With the nearing conclusion of the MLB Season comes the Winter Meetings and free agent signings. There is a deep free-agent class this winter and many teams will be buying. There is a small lack of starting pitching, but a lot of relievers on the market. So, I will be outlining some key free agents and if I think they will stay with their current team. If not, then who some key buyers are.
3B/SS Manny Machado (Dodgers): Manny Machado will certainly command a large contract from a team with an infield hole. I doubt he stays with the Dodgers unless they do win it all. For the sake of the article, let me say he will go. Some potential suitors include the Yankees and the Phillies. The Yankees are without Didi Gregorius until the middle of the year, which leaves a giant hole potentially to be filled by Machado. Once Didi is back, that leaves Andujar on the outside looking in. The Phillies almost traded for Machado at the deadline before the Dodgers got him. The Phillies would love to add Machado to their young core and make a run next year.
Prediction: Yankees
OF Bryce Harper (Nationals): Bryce Harper is a 26 year old former MVP. Although he did not have his best year in 2018, he put up some pretty stellar numbers. According to a report, his contract bidding will likely start around 10 years/$350 million. This is not unlikely considering how young he is and his upside. I think he stays with the Nationals. They have the money and still believe they can make runs to the playoffs. It is a bold opinion but I believe Harper enjoys Washington and with some work on the roster, they are still able to make a run next year.
Prediction: Nationals
P Patrick Corbin (Diamondbacks): I have very little explanation here. I believe he leaves and goes to the Yankees. The Yankees need starting pitching and the two parties have been connected in the past. Many minds around baseball share the same opinion. Therefore, I believe Corbin will be in pinstripes next season.
Prediction: Yankees
P Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers): I think there is very little chance Kershaw leaves LA. He loves being there and has been a career Dodger. He is, arguably, the best pitcher of this generation, but has some serious back concerns. If the Dodgers let him walk, then it shows they have some serious worries about his back. To me, we will see Kershaw back in Dodger blue next year.
Prediction: Dodgers
These are the key free agents this offseason, but the 2018-19 free agent class is ripe with talent. There will surely be some big money contracts handed out and some new faces on new teams.
James' Blog 