How Each Top-15 MLB Free Agent Will Be Replaced by Former Team in 2017
All 30 MLB teams have holes to fill this offseason, but for teams set to lose one of the market's marquee free agents, those holes are a bit more glaring.
How will the Toronto Blue Jays replace Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista, a duo that has been among the most dangerous in all of baseball over the past several seasons?
The Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals—all teams expected to be contenders once again in 2017—are set to lose their respective closers. Will we see a shuffling of relief aces among those teams, or will someone else swoop in and shake things up?
The Baltimore Orioles let the AL home run leader walk two years ago when Nelson Cruz signed with the Seattle Mariners. Will they do the same with Mark Trumbo?
There is no shortage of questions surrounding what teams will do in the aftermath of losing a top-tier free agent.
With that in mind, ahead is a look at the options teams have—both in-house and on the free-agent and trade markets—for filling the voids left behind by the free-agent market's top 15 players.
Mark Trumbo: Baltimore Orioles—Right Field
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In-House Options
With Adam Jones entrenched as the starting center fielder and Hyun Soo Kim likely to see regular playing time in left field—at least against right-handed pitching—the Baltimore Orioles will have one corner outfield position to fill with the departure of Mark Trumbo.
Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard and Dariel Alvarez both profile more as fourth outfielders going forward, so the one in-house candidate worth a look here is Christian Walker.
Walker, 25, has been one of the better position-player prospects in a thin Orioles system since being taken in the fourth round of the 2012 draft.
A first baseman by trade, he moved to the outfield last year after the team re-signed Chris Davis to a long-term deal. His ceiling is probably a .260 average and 20 home runs, but he's their best option at the moment.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com tweeted after the general manager meetings that the Orioles are seeking a left-handed-hitting outfielder, so that's what we'll focus on here.
The Orioles don't have the prospect depth to pull off a major trade, otherwise the Chicago White Sox could be a potential trade partner with Melky Cabrera and Adam Eaton lining up as potential fits.
Instead, they'll likely play the mid-level free-agent market, and Josh Reddick is already being pursued by the team, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Michael Saunders, Jon Jay and Matt Joyce also fall in that same area of the market, though Joyce is strictly a platoon player and Jay might prefer the opportunity to play center field elsewhere.
Predicted Outcome
Josh Reddick is signed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal.
Matt Wieters: Baltimore Orioles—Catcher
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In-House Options
The Orioles opted against extending another qualifying offer to Matt Wieters after he accepted the one-year deal last winter, leaving them with a clear void to fill behind the plate.
Backup Caleb Joseph returns, but he's best suited remaining on the bench, as he hit just .174/.216/.197 over 141 plate appearances last season.
The big question now is whether top prospect Chance Sisco is ready for the majors.
The 21-year-old spent the bulk of last season in Double-A, hitting .317/.403/.430 with 28 doubles, though his receiving skills are still a work in progress and he threw out just 24 percent of base stealers.
While it's not out of the question to think Sisco could debut at some point in 2017, it's unlikely he'll be ready to step into the starting role on Opening Day.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
Wilson Ramos might not be ready to catch on a regular basis right away in 2017, and both Wieters and Jason Castro figure to command multiyear deals, so look for the Orioles to turn their focus to the second tier of the free-agent market.
Veterans Alex Avila and Kurt Suzuki could be stopgap options a one-year deal, as could Nick Hundley, who played 50 games with the Orioles in 2014 after being acquired to replace an injured Wieters.
The trade market is relatively thin on catching options, but Derek Norris should be readily available with the San Diego Padres set to turn the starting catching job over to Austin Hedges.
An All-Star in 2014, Norris hit just .186 this past season, albeit with 17 doubles and 14 home runs. He also graded out as one of the better pitch-framers in the league, per Stat Corner, and with two years of team control remaining, he would allow the O's to ease Sisco into the job.
Norris is projected to earn $4 million in arbitration this year, so the Padres might be happy just unloading his salary with a minimal prospect return.
Predicted Outcome
Nick Hundley is signed to a one-year, $6 million deal.
