MLB Free Agents 2014: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Unsigned Talent
If the Kansas City Royals’ run to the World Series tells us anything about Major League Baseball, it is that smart personnel moves and timely decision-making can lead to contention.
Even the long-suffering Chicago Cubs should have hope entering a new offseason with free agents available across the league. There are plenty of rumors flying around baseball in the immediate aftermath of the World Series, and there are sure to be a number of moves before the season begins.
With that in mind, here is a look at some of the latest whispers and predictions for unsigned talent.
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James Shields to the Cubs?
Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times filled fans in on the latest regarding the Cubs and free-agent pitcher James Shields:
"Free-agent left-hander Jon Lester is a primary target, and pals and former teammates such as Giants pitcher Jake Peavy say Lester is interested in the Cubs, too.
But the bidding could get crazy fast for Lester, who won’t be tied to draft-pick compensation because he was traded by the Red Sox to the A’s during the season.
Shields could be the first fallback position if the bidding gets beyond the Cubs’ comfort level, insiders say.
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Shields is fresh off a run to the World Series with the Royals, and he should command a healthy market even though he struggled in the postseason. This potential match is all the more interesting because Shields pitched under future Cubs manager Joe Maddon with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Shields talked about his time with Maddon, via Wittenmyer: “I enjoyed playing for him. The one thing I really love about him is he believes in his player.”
The Cubs have a number of young, premier bats in the farm system and with the major league team, but they need more pitching depth if they hope to take the next step and compete for a playoff spot. Shields would give Chicago a 200-inning type of pitcher who could solidify the front end of a rotation that already has promising arms in Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks.
The Cubs may be closer to contention than their play on the field the past couple of years would indicate.
Prediction: The Cubs shore up some of their pitching needs with Shields.
Chase Headley in Pinstripes Again?
George A. King III of the New York Post noted that the New York Yankees could bring Chase Headley back in the fold next season: “The Yankees have an interest in bringing back third baseman Chase Headley, and there are indications the switch-hitting free agent would welcome a return to The Bronx.”
Headley hit .262 in 58 games with the Yankees in 2014 and also had six home runs, 17 RBI and a .769 OPS. He isn’t an All-Star-caliber player, but he gives the Yankees a potential regular in the lineup who can handle the hot corner on defense and provide timely hitting for a club looking to enter the postseason.
King also opined that Headley would be wise to wait and see what the Yankees plan on doing with Alex Rodriguez in 2015 or if they pursue Pablo Sandoval.
Sandoval is particularly interesting because his postseason performance will likely drive his asking price up. The Yankees always have some of the deepest pockets in all of baseball, so that may not be a problem, but it is hard to imagine the San Francisco Giants without Sandoval on the roster.
Headley is a solid option at third base and will garner interest from some teams after the marquee names sign their contracts. New York understands his potential value, especially if it misses on Sandoval.
Prediction: Headley stays with the Yankees after Sandoval re-signs with the Giants.
Nick Markakis Staying in Baltimore?
Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com noted that the Baltimore Orioles may be bringing Nick Markakis back in 2015:
"The Orioles and Nick Markakis should stay paired up despite his name now appearing among the list of baseball's free agents. The two sides have been talking for weeks - I've heard that the framework involves a four-year deal - and I'd expect an agreement at some point in the not-too-distant future.
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Baltimore held the right to decline Markakis’ $17.5 million option at the end of the season, and that is simply too much money for a player who hit .276 with 14 home runs and 50 RBI this season.
Still, the Orioles won the American League East, and Markakis has been a fixture in that lineup for nine years. Markakis can be a reliable everyday outfielder and even a designated hitter option if needed and holds value for an Orioles squad looking to contend once again.
Markakis has played at least 147 games in eight of the last nine seasons for the Orioles. That type of durability is needed over the course of a long season.
Prediction: Markakis stays with the Orioles for a reasonable deal.
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