prime years right now on a C. I know Wieters, Ramos, and others look good now. But I just see a aforementioned BJ/Uggla issue happening with one of we sign them. Would rather get Brian at half his salary from NYY and develop Herbert or Schwarz. Still hoping Prado can hold down 3B with hopes of Riley/Ruiz/Maitan to be ready following a 2-3 year Prado deal. I can see Baltimore still having interest in Markakis to hold off the Jays and Red Sox from getting the division. There could be a team of two that needs/wants him over the next couple weeks.
I’d love to hear an explanation of how acquiring Kemp for $32m is a good idea.
Braves weren’t going to sign a better power hitter in the off-season for less time or without giving up a draft pick? Kemp has 23 homers already. and didn’t he lead the NL in rbi’s last year or come close? Considering the money the Dodgers/Padres threw in, his contract might not look so bad compared to what Reddick and coming FA are making?
I can totally see where you are coming from. I am scared to have the Braves sign any big contracts as well. But, if they do, the next two years would be the time to do it.
There were reports that ATL would not allow Olivera to play another game at the ML level after his arrest. After multiple attempts to try and trade Olivera were unsuccessful outright, they had to face the idea of eating his $28 million owed (approx). With that being said, why not go after some power for about $8 million/season more (3 years) and acquire Kemp. At worst he can provide more than Olivera who would not have suited up again. At best, they could some flashes of his former self, have the fan base energized by at times an electric player on the field and in the community, and provide a bridge to the next OF of the future. At that price, if he does do anything, ATL could turn around and flip him for something (prospects, ML talent, paying off the rest of his contract, etc.) not unlike what Coppy has already done with Cameron Maybin (eventually traded to DET for Krol and more), another SD sunken contract.
It breaks down closer to $25m, which for 30-100 isn’t bad over 3 years. He’s not the OBP king, by far. But he hits power from the right side. Which is what Atlanta needs, especially w/ Freeman swinging so straight up he’s trying to hit a star.
I don’t think it was a bad idea to get Kemp, especially when you consider that Hector O wasn’t going to play for Atlanta again.
Which high ceiling prospects are you referring to? Swanson is a high floor low ceiling player and Albies is pretty much the same with even better defense. They have many players who look to be very good MLB contributers, but not really the high ceiling type.
They have a few pitchers who could be, but they are young and can’t throw strikes atm
Absolutely! Some reasoning among the posts around here!
Not really, they can always trade Kemp. He’s about old enough for the Yankee’s now.
Yeah, they can trade him, if they eat all of his money and take 0 return?
Only $8.5m a year, roughly.
is it 8.5 before or after considering the money Olivera was getting paid? I never figured that out
Kemp’s making $21.5 million per year. That $8.5 figure is after subtracting Olivera’s sunk cost and the money kicked in by the Dodgers and Padres
Gotcha. So theoretically if the Braves were to get out of 100% of his salary (which, I can’t happen obviously) they would save more than 8.5 a year? I am just curious from a math standpoint
I believe of his $21M, ATL is paying about $15M.
That’s exactly what people said about Cameron Maybin being traded to ATL. He strung together a few good months, turned some heads, DET ate his contract and gave us Ian Krol and Gabe Speier.
Seems people can’t seem to remember this… very solid point!
I like Desmond, potentially at 3B or RF. Plus you can always slide him to another spot if Ruiz or Dustin Peterson is tearing it up in AAA. Love the versatility of Desmond.
I’m not a big Reddick fan for his (likely) price. He has terrible splits, and FWIW his defensive metrics are down for the 2nd straight year. A couple years ago this guy was Jason Heyward with better contract rates.
Maaan what about Garcia dude he’s a beast
I imagine we’ll see a lot of trades at the Winter Meetings. There are only 3-4 players out of these 12 that I’d want to see my team sign.
I agree with this ranking much more so than the previous ones. Good job on the updates.
Ian Desmond is so intriguing. I used to like him as a SS early in his career. If this year is legit, he’s maybe the best FA. And if I’m an AL club with a hole at DH, Encarnacion has to be a serious option. Clearly, the story has been Boston, with Papi’s endorsement.
