by Jasper Abrahams
The offseason: A time where teams replenish, strengthen and add to their rosters in hopes for a World Series title run. Last offseason, big-name free agents made their mark and inked record-breaking deals. Gerrit Cole landed in The Bronx and became the highest paid pitcher. Anthony Rendon teamed up with the best player in baseball in L.A. World Series champion Stephen Strasburg stayed in the Nation’s Capital. Yasmani Grandal solidified his spot in the South Side of Chicago.
This winter, impact free agents will look to also make an immediate presence onto daily lineups. MVP candidate DJ LeMahieu is considered a top bat in this year’s class. J.T Realmuto and George Springer will bring the fire power with their presence in any clubhouse. Starter Marcus Stroman will certainly bring his versatility to any city. And not to forget, Cy Young candidate Trevor Bauer will bring his charisma and talents to any team. The 2021 free agency class is filled with tremendous talent all throughout.
Trevor Bauer, SP
2020 stats: 11 GS, 5-4, 73.0 IP, 1.73 ERA, 2 CG, 2 SO, 100 K
One of the most polarizing players in the sport, Trevor Bauer will bring his polarizing persona to any starting rotation. Always considered a top pitcher, Bauer broke out in the shortened 2020 season and potentially worthy of his first Cy Young. One piece of the three-headed monster in the Cincinnati Reds’ rotation, Bauer led all of baseball in Complete Games and Shutouts with two, respectively. The crafty right-hander had the ability to reach double digits in strikeout each time he took the ball. Going 5-4 with a National League leading 1.74 ERA, Trevor Bauer was and always will be a top player in the sport for a long time to come. Averaging 12.3 strikeouts per start, Bauer can shut down any lineup he faces.
Nobody can predict where and how much Trevor Bauer will sign for. Fingers are pointing towards an up-and-coming team such as the San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays or even the Oakland A’s. Though, the top pitcher in this free agency class could easily join a World Series favorite such as the Atlanta Braves or potentially the New York Yankees. Bauer’s contract floor could be one-year, $30 million, while the ceiling could be six-years years north of $30 million annually.
J.T Realmuto, C
2020 stats: 47 GP, 46-173, 6 2B, 11 HR, 32 RBI, 16 BB, .266 BA, .349 OBP, .840 OPS
Since a 2018 trade to the Philadelphia Phillies, J.T Realmuto has made his impact in the box and behind the plate. Realmuto brings a power-first bat to the middle of the Philadelphia order. Through his time on the Phillies, the slugger has produced nearly 200 hits, 120 RBIs, 40 home runs and a .275 Batting Average in Citizens Bank Park. In his final season under contract, Realmuto smashed 46 hits, 32 RBIs and 11 home runs in 47 games played through the shortened 2020 season.
The two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger is considered to be a top free agent in the 2021 class. Realmuto’s attributes within the game are worthy of a multi-year contract worth $16-18 million per year. A contenting team that is in need of a catcher, such as the New York Mets or Tampa Bay Rays could be in the running for the coveted free agent. The Mets, under new Owner Steve Cohen, are the favorites to break the bank and land Realmuto.
DJ LeMahieu, 2B
2020 stats: 50 GP, 71-195, 10 2B, 10 HR, 27 RBI, 18 BB, .364 BA, .421 OBP, 1.011 OPS
Ever since signing with the New York Yankees in the 2018-’19 offseason, DJ LeMahieu has done nothing else other than prove he’s a top player in today’s game. In 2019, the daily New York leadoff hitter finished with a nearly 200 hits and a .327 Batting Average. To add to his impressive season, LeMahieu placed in the top-five in American League MVP voting along with a Silver Slugger award and an All-Star nomination. You couldn’t ask for much more from his 2019 MVP campaign. Continuing his top-tier pace, 2020 was the same for LeMahieu. The second baseman rounded out his shortened season with 71 hits, 10 home runs, 27 RBIs and a .421 OBP in just 50 games played. Connecting on a league-leading .364 Batting Average at the dish, LeMahieu’s scorching hot bat led the Yankees to a top-seed in the playoffs.
The 3x All-Star and 2x Batting Title champion will hit Free Agency this offseason as one of the most coveted bats in the market. Many predict that LeMahieu will continue his career in The Bronx, in hopes for a World Series title run led by their elite offense. A contract for the MVP candidate should be in the area of 3-5 years with a $17-20 million annual pay. LeMahieu will provide an instant impact at the top of any lineup.
George Springer, RF
2020 stats: 51 GP, 50-222, 6 2B, 14 HR, 32 RBI, 24 BB, .263 BA, .359 OBP, .899 OPS
Arguably one of the best players on the market, right fielder George Springer is much deserving of a hefty contract this offseason. A leader (and culprit) of the 2017 World Series Astros team, Springer hit a .283 Batting Average that season. Completing the forefront of his career in Houston, the seven-year veteran will look to take his talents elsewhere this winter. Slashing a strong .263/.259/.899 this season, Springer will provide a strong bat to any lineup. The three-time All-Star brings an efficient and effective glove to the outfield.
When the pen lands on the paper, George Springer will look to ink a similar deal as catcher J.T Realmuto. Potential suitors for the impact fielder could be the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox or even the New York Mets. A multi-year signing of $16-18 million annually could be fit for Springer
Liam Hendriks, RP
2020 Stats: 24 GP, 3-1 record, 25.1 IP, 1.78 ERA, 37 K, 14 SV, 3 BB
From going unclaimed on waivers to making the All-Star team in the span of one year, Liam Hendriks has now secured himself as the best reliever in the free agent market. The Australian right-handed bullpen threat had a phenomenal 2020 campaign totaling 14 saves and proving that he can get more than three outs. Through roughly 25 innings pitched, Hendricks struck out 37 while only walking three. Sitting as one of the best closers, if not all relief pitchers, Hendricks brings a fastball averaging 96.4 MPH along with a lethal slider.
Building a strong six-year career with Minnesota, Toronto and Oakland, Hendricks will enter free agency with several teams interested in his services. Some obvious landing spots would be the Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds or New York Mets. The right-handed closer should be in line for a 2 year contract with an AAV of $11-12 million.
