Below is our list of current free agents for the 2020-21 offseason. Numbers in parentheses represent the age at which the player will play the 2021 season.
If you see any notable errors or omissions, please contact us. The cutoffs for the list this winter are 25 plate appearances or 10 innings pitched in the Majors in 2020.
Our free agent tracker tool can be found here.
Updated 11-24-20
Catchers
Alex Avila (34)
Drew Butera (37)
Welington Castillo (34)
Jason Castro (34)
Robinson Chirinos (36)
Tyler Flowers (35)
Dustin Garneau (33)
Bryan Holaday (33)
Sandy Leon (32)
Jeff Mathis (38)
James McCann (31)
Yadier Molina (38)
Josh Phegley (33)
Wilson Ramos (33)
J.T. Realmuto (30)
Rene Rivera (37)
Austin Romine (32)
Kurt Suzuki (37)
Matt Wieters (35)
Mike Zunino (30)
First Basemen
Matt Adams (32)
Asdrubal Cabrera (35)
C.J. Cron (31)
Derek Dietrich (31)
Todd Frazier (35)
Marwin Gonzalez (32)
Howie Kendrick (37)
Tommy La Stella (32)
Jake Lamb (30)
Mitch Moreland (35)
Logan Morrison (33)
Daniel Murphy (36)
Pablo Sandoval (34)
Carlos Santana (35)
Justin Smoak (34)
Eric Thames (34)
Ryan Zimmerman (36)
Second Basemen
Daniel Descalso (34)
Logan Forsythe (34)
Freddy Galvis (31)
Marwin Gonzalez (32)
Adeiny Hechavarria (32)
Cesar Hernandez (31)
Enrique Hernandez (29)
Ha-Seong Kim (25) — subject to KBO posting system
Jason Kipnis (34)
Tommy La Stella (32)
DJ LeMahieu (32)
Jed Lowrie (37)
Chris Owings (29)
Joe Panik (30)
Jurickson Profar (28)
Jonathan Schoop (29)
Dee Strange-Gordon (33)
Jonathan Villar (30)
Neil Walker (35)
Kolten Wong (30)
Shortstops
Ehire Adrianza (31)
Freddy Galvis (31)
Didi Gregorius (31)
Ha-Seong Kim (25) — subject to KBO posting system
Joe Panik (30)
J.T. Riddle (29)
Marcus Semien (30)
Andrelton Simmons (31)
Eric Sogard (35)
Jonathan Villar (30)
Third Basemen
Asdrubal Cabrera (35)
Zack Cozart (35)
Todd Frazier (35)
Mike Freeman (33)
Marwin Gonzalez (32)
Jedd Gyorko (32)
Adeiny Hechavarria (32)
Brock Holt (33)
Ha-Seong Kim (25) — subject to KBO posting system
Tommy La Stella (32)
Jake Lamb (30)
DJ LeMahieu (32)
Brad Miller (31)
Joe Panik (30)
Eric Sogard (35)
Justin Turner (36)
Left Fielders
Jorge Bonifacio (27)
Michael Brantley (34)
Jay Bruce (34)
Brett Gardner (37)
Dee Strange-Gordon (33)
Robbie Grossman (31)
Brock Holt (33)
Matt Joyce (36)
Nick Markakis (37)
Cameron Maybin (34)
Marcell Ozuna (30)
Joc Pederson (29)
Jurickson Profar (28)
Domingo Santana (28)
Center Fielders
Jackie Bradley Jr. (31)
Rusney Castillo (33)
Jarrod Dyson (36)
Brett Gardner (37)
Billy Hamilton (30)
Jon Jay (36)
Jake Marisnick (30)
Kevin Pillar (32)
George Springer (31)
Michael A. Taylor (30)
Right Fielders
Jorge Bonifacio (27)
Ryan Braun (37)
Jay Bruce (34)
Rusney Castillo (33)
Adam Eaton (32)
Marwin Gonzalez (32)
Enrique Hernandez (29)
Jon Jay (36)
Matt Joyce (36)
Nick Markakis (37)
Cameron Maybin (34)
Joc Pederson (29)
Kevin Pillar (32)
Yasiel Puig (30)
Josh Reddick (34)
Domingo Santana (28)
Steven Souza Jr. (32)
George Springer (31)
Designated Hitters
Matt Adams (32)
Michael Brantley (34)
Ryan Braun (37)
Yoenis Cespedes (35)
Shin-Soo Choo (38)
Nelson Cruz (40)
Edwin Encarnacion (38)
Matt Kemp (36)
Howie Kendrick (37)
Brad Miller (31)
Logan Morrison (33)
Marcell Ozuna (30)
Pablo Sandoval (34)
Domingo Santana (28)
Starting Pitchers
Brett Anderson (33)
Chase Anderson (33)
Chris Archer (32)
Jake Arrieta (35)
Homer Bailey (35)
Trevor Bauer (30)
Trevor Cahill (33)
Tyler Chatwood (31)
Anthony DeSclafani (31)
Robbie Erlin (30)
Mike Fiers (36)
Mike Foltynewicz (29)
Zack Godley (31)
Gio Gonzalez (35)
Cole Hamels (37)
J.A. Happ (38)
Felix Hernandez (35)
Rich Hill (41)
Corey Kluber (35)
Mike Leake (33)
Wade LeBlanc (36)
Jon Lester (37)
Tommy Milone (34)
Mike Minor (33)
Matt Moore (32)
Jimmy Nelson (32)
Ivan Nova (34)
Jake Odorizzi (31)
James Paxton (32)
Martin Perez (30)
Rick Porcello (32)
Jose Quintana (32)
Garrett Richards (33)
Tyson Ross (34)
Jeff Samardzija (36)
Anibal Sanchez (37)
Matt Shoemaker (34)
Masahiro Tanaka (32)