I LOVE that so many pending free agents got traded. Means more teams will consider those players, which means more rumors in the offseason. Good for players. Good for MLBTR. lol
Maybe we will see more offseason trades for pitchers with such a thin market.
Really is a weak FA class.. Probably means lots of trades in the off-season.
Doug Fister will be a free agent. I hope he gets a QO. Same as with Valbuena.
Fister might since he’ll be a top 5 pitcher imo, I doubt valbuena does though
No way I would give someone with a velocity of 86 mph a qualifying offer especially with how old foster is it would be a dumb move for the Astros he will be lucky to hit double digit years and money when he hits free agency
No one hits double digit years. Except Giancarlo Stanton.
“Ramos, whose earning power has skyrocketed with his well-timed breakout.”
You mean his just-in-time breakout. Final year and all.
I’d guess that Josh Reddick would have been the only certainty to have received a qualifying offer among the free agents who were traded by the August 1st deadline.
Aroldis Chapman probably would have received one because he was a New York Yankee. Had he remained with the Reds this season that likelihood would have been less certain.
Reddick, Chapman (regardless of the team), and Beltran would’ve been locks I think. Rich Hill would’ve been pretty close too had he finished the year healthy in Oakland, and Andrew Cashner would’ve received one as well I think
I’m not at all “certain” that the A’s would have extended a $16.7M qualifying offer offer to an inconsistent and injury prone veteran pitcher like Rich Hill for fear that he might have actually accepted it. That may have been in the back of Billy Beane’s mind when he was fielding offers from other teams at the deadline. He may have feared that A’s ownership would have declined a decision regarding the QO in October.
I also believe the Yankees were no sure bet to offer a QO to Carlos Beltran, especially with their recent commitment to getting younger. Like Hill, Beltran might just have accepted such an offer as another aging and injury prone vet.
The Padres may have extended Andrew Cashner an offer but that was no “certainty” either, which was the key word I used in my original comment when writing about the FA agent players who were traded at the deadline. In my mind, only Josh Reddick was a lock, with Aroldis Chapman a near “certainty”.
Right. I understand what you’re saying. Personally, I think had Hill stayed healthy the rest of the year (a gigantic “if”, obviously), he would’ve been a lock. Beltran for me was because the Yankees could absorb the financial hit, and I think he’ll get 2 years this offseason regardless. Andrew Cashner wasn’t a certainty for me either, just more likely than not to receive one IMO, but I’m pretty liberal with the qualifying offers generally, seeing as most players turn them down
Aroldis Chapman would have absolutely received a QO from any team and would have absolutely declined it.
I’d like to see the Cubs sign Fowler to 3/4 years and put him in LF. Have Almora come play CF. Trade Soler. Let Schwarber catch a little more. Trade Montero too.
Montero needs to be released. Next year will be Contreres at C on most days, and maybe Schwarber off and on. Schwarber will be the everyday LF though, and with Almora looking as good as he did out in CF, I can’t make sense out of signing Fowler.
Would it be smart for the Cubs to have Schwarber catch at all, especially coming off his injury?
Idk if it’s smart or not, but after Schwarber’s injury Theo seemed very adamant that it wouldn’t stop them from using him at catcher if they wanted to.
Kyle Schwarber should be the Cubs primary LF in 2017, as well as their backup catcher behind Wilsson Contreras. This will only change if the Cubs seek a controllable top of the rotation pitcher in the off-season like Chris Sale and need to include Schwarber in the return trade package, a player the White Sox would probably demand. With Jake Arrieta a potential free agent in 2018, the Cubs would certainly be a prime suitor if and when the White Sox decide to auction off Sale.
The Cubs will have a big decision to make regarding Dexter Fowler in the off-season. He has been a vital part of the clubs success, both this year and last, especially as their lead-off hitter and as a clubhouse presence. The organization doesn’t have a prototypical #1 among their talented players and MLB ready prospects. Ben Zobrist could fill the role but is better suited as a #2, or practically anywhere else that Joe Maddon sees fit (LOL). Albert Almora is a future Gold Glove candidate in CF but his hitting ability is still in question, especially as a lead-off man. Depending on what shakes out with trades, especially in regards to Schwarber, the Cubs would probably like to retain Fowler but for 2-3 years tops. If Schwarber stays he is the regular LF, not Fowler or anyone else for that matter. If Fowler does re-sign, then Almora would either be the Cubs 4th OF or another highly valuable trade asset.
