MLB Free Agency 2015-16: An Early Team-by-Team Preview
There is still a lot of baseball to be played between now and the offseason, but it's never too early to look ahead at what promises to be an exciting winter around the league.
This year's free-agent class will be headlined by a trio of legitimate aces in David Price, Johnny Cueto and Jordan Zimmermann. On the offensive side of things, Justin Upton, Chris Davis, Jason Heyward and Yoenis Cespedes highlight the top position players on the market.
With that in mind, what follows is an early free-agency preview for all 30 teams.
It features a close look at each team's top free agent, as well as an overview of everyone else the team is slated to lose and players with team or player options for next year as well.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Top Free Agent
- RP David Hernandez (30 years old)
| 25 | 21.0 | 1-3 | 3 | 3.86 | 1.381 | 3.0 | 8.6 | 0.0 |
David Hernandez was one of the game's elite setup relievers as recently as 2012, when he posted a 2.50 ERA and 12.9 K/9 with 25 holds in 72 appearances.
Tommy John surgery cost him all of 2014 and the first 55 games of 2015, and he's still in the process of shaking off the rust. The stuff is right back where it was pre-injury, though, and he should make for an interesting lottery ticket if he hits the open market.
Other Free Agents
- C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C Gerald Laird, RP Brad Ziegler (option), SP Josh Collmenter (option)
Suffice to say, Jarrod Saltalamacchia won't come close to the three-year, $21 million deal he landed last time he hit the open market, but in another weak catching class, he could still generate some interest given his age (30) and past success.
At 35, Gerald Laird doesn't bring much to the table in the way of production, but his baseball IQ and receiving skills should allow him to keep finding a backup job as long as he's interested in playing.
The team also holds team options on Brad Ziegler ($5.5 million) and Josh Collmenter ($1.825 million), but both of those figure to be exercised by the club.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
Top Free Agent
- C A.J. Pierzynski (38 years old)
| .292/.335/.425 | 109 | 93 | 19 | 7 | 38 | 31 | 0 | 1.2 |
The Atlanta Braves signed A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year, $2 million deal with the intention of having him back up young catcher Christian Bethancourt, but he played his way into the starting job with the help of Bethancourt's early-season struggles.
He's quietly been one of the more productive backstops in the National League, as his .760 OPS ranks fourth among catchers with at least 300 at-bats.
"While it’s not assured yet, the Braves want Pierzynski back for another season if the price is right," wrote Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
Other Free Agents
- RP Jason Frasor, RP Ross Detwiler, RP Edwin Jackson, OF Jonny Gomes (option)
The Braves scooped up the trio of Jason Frasor, Ross Detwiler and Edwin Jackson after they were all designated for assignment by their respective teams earlier this season.
Frasor in particular has enjoyed terrific results splitting the year between Kansas City and Atlanta, posting a 1.29 ERA over 32 appearances, but a 5.8 BB/9 rate is a troubling sign.
Outfielder Jonny Gomes has a $3 million vesting option if he reaches 325 plate appearances, but with just 213 so far, it appears he'll be headed for free agency once again.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
Top Free Agent
- 1B/RF Chris Davis (29 years old)
| .261/.344/.547 | 141 | 111 | 20 | 34 | 89 | 71 | 2 | 3.6 |
Chris Davis was the breakout superstar of 2013, posting a 1.004 OPS with 53 home runs and 153 RBI to finish third in AL MVP voting.
He took a huge step backward last year, though, as those numbers dropped to a .704 OPS with 26 home runs and 72 RBI. That left him as one of the league's biggest question marks entering a contract year, and he's responded.
After a solid first half, he's exploded after the All-Star break with a 1.160 OPS with 15 home runs and 37 RBI in 32 games, and his stock is sky-rocketing as a result.
"We do want to sign some of our key players for the future, and Chris Davis is one of them," general manager Dan Duquette told Ryan Baillargeon of the Baltimore Sun.
Other Free Agents
- C Matt Wieters, SP Wei-Yin Chen, RP Darren O'Day, UT Steve Pearce, RP Brian Matusz, OF Gerardo Parra, OF Nolan Reimold
Davis is far from the only free-agency decision the team has to make, though, as a number of other key pieces are set to hit the open market.
Longtime catcher Matt Wieters has struggled to stay on the field in his return from Tommy John surgery, and the emergence of Caleb Joseph could be reason enough for the team to let him walk.
Wei-Yin Chen has been a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm, going 42-30 with a 3.72 ERA in 109 starts since the beginning of 2012. His four-year, $15.47 million deal has proven to be an absolute steal.
Meanwhile, Darren O'Day (48 G, 1.15 ERA, 11.5 K/9) and Brian Matusz (40 G, 2.27 ERA, 10.9 K/9) are two of the team's key setup relievers, with O'Day earning a spot on the AL All-Star roster this year.
Gerardo Parra is likely headed for a solid payday elsewhere, as the two-time Gold Glove winner has enjoyed a breakout season offensively.
Steve Pearce and Nolan Reimold are bench pieces at this point, though Peace is an intriguing buy-low candidate after his out-of-nowhere performance in 2014 and subsequent regression.
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
Top Free Agent
- OF Alejandro De Aza (31 years old)
| .268/.323/.447 | 108 | 69 | 13 | 7 | 32 | 39 | 5 | 1.4 |
Alejandro De Aza was a solid waiver pickup for the Baltimore Orioles last season, but he struggled to a .214/.277/.359 line to begin this season before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in June.
He's done a nice job since the trade, hitting .305/.353/.506 with 18 extra-base hits in 154 at-bats for a 1.4 WAR.