Julio Teheran (30)
Michael Wacha (29)
Adam Wainwright (39)
Taijuan Walker (28)
Alex Wood (30)
Jordan Zimmermann (35)
Right-Handed Relievers
Pedro Baez (33)
Anthony Bass (33)
Brad Boxberger (33)
Jesse Chavez (37)
Steve Cishek (35)
Tyler Clippard (36)
Alex Colome (32)
Wade Davis (35)
Chris Devenski (30)
Oliver Drake (34)
Ken Giles (30)
Shane Greene (32)
Javy Guerra (35)
Matt Harvey (32)
Liam Hendriks (32)
Yoshihisa Hirano (37)
Greg Holland (35)
Jared Hughes (35)
Tommy Hunter (34)
Jeremy Jeffress (33)
Nate Jones (35)
Keone Kela (28)
Ian Kennedy (36)
Brandon Kintzler (36)
Trevor May (31)
Collin McHugh (34)
Mark Melancon (36)
Juan Nicasio (34)
Darren O’Day (38)
Roberto Osuna (26)
Brad Peacock (33)
Yusmeiro Petit (36)
David Phelps (34)
Erasmo Ramirez (31)
AJ Ramos (34)
David Robertson (36)
Sergio Romo (38)
Hector Rondon (33)
Trevor Rosenthal (31)
Hirokazu Sawamura (33)
Joakim Soria (37)
Pedro Strop (36)
Tyler Thornburg (32)
Blake Treinen (33)
Nick Vincent (34)
Edinson Volquez (37)
Brandon Workman (32)
Kirby Yates (34)
Left-Handed Relievers
Jose Alvarez (32)
Luis Avilan (31)
Andrew Chafin (31)
Ross Detwiler (35)
Sean Doolittle (34)
Brad Hand (31)
Derek Holland (34)
Mike Kickham (32)
Aaron Loup (33)
T.J. McFarland (32)
Jake McGee (34)
Oliver Perez (39)
Nick Ramirez (31)
Tony Watson (36)
Justin Wilson (33)
I’d be interested in a study that shows, over time, the age of the first time free agents.
Yeah. At first glance at least this looks like the oldest free agent class ever. Hardly anyone under 30. But then I see Dee Gordon is only 33, which surprised me. It seems like he’s been playing since the Reagan administration.
Funny you should say that, because his Dad, Tom Gordon, made his Major league debut on September 8, 1988, a couple of months before the 1988 election that would replace Reagan
Your point on Dee Strange- I feel that way about Tai Walker. From athletic Uber prospect to inconsistent young SP to AZ in a big trade. TJ, recovery, reunited with my Mariners to being traded away from Seattle again. Hatd to believe he’s just 28 yrs old!!!
Is it just me, or should Taijuan Walker join the Texas Rangers? It seems to have a nice marketing ring to it.
They already have Steele Walker.
I think Ranger Fans would Love to have Walker, but after a good season likely out of price range. Quintana or Archer + someone like Wacha, Woods or resign Kluber at 8-10 million more likely. Ozuna, Pederson, and return of Kela would luck good in Ranger Blue.
Oh I get it… Texas Taijuan… has a nice ring to it.
Or Coolidge administration
This is the result of putting some deuche bag player in charge of the players union when his opposition are literally the attorneys for the richest men in the world. Players get raked ! And most of them are on the downside of their careers when they hit free agency. Many a players have put up 20 and 30 million dollar seasons only to limp through their final year of arbitration
Well I sure hope my Halos are reading this. I would say its time to pretty much get a whole new rotation… this is getting ridiculous.
With what money?
They dont really need that much money to make improvements to their pitching staff.
Theyd probably be better off limiting their starters to 2 times through the order or 5 innings and bringing in 4 RHPs like Brach, Boxberger, Baez, Holland/Rosenthal, and bringing in 2 LHP like Watson and Loup or McFarland.
They should bring back La Stella and move Fletcher to ss full time, and bring in Joc Pederson hoping he rebounds offensively in 2021. Maybe Pillar as the 4th OF.
Boxberger, Holland and McFarland all fizzled our in Arizona. They aren’t worth a nickel.
I like your thought process Marvel-
Thats a good plan for the Angels
@lanidrac what makes you think they don’t have money? Simmons 15m and Teheran 9m are off the books. Team payroll is around 160m with luxury tax threshold at 210m. Not to mention they shed Pujols $30m after 2021.
@DGHalos- Will the Angels resign Andrellton Simmons?
