MLB Free Agents 2016: Top 10 Best Free Agents & Possible Destinations This Offseason
The New York Mets and Kansas City Royals are about to meet in the 2015 World Series. Unfortunately for the other 28 teams, their season is over. It's time for them to start looking at the upcoming free agents.
Here are the top 10 MLB free agents this offseason.
1. Zack Greinke
What a season it was Zack Greinke. He posted a 19-3 record with the Los Angeles Dodgers and had a terrific 1.66 ERA. Those are both career bests. Greinke recently opted out of his contract, and he and his agent want to test the free agent market. Greinke has played for four teams in both the AL and NL so everything is in play here.
Possible Destinations: Colorado Rockies, Philadelphia Phillies
2. David Price
He needs to improve his postseason pitching, but David Price is still one of the best in the business. This season he had a 2.3 ERA with the Toronto Blue Jays, and Price is still 30 years old. The Blue Jays will want to re-sign him, but it will cost a lot. Don't be surprised if he stays in the American League East, just with a different club.
Possible Destinations: Toronto Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox
3. Chris Davis
Probably the most underrated free agent this offseason. Chris Davis has emerged as one of the best power hitters in the game with 126 home runs in the last three seasons. The Baltimore Orioles will definitely make a play to re-sign Davis given his power hitting abilities, but you can bet the New York Yankees will be in pay as well.
Possible Destinations: Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees
4. Johnny Cueto
Another pitcher. Three of the top four upcoming free agents this offseason are pitchers. Johnny Cueto is one of the best in the game, and the Kansas City Royals may not bring him back next season. Cueto pitched at an elite level in the NL, but has struggled since moving over to the AL.
Possible Destinations: Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers
5. Yoenis Cespedes
You could make the argument that he's had the biggest impact on any team this season. Ever since the New York Mets added Yoenis Cespedes to the their roster, the offense has improved dramatically. The young Cuban outfielder has played for four teams in the last three years so he is very used to adapting to a new squad. More than likely, the Mets will find a way to keep Cespedes.
Possible Destinations: New York Mets
6. Jason Heyward
The St. Louis Cardinals might be in a little trouble. They have some key injuries to take care of, and Jason Heyward is a free agent. Matt Carpenter is the heart and soul of the Cardinals, but it was Heyward who had the highest batting average on the team this season. Heyward also had the highest WAR rating among all Cardinals players. Still only 26 years old, he's going to get some nice offers this offseason.
Possible Destinations: New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners
7. Justin Upton
Justin Upton had a pretty disappointing 2014 season as far as getting on base with a .251 batting average. The 28-year-old Upton is now a free agent. He strikes out and hits a lot grounders into double plays, but he can bring power to a lineup. Upton has hit more than 25 home runs the last three consecutive seasons. Again, he won't get on base much, but he can bring some pop to an offense.
Possible Destinations: Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, Kansas City Royals
8. Mike Leake
Mike Leake didn't have the impact on the San Francisco Giants that many thought he would. His ERA has been steadily rising, and he's never hit the 15-win mark before. Still, Leake is a quality pitcher who you won't break the bank on. A good young pitcher who can give a team solid innings count for a low price is what we have here.
Possible Destinations: Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers
9. Daniel Murphy
He's swinging the bat like Babe Ruth this postseason. Daniel Murphy has the New York Mets in the World Series for the first time since 2000. Murphy is a good player, but don't let this recent postseason magic overshadow his entire career. Murphy has been in the league since 2008, and he has never hit 15 home runs or 80 RBI in a season. Still, Murphy can help a struggling offense.
Possible Destinations: New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays
10. Jeff Samardzija
Last season didn't go so hot for Jeff Samardzija. He posted a 4.96 ERA, and he allowed the most home runs in the league by any pitcher. All signs point to the Chicago White Sox letting Samardzija walk as a free agent. A change of scenery is good in this case. Samardzija still has fastball command, and he won't be able to demand top dollar after his 2014 campaign and the fact that this offseason has so many great free agent pitchers.
Possible Destinations: Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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