De Aza is probably best suited as a fourth outfielder at this point, but he's someone capable of stepping into an expanded role if injury strikes.
Other Free Agents
- RP Craig Breslow, SP Clay Buchholz (option)
Veteran reliever Craig Breslow was a stud in 2013 with a 1.81 ERA and 13 holds in 61 appearances, but he has a 5.26 ERA in 97 appearances over the past two seasons. As a left-hander, the 35-year-old will likely still generate some interest, though.
The Red Sox also holds a $13 million option on Clay Buchholz, and given their questionable pitching staff and his solid performance when healthy, the team will almost certainly pick that up.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
Top Free Agent
- CF Dexter Fowler (29 years old)
| .254/.350/.418 | 112 | 113 | 22 | 13 | 35 | 80 | 17 | 2.1 |
The Chicago Cubs acquired Dexter Fowler in a trade with the Houston Astros in an effort to shore up the leadoff spot in the lineup and what was a hole in center field.
While his .254 average is nothing special, he has managed to get on base at a solid .350 clip and ranks third in the National League with 80 runs scored. He's also already tied his career high with 13 home runs and continues to be a decent base-stealing threat as well.
Looking ahead to 2016, there is no clear-cut replacement for Fowler within the organization, so don't be surprised if the team looks to bring him back on a three- or four-year deal.
Other Free Agents
- SP Dan Haren, RP Jason Motte, RP Tommy Hunter, OF Chris Denorfia, IF Jonathan Herrera, RP James Russell, RP Rafael Soriano
Deadline pickup Dan Haren will likely be nothing more than a rental for the Cubs, while relievers Jason Motte, James Russell, Rafael Soriano and Tommy Hunter have all produced mixed results and could be replaced either in-house or with similar signings this coming offseason.
Utility infielder Jonathan Herrera and fourth outfielder Chris Denorfia have been decent options off of the bench this year, coming up with some solid performances when called up, but they are easily replaced as well.
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Jeff Samardzija (30 years old)
| 25 | 170.2 | 8-9 | 4.64 | 4.01 | 1.254 | 1.8 | 6.7 | 0.8 |
The Chicago Cubs offered a five-year extension to Jeff Samardzija in the $75 million-$80 million range prior to trading him at the 2014 deadline, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
He was traded again this past offseason, joining the White Sox as a second front-line arm alongside ace Chris Sale. It's been a disappointing year for him, but he still has plus stuff and has pitched slightly better than his results show with a 4.01 FIP.
It's hard to see him getting a $100 million deal at this point, and he may wind up having to settle for something less than what the Cubs originally offered. There's a chance the White Sox could make a push to bring him back, especially after opting to keep him at the deadline.
Other Free Agents
- C Geovany Soto, IF Gordon Beckham, RP Matt Albers, SS Alexei Ramirez (option)
Geovany Soto won the backup catcher job out of camp on a minor league deal, and he's posted an .830 OPS with eight doubles and eight home runs in 141 at-bats. That could be enough for someone to trust the 32-year-old with a larger role in 2016.
Gordon Beckham and Matt Albers are just depth pieces, though both could be back with the team for the right price.
The team will have a potentially tough decision to make on veteran shortstop Alexei Ramirez, as he has a $10 million team option. He's having a tough season at the plate, but he's turned things around in the second half (.270 BA, .794 OPS) and provides valuable veteran leadership.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
Top Free Agent
- RP Manny Parra (32 years old)
| 31 | 25.0 | 1-1 | 4 | 3.24 | 1.120 | 2.2 | 6.5 | 0.2 |
Left-handed relievers tend to consistently find work, and there's no reason Manny Parra shouldn't be able to land a major league contract from someone this offseason.
In his three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, Parra has posted a 3.76 ERA, 1.300 WHIP and 9.0 K/9 with 36 holds in 141 appearances.
Other Free Agents
- C Brayan Pena, RP Sean Marshall, UT Skip Schumaker (option)
Brayan Pena has hit .274/.342/.314 with 11 doubles in 274 at-bats this season, seeing more playing time than expected with Devin Mesoraco sidelined, but it appears Tucker Barnhart will likely replace him in the backup role next year.
Once one of the best lefty relievers in the game, Sean Marshall has made just 31 appearances over the past three seasons while dealing with shoulder issues. He hasn't pitched since June of last season, but someone will be willing to take a chance on him with an incentive-laden minor league deal.
The versatile Skip Schumaker has a reasonable $2.5 million option that carries a $500,000 buyout, so there's a good chance he'll return as bench depth.
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30
Top Free Agent
- RP Ryan Webb (29 years old)
| 30 | 40.1 | 1-0 | 1 | 2.45 | 1.066 | 2.2 | 5.6 | 0.7 |
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Ryan Webb and a competitive balance pick from the Baltimore Orioles on April 9, but released him four days later. The Cleveland Indians scooped him up the next day, and he's been a solid contributor for them in the middle innings.
The Indians represent Webb's fourth team in seven seasons, but he's performed everywhere he's gone. He has a 3.27 ERA, 1.321 WHIP and 49 holds in 347 career appearances, and at 29, he should be able to find a big league job.
Other Free Agents
- IF Mike Aviles, SP Gavin Floyd, OF Ryan Raburn (option)
Mike Aviles turned a solid season with the Boston Red Sox in 2012 (2.5 WAR, 28 2B, 13 HR) into a three-year, $9.25 million deal with the Indians. He's provided useful versatility, but he's been good for just 0.3 WAR with minimal offensive production since the start of 2013.
