Machado, Harper, and Corbin are the top three on my list.
1. Manny Machado, Phillies (12 years, $350 Million): If the Phillies want to compete with the Braves in the NL East, they’ll need to make a splash in free agency. They have the money to do it, too. John Middleton said so to USA Today: “We’re going into this expecting to spend money and maybe even be a little bit stupid about it.” To do that, the Phillies need to look no farther than to MLB’s top free agent, Manny Machado. The Phils need an upgrade to Scott Kingery at short.
2. Bryce Harper, Cubs (Ten Years, $300 million): Yes, the Cubs say that they have don’t have the money. With horrible contracts on the books (e.g., Yu Darvish, Jason Heyward), they’re probably telling the truth. Still, though, Chicago is perfect for Harper.
With Harper, Chicago will once again be a top dog in the National League.
3. Patrick Corbin, Yankees (Five Years, $120 Million): Patrick Corbin has been linked to the Yankees for months. They should make those rumors a reality. One reason is that I expect the Yankees to miss out on signing free agency’s top bats–Machado and Harper. They need arms, not bats. Corbin had a great season and is undoubtedly the best starter in this year’s class. He’d be a nice one-two punch with Luis Severino.
4. Craig Kimbrel, Braves (Three Years, $65 Million): I’m going to predict that MLB’s top closer (that’s admittedly a debatable assertion) opts for a reunion. The Braves are in desperate need of somebody to shut the door so that their young bats can go to work. Who better than Kimbrel? (Nobody.)
5. Nathan Eovaldi, Red Sox (Three Years, $55 Million): Eovaldi made a few extra bucks from his remarkable postseason.
Eovaldi’s 97-pitch relief outing in Game Three of the Series ranks as one of the most commemorable performances of all time.
6. Dallas Keuchel, Phillies (Four Years, $76 Million): Keuchel is no Aroldis Chapman, but he’s accurate and durable. Even if the Phils sign Machado or Harper, the Phils also have the money to go after a much-needed arm. Keuchel is the perfect fit.
7. AJ Pollock, Indians (Three Years, $55 Million): Everybody knows who plays infield for the Indians, but try naming an outfielder outside of Michael Brantley. Pollock is a star outfielder and one of MLB’s most underrated players. The issue is durability. Still, though, the Indians should gamble on this pickup.
8. Michael Brantley, Braves (Three Years, $45 Million): Michael Brantley is neither a power hitter nor a base stealing threat. But he is one of MLB’s top offensive outfielder.
The Braves could use a veteran presence in the lineup and Brantley fits nicely into the five- or six-spot.
9. Yasmani Grandal, Astros (Three Years, $55 Million): The market for catchers is always weak and the market for switch-hitting catchers is even weaker. So expect Grandal, the best available catcher, to be overpaid. Grandal’s poor performance in the postseason probably won’t come into play because he’s good defensively and routinely hits 20 HR’s a year. The Astros are set at every position except catcher. Grandal is the guy.
10. Josh Donaldson, Cardinals (Two Years, $32 Million): This ‘Bringer of Rain’ was the AL MVP three years ago, but his career has been derailed by injury since then. Injuries will keep Donaldson from signing a long-term contract, but he’ll still be in demand because teams need a top power-hitter. The Cardinals lineup could end up becoming a formidable force if Donaldson teams up with Marcell Ozuna.
Rest of the Best
11. J.A. Happ, Yankees (Two Years, $35 Million)
12. Charlie Morton, Astros (Two Years, $32 Million)
13. Wilson Ramos, Mets (Three Years, $35 Million)
14. Andrew McCutchen, Cardinals (Three Years, $40 Million)
15. Zach Britton, Astros (Three Years, $35 Million)
16. Marwin Gonzalez, Brewers (Four Years, $30 Million)
17. Andrew Miller, Mets (Two Years, $25 Million)
18. Jed Lowrie, Athletics (Three Years, $32 Million)
19. Jeurys Familia, Angels (Two Years, $25 Million)
20. David Robertson, Mets (Three Years, $35 Million)
21. Nelson Cruz, Rays (Two Years, $30 Million)
22. Adam Ottavino, Nationals (Two Years, $28 Million)
23. Mike Moustakas, Brewers (Two Years, $25 Million)
24. Joe Kelly, Red Sox (Three Years, $30 Million)
25. Daniel Murphy, Yankees (Two Years, $30 Million)
