Although the World Series is right around the corner, it’s never too early to look ahead to free agency.
That’s especially true this season, as some of the game’s biggest names will hit the market in pursuit of hefty paydays. Over the next few slides, we’ll take a look at what types of contracts those top MLB free agents might command this winter.
Multiple factors affect a player’s value on the market:
- 2015 Production: It’s not everything, but obviously players who performed well this past season have more bargaining power. Think Zack Greinke and Yoenis Cespedes.
- Track Record: A player who’s proved to be a dependable major leaguer has little risk attached to him. Justin Upton and Jordan Zimmermann are examples of consistent free-agents-to-be.
- Position Depth on the Market: Ian Desmond and Matt Wieters have their warts, but both should benefit from weak free-agent classes at shortstop and catcher.
- Past Contracts: We can draw conclusions from contracts dished out over the last few seasons.
Using that mix of factors, we’ll try to give a ballpark estimate of what each of the top 15 free agents will make over the coming months. Will David Price or Zack Greinke exceed $200 million? Out of Jason Heyward, Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Upton, which outfielder deserves the best contract? How should teams value Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija after subpar seasons?
Let us know what you think in the comment section below. How much would you want your team to pay for an elite free agent? Which players on this list do you consider hidden gems?
Oftentimes, MLB free agency is as riveting as the regular season. Let’s dive into some of the big names who will be on the move this winter.