The team took a chance on Gavin Floyd coming off of a fractured elbow with a one-year, $4 million deal, but he reaggravated the injury during spring training and has been sidelined since.
Ryan Raburn has a $3 million option and is having another strong season as a fourth outfielder (.843 OPS), and he continues to crush left-handed pitching, so expect him to be back in 2016.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Kyle Kendrick (30 years old)
| 21 | 113.1 | 4-12 | 6.43 | 6.14 | 1.544 | 2.7 | 4.7 | -0.7 |
A surprise Opening Day starter after signing a one-year, $5.5 million deal, Kyle Kendrick threw seven shutout innings and picked up the win to kick off the 2015 season.
Since then, he's managed just four quality starts in 20 appearances, posting a 6.86 ERA and ranking as one of the worst starters in baseball.
He was a useful innings eater for the Philadelphia Phillies prior to joining the Rockies, and he does have a slightly better 5.72 ERA away from Coors Field, but he'll likely have to settle for a minor league deal.
Other Free Agents
- RP Rafael Betancourt, 1B Justin Morneau (option)
Rafael Betancourt made an admirable return from elbow surgery at the age of 40, and his 6.27 ERA is not necessarily indicative of his performance, as it's accompanied by a 3.33 FIP. He'll likely still be headed for a minor league deal, though.
There is also the matter of a $9 million mutual option on Justin Morneau to decide on, and with Ben Paulsen playing well and Wilin Rosario also an option, there's a good chance he'll be hitting the open market.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Alfredo Simon (34 years old)
| 23 | 137.1 | 11-7 | 4.52 | 4.20 | 1.383 | 3.2 | 6.0 | 0.1 |
Alfredo Simon was one of the biggest surprises of the first half of 2014, going 12-3 with a 2.70 ERA to earn a spot on the NL All-Star team, but he crashed back to earth with a 3-7 record and 4.52 ERA in the second half.
Despite that regression, the Detroit Tigers traded pitching prospect Jonathon Crawford and shortstop Eugenio Suarez to acquire Simon during the offseason, and he's been a passable back-of-the-rotation starter at best.
He's probably best suited as a swingman or spot starter at this point in his career, but he's still capable of tossing a gem, evidenced by his complete game shutout on Thursday.
Other Free Agents
- C Alex Avila, OF Rajai Davis, RP Tom Gorzelanny, RP Joe Nathan (option)
Longtime catcher Alex Avila would seemingly be dispensable with the breakout of rookie James McCann, but the fact that his father is now general manager leaves the team with an interesting decision to make.
Speedy outfielder Rajai Davis and lefty reliever Tom Gorzelanny are both useful pieces, but with Anthony Gose taking over in center field and Gorzelanny struggling to a 5.97 ERA, both are expendable.
There's virtually no chance the team picks up its $10 million option on reliever Joe Nathan, and don't be surprised if he opts for retirement after suffering a torn UCL.
Houston Astros
11 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Scott Kazmir (31 years old)
| 23 | 141.0 | 6-8 | 2.43 | 3.42 | 1.121 | 2.9 | 7.9 | 3.8 |
Scott Kazmir saw his professional career bottom out in 2012 when he was pitching in the independent league, but he made an impressive comeback the following season for the Cleveland Indians and has returned to front-line form the past two years.
After going 15-9 with a 3.55 ERA and 1.161 WHIP in 32 starts for the Oakland Athletics last year, he was one of the top players available at the trade deadline and joined the Houston Astros.
He's posted a 2.59 ERA in five starts since joining the Astros, and there's a chance the team could look to bring the 31-year-old back. At any rate, he figures to improve on the two-year, $22 million deal he landed last time he hit the open market.
Other Free Agents
- CF Colby Rasmus, RP Oliver Perez, RP Tony Sipp, RP Chad Qualls (option)
The Astros scooped up Colby Rasmus on a one-year, $8 million deal near the end of the offseason, and the 29-year-old has posted a .766 OPS with 19 doubles and 17 home runs. That could be enough for him to grab a multiyear deal this time around.
Lefty relievers Oliver Perez (53 G, 2.78 ERA) and Tony Sipp (48 G, 2.18 ERA) are both useful arms, and the Astros could look to retain one or both of them as they piece together their bullpen for 2016.
Veteran reliever Chad Qualls has a $3.5 million option, and after investing big in the relief corps last offseason, the team may opt to bring the 37-year-old back as a proven late-inning arm.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Johnny Cueto (29 years old)
| 23 | 160.2 | 9-7 | 2.46 | 3.07 | 0.934 | 1.8 | 7.9 | 4.7 |
In clear need of an ace to front their staff, the Kansas City Royals landed rental arm Johnny Cueto in a huge trade with the Cincinnati Reds in late July.
He's been everything the team could have hoped for to this point, posting a 1.80 ERA and 0.933 WHIP in four starts with the team, one of which was a complete-game shutout.
The five-year, $55 million deal the team gave Gil Meche back in 2007 still stands as the largest free-agent deal in team history, and it will likely cost at least double that to sign Cueto this offseason, so don't expect to see him in a Royals jersey beyond 2015.
Other Free Agents
- UT Ben Zobrist, RP Ryan Madson, SP Chris Young, RP Franklin Morales, LF Alex Gordon (option), RP Wade Davis (option), SP Jeremy Guthrie (option), RF Alex Rios (option), SS Alcides Escobar (option)
Cueto is not the only high-profile rental on the Royals roster, as Ben Zobrist also figures to head for greener pastures once the offseason hits. He's 34 years old, but his defensive versatility alone will garner plenty of interest, and he's caught fire offensively (.379 BA, 1.105 OPS) since joining the Royals.
