Highlighting Key MLB Free Agents | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Highlighting Key MLB Free Agents

Looking at four of the most important Free Agents on the MLB market this winter.

6
Highlighting Key MLB Free Agents
SI.com

This winter, there will be a host of MLB superstars that are available on the free-agent market. With teams’ futures in the balance, many of these star players have the ability to singlehandedly change the complexion of their new team. Here is a look at some of the most coveted free-agents this winter.

Yoenis Cespedes: Cespedes enters the free-agent market for the second consecutive winter after opting out of his contract with the New York Mets after the 2016 season. Cespedes, 31, carried the Mets through much of the 2016 campaign. He slugged 31 home runs while batting .280, but also added enormous strength to a sometimes week Met lineup. When New York acquired him via a trade in 2015, he instantly turned them from a losing to a winning franchise, help in carrying them all the way to the 2015 World Series. According to multiple sources, the Cuban slugger will be looking for a deal in the 5-year, $100 million range -- strikingly similar to what he was looking for last winter. Only problem? No team was willing to give him that kind of money. Look for Cespedes to accept nearly an identical deal with the Mets later this winter.

Jose Bautista: One of the game’s most identifiable sluggers over the past five seasons, Bautista, 36, enters the free-agent market as a heavy-hitting outfielder near the end of his prime. Bautista routinely slugged 40+ home runs with the Blue Jays when they were constantly finishing at the bottom of the A.L. East, but when Toronto became one of the league's best teams, Bautista became even more coveted across the league. Despite a down year in 2016 (22 HR, .230 AVG), many around the league believe Bautista will still command a hefty contract. Look for him to receive an offer in the 3-year, $75 million range.

Aroldis Chapman: The big question with Chapman this winter is: Will he receive more money than the speed of his fastball? The fireballing closer who routinely touches 100 mph hits the market with a chance to make the most money any reliever has ever received. Fresh off helping the Cubs win the World Series, Chapman is said to be looking for a $100 million contract, and his number show why. In 2016, the Cuban converted 36 saves while throwing to a 1.55 ERA and striking out 90. $100 million might be a bit of a stretch for Chapman, but look for him to receive something close for around five years.

Edwin Encarnacion: Joining teammate Jose Bautista on the free-agent market is Edwin Encarnacion, the slugging designated hitter for the Blue Jays. Encarnacion, much younger than Bautista, is in the middle of his prime and could command a much thicker contract than his teammate Bautista. The one downside to Encarnacion is that he's challenged in the field and much more of an American League player. However, he has the ability to play first base and his bat can easily make up for his challenges in the field. In 2016, Edwin mashed 42 home runs, adding to his career total of 310, and drove in 127 runs. Look for him to sign with an A.L. team to a contract in the range of five years, $150 million.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179506
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6637
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452069
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23068
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments