2016-2017 Free Agent Predictions

By: Carmine DiPalma (@CDiPalma_BTL) on November 4th, 2016

Christian Lovecchio (@Clovecchio)

Steven Franzese (@Steven_franzese)

The 2016 MLB postseason has officially come to a close with your 2016 MLB Champions being the unfamiliar, Chicago Cubs. Thus starting the hectic offseason where teams are going to look for options to bolster their rosters for a run at next year’s fall classic.

I’m happy to welcome in two of my friends, Christian Lovecchio and Steven Franzese as we continue our annual free agent predictions. This years free agent class is power heavy on both sides of the baseball. There are a handful of guys who have the potential to hit 30+ home runs and a few late inning relievers whose high-octane fastballs will surely command high salaries this offseason.

Before we start here are other free agents who just missed our top 15 ranking:

Injury Risks Denoted By *

Without further wait, here are our predictions on the top 15, 2016-17 free agents…

15. Matt Wieters (2017 Age: 31)

One of the few catchers in this year’s free agent class ranks towards the bottom due to his health concerns over the past couple seasons. Nevertheless he will have a long list of suitors as many teams will be looking for a backstop.

Carmine: Astros

Matt Wieters has played his last game behind the dish for the Baltimore Orioles. His time in Baltimore will be remembered as impressive but injury riddled and it is time for both parties to move on. The Astros are rumored to be looking for a veteran catcher to lead the pitching staff and solidify the bottom third of the order. They could look no further than Matt Wieters who perhaps may be the most reliable option on the open market.

Christian: Nationals

With Wilson Ramos suffering a season ending knee surgery and turning down a 3 year/$30 million offer, the Nationals will be on the market for a new catcher. Wieters has experience and leadership qualities that may entice the Nationals to pursue him this offseason.

Steven: Braves

The Braves have yet to acquire a solid backstop after Brian McCann left for the Yankees. Matt Wieters is a solid choice for this spot with his ability to cut down on the opposition’s running game. It also helps that Wieters played college baseball in Atlanta therefore is familiar with the area.

14. Carlos Beltran (2017 Age: 39)

Still looking to play at the age of 39, Beltran will add veteran leadership and switch hitting power to the team that inks him to a contract. He is still looking for a chance to win a ring and many teams vying for the postseason next year will look at Beltran as an option with an impressive postseason stat line.

Carmine: Royals

In what will be the final few years of Beltran’s career he is still looking for a championship. Because of this he could find himself back in royal blue with a familiar team and setting as they look to make one more run before the end of an era.

Christian: Blue Jays

With the risk of losing both Bautista and Encarnacion, the Blue Jays may just be the right spot for Beltran. He could add pop and postseason experience while potentially playing RF or DH for the Jays.

Steven: Royals

The Royals are very familiar with Carlos Beltran and with some of their key guys becoming free agents after next season it would be smart for them to make a push at a possible playoff run in this coming year.

13. Josh Reddick (2017 Age: 30)

After coming from the A’s in a midsummer trade to the Dodgers, Reddick impressed the Dodger’s front office playing a gold glove RF while providing consistent offense for them. In one of the few positions this offseason with depth it will be interesting to see if Reddick plays the market and waits until the big outfielders sign first.

Carmine: Orioles

Posting impressive numbers with the Dodgers will help Reddick’s value this offseason. The Orioles will look to him to fill a void in right field left by the departure of Mark Trumbo. This time the Orioles could deploy a gold glove quality outfielder which will be a drastic change after having Davis and Trumbo man the position in recent years.

Christian: Royals

With Reddick’s value diminishing due to lack of playing time at the end of the season last year, he could be heading to Kansas City. A very skilled ball club that will seek out relatively inexpensive pieces to compliment the core they have in place.

Steven: Blue Jays

A lot of things will have to fall into place for this one to work, depending heavily on the landing spots of Bautista and Encarnacion. Should the Blue Jays lose one or even both of these guys, expect Reddick to be someone they go after to fill the void.

12. Carlos Gomez (2017 Age: 31)

Carlos Gomez was given a chance by rivals Texas Rangers after the Astros dropped him. The Rangers picked him up while they still could to make him eligible for the postseason and he picked up his play providing some value as an option that can play CF as well as the corners. He can lead off and has a ton of upside due in large part to being tremendously athletic.

Carmine: Mariners

After being picked up by the Rangers when he was released by the Astros, Gomez put together a good remainder of the season. With the potential to play all three outfield positions and lead off he will be a good candidate for the Mariners as they fell just short of postseason berth this fall.

Christian: Rangers

With intentions of winning a World Series title next year, I can’t imagine Gomez wanting to leave. With his athleticism, he is capable of playing all three outfield positions but will most likely be used in CF.

Steven: Rangers

Carlos Gomez expressed his love for the Texas Rangers by stating, "It's not a team, it's a family." I don’t think Gomez will sign anywhere else after showing such love for an organization, but you never know once money gets involved.