No way Miguel Montero gets released by the Cubs this winter, not with $14M owed him in the last year of his contract for 2017. They will try and trade him for the best deal they can get, likely buying out some of his remaining dollars. Catchers don’t just fall off trees, especially ones that have been All-Stars and possess good power. At 33, Montero still has some value, especially with the dearth of decent catchers in MLB. If the Cubs and White Sox do consider a trade involving Sale or perhaps Jose Quintana this winter Montero may be another possible piece going to the South Side. The White Sox won’t have too many options for the position in 2017 with both Dioner Navarro and Alex Avila set to become FA’s after the season…and good riddance to them!. Their most recent first round draft Zack Collins from the University of Miami may or may not be the White Sox future catcher but he wouldn’t be ready until at least 2018 anyway. Montero could be a stop-gap option in 2017, especially with the Cubs buying down a good portion of that $14M.
Jake Arietta is a fa after next year I thought
Isn’t that what I wrote?
Jake Arrieta is signed through 2017 and “a potential free agent in 2018”.
Btw-Scott Boras is his agent so likely no home town discount for the Cubs ace pitcher whether an extension can be reached or as a FA.
Schwarber ‘s a terrible outfielder…did you see him in the playoffs last year?
You’re right that the Sox need catching help to bridge the gap until Zach Collins is ready. You can’t possibly think that Miguel Montero would have any value in a Chris Sale trade though right? They were asking for players like Carlos Correa and Mookie Betts at the deadline. Look what your team gave up to get a few months of Aroldis Chapman. Sale is a CY young candidate every year, while getting paid like a back of the rotation guy. Plus he is under team control for another 3 seasons. He might be the most valuable asset in the entire game when you factor production, cost, team control. So why in the world would they want a $14m/yr catcher who isn’t any good?
Would love to see Cubs resign chapman sign Jansen and reddick
That’s a highly unlikely outcome for the bullpen but if there is a manager in MLB today who could keep two dominating veteran closers on the same ball club content it would be Joe Maddon. A threesome of Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman and Hector Rondon at the back end of the pen could be historic.
Btw-Sparky Anderson had already accomplished the feat back in 1990 with the infamous “Nasty Boys” trio of Randy Meyers, Rob Dibble and Norm Charlton. The threesome combined for 44 saves (Meyers 31, Dibble 11 and Charlton 2) during the regular season, which culminated in a World Series championship for the Cincinnati Reds.
Lou Piniella was the manager in 1990. Sparky Anderson was still in Detroit. He was the Reds manager in the 70’s.
At $16.7M I’d guess that Josh Reddick would have been the only free agent certainty to have received a qualifying offer among the those who were traded at the August 1st deadline.
Aroldis Chapman likely would have garnered one had he remained a Yankee. It would have been less certain had he remained a Red in 2016.
Cubs were 45-20 when Fowler went on the DL. They were 14-18 while he was gone. They are 6-3 since his return.
Which is hardly a coincidence. The switch-hitting Fowler has been an OBP machine at the top of the Cubs batting order since they acquired him in a trade from the Astros just prior to spring training in 2015. Fowler scored 102 runs in 2015 and has 53 in 76 games played so far in 2016. His clubhouse influence, especially with so many young players last season was immeasurable and has continued into 2016.
The welcome Fowler received from his teammates when he surprised everyone and re-signed during spring training was overwhelming and proof positive of his importance to the Cubs clubhouse.
How is Ian Desmond not top 5 on this list?
He’s sixth lol. You’re really nitpicking there
I have to wonder if Jose Bautista would accept a QA at this point, if he finishes the season at his current level of production (.221/.354/.446/.800). I know he wants (allegedly) a mega deal, but he’s an older guy with a QA attached and suddenly-terrible defensive play. It may make sense for him to try for a redemption year and then get a 2-3 year deal after 2017 rather than see what he gets this year and risk a Desmond-like situation. If the season ended today, who’s going to give him more than 2 years $40MM to play DH?
