Well, baseball season is over we’re now entering the pre-season free agency time. So who are the best free agents and where will they land this off-season? Here are my top five.
- Jason Heyward.
Jason Heyward has been a staple in the outfield for the Cardinals in the last two seasons. He is consistently a dominant defensive outfielder and rarely lets a ball get past him. Not only is Heyward one of the most consistent defensive players in the MLB, but he is also a great offensive player. In 2015, Jason Heyward had a very productive season, finishing with a .293 batting average, 13 homeruns, 60 RBIs and 79 runs scored. He was a threat even in his rookie season when he won the Rookie of the Year. Heyward would make a fantastic player in any outfield. The team that he would work best with is the Yankees. The Yankees are an aging team that still has the potential to do good things. Jason Heyward is young and can bring youthfulness to an aging franchise. With Heyward, the Yankees outfield would be dominant with Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Jason Heyward.
- Justin Upton
Justin Upton is the best all around offensive player still available in the free agent market. Upton finished 2015 with a .251 average, 26 homeruns, 81 RBIs and 85 runs scored. He is consistently hitting upwards of 20 homeruns and 80 RBIs so he has definitely become a valuable offensive asset on the market. So where does Upton end up? The team he needs to go to is the Texan Rangers. The Rangers roared back last year after having little to no expectations earlier in the year. The Rangers outfield is a bit rusty and could use Upton’s hitting ability very much. Upton would be joining outfielders: Shin-Soo-Choo and Leyonis Martin who both are very talented players, but with the rest of the Rangers outfield being either rookies or castaways, the Rangers definitely need an outfield with good batting ability.
- Chris Davis
Chris Davis is the best pure hitter on the market right now and one of the best home run hitters in the game. Davis posted a .262 average, 47 home runs, 117 RBIs, and 100 runs over the 2015 season. Over the past three seasons, no player in baseball has hit more home runs than Davis’ 126 bombs and he has led the league in home runs in two of the last three years. So who needs Chris Davis the most? The St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals and Cubs are now the best teams in the NL Central and will be competing for the top spot this coming year. The redbirds are a powerhouse hitter away from winner yet again another World Series ring. Davis would be the perfect fit, considering that he is the best power-hitter in the game the Cardinals could not make a better move. They are the best team in the league when it comes to small ball but they need to bring in that one guy that can consistently knock one over the fence. If the Cardinals make this move, watch-out!
- Johnny Cueto
Johnny Cueto was at one point an front runner for the Reds. He was dominant in every start and was extremely consistent. In the mid-season, he was moved to the Royals and played a big part in their World Series victory. Cueto finished 2015 with 11 wins, 13 losses, a 3.44 era and 176 strikeouts. Though his win-loss record isn’t amazing he still has a solid era and high strikeout rate. Johnny Cueto belongs with the Cubs. Cueto is a front line starter and would make one of the best 1-2 starters in baseball behind Jake Arrieta. This is such a good fit because we know that Cueto is great in the NL and especially the NL Central. He dominated the teams in his division in his time with the Reds. The Cubs are one dominant starter away from the World Series so if the Cubbies make this move, mark my words, in 2016 we will hear “Your 2016 World Series champions, your CHICAGO CUBS!”
- Scott Kazmir
This is my dark horse pick. Scott Kazmir is one of those guys who struggled in the beginning of his career, but has found his groove over the last few seasons. Kazmir is a valuable piece for a two reasons. Reason 1: He has had an era under 3.60 over the last two years and last year was in the Cy Young talks. Reason 2: He would be a valuable teacher to younger players. Scott has been through a lot in his career with many injuries and a need to redefine his game. So who need this player the most? The Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays made it all the way to the AL title game this year and lost to the eventual World Champs, the Kansas City Royals. The Blue Jays already have the best offense in baseball and not many would argue that, but they need to be able to pitch. Their best starter at this point has been Marco Estrada who is slightly above average at best. The Jays could really use Kazmir because is talented. He maintains a low era and he can help teach the young staff on this team. The Blue Jays have two young starters who I think can do great things in Marcus Strowman and Aaron Sanchez. These two could be the keys to success for the Blue Jays. They are young and have plenty of raw talent, but the Jays also need that experienced teacher-like player who can lead them to the Promised Land. I think that player is Kazmir.
There you have it: the top five free agents still on the market and their destinations. Who do you think is the most valuable and where will they go? Feel free to comment below and give your opinion.
Written by Kenny Quinn
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