Ryan Madson (54 G, 2.32 ERA) and Franklin Morales (50 G, 2.47 ERA) have both been pleasant surprises out of the bullpen, while Chris Young (24 G, 16 GS, 8-6, 3.28 ERA, 4.55 FIP) continues to outperform his peripherals and be a useful swingman.
However, the biggest decisions will come on the team and player option side of things.
Wade Davis ($8 million) and Alcides Escobar ($5.25 million) both figure to have their team options exercised, while Alex Rios ($12.5 million) is a good bet to have his mutual option declined by the team.
The final month and postseason will likely determine what happens with Jeremy Guthrie ($10 million, mutual), while Alex Gordon ($14 million) will almost certainly turn down his player option but is still a candidate to be re-signed as arguably the face of the franchise.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Top Free Agent
- 3B David Freese (32 years old)
| .240/.309/.397 | 100 | 76 | 17 | 11 | 43 | 40 | 1 | 1.6 |
It's looking more and more like the Los Angeles Angels will regret trading Randal Grichuk to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for David Freese.
That said, Freese does still hold some solid value as a viable everyday option at third base, a perennially weak position on the free-agent market.
It may simply be an anomaly, but the Angels are 51-39 (.567) with him in the lineup this year, compared to 12-19 (.387) without him. Despite those win-loss numbers, expect the team to turn things over to Kyle Kubitza or Kaleb Cowart next season.
Other Free Agents
- C Chris Iannetta, OF Matt Joyce, OF Shane Victorino, OF David Murphy (option), OF David DeJesus (option)
The Angels liked Chris Iannetta enough after acquiring him to sign him to a three-year, $15.5 million extension, and after two more solid seasons, his production has nosedived this year. With a .181 average and .604 OPS, he's lost significant time to rookie Carlos Perez and will likely be shown the door this winter.
Matt Joyce was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Kevin Jepsen in hopes he could add some left-handedness to the lineup. Instead, he's been nothing short of awful, hitting .178 with a .572 OPS. Less than ideal production in a contract year.
The team cornered the market on second-tier outfielders at the deadline, and Shane Victorino as well as option-year players David Murphy ($7 million) and David DeJesus ($5 million) will likely all be cut loose at season's end.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
Top Free Agent
- 2B Howie Kendrick (32 years old)
| .296/.341/.418 | 110 | 124 | 20 | 9 | 49 | 57 | 6 | 1.0 |
He hasn't graded out nearly as well as last season from a WAR standpoint, slipping form a carer-high 5.3 to just 1.0 this year, but Howie Kendrick remains one of the more consistent offensive second basemen in the league.
His defense has been the biggest difference, as he's taken a huge downswing in both defensive runs saved (7 vs. -11) and UZR/150 (6.7 vs. -5.0), according to FanGraphs.
At any rate, he should still see plenty of interest as the top second base option on the market, and don't rule out him potentially re-signing with the Dodgers.
Other Free Agents
- SP Brett Anderson, SP Mat Latos, SS Jimmy Rollins, 2B Chase Utley, RP Jim Johnson, SP Zack Greinke (opt-out), SP Bronson Arroyo (option), RP J.P. Howell (option), RP Joel Peralta (option)
The big question here is whether the team will be able to re-sign Zack Greinke when he inevitably opts out of the remaining three years and $77 million on his current contract.
Brett Anderson (23 GS, 7-7, 3.48 ERA) has been one of the better reclamation project signings in recent memory, justifying what looked to be an incredibly risky one-year, $10 million deal given his injury history.
On the other hand, Mat Latos and Jimmy Rollins have both struggled through mediocre contract years, while reliever Jim Johnson has struggled mightily since joining the Dodgers at the deadline. Newly acquired Chase Utley needs 500 plate appearances for his $13 million option to vest, a number he won't reach, and he could be headed for retirement at season's end.
The team's option on Bronson Arroyo ($11 million) is a lock to be declined, but they could opt to bring back J.P. Howell ($6.25 million) and Joel Peralta ($2.5 million) in their continued search for bullpen stability.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
Top Free Agent
- OF Ichiro Suzuki (41 years old)
| .262/.315/.323 | 78 | 77 | 3 | 1 | 20 | 36 | 10 | 0.0 |
Ichiro is a shell of the player he was in his prime with the Seattle Mariners, and understandably so at the age of 41, but he'll catch on somewhere in his chase for 3,000 hits.
He currently sits at 2,921 hits over the course of his 15-year MLB career, and a return to Seattle to surpass the milestone would be a fitting end to a Hall of Fame career.
He's currently playing on a one-year, $2 million deal, and it likely won't cost more than that to sign him once again this offseason.
Other Free Agents
- C Jeff Mathis, 1B/3B Casey McGehee, UT Don Kelly, RP Chris Narveson
Jeff Mathis and Don Kelly will likely continue to find work one way or another as bench pieces, while Casey McGehee again finds himself hitting the free-agent market with little value.
After a surprise comeback with the Marlins last year, McGehee flopped as the replacement for Pablo Sandoval in San Francisco, and he wound up back in Miami after being released.
He's hit just .197 with a .578 OPS since rejoining the club, but the Marlins loved his veteran leadership a year ago, so bringing him back as a bench player might be an option.
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Kyle Lohse (36 years old)
| 26/22 | 131.0 | 5-13 | 6.11 | 5.03 | 1.450 | 2.3 | 6.3 | -1.0 |
The 2015 season has been nothing short of a disaster for veteran right-hander Kyle Lohse, as he's been relegated to mop-up duty in the bullpen after struggling through 22 starts.