I don’t see it. His production has fallen off this year, but he’s still got an elite eye and reasonable enough power for a corner outfielder. I think 2/40 is his floor more than his ceiling, and that’s still substantially better than 1/17. Plus, at his age, it seems this bad year is more indicative of general decline rather than one off year, so I doubt he bets on himself to rebound next year by accepting the QO
It does somewhat open the door for a return to Toronto, if the price is right. Depends on the value they put on the comp pick., Plus, it couldn’t be any more than a two year deal, as Donaldson will be arb4 and a host of good young players arb eligible.
Edwin Encarnacion is in no way a defensive liability and light-years apart from Mark Trumbo in the field.
Ha ha Dan. I actually came here to leave the same comment. Watch every Jays game and he plays a good 1st base. He got a bad rep years ago playing 3rd and hasn’t shaken it in media circles. I don’t know his defensive metrics and really dont care. But what I do know is what I have seen with my own eyes when they slot him in at first base and it’s pretty damn solid.
Agreed
So true
Chapman is going to BLOW past a qo. And sadly I think the cubs are going to be the high bidder, again.
They really have no reason to flush their system for a torp this offseason. They’ll have 1 more year of jake, lester and hendricks.
If Julio Teheran is an “ace” as this site and its writers so often like to proclaim him, what exactly is kyle Hendricks? He’s been better than Teheran at everything, for 2 years.
The best number 3 in the league? To bad he gets overshadowed by the other 2, it’s really just an embarrassment of riches in chicago
In defense and as a fan of the Braves, the writers on this site do not claim Teheran to be an “ace.” He draws that from a lot of fans that overvalue, but not the majority. Most knowledgable fans would tell you, even at the early stages of the season in Chicago, Teheran would be the 3/4 guy. I think in July, only Hendricks had an ERA under 5.
Red Sox need a big slugger with Ortiz retiring. If not Encarnacion, then I think they should trade for Nelson Cruz
Where do you rank Justin Turner? He will be a free agent. The guy has been phenomenal defensively and offensively since joining the Dodgers. He gas already passed career highs in HRs with 19 and still plenty of games left, has 64 RBI and is hitting .276 and his average keeps raising. I believe he should be at least mentioned as one of the top free agents. Sure people will disagree but I really think he should be. Just because isn’t well known super star. Show the red man some love lol
Seeing as the last spot was between Fowler, Turner, and Saunders, he was likely either 11th or 12th. I agree that the production has been fantastic since he went to LA, and I think he earns more than Fowler, but his age and injury history will get some teams pause I think. He’s been nothing short of fantastic when healthy though, no doubt
Turner has probably been the biggest surprise to me of any player the past few years.
Honestly, I think someone is going to end up way overpaying for Bautista. Don’t get me wrong, he is a great player. But, I think his best days are over.
was* a great player.
Braves need to trade for another high end bat. Go after someone who can play 3rd. I wouldn’t mind them signing prado for a year or two. See if the Rockies would trade arenado. Give up Newcomb, Riley, touki, and sims. Maybe that would work they all have potential to be high end players could be enough for the Rockies to make a move
If they could somehow pry away Arenado that would be an absolute game changer
Would you or the Braves trade Freddie Freeman for Jeff Hoffman, Kyle Freeland, Forrest Wall and Ryan Castellani? If your answer is no, then why expect the Rockies to trade a better player in Arenado for that type of package.
Braves aren’t trading Freeman, but the Braves have what Colorado needs year in and year out, pitching prospects.
They COULD make a deal if CO wanted to, but as I said before, I’d rather have Lamb from AZ.
I’d rather see Atlanta try for Lamb, from AZ. Maybe they can fleece em again 🙂
Really bad free agent class.
Mike Napoli doesn’t belong in the top 10, but he has to have moved way up this list from where he was in April. I was thinking he was like 38, but he doesn’t turn 35 til Halloween. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a nice multi year deal from a team that misses out on Bautista/Encarnacion.
Being a Yankee fan. There is nobody on that list to even consider keep on the wright track yanks!!! We will win the World Series in 2018 with what we have and a llttle help from the 2017 free agent list!!!
Jaret Wright?
Brandon Moss might be a nice get this off-season (hoping Cards keep him)