Now that the World Series is over, it's time for the Hot Stove league to get heated up. And, unlike last year, there are plenty of marquee names out there for the signing. In fact, this year's free agent class is probably the reason why last year's Hot Stove was so lukewarm (seriously, everyone knew J.D. Martinez was going to the Red Sox, so why did it take three months?).
This year's class is headlined by Harper and Machado. But they're not the only superstars who'll potentially be changing teams this winter. And the money is definitely going to flow. Because we're talking about impact guys in their prime.
Will we have another situation like Martinez and Boston, an absolutely perfect storm that led to a historic season? Or will we get another Eric Hosmer in San Diego? And where are all these guys headed anyway?
Bryce Harper: I read an article on MLB.com that actually made a pretty compelling argument why Harper should sign a one-year deal. It's probably not going to happen, but the argument for it was convincing. Harper won't command the $400 million contract that some were predicting. But he's still going to get a lot. Keep in mind he's only 26, so an eight-year deal takes him to 34, when he'll still be productive. He'll have a lot of suitors, but the Nationals know he's the franchise and they've got the money to keep him. He stays in Washington. Nationals.
Manny Machado: When the Dodgers traded for Machado, it made complete sense. And he helped them get that second straight NL pennant. But it seems unlikely he stays in LA with Corey Seager returning and Justin Turner at third. I think Machado would rather play shortstop anyway. Which limits the number of teams that have the need and the resources for his services. The Phillies were aggressive in going after him before he ended up being traded to the Dodgers instead. This time I think they get him. Phillies.
Clayton Kershaw: He'd be an idiot not to opt out, which is why I'm including him here. He isn't going anywhere, though. The reason Kershaw should opt out is so that he can get more years and more money tacked onto his deal, kinda like the way A-Rod did when he opted out of his Yankee contract (that they're finally no longer paying for). All to guarantee that Kershaw stays in LA his entire career, which is what both he and the Dodgers want. Dodgers.
Patrick Corbin: Of all the pitchers who'll definitely be available on the open market, Corbin will be the most sought-after. And Brian Cashman's going to make a full-court press to get him. The only thing worse than seeing the Red Sox win 108 games and the World Series was getting their butts kicked by them in the Division Series. That Division Series exposed the Yankees' biggest weakness. Their starting rotation is in major need of an upgrade. And the 29-year-old Corbin fits the bill. His ridiculous offer from the Yankees will be tough to turn down. Yankees.
Dallas Keuchel: Corbin will likely set the market for Keuchel, who I think is about 50-50 to return to Houston. The Astros will probably try to keep him, but he'll likely get offered more money elsewhere. He'll be the fall back option for the teams who don't get Corbin (or Arizona if they lose him). Keuchel doesn't have Cy Young stuff anymore, but he's definitely a serviceable No. 2 starter for a contender, which is better than being the No. 3 in Houston. Braves.
Daniel Murphy: The Cubs have expressed an interest in keeping him. And it would make sense for both parties. They're over Addison Russell, so they can move Baez to short and install Murphy as the everyday second baseman. He was an NLCS MVP in New York and a perennial All-Star in Washington. He'll get plenty of offers, but it would be a surprise if he doesn't stay in Chicago. Cubs.
Nathan Eovaldi: Man, he sure made himself some money during the World Series, didn't he? Eovaldi's injury history should be a cause for concern, but his performance last week is going to make somebody overlook that. Evidently he wants to return to Boston, so it'll be interesting to see what kind of an offer he gets from the Red Sox. Or if he leaves money/years on the table to stay there. My guess is someone overpays him to be their No. 1 or 2 starter. Padres.
Mike Moustakas: Last year, he was one of the biggest victims of the owners' lack of action during free agency. Moustakas ended up re-signing with the Royals on a one-year deal that paid him less than he was making. Although, he was able to escape and jump into a pennant race in Milwaukee. Whether or not the Brewers make a push to keep him is the real question. And where he'll go if they don't is just as much of a question. Because plenty of teams will be interested. Braves.
Craig Kimbrel: Will he stay in Boston? Most likely. Because if the Red Sox don't bring him back, they'll be in the market for a closer to replace him (Zach Britton?). Kimbrel's going to demand the same type of big money deal that fellow All-Star closers Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen have in recent years. It might not be the same type of deal as when he first went to Boston from Atlanta, but he'll still get paid like the elite closer he is. Red Sox.
Josh Donaldson: His injury history makes him a risk. But if he's healthy, it's easy to foresee him returning to his All-Star form. That little two-month exodus to Cleveland was odd. Because it required the Indians moving one of their best players, Jose Ramirez, out of position. As a result, I don't think Donaldson returns to the Indians. He's a guy who thrives in smaller markets anyway. If Moustakas leaves Milwaukee, that's a logical landing place for Donaldson, who'll probably command less money, too. Brewers.
Yasmani Grandal: After losing his starting job during the postseason in each of the last two years, it would seem to make sense that the Dodgers will move on with the much cheaper Austin Barnes as their starting catcher. A change of scenery might be good for Grandal, too. Because there are plenty of teams who could use a switch-hitting catcher with power. Going to the AL where they can hide his defensive issues by having him DH twice a week sounds good. But I think if they can re-sign Harper (which I think they will), the Nationals try to make one more run and overpay him the same way they overpaid Matt Wieters two years ago. Nationals.
Michael Brantley: Another free agent whose injury history could limit the interest in him. But when he's healthy, this guy can flat-out hit. He's been in Cleveland so long that it's hard to picture him in another uniform. But whether or not he returns to the Indians could depend on they offers he gets elsewhere. Brantley almost seems better served to take on a platoon/bench role, but he'll almost certainly get starter money with the expectation to play. Somebody will give it to him. Mariners.
And that's just a sampling of some of the top free agents out there (again, I'm assuming Kershaw exercises his opt-out clause). That doesn't even include the mid-level guys like A.J. Pollock or the abundance of available relievers. So, last year's Lukewarm Stove has been replaced by this year's Hot Stove. We've got superstars on the open market. And they're going to get paid! Big time! The question is, who's going to pay them?
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