Some decline was to be expected given his age, but it's been a steep drop-off, as just last season he went 13-9 with a 3.54 ERA over 198.1 innings of work.
He'll probably have to settle for a minor league deal if he wants to keep pitching, but he's also probably not as bad as his 2015 performance suggests.
Other Free Agents
- RP Neal Cotts, 1B Adam Lind (option)
Neal Cotts was out of the league for three years before popping back up with the Texas Rangers in 2013, and he turned that into a one-year, $3 million deal with the Brewers this past offseason.
He's pitched to a 3.28 ERA in 50 appearances, and there's always a market for productive left-handed relievers, so expect a similar deal this winter.
The Brewers likely would have traded Adam Lind at the deadline if they didn't intend on exercising his $8 million option, so expect him to be back in Milwaukee. He'll be a steal at that price if he can match his 2015 production.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Mike Pelfrey (31 years old)
| 23 | 134.1 | 6-7 | 3.62 | 3.90 | 1.392 | 2.6 | 4.4 | 2.1 |
Mike Pelfrey had a rough first two seasons in Minnesota, going 5-16 with a 5.56 ERA and making just 34 starts combined, but he's enjoying a strong and healthy season here in 2015.
Still just 31 years old, and now all the way back from elbow surgery, he could be in line for a nice bump up from the two-year, $11 million deal he signed last time he was a free agent if he finishes the campaign strong.
Keep in mind, this is a guy who went 15-9 with a 3.66 ERA in 204 innings of work for the New York Mets back in 2010, so there is some history of success when he's right.
Other Free Agents
- RF Torii Hunter, RP Brian Duensing, RP Blaine Boyer
Torii Hunter made a lot of sense as a veteran addition on a young team, signing a one-year, $10.5 million deal to go back to where it all started. He's clearly lost a few steps, hitting just .234/.288/.410 on the year, but he has managed 16 doubles, 18 home runs and 61 RBI. Don't be surprised if the 40-year-old is back on another one-year deal if he wants to keep playing.
Brian Duensing (44 G, 5 HLD, 4.67 ERA) and Blaine Boyer (51 G, 15 HLD, 2.98 ERA) have both been key setup arms for closer Glen Perkins, so the team could look to re-sign one or both.
New York Mets
18 of 30
Top Free Agent
- LF Yoenis Cespedes (29 years old)
| .290/.320/.494 | 124 | 138 | 33 | 20 | 69 | 70 | 6 | 4.2 |
The New York Mets were in desperate need of a bat at the trade deadline, and they landed a big one in Yoenis Cespedes. The question now is, will he return next season?
That's a bit tricky, as Mike Vorkunov of NJ.com explains:
"Cespedes will be a free agent after this season but has a complicating factor in his contract. If he does not sign an extension by five days after the World Series, then the Mets must release him because of a clause in his contract.
That would mean the Mets could no longer sign him in the off season because any player released after Aug. 31 cannot be re-signed by that club until May 15. Nor can the Mets make Cespedes a qualifying offer.
"
Things will move quickly once the season ends, one way or another. With prospects Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto in the mix, the team may not want to commit the money it will take to sign Cespedes and risk blocking their young talent.
Other Free Agents
- SP Bartolo Colon, 2B Daniel Murphy, RP Tyler Clippard, 3B Juan Uribe, UT Kelly Johnson, RP Bobby Parnell, RP Jerry Blevins, RP Eric O'Flaherty
At this point, you have to assume that 42-year-old Bartolo Colon has at least another decade of good baseball ahead of him. He's 10-11 with a 4.58 ERA in 23 starts this campaign, and he should be able to latch onto someone's rotation if he wants to keep pitching. It just won't be the Mets, given their wealth of young arms.
Daniel Murphy has been a steady performer over the years, and he's stepped in admirably at third base in place of David Wright. However, the team has a number of promising young players capable of replacing him, most notably Dilson Herrera, so he could be headed elsewhere.
Veterans Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson are the perfect bench pieces to add for a stretch run, but they'll likely both be gone this coming offseason.
Reliever Tyler Clippard has been great since being acquired at the deadline, and he'll command a multiyear deal in free agency. Meanwhile, Bobby Parnell, Jerry Blevins and Eric O'Flaherty are all capable relievers if healthy, but they may have to settle for minor league deals given their injury issues.
New York Yankees
19 of 30
Top Free Agent
- CF Chris Young (31 years old)
| .253/.312/.471 | 116 | 66 | 18 | 13 | 36 | 45 | 3 | 1.1 |
A flop with the New York Mets, Chris Young joined the New York Yankees down the stretch last season after being released and hit .282/.354/.521 with eight doubles and three home runs in 71 at-bats.
That was enough for the team to bring him back on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, and he's been a terrific platoon bat in their outfield.
Young doesn't hit right-handed pitching at all, but he has a .339/.398/.635 line in 115 at-bats against lefties on the year. He's essentially the current version of what Scott Hairston was five years ago, and there's plenty of value in that.
Other Free Agents
- 2B Stephen Drew, IF Brendan Ryan (option)
Despite the presence of prospects Jose Pirela and Rob Refsnyder, the Yankees decided to sign Stephen Drew to a one-year, $5 million deal to be the primary second baseman.
His 14 doubles and 15 home runs represent solid production for the position, but he's hit just .194 in the process. Turning things over to the young guys next year makes sense, but don't be shocked if Drew is back on another one-year deal.
Slick-fielding Brendan Ryan should be able to find a job somewhere as a utility infielder, but his $2 million option may be declined by the Yankees with so many young infielders in the mix for playing time.