I would like to think he is better than Fletch and most options I saw. But something tells me they give an offer and he goes somewhere else. He is solid with the glove but isn’t really healthy enough to be consistent at the plate. I personally would like to see him stay for 2 or 3 years…
Richards and Stroman with 2 or 3 relievers added, is most realistic. Trevor Bauer is the only starter remotely close to a true number one. So there will be a bidding war for him. Simmons isn’t coming back, especially since he wants around 15 million per season. Too much for a guy who hasn’t been healthy since 2017. Galvis would be a cheaper option at short or second. Those moves would put the Angels over 500. Then go after a top FA starter after next season. More deeper class for starting pitching after next season. And with Pujols money done after next season, it would give the Angels more options.
Who is on the hook for Justin Smoak’s buyout? The Giants?
The claimed him outright and have already designated him for assignment so unless another team claims him than the Giants will have to pay the buyout
It should be the Brewers, the team with the original contract. When you release a player you’re still obligated to pay. The team that picks him up gets him more or less for free ( I think they pay prorated league minimum but I’m not sure) but that’s why releasing a player is a last resort generally.
That is only if he becomes a free agent that happens and he is open to sign with any team he chooses. When he is claimed on waivers the team that wains the “claim” assumes the prior contract. This makes it so the team claiming him reduces the risk of him going places to say a rival but can saddle the team with a bad contract as a downside.
I would assume the Brewers.
When does this year’s Free Agent Contest end? This is the last week of the season, and the likelihood that Puig signs somewhere is nearly 0%.
As a Halo fan, I can’t wait to see the rumors of us reuniting Maddon with Lester, or signing Bauer, Morton, Kluber, or Taijuan. But then end up with a combination of Archer and Chase Anderson.
Morton may decide to retire but if he wants to play for another year it would be with the Rays. He chose to play for them because his wife’s family is in Delaware & they have an off season home in Bradenton. He has said that he won’t play for another team
It’d be a shame to see Morton retire with such talent.
Yeah you can have Lester. I hope Cubs decline. Yet his BFF is at helm
Fairly motely crew. But the REAL fun will be the Non-Tendered Free Agents. Here’s a preview; any player who’s Arb-2 or Arb-3 eligible, with VERY few exceptions, will be out there.
yeah, that’s a little extreme of an assumption
I don’t think so. Ownership (a) lost real money this year and (b) expect a strike in 2022. Guaranteed contracts are what they are; minimum deals are; Arb-1 deals are seldom dramatic.
The only avenue available, in order to pass on the losses (and you KNOW that’s the goal) is A-2 and A-3. A quick look at roster resources show about 200 players in that boat….I expect 180 of them to be non tendered.
Who do you think will be the “best” non tendered free agent?
Kris Bryant
I’m also nervous now that Rizzo’s option will be declined (on Halloween?).
I know Kyle is as good as gone. Cubs will ‘probably tender Baez.
Only way Cubs drop Baez is if they can land Lindor
Can’t wait til we sign absolutely nobody
My ideal off-season for the Rangers would be trading Rougned for a pitcher, moving Solak to 2nd, and then signing an Ozuna or Brantley for left field, because they wouldn’t be blocking much of our young talent. Then re-sign Kluber to a cheaper deal than his club option, and then maybe move Lyles to the pen for Allard. Trade Lynn and maybe Montero for a big package. Rotation:
Kluber
Gibson
Cody
(Whoever Odor is traded for)
Lyles/Allard
Lineup:
Taveras
IKF
Ozuna/Brantley
Gallo
Solak
Calhoun
Guzman
Trevino/Huff
Tejeda/Andrus
Competitive, while still putting young players out each day.
No way in heck you’re getting a worthwhile pitcher for Odor, a replacement level player on a bloated contract, not even if you ate all the money.
Doesn’t even have to be that worthwhile. Just a high priced pitcher for a high priced hitter. Plus, you can bet on him being a good bat in September lol. Maybe Johnny Cueto.
Yeah he makes a good point. There are just as many change of scenery replacement level pitchers on bloated contracts as there are hitters. Swapping Odor for one could make sense. Perhaps Baltimore for Alex Cobb. Or Boston for Nathan Eovaldi. Or maybe even Arizona as part of a package for MadBum. Everyone CAN be traded and no one’s contract is immovable except maybe Chris Davis. And even then, if Baltimore added a high end prospect a high payroll team would probably take a Davis deal.
if youre expecting Tejada, Taveras, and Huff to be 1st division players next year then you’re fooling yourself. neither is very advanced and might all go back to AA next year.
I would like Taveras to stay up, because right now he provides a lot of value to the team defensively and somewhat offensively. Strikeouts need to go down, but that’s something I think he can fix while playing on the MLB roster. Tejeda, again, strikes out too much (and walks almost none), but I expect him to stay in the majors. Huff doesn’t look ready in my eyes, and personally, I’d start him out in AA, but JD has said he wants the young players to play, so Tejeda and Taveras are givens to stay up IMO, but I think Huff might go down.
I would like us to sign James Mccann too, but I don’t know if JD would make that move because of Huff being almost ready.
having gibby as your number 2 should not be a thing on any team
When you’re a bad team, they should prioritize full development over stunting a guy bc he can help on defense, assuming he has room to grow still
First, a lot of the decisions with position players will depend greatly on whether the NL will permanently adopt the DH. I personally hope they do. I am a traditional baseball fan and love the NL, but the game is evolving toward the universal DH. Let’s do it already. I actually liked the game this year, and it didn’t eliminate strategy from the game. If anything, while some of it was gone, other parts were added or increased.
