MLB Rumors: Predictions for the Top 50 MLB Free Agents
It's finally time for free agency in Major League baseball. Fans are excited to see what major players their teams may land this year. And players are excited to see how large their contracts will be.
Honorable Mention
1 of 51
Listed below are the players who just missed making the list.
- Vicente Padilla
- Nick Johnson
- Frank Fransisco
- Jose Contreras
- Brad Penny
50) Koji Uehara
2 of 51
2010 Stats: 1-2, 13 SV, 2.86 ERA, 0.96 WHIP
Prediction: Royals
Uehara can pitch both in the rotation and out of the bullpen. The Royals need help in both of these roles and Uehara’s versatility and low cost should appeal to them. He can occupy a spot in the rotation until some of the Royals prospects are ready, and then, he can move to the bullpen.
49) Grant Balfour
3 of 51
2010 Stats: 2-1, 2.28 ERA, 1.08 WHIP
Prediction: Phillies
Balfour will strengthen the Phillies bullpen. He would provide added stability and could also serve as a setup man if necessary.
48) Bill Hall
4 of 51
2010 Stats: .247/.316/.456, 18 HR, 46 RBI, 9 SB
Prediction: Royals
Hall had a great year filling in as a utility player for the Red Sox. He should be able to find a starting role in Kansas City where he may be able to shine.
47) Brandon Webb
5 of 51
2010 Stats: DNP
Prediction: Nationals
Brandon Webb is a risk after having only pitched in one game the past two seasons. The Nationals are a team that can afford to take a risk on him. Seems like a perfect match.
46) Scott Podsednik
6 of 51
2010 Stats: .297/.342/.382, 6 HR, 51 RBI, 35 SB
Prediction: Dodgers
Podsednik is a threat at the top of any line-up. Matching him with Rafael Furcal gives the Dodgers the opportunity to score a lot of runs. The Dodgers also will likely not be able to make a bigger splash due to the McCourt’s divorce.
45) Hisanori Takahashi
7 of 51
2010 Stats: 10-6, 8 SV, 3.61 ERA, 1.30 WHIP
Prediction: Yankees
Takahashi seemed to enjoy his time in New York. Unfortunately, he couldn’t reach a deal with the Mets. He shouldn’t have to look too far however, as the Bronx Bombers are looking for bullpen help.
44) Pedro Feliciano
8 of 51
2010 Stats:2-6, 3.30 ERA, 1.53 WHIP
Prediction: Mets
With the loss of Hisanori Takahashi, the Mets cannot afford to have another solid lefty leave their bullpen. Feliciano was a workhorse for the Mets last year and should be back.
43) Kevin Milwood
9 of 51
2010 Stats: 4-16, 5.10 ERA, 1.51 WHIP
Prediction: Pirates
Millwood struggled mightily last year, as did all of the Pirates' pitching staff. Millwood provide a veteran presence to a relatively young pitching staff (average age 27-years-old last season).
42) J.J. Putz
10 of 51
2010 Stats: 7-5, 3 SV, 2.83 ERA, 1.04 WHIP
Prediction: Tigers
The Tigers could use a setup man for Jose Valverde. Putz would be a great option to fill this spot.
41) Yorvit Torrealba
11 of 51
2010 Stats: .271/.343/.378, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 7 SB
Prediction: Dodgers
It appears as if the Dodgers are ready to give up on Russell Martin. They will look to Torrealba to fill the void and provide some offense from behind the plate.
40) Brian Fuentes
12 of 51
2010 Stats: 4-1, 24 SV, 2.81 ERA, 1.06 WHIP
Prediction: Braves
With Billy Wagner retiring, the Braves cannot be certain that Craig Kimbrel is ready to take over the closer role next year. Fuentes would provide them with some insurance should Kimbrel not be ready. If he is, Fuentes should settle into the setup role.
39) Orlando Cabrera
13 of 51
2010 Stats: .263/.303/.354, 4 HR, 42 RBI, 11 SB
Prediction: Cardinals
The Cardinals had six different players play shortstop for them last season. Orlando Cabrera could limit that number significantly. He has played at least 150 games in eight of the past 10 years.
38) Miguel Tejada
14 of 51
2010 Stats: .269/.312/.381, 15 HR, 71 RBI, 2 SB
Prediction: Reds
The Reds are looking to make another run into the playoffs next year. Tejada has a few years left and should be able to replace Orlando Cabrera.
37) Hideki Matsui
15 of 51
2010 Stats: .274/.361/.459, 21 HR, 84 RBI
Prediction: Mariners
Matsui can play outfield and DH. Joining the Mariners would also give him an opportunity to team up with countrymate Ichiro Suzuki.
36) Pat Burrell
16 of 51
2010 Stats: .252/.348/.469, 20 HR, 64 RBI
Prediction: Padres
Adrian Gonzalez is the Padres only power bat. Adding Burrell would give Gonzalez some protection in the lineup.
