Potential Spots for MLB’s Remaining Headliner Free Agents

With Spring Training just around the corner, the free agent pool still consists of several players that can help potential contenders get that last piece in their roster to possibly become a contender. Here are some potential landing spots for some of the remaining big name free agents:

J.D. Martinez

Martinez continues to have a huge request for a max deal. His bat is definitely deserving of that after hitting .303 with 45 home runs, and 104 RBIs. The drawback remains to be his subpar defense and his prone to injuries. The problem is teams are having a hard time wanting to fork over that amount of money to a 30-year-old outfielder with such a monster free agent class happening next year. In my opinion, there are two teams that are in the mix, the Boston Red Sox and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Red Sox, while having a crowded outfield, could benefit from another power bat in the lineup. If this deal were to happen then they would move into the second luxury tax tier which would drop their first-round pick 10 spots. The problem remains they would have to use him as a DH and take away at bats from Hanley Ramirez or trade Jackie Bradley Jr and move Andrew Benintendi to Left Field. Another potential landing spot is the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dbacks have a huge hole in the outfield and not to mention center fielder A.J Pollock will be a free agent after this season. The need for another power bat behind Paul Goldschmidt is big along with just a solid, everyday outfielder.

Where He Lands: Boston Red Sox

Eric Hosmer

One of the game’s best first basemen and only 28 years old makes him a prime target for a team that needs not only a leader, but a star. Coming off a 2017 season where he slashed .318/.385/.498 with 31 doubles, 25 home runs, and 94 RBIs. There’s no doubt he will get a solid deal, most likely over 5 years, it’s a matter of where he signs. That decision comes down to 2 teams, the Kansas City Royals or the San Diego Padres. The Royals, while offering slightly more money are about to enter a long rebuilding process and that probably won’t fit Hosmer who has already had to endure one rebuild with them. The Padres, who offered slightly less money have a much more positive outlook within the next 5-10 years.

Where He Lands: San Diego Padres

Mike Moustakas

While being a solid hitter, with 38 home runs in 2017, the market has failed to take off for Moustakas. Most of that due to the fact that other third baseman, such as Josh Donaldson and Manny Machado, becoming free agents this year and Nolan Arenado and Anthony Rendon the next year. In my opinion, he will sign a one or two-year contract at the most. Rumors have been lingering about a potential signing with the Braves, but they don’t want to block the path of young prospect Austin Riley who could be called up anytime within the next year or two. If he signs with the Braves it would be a one year deal, max. He could also resign with the Royals. I think that might be his best bet.

Where He Lands: Taking a shot and say he signs a 1 year deal with the Braves

Yu Darvish

Let’s face it. Darvish is one of the best pitchers in the game, despite the shaky postseason performance. His list of teams is lengthy, but it seems he has narrowed his search down to a few teams. The top suitors seem to be the Twins, Brewers, Cardinals, and Yankees. The Brewers are likely out due to the signing of Lorenzo Cain and acquisition of Christian Yelich. The Yankees probably won’t pull the trigger due to the acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton and I just don’t see the Cardinals making the move either.

Where He Lands: Minnesota Twins

Jake Arrieta

Arguably one of the best pitchers in the MLB, Arrieta is obviously looking to get paid, but with the free agent market dwindling it seems he will have to settle for a lesser deal than he has hoped for. I don’t see him signing any time soon but when he does I would narrow it down between the Cubs and the Yankees.

Where He Lands: Chicago Cubs

Written by Justin Raley