Aroldis Chapman: Chicago Cubs—Closer
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In-House Options
Prior to the Aroldis Chapman trade, Hector Rondon converted 18 of 22 save chances with a 1.95 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 11.7 K/9 in 38 appearances as the Chicago Cubs closer.
However, he missed time with a triceps injury in August and was never the same once he returned, posting a 12.46 ERA over his final 11 appearances.
Manager Joe Maddon showed little faith in him during the postseason, instead turning to rookie Carl Edwards Jr. and Pedro Strop as the primary setup men ahead of Chapman.
Those two could both get a look in the ninth if Rondon continues to struggle, and they have the strikeout stuff to be viable options.
However, assuming Rondon is back to his pre-injury form heading into spring training, he should get the first crack at the closer job if no outside additions are made.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
"The Cubs will be 'targeted' in their approach this winter, GM Jed Hoyer said Tuesday, after essentially combining two offseasons into one as a hedge against a weak overall free-agent class," Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago wrote.
That could mean re-signing Chapman or making a run at Kenley Jansen or Mark Melancon in free agency is off the table.
Perhaps a trade for Wade Davis—who is in the final year of his contract with a $10 million salary—could be an alternative, as the Cubs have plenty of talent down on the farm to swing a deal.
"We’re going to explore every avenue," Hoyer told reporters in regard to the pitching market. "Obviously, there’s an appeal to guys in the free-agent market that have had great track records. But I think closers come from all over."
Greg Holland was one of the best closers in baseball prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery late in the 2015 season, and he'll be looking for a prove-it-type deal now that he's healthy once again.
The Cubs are among the teams that have shown legitimate interest in the 30-year-old, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Predicted Outcome
Hector Rondon returns to the closer's role and multiple outside-the-box signings are made to bolster the bullpen.
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Dexter Fowler: Chicago Cubs—Center Field
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In-House Options
The Chicago Cubs' outfield situation will be fluid in 2017, but the one player who stands to benefit most from the departure of Dexter Fowler is Albert Almora Jr.
The most common outfield alignment figures to be Kyle Schwarber in left field, Jason Heyward in center field and Ben Zobrist in right field, but the way Joe Maddon shuffles his lineup, that won't be an everyday occurrence.
There will be games where Zobrist plays second and both Heyward and Almora start in the outfield, with Javier Baez getting a day off or sliding over to shortstop to give Addison Russell a day off.
There will also be games where Zobrist starts at second, Baez slides over to third and Kris Bryant plays one of the corner outfield spots or gets a breather
With a ton of moving parts, the big takeaway here is that you can expect to see more of Almora in 2017.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
The Cubs could make a play to bring back Fowler, and they could also opt to flip Jorge Soler for pitching, as he looks to be the odd-man out.
However, it's hard to envision a scenario where they look to add another outfielder in free agency or on the trade market.
Predicted Outcome
Dexter Fowler walks and Albert Almora gets 400-plus plate appearances.
Mike Napoli: Cleveland Indians—First Base
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In-House Options
The Cleveland Indians can cast a wider net in their search for a Napoli replacement if they install Carlos Santana as the everyday first baseman and open up the DH role.
One option then could be to make Michael Brantley the primary DH, at least to start the season, in an effort to get him back to full strength and keep him healthy.
That would free up the starting left field job, with Abraham Almonte, Brandon Guyer and top prospect Bradley Zimmer as in-house candidates to start there.
However, if the team prefers a similar first base/DH option to fill the role of Napoli, Jesus Aguilar could be that guy.
The 26-year-old posted a .791 OPS with 26 doubles, 30 home runs and 92 RBI in Triple-A last season.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
With Rajai Davis also departing in free agency, it would make sense for the Indians to target a right-handed-hitting outfielder.
Taking a chance on Carlos Gomez or targeting a lower-level free agent like Angel Pagan could help provide depth. It would also allow for Brantley to spend some time at DH as suggested above.
As for more specific DH targets, guys like Brandon Moss, Pedro Alvarez, Mitch Moreland and Adam Lind could all fall within the Indians' price range and help replace some of the power production that would be lost with Napoli.
Predicted Outcome
Mike Napoli is re-signed to a two-year, $25 million deal.
Rich Hill: Los Angeles Dodgers—No. 2 Starter
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In-House Options
Looking ahead to the 2017 season, there is no shortage of starting pitching options for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Who will replace Rich Hill as the Robin to Clayton Kershaw's Batman, though?
The leading in-house candidates to fill that No. 2 starter role would be Kenta Maeda, Julio Urias and Jose De Leon.
Veterans Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy will also be rotation candidates as they look to hold off 2016 rookies Brock Stewart and Ross Stripling, but those four profile more as back-of-the-rotation arms.
Maeda was 16-11 with a 3.48 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 179 strikeouts in 175.2 innings, earning him a third-place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting. It was a terrific debut, but at 28 years old, he doesn't offer much in the way of upside and slots better as a good No. 3 starter on a contender.
Urias has as high a ceiling as any young pitcher in the game, but at 20 years old he may still be a few years away from reaching his front-line ceiling.
As for De Leon, the 24-year-old has the impressive three-pitch repertoire and plus command to thrive at the highest level, but he's short on MLB experience with just 17 innings under his belt.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
Hill is the only starter on the free-agent market capable of performing like a No. 2 starter, and the Dodgers have already engaged in "dialogue" with his agent this offseason, according to Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times.
As for the trade market, the Dodgers have the assets down on the farm to swing a major trade.
Chris Sale and Jose Quintana could both be targets if the White Sox decide to aggressively sell, and the two teams have a history after taking part in the three-team blockbuster that sent Todd Frazier to Chicago last winter.
Chris Archer (TB) and Sonny Gray (OAK) are two other front-line arms that could theoretically be available, while Jake Odorizzi (TB) is a quality secondary target with some upside and attractive remaining team control.
Predicted Outcome
Chris Archer is acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Kenley Jansen: Los Angeles Dodgers—Closer
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In-House Options
Just how integral has Kenley Jansen been to the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen?
No one else on the roster recorded a save in 2016.
The in-house options are sparse, and the departure of primary setup man Joe Blanton further cuts into their potential candidates
Pedro Baez is the leading candidate after he tallied 23 holds with a 3.04 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 83 strikeouts in 74 innings last season, but he has zero career saves.
If there's a dark horse to watch, it's Yimi Garcia.
The 26-year-old made just nine appearances last season while battling triceps soreness and then a knee injury, but he was terrific as a rookie in 2015.
The right-hander posted a 3.34 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 10.8 K/9 over 59 appearances and has the stuff to close with a dynamic fastball-slider combination.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
There's a real chance that both Jansen and fellow elite closer Aroldis Chapman both land five-year deals with a total value approaching $90-100 million.
While that price tag is going to scare a lot of mid-market teams off, the Dodgers do not fall into that category, and, in fact, a run at signing both bullpen aces is not completely out of the question.
According to Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers are "expected to make a dedicated pursuit" of Chapman after nearly acquiring the flame-throwing lefty during the winter meetings last offseason.
The New York Yankees and rival San Francisco Giants are stacking up to be the biggest competition for their services, as both are expected to be heavily involved in the high-end reliever market as well.
Should the Dodgers miss out on signing Jansen and Chapman, they could then turn their attention either Mark Melancon as a backup plan in free agency or Wade Davis as a potential trade target.
One way or another, it looks like the Dodgers will fill the closer's role with a significant name.
Predicted Outcome
Aroldis Chapman is signed to a five-year, $90 million deal.
Justin Turner: Los Angeles Dodgers—Third Base
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In-House Options
The closest thing the Los Angeles Dodgers have to an in-house replacement at third base is Rob Segedin.
The 28-year-old hit .319/.392/.598 with 23 doubles, 21 home runs and 69 RBI over 424 plate appearances in Triple-A last season, earning his first taste of big league action.
He played in 40 games with the big club, splitting his time between first base, third base and the two corner outfield spots and hitting .233/.301/.370 with five extra-base hits and 12 RBI in 83 plate appearances.
The other potential in-house candidate is prospect Willie Calhoun, who has played primarily second base but is expected to move to third or a corner outfield spot at some point. He'd benefit from further seasoning in the minors, though, and it's unlikely the team would rely on him as the primary third baseman.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
The free-agent market is incredibly thin at the hot corner, as Luis Valbuena and Aaron Hill are the only viable options for anything more than a minor league deal and a spring training invite.
Valbuena posted an .816 OPS over 342 plate appearances for the Astros last season on the heels of a career-best 25 home runs in 2015. He lost time to Alex Bregman down the stretch, though, and would represent a significant downgrade from Turner.
That makes the trade market a more likely route if the team does in fact let Turner walk.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the Tampa Bay Rays are willing to listen to offers for Evan Longoria, pointing to the Dodgers as a potential fit. In that scenario, he'd be reunited with team president Andrew Friedman, who served as GM of the Rays from 2006 to 2014.
Todd Frazier is another potential trade target if the White Sox decide a fire sale is in order, while Trevor Plouffe (MIN) and Yunel Escobar (LAA) represent cheaper but readily available options.
Predicted Outcome
Justin Turner is re-signed to a four-year, $70 million deal.
Yoenis Cespedes: New York Mets—Left Field
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In-House Options
The New York Mets would still have a relatively solid outfield setup with their incumbent outfielders if Yoenis Cespedes walks, but it would be a major blow to the overall productivity of their lineup.
Jay Bruce is back for another year after being acquired at the trade deadline and Curtis Granderson will be entering the fourth and final year of his current contract, leaving Juan Lagares, Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo to battle for the available playing time.
Conforto turned in a wildly disappointing follow-up to his stellar rookie season, but he still has significant upside.
Nimmo hit a somewhat uninspired .274/.338/.329 in 80 plate appearances with the big club last year, but he has nothing left to prove in the minors after posting a .352/.423/.541 line in Triple-A.
While Lagares is a defensive standout in center field, he's best served as a platoon option against left-handed pitching given his career splits (.252 BA, .633 OPS vs. RHP, .276 BA, .735 OPS vs. LHP).
Free Agents and Trade Targets
There have been some rumblings that the Mets could actually look to flip Bruce this offseason, with the Toronto Blue Jays showing interest, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com (via MLB Network Radio). It's fair to assume that only happens if Cespedes is re-signed, though.
As for potential alternatives to Cespedes, the team had preliminary talks about Dexter Fowler and Jose Bautista during the GM meetings, per Mike Puma of the New York Post.
It's fair to assume that Ian Desmond is also in play as an offensive-minded outfielder who is part of the upper tier of this year's free-agent class.
The trade market is a bit fuzzier at this point, though J.D. Martinez is one name getting thrown around a lot early with the Tigers looking to shed payroll.
One way or another, the Mets will have to find a way to fill the offensive void if Cespedes takes his talents elsewhere.
Predicted Outcome
Yoenis Cespedes is re-signed to a five-year, $125 million deal.
Ivan Nova: Pittsburgh Pirates—No. 3 Starter
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In-House Options
In a move that went largely overlooked at the time, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Ivan Nova from the New York Yankees just before the non-waiver trade deadline.
The 29-year-old had a 4.90 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 97.1 innings of work at the time of the trade, but under the tutelage of Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage he was a different pitcher in Pittsburgh, posting a 3.06 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 52-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 11 starts.
That's enough to make him a top-three starting pitcher on this year's free-agent market, and early reports had him seeking a five-year, $70 million deal, according to Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Assuming that puts him out of the Pirates' price range, the Bucs will field a rotation fronted by Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon but with the rest of the staff seemingly up for grabs.
Tyler Glasnow, Chad Kuhl and Steven Brault all showed flashes in their first taste of MLB action, and Glasnow has huge upside. Those three are expected to compete with Drew Hutchison and Jeff Locke to round out the rotation, but there's no clear No. 3 starter in that group, especially if Glasnow continues to struggle with his command.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
The Pirates are always a team to watch on the free-agent pitching market, as they've had tremendous success with reclamation projects in recent years.
Andrew Cashner is an interesting potential target as someone with plus stuff who has yet to put it all together over a full season.
A reunion with Edinson Volquez is another option, as he went 13-7 with a 3.04 ERA with the team in 2014 before departing for greener pastures.
Derek Holland has expressed interest in joining the Pirates, per Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Brett Anderson and Doug Fister could also be attractive targets on a one-year, prove-it-type deal.
The net they cast will be wide, as always, as they search for another diamond in the rough to complement an otherwise inexperienced staff.
Predicted Outcome
Andrew Cashner is signed to a one-year, $8 million deal with incentives and a mutual option for 2018.
Ian Desmond: Texas Rangers—Center Field
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In-House Options
If you'll remember, Ian Desmond was not the starting center fielder for the Texas Rangers at the beginning of the 2016 season, as he was instead stationed in left field.
The center field job belonged to Delino DeShields Jr., who was fresh off a rookie season that saw him hit .261 with 22 doubles, 10 triples, 83 runs scored and 25 stolen bases as a Rule 5 pick. That was good for a seventh-place finish in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
Expected to be the everyday starter and leadoff hitter, DeShields instead struggled to a .217 average and .596 OPS before being optioned to the minors on May 13. He returned a month later, but the results were essentially the same, with a .197 average and .576 OPS the rest of the way.
Despite those struggles, he's probably the best in-house option for center field at this point. Ryan Rua is better suited at a corner spot and Jared Hoying is more of a role player.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
While re-signing Desmond is still a possibility, it's another Rangers free agent that could wind up being the answer in center field.
According to Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball, the team is interested in bringing back Carlos Gomez after his impressive finish to the season in Arlington.
A .210/.272/.322 line over 323 plate appearances earned Gomez his outright release from the Houston Astros on Aug. 18, and two days later the Rangers scooped him up in their search to replace the injured Shin-Soo Choo.
The 30-year-old went on to hit .284/.362/.543 with eight home runs and 24 RBI in 33 games with Texas, making him perhaps the biggest boom-or-bust candidate on the market.
If he doesn't return, the Rangers could turn their attention to Dexter Fowler or a lesser option such as Jon Jay on the free-agent market, or could make a play for someone like Charlie Blackmon via trade.
Predicted Outcome
Carlos Gomez is re-signed to a one-year, $10 million deal with a mutual option for 2018.
Jose Bautista: Toronto Blue Jays—Right Field
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In-House Options
The Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to replace not one, but two corner outfielders this offseason, as Jose Bautista is joined in free agency by Michael Saunders.
Kevin Pillar is entrenched as the everyday center fielder, leaving some combination of Melvin Upton Jr., Ezequiel Carrera and Dalton Pompey as the leading in-house candidates to see a boost in playing time.
A platoon of the right-handed-hitting Upton (.874 OPS vs. LHP) and left-handed-hitting Carrera might seem like an obvious solution. However, Carrera actually hits lefties (.824 OPS) significantly better than righties (.626 OPS).
Meanwhile, the switch-hitting Pompey hit .270 with 18 stolen bases in Triple-A last season, but managed just 19 extra-base hits and a .702 OPS over 383 plate appearances.
Even if some combination of that group is able to fill one spot, the team will still need to add at least one outfielder capable of playing on an everyday basis.
Prospect Harold Ramirez, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates at the trade deadline, could be ready at some point in the second half after reaching Double-A last year.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
Free agent Josh Reddick and potential trade candidate Jay Bruce were identified as two players the Blue Jays are targeting, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com (via MLB Network Radio).
They have also been linked to versatile free agent Steve Pearce, per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. He could be a fit as a platoon partner for Justin Smoak at first base or given regular at-bats at a corner outfield spot.
Brandon Moss could be a fit if the team is looking for a power bat to replace Bautista's production, while Matt Joyce would provide a left-handed-hitting platoon option to pair with Upton.
This one could take some time to come together, especially if the team is still actively pursuing a reunion with Bautista.
Predicted Outcome
Matt Joyce is signed to a two-year, $12 million deal and Steve Pearce is signed to a one-year, $7 million deal as the Blue Jays go with a committee approach around Pillar.
Edwin Encarnacion: Toronto Blue Jays—Designated Hitter
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In-House Options
Edwin Encarnacion has been one of the most productive sluggers in baseball since his breakout 2012 season, so replacing his production in the middle of the Toronto Blue Jays lineup will be no small task.