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
Top Free Agent
- RP Edward Mujica (31 years old)
| 36 | 36.0 | 2-4 | 3 | 5.25 | 1.333 | 1.3 | 6.0 | -0.6 |
Edward Mujica came out of nowhere to save 37 games and earn a spot on the NL All-Star roster while pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013, and that earned him a two-year, $9.5 million deal from the Boston Red Sox.
After pitching to a 3.09 ERA in 64 games last season, he struggled to a 4.61 ERA in 11 appearances this campaign before being designated for assignment.
The Oakland Athletics scooped him up off waivers, but things have not improved any with the change of scenery. In fact, they've gotten worse, as he has a 5.64 ERA in 25 games with Oakland. He'll need to pitch his way onto a roster this coming spring on a minor league deal.
Other Free Agents
- None
After trading Scott Kazmir, Ben Zobrist and Tyler Clippard at the deadline, the A's don't have any other free agents.
That should give GM Billy Beane plenty of time to focus on his yearly roster overhaul.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Aaron Harang (37 years old)
| 21 | 126.0 | 5-14 | 4.79 | 4.40 | 1.381 | 2.5 | 5.9 | 0.3 |
Despite going 12-12 with a 3.57 ERA (3.57 FIP) in 204.1 innings for the Atlanta Braves last season, Aaron Harang found little interest on the free-agent market, eventually agreeing to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Things have not gone quite as smoothly this season, as he leads the NL with 14 losses and has seen his ERA climb by over a run, but he's still a useful innings eater.
He does have 10 quality starts in his 21 appearances, though it's worth nothing the last one came back on May 30.
Other Free Agents
- OF Jeff Francoeur, SP Jerome Williams, SP Chad Billingsley, SP Cliff Lee (option)
Jeff Francoeur has enjoyed a surprisingly productive season for the Phillies, hitting .280/.307/.490 with 13 doubles, 12 home runs and 38 RBI in 243 at-bats. It's actually somewhat surprising a contender didn't make a play to acquire him at the deadline, and he should be able to land a bench job somewhere in the offseason.
Jerome Williams and Chad Billingsley will be minor league flier candidates in the offseason, and Williams does have some value in his ability to pitch out of the bullpen and rotation.
It will cost the team $12.5 million to buy out its $27.5 million option on Cliff Lee, but that's a necessary evil at this point given his arm issues.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP A.J. Burnett (38 years old)
| 21 | 135.1 | 8-5 | 3.06 | 3.10 | 1.337 | 2.4 | 7.6 | 2.3 |
An All-Star for the first time this season, A.J. Burnett appears to have made the right decision turning down his player option with the Philadelphia Phillies and taking less money to rejoin the Pittsburgh Pirates.
However, he's currently sidelined with a flexor strain that is expected to keep him on the sidelines until at least September, and the team picked up J.A. Happ at the trade deadline as a result.
Burnett indicated when he re-signed with the Pirates that this would be his final season, and at this point, that still seems to be the plan.
"The past couple of years, it was year by year,” he told Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports in February. “I thought about [retiring] a few years ago in New York. But now this is it. This is my last hurrah. I’m cool with that."
Other Free Agents
- SP J.A. Happ, RP Joakim Soria, RP Antonio Bastardo, 3B Aramis Ramirez, UT Sean Rodriguez, 1B Corey Hart, RP Joe Blanton
Aramis Ramirez will join Burnett in retirement at season's end, while veterans like Corey Hart, Sean Rodriguez and Joe Blanton seem like safe bets to be playing elsewhere.
Starter J.A. Happ has been a steady back-of-the-rotation arm for much of his career, and he could be re-signed to help ease the transition to the majors for prospects like Tyler Glasnow next season.
Joakim Soria (11 G, 1.93 ERA) and Antonio Bastardo (47 G, 3.38 ERA) are both key late-inning arms alongside Tony Watson and Mark Melancon right now, and both could be re-signed depending on the team's bullpen plans for next year.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Top Free Agent
- LF Justin Upton (27 years old)
| .255/.342/.444 | 122 | 105 | 14 | 20 | 64 | 65 | 18 | 3.7 |
More than a few people were surprised to see Justin Upton stay put as the trade deadline came and went, and he's now an obvious candidate for a qualifying offer this offseason.
The Padres intend to make a run at re-signing him, but given his age and power from the right side, it will no doubt cost north of $100 million to do so.
"He's definitely going to be one of the options we talk about," GM A.J. Preller told Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com. "He's made a very positive impression here. We're going to sit down in the offseason and see what we can do with him."
Other Free Agents
- SP Ian Kennedy, RP Shawn Kelley, SP Brandon Morrow, SP Josh Johnson, SP Bud Norris, SP Cory Luebke (option), SS Clint Barmes (option)
Ian Kennedy also looked like a prime candidate to be moved at the deadline, and he too could garner a qualifying offer. The right-hander has gone 7-11 with a 4.20 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 122 innings on the year.
Reliever Shawn Kelley (42 G, 2.70 ERA, 10.4 K/9) could be re-signed, but the Padres tend to shuffle through relievers fairly regularly so they won't overpay.
Brandon Morrow and Josh Johnson both flopped as reclamation projects, while Bud Norris was only grabbed off waivers to eat some innings down the stretch.
Injured starter Cory Luebke ($7.5 million) and veteran shortstop Clint Barmes ($2 million) both have options the team will need to decide on.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Mike Leake (27 years old)
| 22 | 143.0 | 9-6 | 3.52 | 3.94 | 1.168 | 2.3 | 6.0 | 1.9 |
Mike Leake has been a solid No. 3 starter since being taken with the No. 8 pick in the 2009 draft and jumping straight from college to the big leagues.