For the offseason, as a Marlins fan, this will be an interesting offseason. Do we commit to make moves to win now or do we stay the course in our rebuild? I’m pretty sure we will stay the course, and honestly, we should. With that said, this is what I think the Marlins should be looking to do
1) First and foremost, we need a legit Closer….period.
2) We need a defensive veteran catcher that is likely to complete the season. I’d love for us to bring Cervelli back, but we’d need an additional catcher to offset him potentially having another concussion. We are sorely missing him on the field as a leader and the ‘watch what I do – lead by example’ form of mentoring of Alfaro; and the guiding our pitchers through a game. I’d like brining Cervelli back along with Avila to both back up Alfaro.
3) If we have a DH, we should look at a middle-of-the-order veteran bat who can play 1B or corner OF. He must be a better bat than Garrett Cooper. If not, stay with the status quo, and see which young players are ready to take lineup spots away.
4) For RF (and a lesser extent for now), let the young guys battle it out. No reason to bring Joyce back or any veteran, unless a major impact bat. We have a few OFs that can battle for the role and adequately do the job. Harold Ramirez looked promisingly stable in his rookie year. Lewis Brinson finally looks comfortable at the plate to the point that his current hot streak looks legit. Magneuris Sierra is a nice little player who, at least can be a platoon piece. Jesus Sanchez is MLB-ready and just needs to show he can stick. Monte Harrison is MLB-ready, and needs to show his bat can do the job to go with his glove and speed. These 5 can fill the role, even if in a rotating capacity based on performance and matchups.
5) Maybe a veteran SP, but this isn’t urgent since we have many arms in the rotation: Sandy Alcantara, Pablo Lopez, Sixto Sanchez, Eliezer Hernandez, along with possibilities in Trevor Rogers, Braxton Garrett, Edward Cabrera, Jordan Yamamoto, etc. It’s also time to part ways with Jose Urena.
Of course, one never knows what the Marlins intentions may be this offseason until they get there.
I’m not a Marlins fan and don’t really follow them much. But I do know that they have a history of terrible free agent signings and have dealt away or DFA’d lots of decent players over the years.
Brad Hand and Chris Paddack come to mind off the top of my head.
Didn’t the Marlins basically buy their way into two World Series rings based on a bunch of free-agent signings?
Wow, anyone that thinks the 2003 team was built off of free agency is seriously lost.
Many were trades through the rebuild and some draft picks. I-Rod was a great pickup coming off injuries. I think Urbina and Conine were deadline deals.
I think their only free agent signing for 2003 was Ivan Rodriguez.
Only Ivan Rodriguez, Todd Hollandsworth, and Gerald Williams were brought in through free agency. Juan Pierre and Mark Redman were acquired in trades in the off-season while Jeff Conine and Ugeth Urbina were added in trades during the season. Most of the ’03 Marlins were already there
@DrDan
Yes, there have been some messups, but as mentioned below, the 1997 (not the 2003) team was finished off with some good signings to go with their 5-year player development plan.
Keone Kela and Sandy Leone? I think you guys should be patient and let the young hitters you’ve accumulated develop. Build a dynasty for the future rather than lose patience and derail the future.
dynasty’s are no more. teams hold on to great players to try and get that 2nd world series. to be a dynasty you would have to trade that player (with 2 years left) for a package and get 1 of them to turn out. Astros did this exact thing, holding on, hence their season now and likely starting a rebuild.
So trade that player and retain the dynasty. Simple. It CAN be done, you just need that plan.
Sandy Leone is another guy I was looking at, but figured that the demand for him may make him a slightly overpaid piece for our budget. He’s definitely a guy to look at though. Better than Avila.
I think we’re sticking to the rebuild. This season is a good story, but the reality is we’re not a contender in a full 162. I’m thinking we stay the course, and move both Dickerson and Marte at the deadline – and maybe Aguilar too, depending on his value.
Sounds like a good plan. Stick to the rebuild and trade off veteran assets as the opportunity arises.
I’d be for sticking with the rebuild even if we somehow got in the postseason and shocked everyone with a championship run. The positive side of this unfortunate year is that this season has been good for the rebuild in that we’re getting our kids in pressure games for gaining experience. I’m hoping we get the playoff spot for obvious reasons, but I’m also thinking about the experience gained for the young guys, even in a losing effort.
The thought of the pitchers starting playoff games and then after the season being done, Jeter and Michael Jordan continuing to talk to the kids about the culture they’re building.
NL isnt adopting the DH until at least 2022.
Aw, bummer. I was liking it and it would’ve made our roster decisions easier.
You put more thought into that post than jeter the broke joke has in anything baseball related since buying the marlins
Are you watching the 2020 season? Seems like you’re not.
