by Blake Buscemi
The “Covid” season has just wrapped up, and the offseason is officially underway. This year’s free agent class is very solid, headlined by a few players who could end up signing for over 100 million-dollars. Here is my breakdown and what teams I think are best fits for them.
Number 10: Nelson Cruz
Age: 40
Best Fit: Return to Twins
Cruz will be entering his age 40 season, but that has not stopped him from remaining one of the league’s most feared hitters. In only 53 games played in 2020, he blasted 16 home runs, putting him on pace for almost 50 in a full season. His exit velocities have remained high and he really has not shown any signs of decline, something incredibly rare for someone his age. The Twins would be smart to re-sign him as their everyday DH for next season, likely on a one-year deal.
Number 9: Michael Brantley
Age: 33
Best Fit: Indians
Brantley is a player that tends to fly under many fans’ radar in terms of yearly offensive production. In every full season he’s played over his career, he has hit over .280 and turned in very respectable walk/strikeout numbers, posting a career-high 10.2% walk rate in 2020. A reunion with Cleveland would make a lot of sense considering they are in need of a corner outfielder and he’s had so much success playing there already. Cleveland could also use a veteran offensive presence along with Carlos Santana, and there is no better fit for that role than Brantley.
Number 8: Liam Hendriks
Age: 31
Best Fit: Padres
The 2020 AL Reliever of the Year, Liam Hendriks has done nothing but dominate over the last two seasons. His 13.1 K/9 and sub-1.80 ERA over the last couple of years ranks at the top of the league, with this breakout likely due to his increased velocity and spin rates. That said, he is the top reliever on the market this winter and will likely get at least a 3-year deal. San Diego makes a lot of sense as a landing spot with top relievers Kirby Yates and Trevor Rosenthal hitting free agency and GM A.J. Preller proving to be a big buyer at this year’s trade deadline.
Number 7: Marcus Semien
Age: 30
Best Fit: Return to A’s
After placing 3rd in MVP voting and setting career highs in most offensive categories in 2019, Semien came back to earth this season, slashing .223/.305/.374 in the shortened season. Since it is a small sample size and the only alarming stat from this year is his 7.5% jump in strikeout rate, it is likely that this year was just a fluke. Semien and the Athletics’ front office have a very good relationship and have stated publicly that they would like to bring him back, which is why I think he will remain in Oakland.
Number 6: Marcus Stroman
Age: 29
Best Fit: Return to Mets
Stroman, the Long Island native, has the track record any team is looking for right now in a starting pitcher. Owning a lifetime 3.76 ERA and pitching being a hot commodity around the league at the moment, Stroman will undoubtedly receive much interest from contending teams. To add to that, he is only 29, which could land him a big deal because he is just hitting his prime. The Mets have expressed interest in re-signing him, and with Steve Cohen just named as full owner of the franchise and the Mets lacking starting pitching after deGrom, Syndergaard, and Peterson, it only makes sense to bring him back.
Number 5: Marcell Ozuna
Age: 30
Best Fit: Reds
Ozuna is coming off the best season of his career, nearly winning the Triple Crown and compiling a league-leading 18 home runs, 56 RBIs, and placing third in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage with a .338/.431/.636 slash line. This was the breakout that Ozuna needed, and he is likely going to be one of the top bats on the market this offseason. Cincinnati would make a great fit with the departure of ace Trevor Bauer and that they are going to have to rely on offense next year, and adding Ozuna to the middle of that lineup would significantly help their chances at a postseason run.
Number 4: George Springer
Age: 31
Best Fit: Braves/Mets
Springer quietly had a solid season last year, going yard 14 times and posting a 5.1 WAR/162 games. He also lowered his strikeout rate to a career-best 17.1% and posted an OPS+ of 140 or higher for the third time in the last four years. Although Springer is not a fan favorite due to the sign-stealing scandal in Houston, he is going to be a consistently productive player for whoever signs him. The Braves are an excellent fit with the loss of Marcell Ozuna, and Springer is the best option available to fill that opening.
Number 3: D.J. LeMahieu
Age: 32
Best Fit: Return to Yankees
D.J. has been an absolute force in the middle of the Yankees lineup for the last couple of seasons, hitting .327 in 2019 and .364 in 2020 to claim his second career batting title. He finished fourth in MVP voting in 2019 and will likely contend for the title again this season, proving to be one of the league’s top bats. Yankees fans everywhere are hoping for him to resign, and I think that is what Brian Cashman will do. He is too valuable a player to lose, and for what he will cost, there is no reason for them not to bring him back to New York.
Number 2: J.T. Realmuto
Age: 29
Best Fit: Mets
Realmuto has established himself as arguably the best all-around catcher in all of baseball over the last few seasons, earning two silver sluggers, two all-star game appearances, and a gold glove since 2018. He holds a lifetime .278 average and was second only to Roberto Perez of the Indians is DRS in 2019 among all catchers. This said, he has been rumored to be looking to sign a very big contract, potentially upwards of 200-million dollars. With Steve Cohen recently taking full ownership of the Mets and having more money than any other professional sports owner, Realmuto seems to be a perfect match for the Mets. They are in need of a catcher and have the budget to go out and sign one of the best ones available; this fit makes too much sense for it to not happen.
Number 1: Trevor Bauer
Age: 29
Best Fit: White Sox/Padres
Bauer was undoubtedly the best pitcher in the National League last season, compiling a league-leading 1.73 ERA and will likely take home his first Cy Young Award this year. Being the best pitcher on the market by a wide margin, he is going to have tremendous interest from clubs looking to add an ace-caliber pitcher to their staff. Bauer has stated that he is willing to listen to almost any kind of offer, from a one-year deal from a contending team to long-term deal of some kind. The White Sox are a very fitting team for Bauer right now since they already have four solid starters; adding him could turn them into AL Central favorites for the next few years.
