The MLB Offseason is off to a great start with already the biggest deal ever made to a starting pitcher. That designation belongs to the $217 million, seven-year deal the Boston Red Sox gave David Price. But there’s more to this offseason than Price and the Red Sox. Read on as we take a look at the biggest free agent names in the offseason.
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Biggest Free Agent Names in the MLB Offseason
David Price
[sc:MLB240banner ]David Price is no doubt one of the best pitchers in the majors. Since his first full season in 2010, Price ranks sixth in MLB in Wins Above Replacement, fourth in innings and strikeouts and third in wins. He already has a Cy Young Award and two runner-up finishes under his belt; he also has two ERA titles to further boost his resume.
Boston Red Sox
For the Boston Red Sox, the price was right for David Price. The Sox spent a walloping $217 million, seven-year deal with the buzzling ace. But spending so much on just one player, no matter how good he is, may be unjustified.
$100 millon-plus contracts to pitchers haven’t ended well in the majors such as Kevin Brown, Mike Hampton, Johan Santana, Barry Zito, CC Sabathia and Matt Cain. More recently, Justin Verlander hasn’t been too good in the early goings of his $180 million contract, while Jon Lester and Masahiro Tanaka were pretty inconsistent last year.
Zach Greinke
Zach Greinke could be the next pitcher to land a megadeal after Price signed with the Red Sox. Greinke is two years older than Price, but he has excellent mechanics and a cerebral approach to the game. He’s the type of pitcher who’ll age well in the league. Greinke is coming off an excellent season, leading the National League with a 1.66 ERA.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Chances are Greinke will sign back with the Dodgers. He fits the ballpark as well as the analytics of the front office. Greinke already has three straight solid seasons with the Dodgers.
San Francisco Giants
While the Dodgers will try their best to sign their ace, the Giants should put up quite a pesky fight. San Francisco will do their best to match the Dodgers’ offers to Greinke. Even if the ace goes back to Los Angeles, the Giants still win considering they’d have forced the Dodgers to spend a little too much.
Johnny Cueto
Johnny Cueto is another pitcher who should get a nice, big contract for the 2016 season. He thrived in the hitter-friendly park of Cincinnati before he endeared himself to Kansas City fans a 2-1 record in four postseason starts.
Kansas City Royals
Cueto already endeared himself to Kansas City fans. He pitched a one-run complete game against the New York Mets in Game 2 of the World Series. Cueto has the quirky pitching with a vast arsenal of pitches. He posted a career-low walk rate in 2015.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays will want to replace ace David Price, who already signed with the Boston Red Sox. Cueto offers the Blue Jays an ace they so desperately need for another deep playoff run.
Chris Davis
Who wouldn’t want a slugger like Chris Davis? He hit .262 in the 2015 MLB Regular Season, and blasted a majors-high 47 home runs. Davis is a nice fit to any team out there in need of some power at the plate.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles will want Davis back, after showcasing that he could return from a horrible season. He hit .196 in 2014, but did have 26 homers. He was much better in 2015 as his statline showed.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals have long been a grind it out group, which lacked power. Here’s their chance to grab plenty of power at the plate.
Houston Astros
The Astros prefer home runs more than a patient, methodical approach. A player like Davis fits Houston’s roster very well.
Justin Upton
Justin Upton is due for a big contract this offseason as the top pick of the 2005 Draft. He has all the skills needed for a team in need of talent. Upton has power (26 homers in 2015), run producing ability (81 RBIs) and some consistency at the plate (.251).
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles could try to nab Upton to help with their run production. Baltimore was middling in the American League in runs and RBIs last year.
Kansas City Royals
Upton fits very well with the Royals’ grind it out style. He could be a nice replacement should Alex Gordon sign elsewhere.
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