Not the marlins season. Although your name does seem appropriate as you alone most likely make up the entire marlins fan base
Referring to pros all # :
1: I like our pen as is, Hoyt, Boxberger, Yimi, Kintzler, and evening Josh Smith as a swing man have been above average to stellar for us. I do think we can benefit from a cheap Left Handed reliever, maybe Andrew Chafin for cheap, or more established like Oliver Perez or Jose Alvarez. If we can get a Keone Kela, I’d be down too. I’d say add a few more waiver claims like Hoyt and hope one pans out rather than spend a lot of money.
2: I 100% agree, I love Wallach but if Alfaro gets hurt, we are screwed. Wallach is better served as a third catcher. Cervelli’s career as a catcher is likely over.
3: I disagree with this. Cooper has a really good bat, he’s impressive. If he can stay on the field, which is likely if he DH’s most of the time, we will be fine. Aguilar also greatly improved the lineup. I would not consider adding another first basemen, as Lewin Diaz needs playing time too. After all, we are still developing young players.
Corey Dickerson is also signed through 2021, although I’d like to see him traded to give Sierra, Harold, and Brinson more playing time.
I don’t think this is an area of concern, or an area where we can improve without spending a ton of money, and spending money isn’t what the marlins do.
4: I think I answered that in 3. Joyce would be nice but he will demand a raise, and we are already stuck with Dickerson, and we need to play the kids. Leave as is.
5: although a veteran would be nice, I don’t think there’s enough innings to go around.
Sandy, Sixto, Pablo and Elieser are our #1-4. Rogers, Garrett, Castano, Neidert, and Yamamoto if they give him another shot, will compete for the #5 spot. Edward Cabrera and maybe even Max Meyer will get called up next season too.
I do have a question for you, would you like to see Rogers moved to the pen? His arm looks great but he only goes a few innings cause of his control. With Castano,Neidert, Meyer, Cabrera, etc., and the need for a lefty in the pen, I feel like this sounds reasonable.
@andrewgauldin
The good thing about the Marlins now is that we have so many pieces in place that are ready to play MLB, it’s hard to go wrong with next year’s roster. I think both of our thoughts work very well.
As for Rogers, after our past mistakes of giving up on Andrew Miller and Brad Hand as SPs without seriously trying them in the bullpen, I’ll always root for trying any SP that isn’t working out in our bullpen before we let them go to another organization. With Rogers, it feels a little too early to judge it. After yesterday’s start, after the first couple of innings where he was clearly dealing with ‘big game jitters’, he settled down. It’s certainly something to consider as we monitor his progress as a pitcher. If he isn’t cutting it as a SP, then certainly move him to the bullpen. By the end of this season with him, if we make the playoffs, and if we can surprise to get passed the 1st round, I’d like to see him start a playoff game to give him that experience. Of course, this would come after getting Alcantara, Lopez and Sanchez starts in the postseason to gain that experience.
Good thoughts!
Yes you’re right on not giving up on him to early. That would be a huge mistake. Although experience would be nice to give him, I don’t think he starts a game unless we play a lefty heavy team like the dodgers.
As for next season, Rogers, as does Castano, deserve a rotation spot for at least 2 months. We will see.
I do agree with you on Urena. Should have traded him to Boston, could have gotten something out of him. I think he gets non tendered this offseason.
The next step is doing is over 162 games. If I’m the Marlins, I stay the course and build around the starting pitching and core of position players. Their pitching depth gives them an edge over every NL East team other than the Braves. I’ve taken to watching some of their games pre-Dodgers each night and am impressed. They play an exciting brand of ball and display strong fundamentals. Nice to see Brinson looking so comfortable. and not overmatched. It’s like watching a different player and the Marlins deserve credit for not giving up on him. He showed maturity in that pinch-hit appearance in the 9th. Not over-anxious and coaxed the walk.
Tough play with Harrison last night. The Braves made a great recovery to get him. Though it wasn’t the wrong play, I still wouldn’t have gone to third in that situation as he was already in scoring position. But I like the fact that he was aggressive, which is a major part of the team’s persona.
All that to finish last?
Mets finished last, this year, tied with us. Yeah, yeah, I know, 60 game season.
The Mets were also injured. Ik marlins got hurt with covid but it’s not the same… Mets 25 man roster healthy is clearly better than marlins 25 man healthy… it’s just when the Mets replacements come in they weren’t any good so the marlins replacements did better.
Only 8 players younger than 30
And, a couple of them, like Kela, et al, have injury issues. Not a good time for the clubs, if they need a free agent.
Brock Holt listed 3 times? Did I miss any others that were listed under multiple positions?
yes. Sogard is one of them.
Brad MIller listed at least 4 times. I haven’t heard many people talking about him, but I think he could be a good pick up for any team looking for a super utility player (which should be most of them).
He’s not really a super utility guy. He’s a really bad fielder who just moves around a lot cuz he’s basically equally bad everywhere.
Is Yadier Molina going to really retire?
Question of the day for Pale Hose fans—should the Sox go Springer, Ozuna, or Pederson for RF in ‘21?
Ozuna is an awesome bat but you don’t want him in the field at all. He has no range and even less of an arm. As a Braves fan, I cringe every time a fly ball gets hit to left field
He’s not even that great a bat, he’s just having a career year. He’ll likely regress moving forward.
Not excited about Ozuna as a RF defensively, especially since Eloy is already a defenisive liability in LF. Not excited about Pederson given his severe platoon splits and overall poor bat this year.