The Blue Jays moved quickly to address the need, though.
Kendrys Morales was signed to a three-year, $33 million deal on Nov. 12, giving the team a clear replacement in the middle of the lineup and as the primary DH.
The 33-year-old Morales hit .263/.327/.468 with 24 doubles, 30 home runs and 93 RBI with the Kansas City Royals last season, on the heels of an .847 OPS, 22 home runs and 106 RBI in 2015.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
With Morales signed, the Blue Jays focus will be on addressing the corner outfield situation and upgrading the bullpen.
Nothing more needs to be done to directly address the loss of Encarnacion.
Predicted Outcome
Kendrys Morales has already been signed to fill the void.
Mark Melancon: Washington Nationals—Closer
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In-House Options
The Washington Nationals sent a pair of talented lefty relievers to the Pittsburgh Pirates at the trade deadline to acquire Mark Melancon, who replaced a struggling Jonathan Papelbon in the closer's role.
Melancon was just a rental, so the team is once again searching for a ninth-inning arm.
As far as their incumbent relievers are concerned, Shawn Kelley would be the leading candidate to take over the job.
The 32-year-old pitched to a 2.64 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 12.4 K/9 while going 7-for-9 on save chances, and he carries a healthy $5.5 million salary for the next two seasons.
Blake Treinen would also be a candidate after he led the team in appearances (73) and holds (22) while posting a 2.28 ERA and 1.22 WHIP thanks to a terrific fastball-slider combination.
The wild card of the in-house candidates would be Reynaldo Lopez, who has an electric arm and no clear spot in the starting rotation. The team may prefer to keep the 22-year-old stretched out and working as a starter in the minors, but he could make a serious impact as a late-inning reliever.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
The Nationals will be competing for the same guys we've touched on already with the other closer-needy teams.
Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen will both be in play, as will Wade Davis on the trade market, and the Nationals might actually be more inclined to go the trade route as opposed to adding another hefty long-term commitment to the books.
The Nationals "checked in" on Davis leading up to the trade deadline, according to Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball, so take that for what it's worth.
Kelley actually has the stuff to close, and if the team feels comfortable giving him a chance to do so, they could target a veteran with closer experience as an insurance policy.
Sergio Romo, Joaquin Benoit, Neftali Feliz and Brad Ziegler all fit the bill if that's the preferred route.
Predicted Outcome
Wade Davis is acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals.
Wilson Ramos: Washington Nationals—Catcher
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In-House Options
The Washington Nationals turned to backup Jose Lobaton to do the bulk of the catching down the stretch and into the postseason after Wilson Ramos suffered a torn ACL on Sept. 26.
The 32-year-old is a career .226/.302/.331 hitter, and he outperformed that last season with a .232/.319/.374 line over 114 plate appearances.
Spencer Kieboom (25) and Pedro Severino (23) are the only other backstops on the 40-man roster.
Severino has a real chance of being an everyday catcher down the line, but he needs more time to develop.
As for Kieboom, he's closer to a finished product, but he's a future backup with a career .264/.344/.381 line in the minors.
Free Agents and Trade Targets
Joel Sherman of the New York Post listed the Nationals as one team that is believed to have interest in New York Yankees trade candidate Brian McCann, with the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves being the other teams specifically mentioned.
The 32-year-old is owed $34 million over the next two years, and he's not the same offensive threat he was during his time in Atlanta, but he does a good job handling the staff and is a near lock for 20 home runs.
Matt Wieters is the top free agent on the market outside of Ramos, and he figures to get at least a three-year deal. The same goes for Jason Castro, who has generated significant early interest and could be the first domino to fall on the catcher market.
If the Nats are confident that Severino can make a run at being the everyday guy by 2018, they might prefer a stopgap option like Kurt Suzuki, Alex Avila or Nick Hundley on a one-year deal.
Predicted Outcome
Matt Wieters is signed to a three-year, $40 million deal.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and FanGraphs unless otherwise noted. Projected salaries courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors. Contract information via Spotrac unless otherwise noted.
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