11. Mark Melancon (2017 Age: 32)

The first of three relief aces, was traded by the plummeting Pirates to the Nationals in a deal that pushed Papelbon out of the bullpen and eventually off of the Nationals roster permanently. The move paid dividends for the Nationals as they made the postseason off a strong effort from Melancon and now he figures to be compensated accordingly. Because he was traded he is not eligible to be stuck with a qualifying offer. Therefore, there is no draft pick attached to signing him which will widen his list of suitors.

Carmine: Giants

The Giant’s even year streak has come to an end, in large part to one of the worst bullpens in the league. They missed out on Chapman and Miller at the deadline. However, they also missed out on Melancon who they were in strong pursuit of, now he's a free agent with no strings attached and they will go all out.

Christian: Nationals

Melancon returning to D.C. wouldn’t surprise me at all. Being one of the better relievers on the market this year, the Nats should really take advantage, especially after seeing what Melancon accomplished in such a short time.

Steven: Giants

This past season the Giants bullpen seemed to be their achilles heel, putting up historically bad numbers. Mark Melancon could be exactly who they need to start rebuilding their struggling pen.

10. Rich Hill (2017 Age: 37)

Rich Hill is the only starting pitcher to crack BTL’s Top 15 and for good reason. He is a seasoned veteran at the age of 37. He will provide a team with a solid left-handed innings eater who will take the ball every five days and compete. Since he was traded midseason alongside Josh Reddick, he too can not be offered a qualifying offer.

Carmine: Red Sox

The Red Sox did not achieve their goal this season of winning a championship in part because of a shaky rotation. David Price never seemed to figure it out in the postseason and because of that the Red Sox will look to add a veteran arm that can eat innings. Enter Rich Hill.

Christian: Marlins

With the unfortunate passing of ace Jose Fernandez the Fish will be looking for a proven pitcher to eat inning this year. Rich Hill, at 36 years old is a veteran pitcher who will compete every 5 days and help get the Marlins one piece closer to truly contending.

Steven: Orioles

With a less than stellar starting rotation, the Orioles are strong contenders to sign Rich Hill. He has spent a lot of time in the AL East so the Orioles could get lucky on this one hoping he enjoyed his time in one of the toughest divisions in baseball.

9. Dexter Fowler (2017 Age: 31)

The Cubs gave Fowler a shot on a one year contract last offseason to come back and fill a void they had in CF, he came back and did an excellent job. He led off for the majority of the year leading them to a World Series championship. He figures to get paid well as an above-average CF option and good leadoff batter.

Carmine: Nationals

The Cubs were unsure of what they wanted to do with Fowler last offseason but ultimately re-upped his contract and it paid huge dividends for them as they won the World Series with Fowler as their CF and leadoff batter. This time around look for Fowler to get paid and the Nationals could use a table setter for the big bats in their lineup. This signing could also move Trea Turner back to SS where Danny Espinosa has been dreadful.

Christian: Mets

With Cespedes more than likely not returning to Queens, Fowler may just be the right man for the job. With his capability of getting on base, he’s perfect to start things up for the Mets as well as adding a good outfielder .

Steven: Cubs

Although the Cubs seem to have younger guys in their organization who could take over for Fowler, I don’t think see the two parties separating after their magical 2016 season in which Fowler led off the entire year.

8. Ian Desmond (2017 Age: 31)

The Rangers have done a tremendous job with Ian Desmond. After signing him to a one-year deal when it looked hopeless for him, the team moved him to CF and he quickly showed he could handle it after moving from SS. There are several teams that will look at Ian Desmond as a piece that could handle two crucial positions on the diamond.

Carmine: Cubs

Look for this to be a waiting game as Desmond looks to get paid on his terms but will ultimately leave the Rangers and sign long term with the Cubs to play CF as they cut ties with Dexter Fowler.

Christian: Blue Jays

With his versatility, Desmond would be a perfect fit for Toronto. Being able to play the outfield and the infield makes him desirable for the Jays. With Tulowitzki being very injury prone, Desmond would be perfect.

Steven: Rangers

After struggling in the second half I think it will be hard for Desmond to attract many offers from other clubs. The Rangers have a great relationship with him and would love to keep him around.

7. Justin Turner (2017 Age: 32)

Justin Turner is coming off a monster postseason with the Dodgers. He is by and far the best third base option available on the open market. The Dodgers have shown indication that they want to keep him around but he figures to test the market first.

Carmine: Dodgers

The Mets are surely kicking themselves for letting go of Turner and the Dodgers won’t make the same mistake. After a tremendous postseason the Dodgers will resign him and look for other pieces to compliment him as they look to go deeper into October next fall.

Christian: Dodgers

Turner has shown how successful he can be in a huge market like LA and how he can produce in the playoffs. The Dodgers would be foolish to not keep this productive third baseman around.