Springer seems like the best bet, but there is going to be a lot of competition for his services. Maybe Jerry will open up the purse strings since at 85 years old, buikding this team is probably his last chance at some championship runs.
Otherwise, the White Sox might need to think about trading prospects for a RF (and doing better than last year’s Steele Walker for Nomar Mazara swap).
Pederson and it’s not even a question.
The White Sox killed left handed pitching so the need to a premium for another right handed bat isn’t there. Pederson you can get at a discount and the guy kills righties. He also is generally a pretty solid defensive player in right field.
Of course offense isn’t the White Sox biggest need, they need to address some bullpen issues and if it was me, I would go guns blazing for Trevor Bauer.
The rotation has some serious upside but as much as I like DK, I don’t want him toeing the rubber game one or game two.
Looks like a class of broken down dreck if you ask me. I’d do 1-2 year contracts on some of them but nothing more. After age 27/28 the body breaks down. Realmuto is the perfect example. You want to give a catcher a4-5 year contract at age 31? He is out with a hip injury now. Catcher? No thanks.
Spot on. Be better off signing Bauer to a 1 year 40 million contract than giving anyone in there 30s a 5/6 year deal
The free agent system was created (and agreed to by the wackadoodle players union) at a time before everyone realized that players decline at 30, as opposed to, say, 34. Makes no sense to commit big money and years to players at that age.
The smart players are forgoing contract extensions early on their career. What is interesting is that the pay few years allot of players are coming to the majors at 21, 22 years old. They will bet legit FA when they are 26!
Without steroids players do not stay productive as long. As you say “players decline at 30, as opposed to, say, 34”. I agree, and that is why there are so many available over 30 aged players. Why sign a declining 32 year old $3 or $4 million when you can pay an up and coming 24 year old $560,000.
It is not a players association problem. It is simply a supply and demand problem…..too many older players who do not play well enough to justify their higher pay.
Although I agree with you, I don’t think any team that is willing to give Realmuto 4+ years, expects him to be the catcher after year 3. Realmuto has the ability to play 1st and the outfield. He could probably go out and play 3rd too if given a spring training over there. That and his bat is why Realmuto will get a 4+ year contract
His bat is not worth the money once he moves off catcher. He’ll get the money cuz he’s great defensively behind the plate and a very good hitter, a rarity these days. At just about any other position, especially those you mentioned, that bat is pretty mediocre considering it’ll probably decline a bit. Career 111 OPS+ isn’t that special. His value is as a catcher. His ability to play the position and hit is his value, not his bat alone. No one is ponying up for a slightly above average hitting first baseman.
Take a look at Buster Posey’s contract. Being paid $21 million a year through 2021. Not bad for an average of 110 hits a year! Realmuto is a big NO fit me and I’m a Phillies fan.
I’d expect Realmuto’s numbers to improve immediately if he started playing first or OF. Part of the reason catchers aren’t usually great hitters is how much goes into catching, physically and mentally. They get beat up and worn down, and have to spend so much time working with the staff to do their jobs.
How much Realmuto would improve if freed of catching duties? That’s the question. But you’re right, his value right now is being a very good catcher with an above average overall bat. Not that many of those guys around right now. That bat as it stands is not the same at first or in the outfield.
Mike Stanton can opt out of 210 million remaining. Lol! Can he ??
Mike? Mike? Try Giancarlo, Ace.
Ten Oakland guys including their middle infield and half their bullpen.
They’ll let everyone go and still win 90 games next season
And lose in the first round…
Is Darin Ruf a free agent in 2021? He doesn’t have 6 years of MLB service time but he spent a few years with the KBO. I’m curious if his time in Korea counts toward his MLB service time? Cot’s shows he’s a FA next year but Baseball Reference does not.
He’s had a nice year and his revamped swing along with his power makes him an intriguing bench player.
depends on the deal he signed. similar to how sources were confused on Chris Martin when he signed the deal that said when it was up he would be a free agent. Ruf was minors so my guess is he didn’t get that clause. and no, foreign play does not count towards service time.
Really? Darren Ruf??? I’m amazed that the Koreans wanted him!
Odorizzi is the SP steal in there IMO.
I thought the same. I’d do 3-4 years on him. Very good #3 or #4 pitcher.
just with a cursory look, Phillies could really revamp their pen if Middleton okays them going over the cap. I don’t see them re-signing Didi and Arrieta, and Robertson’s hit wolnt be there. I’d also non-tender VV, Hembree, and maybe even try and non-tender then resign Neris. Ideally you bring back Neris and Robertson, pick up Phelps’s option. Hale is dirt cheap and can pitch multiple innings so he can stay, and I think Parker should be good and not too expensive. From there id sign Petit and maybe aonther guy, then try and deal for a rental closer and extend him. I’d also look into a 2-year deal with Giles like the Rays did with Eovaldi or the Twins with Pineda. For the rest of the team, I’d sign Odo or Taijuan to a 3 year deal with an option and some incentives. (maybe at ~15 per) I’d also bring back Gosselin and Bruce and maybe kick the tires on DJ, Didi, Simmonds, or even Yuli if there’s still some room to build.
