2015 MLB Free Agents: Predictions for Top Expected Players
There’s less than a week remaining in the 2014 MLB season, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to discuss the upcoming free agents this offseason. Whether you make the postseason or not, teams have to constantly upgrade their rosters in order to keep pace with those around them.
Every year there are several top-tier players available, and the 2015 free agents are no different. Although the majority of them will be quite expensive, there are a few players who are good enough to change a team’s fortunes next year.
Let’s examine who some of the top expected free agents will be and where they might end up in 2015.
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Max Scherzer
The No. 1 free agent this offseason is not only relatively young but an accomplished player at the most important position in baseball. Detroit’s Max Scherzer is one of the best pitchers in MLB and will be rewarded for it handsomely this winter.
In fact, Scherzer is so valuable that he knows a huge payday is coming. Last spring, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner turned down a reported deal that averaged at least $24 million a year. This would have placed him among the top eight pitchers in annual salary.
Instead, Scherzer turned the offer down and had another incredibly successful season. The pitcher is 17-5 with a 3.19 ERA and 1.17 WHIP to go along with his 243 strikeouts. Although his numbers aren’t as impressive as a year ago, they are still among the league’s best.
With Justin Verlander having another off year, Scherzer proved he could handle the duties as a team’s ace. People thought he was crazy by turning down a $100 million offer, but that might have been the smartest thing he’s ever done.
Scherzer will make even more than he was offered last spring and will probably do so with another team. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind staying in Detroit, but does it have enough funds to keep him? Teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox need to address their pitching staffs and would love to have his arm.
Pablo Sandoval
One of the top position players set to be available is the San Francisco Giants’ Pablo Sandoval. The third baseman is only 28 years old and a switch-hitter who can provide power. He’s batting .277 this season with 16 homers and 69 RBI.
What makes Sandoval so attractive to teams is his age. Beyond his talent on the field, his age guarantees that whichever team signs him will have a player in his prime for several more years. Too often teams overpay in free agency for guys who only have a few years of good baseball left.
Along with his bat, the third baseman is a quality fielder at an important position in the infield. He ranks seventh in fielding percentage among all third basemen. Some believe he’s made a very good case to earn a Gold Glove award in 2014.
Even though he won’t make anywhere near what the top pitchers will earn, Sandoval will be paid well. Look for him to make close to $15 million a season for someone who needs a third baseman. Despite Alex Rodriguez’s return, the Yankees come to mind as a strong candidate.
Jon Lester
The other top pitching free agent was surprisingly traded near the deadline this year. The Boston Red Sox dealt the majority of their pitching staff, including soon-to-be free agent and ace Jon Lester.
Lester is having another fantastic season with a 16-10 record, 2.41 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.
Although it appears Lester and the Oakland A’s will make the postseason this October, it’s unlikely the team will be able to keep the pitcher based on its history of not spending a lot of money. Oakland currently has the 27th-highest payroll in MLB.
According to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, there is already talk from Theo Epstein and the Cubs to go after Lester this offseason. The Cubs are an emerging young team that needs to add legitimate pitching. Given his history with Epstein, this could be a perfect fit for Lester.
No matter what team signs the left-hander, they will get one of the best pitchers playing right now. Lester might not make what Scherzer gets, but it will be in the ballpark.