35) Ty Wigginton
17 of 51
2010 Stats: .248/.312/.415, 22 HR, 76 RBI
Prediction: Marlins
Wiggy would be a relatively cheap solution for the Marlins at third base. He also has the flexibility to play other infield positions as well.
34) Miguel Olivo
18 of 51
2010 Stats: .269/.315/.449, 14 HR, 58 RBI, 7 SB
Prediction: Reds
Ramon Hernandez did not see his options vest this season. Therefore, the Reds are looking for a catcher. Olivo’s bat should be a welcomed addition to the Reds lineup.
33) A.J. Pierzynski
19 of 51
2010 Stats: .270/.300/.388, 9 HR, 56 RBI, 3 SB
Prediction: Rays
The Rays are looking at catchers, and Pierzynski will provide some fire to the Rays roster. He would be a good platoon partner with John Jaso.
32) Jake Westbrook
20 of 51
2010 Stats: 10-11, 4.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP
Prediction: Cardinals
The Cardinals are looking at retaining Westbrook and have become more optimistic about their chances. Expect to see him wearing a Cardinals jersey next season.
31) Scott Downs
21 of 51
2010 Stats: 5-5, 2.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Prediction: Cubs
The Cubs had a lot of issues with their bullpen last year. Other than Carlos Marmol and Sean Marshall, everyone struggled. Downs should provide some stability to the Northsider’s pen.
30) Kerry Wood
22 of 51
2010 Stats: 3-4, 8 SV, 3.13 ERA, 1.39 WHIP
Prediction: White Sox
There are questions surrounding the White Sox about if Bobby Jenks will be the closer next year. They also might want to give Chris Sale more time to develop in the minors. Chicago would give Wood an opportunity to win a closer job or serve as a setup man.
29) Adam LaRoche
23 of 51
2010 Stats: .261/.320/.468, 25 HR, 100 RBI
Prediction: Pirates
LaRoche has spent time in Pittsburgh before, and a bat like his is sorely needed in the Pirates lineup.
28) Javier Vazquez
24 of 51
2010 Stats: 10-10, 5.32 ERA, 1.40 WHIP
Prediction: Mets
The Mets pitching rotations are in dire need of help. They do not have a legitimate No. 2 and do not know what to expect from R.A. Dickey next season. Vazquez has pitched in New York before, so he can handle the media pressure.
27) Lance Berkman
25 of 51
2010 Stats: .248/.368/.413, 14 HR, 58 RBI, 3 SB
Prediction: Rangers
Berkman spent 12 years of his career in Texas and is a Texas native. Expect him to be back, except in Arlington instead of Houston. With questions about Mitch Moreland’s readiness, Berkman would serve as a great stopgap.
26) Jon Garland
26 of 51
2010 Stats: 14-12, 3.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP
Prediction: Padres
The Padres have a young pitching staff, and Garland did a good job as a mentor this season. Expect him to be back in that role again next season.
25) John Buck
27 of 51
2010 Stats: .281/.314/.489, 20 HR, 66 RBI
Prediction: Tigers
With Alex Avila on the roster, Buck can act as a mentor as while getting starting time. Buck would also be able to get some at bats as the DH.
24) Derek Lee
28 of 51
2010 Stats: .260/.347/.428, 19 HR, 80 RBI, 1 SB
Prediction: Orioles
The Orioles have started to make big offers to players in the past few years. Derek Lee is a big name that could bring in fans and still produce.
23) Orlando Hudson
29 of 51
2010 Stats: .268/.338/.372, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 10 SB
Prediction: Mets
The Mets have looked at the O-Dog a few times in the past. It appears they may finally sign him this year as they have realized that neither Luis Castillo nor Ruben Tejada is a viable answer at second base.
22) Manny Ramirez
30 of 51
2010 Stats: .298/.409/.460, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 1 SB
Prediction: Athletics
Ramirez seemed to enjoy his time in California. While the Dodgers most likely won’t move him back, he can just take Route 1 up the coast to Oakland.
21) Magglio Ordonez
31 of 51
2010 Stats: .303/.378/.474, 12 HR, 59 RBI, 1 SB
Prediction: Indians
Ordonez would team with Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo to form one of the best outfields in the AL. This could be the Indians big splash of the off-season.
20) Joaquin Benoit
32 of 51
2010 Stats: 1-2, 1 SV, 1.34 ERA, 0.68 WHIP
Prediction: Rays
Benoit should take over as closer for the Rays when/if Rafael Soriano leaves. The Rays cannot afford to lose both Soriano and Benoit, and Benoit should be the better deal, so expect him to stay put.
19) Juan Uribe
33 of 51
2010 Stats: 2.48/.310/.440, 24 HR, 85 RBI, 1 SB
Prediction: Giants
Uribe is the best second baseman available on the free agent market this off-season. The Giants should look to retain him for his power and versatility.
18) Jim Thome
34 of 51
2010 Stats: .283/.412/.627, 25 HR, 59 RBI
Prediction: Rays
With Carlos Pena likely on his way out of Tampa Bay, the Rays need someone to replace him with. Thome would be a short-term solution that could provide most of the power that Pena did but with a lot better batting average.