Giles is headed for TJ surgery. I believe the story ran yesterday.
and you’ll note what i said about Eovaldi and Pineda
Is there a single body in the Phillies bullpen that they want to keep? Anyone? They are all pedestrian players. This team is unfortunately ready for a rebuild after squandering five years with Klentak! What a waste. Especially the Realmuto deal. Gave up a future #1 starter for him. Idiots!
That is just an atrocious class overall. Bauer, Springer, Ozuna, Minor, Realmuto, Odorizzi, la Stella, Didi, and maybe a couple others are the only players I’d want on my team if I were an owner.
I would add Taijuan Walker since he is only 28 and has pitched well in this abbreviated season. He can bolster a rotation without being an ace. But yes, a terrible class with little in the way of impact players. Gotta love those Mets fans who think Cohen will fix them for 2021 with his checkbook.
One thing that jumps out is the lack of quality catchers throughout the game. Braves fans should be giddy over d’Arnaud. Do they possibly bring back Ozuna? He’s a nice fit in that lineup and the payroll is in good shape.
Braves should kick tires on Walker and maybe Odorizzi. Bring back Ozuna or give Pedersen a look. Look at McCann to replace Flowers. Melancon needs to be resigned if possible.
Washington could use a guy like Brantley on a short term deal, but I hear you, a pretty lackluster class.
DJL
Travis Shaw will not be a free agent. He could get non tendered but he still has another year of control.
Hopefully he is non-tendered.
If I were the Phillies I’d resign Didi. Quality player. Unfortunately he will make bank this off season. 4-5 years at $20 per year. You watch. The Phillies will suck for another 10 years.
Whoever misses out on JTR behind the plate have a nice consolation prize out there in James McCann. He’s be excellent at the plate this year and is more than adequate defensively. Some team is going to be very happy after signing him.
McCann and Knapp would be a decent combo for the Phillies, enabling to address other up-the-middle concerns rather than overspend on Realmuto.
McCann might even be better bang for the bucks.
for the Mets, I’d be happy with
realmuto, bradley Jr., bring back Marisnick.
pitchers: Bauer and bring back Porcello.
relievers: Avilan and O’Day
You mean JBJ or Marisnick, right? No way we need both. That’s an awful lot of spending. It would certainly improve the team but I’m not sure if it puts us over the top, and it would handcuff payroll for years and probably prevent extensions to Nimmo, Alonso, Smith etc. I’d rather be more prudent and try for a more subtle plan.
same thing Mets fans said last year. “Id be happy with most of the top handfull of FAs.” yeah, doesnt work like that.
DarkSide: exactly. It’s the same broken record every offseason.
only two top FAs are realmuto and bauer.
it’s a wish list. do I anticipate the. being signed? nope…. but it’s a wish list
The Mets got heavily injured last year. Lol you can’t just judge their record like that
That’s it? No Springer too?
Im not holding my breath for the Angels to get some starting pitching and a bullpen. Arte Moreno is determined to waste Trout’s talent, but is content on making money off him.
funny, I was going to make the same comment about the East-Coast-Angels (i.e. The Phillies).
The Angels will most likely, as I posted above will get Garrett Richards and Stroman. Then sign 2 or 3 relievers. Bauer will price himself out of the Angels price range.
The top free agent on this list is George Springer. I don’t know why he is being overlooked but he could land a contract in the 250 million to 300 range.
I think his age and the covid-19 depressed market will keep him from reaching that price range.
His skill set too lol.
Oh ya. Those rightfielders with 140 OPS+ is just worthless.
Bro. Springer is a really good player…… I was saying that he isn’t a 250-300 mil dollar player. Not even close
He’s 31, and comes dragging some baggage behind him. He’ll get paid, but he’s not getting anywhere near 250 million.
I know the season is still going, but I was wondering when the Top 50 free agents list is usually posted and when the contest usually is?
It probably is not out if the realm of possibility that the Braves check in on Mike Minor or Adam Wainwright. Either would be great to pair with Atlanta’s young pitching staff.
Dee Strange-Gordon retains his old name when he plays the outfield.
I doubt with the current situation he’d be in much demand, but I could see a team signing him as a super utility type guy/pinch runner.
Hey Tim, not really an omission but could you possibly add a hyperlink to each name to Baseball Prospectus or similar? Perusing this list to check the player’s stats would be fun.
Thanks
They’ve never done that in the past with their FA lists. It’s to long and would probably require a lot of effort. Open a second page in baseball reference, copy and paste the names into BR search engine.
I’d like to see the Marlins pick up Kike Hernandez, Keone Kela, Andrew Chafin and dream scenario, maybe a Yadi Molina (or another good vet catcher) to work with our young staff along with Wallach. Trade Alfaro for whatever we can get back for him. He’s not the long term answer.
All that to finish last?
worst they can do is finish fourth, absolutely nobody is finishing below the mets.
The Nats marlins and Phillies will finish below the Mets. Assuming all 4 teams are healthy
Says the Mets fan… Marlins will win another World Series before the Mets do.
It’s funny you actually believe that
I love that Cespedes is not even listed as an outfielder
Ranger shopping list for now.
