2020 MLB Free Agents: Buzz and Predictions for DJ LeMahieu, Nelson Cruz & More

Major League Baseball's looming free agency has all 30 teams planning for their future, even though plenty of clubs are still focused on winning a World Series this year. 

This offseason looks to be deep with available talent. The class does lack a game-changing superstar, like Mookie Betts since he re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in July before hitting the open market, but the market is littered with former All-Stars still playing at a high level. 

Looking ahead to what might happen this winter, here's the latest buzz involving some of the best players expecting significant contracts. 

DJ LeMahieu, 2B (Current Team: New York Yankees)

DJ LeMahieu's two-year, $24 million contract signed in January 2019 has turned out to be one of the best deals for any team in recent memory. The 32-year-old won the American League batting title with a .364 average this season and led the league with a .421 on-base percentage and 1.011 OPS. 

In 195 regular-season games with the Yankees, LeMahieu has posted a .336/.386/.536 slash line with 36 homers and 129 RBI. 

New York is in a potentially difficult spot with payroll next season. The organization is estimated to have $190.7 million on the books before options are factored in, per Baseball-Reference.com. 

LeMahieu's age could help the Yankees if they want to retain him. He also missed 10 games this season with a sprained thumb and sat out 34 games in 2018 while playing for the Colorado Rockies. 

One thing is for sure: LeMahieu wants to be back in pinstripes next year. 

"I want to stay here," he told reporters this week. "I've said that a few times. You never know how it goes. I thought I was going to stay in Colorado and I didn't. So, obviously, I'm hoping to be back here. You just never know how it goes."

Considering the Yankees are in win-now mode and don't have an obvious replacement for LeMahieu, bringing him back on a shorter multi-year deal similar to his previous one with a little more average annual value makes sense for both parties. 

Prediction: LeMahieu re-signs with Yankees

Nelson Cruz, DH (Current Team: Minnesota Twins)

Another great contract signed in the winter of 2019 was the Minnesota Twins giving Nelson Cruz a one-year deal worth $14 million that included a $12 million option for 2020. 

Cruz's .308/.394/.626 slash line and 57 home runs in 173 games over the past two seasons helped ignite Minnesota's turnaround. The team has won back-to-back AL Central titles for the first time since 2009-10. 

The Twins' postseason came to an early end with a two-game sweep by the Houston Astros in the wild card round. That leaves Cruz's future uncertain as he prepares for free agency once again. 

Like LeMahieu, Cruz is also hoping to return to his current team in 2020. 

"Hopefully, I'll be back next year," he told reporters after Minnesota's Game 2 loss to the Astros on Wednesday.

Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey shared Cruz's sentiments on Thursday. 

"The feeling is mutual," Falvey told MLB.com's Do-Hyoung Park. "We don't feel any differently than Nellie does. We see a fit for him here, and we're hopeful that can work out."

Minnesota is in a good position as far as player salaries are concerned. The organization is currently looking at an estimated payroll of $110.2 million, per Baseball-Reference.com.

Cruz's age (40) and being limited to designated hitter would seemingly shrink his market, but it will be worth keeping an eye on if MLB decides to make the universal DH a permanent fixture. Opening up the NL would certainly help him from a negotiating standpoint. 

A team like the Cincinnati Reds, who didn't score in two playoff games, could plug Cruz into a lineup with Nicholas Castellanos, Mike Moustakas, Eugenio Suarez, Jesse Winker and Joey Votto. 

Since it's unclear if the universal DH will happen, the Astros could make sense. Michael Brantley will be a free agent after serving as their primary DH in 2020. George Springer is also going to hit the market. Yordan Alvarez is a designated hitter, but his injury-plagued season makes his outlook uncertain. 

That's a lot of offensive production Houston might have to replace to keep pace with the Oakland Athletics in the AL West. 

Prediction: Cruz signs with the Astros

George Springer, OF (Current Team: Houston Astros)

Sticking with the Astros, Springer could be one of the most coveted hitters on the market. The three-time All-Star hit .265/.359/.540 in 2020 and owns a career OPS+ of 131, per Baseball-Reference.com. 

There's been a lot of buzz and speculation that Springer, a New England native, could end up close to home this offseason. 

Peter Gammons of The Athletic reported last week that the Boston Red Sox could pursue Springer if they are unable to re-sign Jackie Bradley Jr. 

Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said last month the team doesn't view its current situation as a long-term rebuild and the organization plans to spend money this offseason:

After going 24-36 this season, one glaring hole for the Red Sox to address is pitching. Nathan Eovaldi was their only pitcher who made at least four starts and posted an ERA under 4.40. 

Trevor Bauer is the only potential frontline starter available, which might make hitting more attractive for Boston if it is going to spend. 

WEEI's Rob Bradford did caution against the Red Sox going all-in on Springer:

"For starters, Springer is 31 years old. When it comes to committing significant free agent contracts to big-name free agents, doing so when the player is already a full year on the wrong side of 30 is a dicey proposition. And make no mistake about it, this is a player who won't come cheap.

"If the Sox sign any player who receives a qualifying offer (which Springer will), they will be forced to surrender their second-highest draft pick. Assuming Rob Manfred sets the draft order based on 2020 records, the Red Sox will be picking fourth overall, which means a Springer signing would mean forfeiting something in the vicinity of the 41st overall selection."

There are certainly downsides to signing Springer, who has also dealt with his share of injuries in recent seasons. The 2017 World Series MVP missed at least 22 games in three straight seasons from 2017-19. 

But for a Red Sox team that has lost all confidence from their fanbase and needs to generate some excitement, Springer would be a player who can help win them favor back. He's also a terrific talent who can help them win games in a loaded AL East with the Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays making the playoffs this season. 

Prediction: Springer signs with Red Sox