The hot stove isn’t on fire quite yet, but the MLB offseason is officially underway, and the free agency period is open for teams to start signing players. There are a ton of marquise free agents on the market this offseason and this could lead to some of the most massive signings off all-time. Here are our top 2021 MLB free agents and predictions for where they will land.
Starting Pitchers
Max Scherzer – Entering the final years of his career, this is Scherzer’s last shot at getting some major coin before hanging them up. He has stated that he wants to stay on the West Coast. I see the Dodgers and Giants as his top suitors. If Kershaw walks, the Dodgers make sense, but the Giants may make him an offer he can’t refuse. Prediction: San Francisco Giants
Robbie Ray – I think Ray will win the Cy Young Award winner in the American League after his outstanding bounce back season with the Blue Jays. The Jays have some money to spend, and their offense is so dangerous. If they are smart, they invest in the pitching as well and keep Ray around. Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays
Relievers / Closers
Raisel Iglesias – Iglesias is the biggest reliever on the market after his lockdown year with the Angels. This postseason, we saw the Red Sox struggle mightily with their bullpen and Matt Barnes, their closer, was left off the roster all together after a miserable second half. Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom says he wants relievers in Boston. Prediction: Boston Red Sox
First Baseman
Freddie Freeman – I’m not going to overthink this one. He is coming off a World Series title and is beloved in the city, he’s not going anywhere. Prediction: Atlanta Braves
Anthony Rizzo – Rizzo went from the Chicago Cub to the Yankees and didn’t exactly delight many New York fans in his final month of the season. He is looking to cash in one last time for a big contract. I think the Yankees realize with more time under his belt, he will crush at their park. Prediction: NY Yankees
Second Baseman
Marcus Semien – A MVP candidate in the AL, Semien had the ultimate prove-it year after signing a one-year deal with Toronto. He will have a ton of interest as he is just 31 years old. He found a home in Toronto, and I think he stays put. Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays
Shortstop
Carlos Correa – Correa is the guy who likely will command close to $300 million and the Astros offering him only $160 million seems disrespectful. Correa spent most of his career under manager A.J. Hinch who is now in Detroit after being fired in Houston because of the cheating scandal. Correa is one of the greatest players to ever hit the market, he will be in demand. Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Corey Seager – He is my favorite SS on the market, but there are injury concerns. If anyone should be unloading the bank for Seager, it’s the Yankees whose park plays perfectly to his left-handed swing. Prediction: NY Yankees
Trevor Story – It was a sad tale when Trevor Story wasn’t traded at the deadline. I think it will be okay for him as he will have lots of offers this offseason. Story is from Texas, and while many think he will go to the Rangers, since he’s from the DFW area, I think he wants out of a rebuilding atmosphere. Prediction: Houston Astros
Third Baseman
Kris Bryant – Bryant was getting some insane comparisons early in his career. Maybe he won’t be an all-time great like everyone thought, but he still can play two positions and is still in his prime. Bryant is a big-market guy. Prediction: NY Mets
Left Fielder
Eddie Rosario – This dude exploded in Atlanta and won the NLCS MVP. He is a player who can be had for a good price and has found an atmosphere where he thrives. Prediction: Atlanta Braves
Center Fielder
Starling Marte – Traded from Miami to Oakland, Marte is an older guy who could receive a club-friendly three-year contract. The Mets need big bats, and this could be their guy. Prediction: NY Mets
Right Fielder
Nick Castellanos – He has become one of the most feared power hitters for the Reds. Castellanos is only getting older and teams in the AL could look at moving him to DH in a few years. Prediction: Chicago White Sox
Michael Conforto – He had his worst season in a contract-year. I see Conforto going somewhere on a one-year prove it deal. Prediction: Cincinnati Reds
Others
- Marcus Stroman – NY Yankees
- Kevin Gausman – San Francisco Giants
- Javy Baez – San Francisco Giants
- Clayton Kershaw – LA Dodgers
- Chris Taylor – Seattle Mariners
- Kyle Schwarber – Boston Red Sox
- Justin Verlander – Detroit Tigers