Pederson
Wong
E. Hernandez
McCain or Ramos
Puig
Reddick
B. Miller
SP:
Archer Dscslfani, Arrieta, Quintana, Walker, Wacha, Woods
RP
Yates
Treinen
Kela
Thompson
Wilson
You sound like how I sounded last off-season when we said we would “spend money”. Expect the shopping list to actually be: Kluber, Archer, Hand, Puig (I doubt it though), Cron, Flowers, Castro, Ha-Seong Kim, Desclafani, and Wong. This is just a list of names, I’m not saying every one of them ends up signing, heck I put two catchers on there just because I think they are the two most likely. Expect a lot of other players to come in via trades of Lynn, relievers, Odor, and maybe Gallo, but I expect him to stay.
I would imagine you are correct in using Castro and Flowers instead of McCann and Ramos as they will be cheaper. I would prefer Pederson or Hernandez to Puig, and virtually anyone over Calhoun as a LF or White who is nowhere close to even AAA ready. Archer and Desclfani make sense and would like Kluber but he will likely either cost too much or go to NYY, METS, Red Sox who are all closer to contention than Rangers. Wong would be a defensive upgrade over ODor, who I truly believe wil be shipped off to Balt, PHil, BOS, or somewhere else It would only be a mild suprise if they non-tendered him. Cron, I believe we definitely need. Same with HAnd for a sign and trade deal with Dodger for Gray, Peters or Gonsolin or to Mets perhaps for JD Davis and others. Wonder if Marlins would take Odor for Urena.
I wonder what will happen with Rusney Castillo? His deal with Boston finally expired.
He will turn 34 in July, hasn’t played in the majors since 2016, and with no minor league season, I don’t think he played at all in 2020.
Will anyone sign him? He is probably looking forward to getting back to the majors. But he won’t make anywhere near $10mm a year. Oh well, the money shouldn’t matter as he should have plenty in the bank. I am sure he is just looking for an opportunity.
There are going to be many players on the wrong side of 30 that will be without offers and be forced (by lack of interest) to retire. But then, If I had made a minimum of $500K a year for a few years, I could have retired at 35 also.
So you’re telling me Stroman, Odorizzi, Hamels, and Bauer are on the market, and as an Angel fan, I should be expecting Tommy Milone. Man am I excited for this upcoming season!
In all fairness, I expect Lester if he gets bought out. Bauer is the goal, but a Garrett Richards reunion would be nice.
I can see why the players are going to have issues at the next collective bargaining agreement. When you have a guy like Tyler Matzek controlled to age 35, never going to get a contract, it’s a problem. Changes coming.
Rusney Castillo is finally a FA. Boston kept him in AAA for what felt like forever to avoid paying him a big time salary lol. Wonder if he tries to make another MLB club.
Nah they still paid him. They avoided it being on the luxury tax bill
If I’m a player, I’m going for the longest contract available. AAV is secondary.
Pirates might as well buy out Archers last year and move on.
With the amount of money several teams lost this season, I can’t imagine any player getting a large contract. Maybe Bauer and that’s about it. Also the Rays with their small payroll getting to the World Series didn’t exactly help either..
According to my information Chris Devenski has one more year with the Astros unless they release him.
Why is Joc Pederson listed among the RF’s? He has 670 games of OF experience, 412 in CF, 229 in LF and just 54 in RF. (baseball-reference.com/players/p/pederjo01.shtml)
His most recent game experience hardly shows a trend toward RF either with most of his 2020 appearances in LF and at DH. Pederson hasn’t played much CF at all since 2017 but he has spent the bulk of his time since then in LF along with some appearances in RF, at 1B and as a DH.
So you already know that Pederson hasn’t played CF for 2 years and you don’t understand why he isn’t being listed at CF?
How about this. You really think anyone is going to bring him on as a CF? In 2017, he had -13 DRS and -5.5 UZR. He was pretty bad in his very limited time in 2018 as well.
He is a corner outfielder.
If the Mets strucks out on Realmuto, I’m them I go after Zunino.That’s if the Rays don’t pick up his option.
No buyout for Charlie Morton’s option? His agent was negligent.
Where is Ha-Seong Kim on this list? He is an unrestricted free agent isn’t he?
Anyways, my Rangers off-season now included: Claiming Brad Hand, Trading Lynn+a reliever, Signing Kim, Kluber, Archer, either Flowers or Castro, and then maybe pairing a righty platoon at 1b with Guzman (C.J Cron?). We have Huff, Jung, and Taveras all either coming up or already here. I see a bright light at the end of the tunnel if we play our cards right…
Oh and get rid of Woodward. Jeff Mathis for manager 2021!
Can’t wait for the free agent prediction contest
This is an ugly winter to be a free agent. Players are mostly over 30, owners are going to be crying poor mouth, still no clear answer on universal DH, and CBA expiring in a year
Desclafani would be a good fit in the back of the Braves rotation and shouldn’t cost too much.
Odd to see Kiké Hernandez listed as RF when that’s the outfield position he has played the least in his career, and not as CF, the one he’s played the most, and not as a SS when he’s also played that position more than RF. I know it’s tough to classify those super-util guys but come on.
All of these guys are past their prime (age 27). Buyer beware!
Only way Cubs drop Baez is if they can land Lindor