17) Carlos Pena
35 of 51
2010 Stats: .196/.325/.407, 28 HR, 84 RBI, 5 SB
Prediction: Nationals
With Adam Dunn on the way out, the Nationals need someone to replace him. Pena can step in as the power bat in their lineup.
16) Aubrey Huff
36 of 51
2010 Stats: .290/.385/.506, 26 HR, 86 RBI, 7 SB
Prediction: Giants
Huff was a big piece of the Giants run to the championship. They are going to make sure they bring him back for a chance to repeat.
15) Jorge De La Rosa
37 of 51
2010 Stats: 8-7, 4.22 ERA, 1.32 WHIP
Prediction: Mariners
Some people say De La Rosa has all the makings of the next Oliver Perez. You don’t know what you are going to get from him. The Mariners took a similar chance on Carlos Silva a few years ago and may do the same with De La Rosa.
14) Hiroki Kuroda
38 of 51
2010 Stats: 11-13, 3.39 ERA, 1.16 WHIP
Prediction: Rangers
The Rangers don’t appear ready to move Neftali Feliz into the rotation after his phenomenal year in the bullpen. The Rangers need someone to replace Cliff Lee, and Kuroda is their best option.
13) Vladimir Guerrero
39 of 51
2010 Stats: .300/.345/.496, 29 HR, 115 RBI, 5 SB
Prediction: Rangers
The fact that the Rangers declined his option should not deter Vlad from signing another deal with the team. There are still many questions about his health, and he should get his biggest offer from the Rangers.
12) Andy Pettite
40 of 51
2010 Stats: 11-3, 3.28 ERA, 1.27 WHIP
Prediction: Yankees
Except for three years with the Astros, Pettite has been a Yankee for the rest of his 16-year career. He will be returning to New York for at least year No. 17 if not longer.
11) Carl Pavano
41 of 51
2010 Stats: 17-11, 3.75 ERA, 1.20 WHIP
Prediction: Twins
Pavano had a resurgence with the Twins this year. They realize how much he meant to them, and they will lock him up for the next few years.
10) Derek Jeter
42 of 51
2010 Stats: .270/.340/.370, 10 HR, 67 RBI, 18 SB
Prediction: Yankees
One of the easiest predictions on this list. He is much more valuable to the Yankees than to anyone else. He has never worn anything other than Yankee pinstripes and never will.
9) Paul Konerko
43 of 51
2010 Stats: .312/.393/.584, 39 HR, 111 RBI
Prediction: White Sox
Konerko had one of the best years of his career this season. He has been a staple in the White Sox lineup since 1999. They are not going to let him leave now.
8) Rafael Soriano
44 of 51
2010 Stats: 3-2, 45 SV, 1.32 ERA, 0.80 WHIP
Prediction: Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks are looking for a closer, and Soriano is the best one on the market (yes, I know about Mariano Rivera, but does anyone actually think he’s going anywhere). He should be able to rack up the saves in Arizona.
7) Mariano Rivera
45 of 51
2010 Stats: 3-3, 33 SV, 1.80 ERA, 0.83 WHIP
Prediction: Yankees
Just like Jeter, this is a very easy prediction. He’s been a Yankee his whole career, and it will stay that way. He is still one of the better closers in baseball.
6) Victor Martinez
46 of 51
2010 Stats: .302/.351/.493, 20 HR, 79 RBI, 1 SB
Prediction: Red Sox
Martinez was one of the better offensive players that the Red Sox had last season. He played well in Boston, and the Sox should be looking to bring him back.
5) Jayson Werth
47 of 51
2010 Stats: .296/.388/.532, 27 HR, 85 RBI, 13 SB
Prediction: Red Sox
It is well known that the Red Sox are looking for an outfielder. They may also consider Carl Crawford, but in the end, Werth is the better match for the Sox.
4) Adam Dunn
48 of 51
2010 Stats: .260/.356/.536, 38 HR, 103 RBI
Prediction: Cubs
Dunn insists he doesn’t want to play DH. He will most likely see time as a first baseman then. Since the Cubs no longer have Derek Lee, Dunn seems to be a match to fill his spot.
3) Adrian Beltre
49 of 51
2010 Stats: .321/.365/.553, 28 HR, 108 RBI, 2 SB
Prediction: Red Sox
The Red Sox do not have a solid replacement at third base should Beltre leave. Kevin Youkilis could move there, but then it creates a hole at first base.
2) Carl Crawford
50 of 51
2010 Stats: .307/.356/.495, 19 HR, 90 RBI, 47 SB
Prediction: Angels
Crawford is the best available position player on the market. The Red Sox might go after him, but he is a much better fit in Anaheim.
1) Cliff Lee
51 of 51
2010 Stats: 12-9, 3.18 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Prediction: Yankees
Lee is considered by many to be the prize of the free agent class. This means that the Yankees are obviously lined up to throw big bucks at him. Without the Mets or Red Sox really competing for him, the Yankees should have him wrapped up.