For his career, he's gone 62-48 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.277 ERA, and he's been slightly better across the board so far this year.
He's on the same level as someone like Jason Hammel, who got a two-year, $22 million deal last offseason. But at four years younger, he should be able to get at least a four-year deal. Whether the Giants have any interest in bringing him back remains to be seen.
Other Free Agents
- SP Tim Lincecum, SP Tim Hudson, RP Jeremy Affeldt, SP Ryan Vogelsong, IF Marco Scutaro, OF Nori Aoki (option), LF Marlon Byrd (option)
Tim Lincecum looked to have turned a corner when he went 4-2 with a 2.08 ERA over his first eight starts this season. He went 3-2 with a 7.53 ERA in his next seven starts, though, before landing on the disabled list. He'll have to take a serious pay cut, but there will be reclamation interest.
This is likely the end for Tim Hudson, who fell off dramatically in the second half last year and has gone 6-8 with a 4.80 ERA in 17 starts this year. He's quietly had a terrific career, racking up 220 wins in 17 seasons.
Ryan Vogelsong (27 G, 19 GS, 9-8, 3.93 ERA) and Jeremy Affeldt (43 G, 5.34 ERA) could both be back at the right price, but they're also both north of 35 years old, so it would likely only be on one-year deals.
Nori Aoki has played well enough to make his $5.5 million option a no-brainer.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Top Free Agent
- CF Austin Jackson (28 years old)
| .257/.300/.366 | 91 | 98 | 17 | 7 | 33 | 39 | 15 | 1.1 |
When Austin Jackson hit .300/.377/.479 with 29 doubles, 10 triples and 16 home runs during his age-25 season back in 2012, he looked like a star in the making for the Detroit Tigers.
However, that's proven to be his peak, and he's since settled in as an average center fielder.
There's upside here as a buy-low candidate, and he could wind up signing a one-year deal similar to what Colby Rasmus did last year in an effort to boost his stock and make another run at free agency.
Other Free Agents
- SP Hisashi Iwakuma, RP Fernando Rodney, CF Franklin Gutierrez, RP Joe Beimel
Hisashi Iwakuma has been a pleasant surprise throughout his time with the Seattle Mariners, and while he's battled injury the past two seasons, he's gone 5-2 with a 3.74 ERA in 12 starts this year, including a no-hitter.
Bringing the 34-year-old back on a two-year deal seems reasonable, though the Mariners could let him walk with so many young arms in the mix.
Fernando Rodney (53 G, 5.19 ERA) and Joe Beimel (42 G, 4.78 ERA) have both taken steps back after strong seasons last year, so they look like minor league contract candidates.
Meanwhile, expect Franklin Gutierrez to grab some Comeback Player of the Year votes, as he's hit .293/.327/.609 with eight doubles and seven home runs in 92 at-bats after rejoining the team on a minor league deal in June.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Top Free Agent
- RF Jason Heyward (26 years old)
| .287/.342/.436 | 112 | 117 | 24 | 11 | 43 | 57 | 18 | 4.0 |
It's not often a star-caliber player reaches free agency at the age of 27, and that should mean big money for Jason Heyward.
He has yet to turn into the slugger many expected him to be, but he gets on base at a good clip and is a solid base stealer for his size. He's also hit .330/.387/.500 since the All-Star break, so his offense is on the upswing.
Add to that his elite defense in right field (14 DRS, 18.4 UZR/150), and he should get a deal well north of $100 million. The question is whether that deal will come from the Cardinals, as both sides are leaving that door open.
"At this point, I think both sides are OK with that, OK with where things are right now," Heyward told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “Both sides want to make sure everybody is happy."
Other Free Agents
- SP John Lackey, RP Matt Belisle, 1B Mark Reynolds, RP Carlos Villanueva, RP Randy Choate, RP Jonathan Broxton, SP Jaime Garcia (option)
John Lackey has pitched for a $500,000 salary this year due to a clause in his contract, and he's far exceeded that in terms of value by going 10-7 with a 2.87 ERA in 159.2 innings. He's a fiery competitor and clearly still has plenty left in the tank, so he'll get a significant bump in salary next year.
Offseason additions Matt Belisle, Mark Reynolds and Carlos Villanueva could all wind up being expendable, and the same goes for soft-tossing lefty Randy Choate.
Part of the terms of acquiring Jonathan Broxton from the Milwaukee Brewers was that the Cardinals would get $3 million, $2 million of which would go toward the buyout on his $9 million option. If they don't decline his option, they don't receive that $2 million, and it seems like a safe bet they'll opt to decline.
A healthy Jaime Garcia is easily worth his $11.5 million option for next year, so staying on the field the rest of the way will be important as far as his future with the team is concerned.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SS Asdrubal Cabrera (29 years old)
| .261/.309/.409 | 101 | 99 | 24 | 8 | 32 | 47 | 4 | 1.3 |
The Tampa Bay Rays signed Asdrubal Cabrera to a one-year, $7.5 million deal to replace Yunel Escobar at shortstop, and he's been a decent pickup for an offensively challenged club.
The 29-year-old will probably never match his 32-double, 25-homer performance from back in 2011, but he's a serviceable everyday shortstop and there is always a shortage of those on the free-agent market.
He's a below-average fielder, but he's actually graded out better than normal this year (-3 DRS, 3.8 UZR/150). A willingness to play second base or serve as a super utility player of sorts would add to his value.
Other Free Agents
- DH John Jaso, OF Grady Sizemore
The Rays brought back John Jaso as part of the package they acquired from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Ben Zobrist.
Injuries have limited him to just 37 games, but he's hit .309/.384/.443 when he has managed to make it onto the field. On-base skills are his biggest asset, as he carries a career .354 on-base percentage and 11.2 percent walk rate. He's a candidate to be re-signed, but he could find more money elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Grady Sizemore just keeps finding work as he's hit .219/.255/.458 with five doubles and six home runs in 96 at-bats since catching on with the Rays. He'll have to play his way onto a roster with a minor league deal, and the Rays will likely be among the teams willing to offer one up.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Yovani Gallardo (29 years old)
| 25 | 143.1 | 9-9 | 3.39 | 3.96 | 1.347 | 3.4 | 5.8 | 2.8 |
The Texas Rangers opted to hold onto Yovani Gallardo at the trade deadline, even though some felt he could be moved even after they traded for Cole Hamels, and at the very least, he looks like a candidate for a qualifying offer.
After spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he went 89-64 with a 3.69 ERA and 8.6 K/9, he's posted a career-best 3.39 ERA so far this season.
Given his age, he'll likely be in line for at least a three-year deal, and the Rangers should be among the teams interested as he'd be a terrific No. 3 starter behind Hamels and Yu Darvish.
Other Free Agents
- SP Colby Lewis, 1B Mike Napoli, CF Will Venable, OF Kyle Blanks, C Bobby Wilson
After missing all of 2013 recovering from elbow surgery and struggling to a 5.18 ERA with an AL-high 14 losses last season, the Rangers re-signed Colby Lewis on a one-year, $4 million deal.
That's been one of the steals of the offseason, as the 36-year-old has gone 13-5 with a 4.49 ERA (4.11 FIP) and 1.188 WHIP. He'll almost certainly be re-signed, and could wind up with a two-year deal.
Mike Napoli and Will Venable were nice additions to the lineup for the team's surprise stretch run, but they'll likely be nothing more than rentals.
Kyle Blanks and Bobby Wilson played their way onto the roster on minor league deals and will be in line for similar contracts this winter.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP David Price (29 years old)
| 24 | 168.1 | 11-4 | 2.41 | 2.92 | 1.093 | 1.8 | 8.7 | 4.9 |
The Toronto Blue Jays went all-in at the trade deadline, and the big move was landing ace David Price from the Detroit Tigers.
He's lived up to the billing so far, going 2-0 with a 1.61 ERA in his first three starts with the team, and the team will be counting on him to keep it going down the stretch and into the playoffs.
The team will no doubt make an effort to re-sign him, but it'll have a number of teams to contend with. Don't be surprised if the big left-hander gets a deal north of the seven-year, $210 million contract Max Scherzer signed last winter.
Other Free Agents
- SP Mark Buehrle, SP Marco Estrada, C Dioner Navarro, RP LaTroy Hawkins, RP Mark Lowe, IF Cliff Pennington, RF Jose Bautista (option), 1B Edwin Encarnacion (option), SP R.A. Dickey (option), Maicer Izturis (option)
Prior to acquiring Price, veteran Mark Buehrle had been the Blue Jays' best starter, as he's gone 13-6 with a 3.45 ERA this campaign. Few pitchers in recent memory have been as durable, as he's on track for his 15th consecutive season of 200-plus innings. Even at 36 years old, he'll find plenty of interest on the open market.
Marco Estrada has been a solid addition to the staff in a rare win-win trade that sent Adam Lind to the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason. The 32-year-old is 10-7 with a 3.20 ERA, though a 4.01 FIP suggests he's pitched over his head a bit.
Designated hitter Dioner Navarro will likely opt to go somewhere he can catch, while veteran deadline additions Cliff Pennington, LaTroy Hawkins and Mark Lowe are really just stretch-run depth.
Jose Bautista ($14 million) and Edwin Encarnacion ($10 million) both have very reasonable options that are no-brainers to be exercised, while the decision on R.A. Dickey ($12 million) is being made a bit easier by a strong second half (7 GS, 4-0, 2.33 ERA).
Maicer Izturis has a $3 million option with a $1 million buyout that the team will likely opt to go with.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Top Free Agent
- SP Jordan Zimmermann (29 years old)
| 25 | 154.1 | 9-8 | 3.44 | 3.44 | 1.205 | 1.6 | 7.0 | 2.5 |
Jason Heyward and Jordan Zimmermann are probably the two most intriguing "will they re-sign" candidates on the market this offseason.
Zimmermann has been by far the most consistent starter on the Nationals staff the past four years, going 54-30 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.128 WHIP since the start of 2012.
He hasn't been quite as good as he was last year, when he went 14-5 with a 2.66 ERA and finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting, but he'll still fetch a contract over $100 million.
Other Free Agents
- SS Ian Desmond, SP Doug Fister, CF Denard Span, RP Matt Thornton, OF Reed Johnson, IF Dan Uggla, OF Nate McLouth (option)
Even with Ian Desmond and Doug Fister both struggling this season and Denard Span battling injury for much of the year, don't be surprised if all three players get serious consideration for a qualifying offer.
That will depend on the expected market, though, as the team is likely not interested in bringing any of them back since it has clear replacements in Trea Turner, Joe Ross and Michael Taylor.
Matt Thornton (43 G, 2.97 ERA) was acquired last August and he's given the team the reliable lefty reliever it had been lacking for years. He'll be 39 years old next year, but if he wants to keep pitching, the team could have interest in bringing him back.
Nate McLouth has been disappointing during his time with the team, so his $6.5 million option will almost certainly be bought out for $750,000.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted. Contract information comes via Spotrac.com.
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