Steven: Braves

Justin Turner would be a huge step in the right direction for Atlanta. The Braves need to show their fans that they are willing to do what it takes to improve their ball club and eventually become contenders.

6. Mark Trumbo (2017 Age: 31)

Another player who was given a chance on a one-year deal and excelled is Mark Trumbo. A year ago he looked as if he would not find a team. The Orioles came in, offered him a one-year deal and he impressed, slugging 47 home runs and carrying the Orioles during his power surge. Teams pay for home runs so he will cash in this offseason.

Carmine: Blue Jays

With the impending departure of the two biggest impact bats in the Blue Jays lineup this offseason, they must replace some pop in the middle of their batting order. This is where Mark Trumbo and his immense power comes in. The Blue Jays could slot him in behind Donaldson and provide a great punch in the middle of the lineup for years to come.

Christian: Orioles

With the success Trumbo had in Baltimore, I can’t see him leaving. If they give him the money he wants, you will see this home run hitting machine back in an Orioles jersey.

Steven: Orioles

After having an MLB leading 47 home runs last season, I see Trumbo staying with Orioles and continuing his power surge for the right price, of course.

5. Yoenis Cespedes (2017 Age: 31)

Just like many had assumed, Cespedes did in fact opt out of his remaining years with the New York Mets in order to test the free agent market for the second time in as many years. Cespedes is a rare talent that has yet to be fully tapped into. If the right opportunity arises he will make his new team very happy, as he looks to command a 100M+ contract this fall.

Carmine: Yankees

Cespedes has stated he would love to remain in NY and he will do just that, just this time in the Bronx. The Yankees will be on the market for a power bat after trading either Gardner or Brian Mccann and sliding Cespedes in the LF or DH spot. This will provide protection for the young sluggers in the Yankee lineup such as Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge. The Yankees will have a lot of money this offseason and will look to make a splash.

Christian: Mets

Cespedes has come back to New York the past two years and has certainly been successful. Although he did opt out of his current contract, he seems to be content in Flushing. If he gets the money he wants, he will most definitely be back in the blue and orange.

Steven: Blue Jays

Bold prediction here but with Encarnacion leaving for a division rival, the Blue Jays are left without some of their trademark power. Cespedes could be their guy.

4. Jose Bautista (2017 Age: 36)

Former Blue Jay’s slugger is famous for his bat flip and his altercation with Ranger’s 2B Rougned Odor. Come this offseason he will most likely make new memories in a new ballpark as he looks to cash in one final time in his career as well as trying to compete for a championship. Many teams will come knocking for this prolific batter but some will be scared away by age.

Carmine: Rangers

All knockout jokes aside, Jose Bautista will be a Ranger next year. He and Odor will bury the hatchet for a chance to make a run deep into the postseason. With the Rangers potentially losing Beltran, Gomez and Desmond they could solidify a corner outfield spot with a perennial power hitting threat like Bautista.

Christian: Dodgers

With the unlikely return of Josh Reddick and inevitable trade of Yasiel Puig, the Dodgers will be in the market for a power hitting outfielder. After a year of injuries and struggles in Toronto, it seems like Bautista wants to start over somewhere new and what better location than Los Angeles.

Steven: Blue Jays

This is a tough call for me, but with his age and risk of injury Jose Bautista seems to be only on the market for American League teams with potential to serve as a DH. He’s the face of the franchise and with Encarnacion likely on his way out, I don’t see the Blue Jays allowing him to slip away also.

3. Edwin Encarnacion (2017 Age: 34)

Another former Blue Jay’s slugger gets the nod before his compatriot due mostly in part of being younger than Bautista. Encarnacion has transgressed to mostly a DH with the ability to play 30-45 games at 1B. The team that lands him might be careful and pencil him in as there full-time DH to avoid wearing him down. His power is off the charts and teams looking for a punch in the middle of their lineup will be all over him.

Carmine: Red Sox

In what seems like a virtual lock, Edwin Encarnacion will bring his famous "Edwing" homerun trot to Fenway next season as he replaces recent retiree, David Ortiz. The Red Sox will have to fill a huge void and Encarnacion at age 34 will do just that.

Christian: Red Sox

The Red Sox have been successful in the past with notable retiree David Ortiz so why not have a similar power threat take over? In Boston, he will be able to DH a majority of the time and if need be, he can play first base.

Steven:Red Sox

With the gaping hole in their lineup after the retirement of Boston’s beloved David Ortiz, the Red Sox are in need of a big time bat and who would be better fit for this job than Edwin Encarnacion. I can’t see Encarnacion signing anywhere else.

2. Kenley Jansen (2017 Age: 29)

First of the two power arms this season was definitely hard to choose an order for these two. However Jansen falls just short due to being dragged down by the dreaded qualifying offer and draft pick attachment. Nevertheless Jansen will demand a high salary this offseason due to his incredible cutter. It will be fun to see how he approaches this offseason with solid competition in Melancon and Chapman.

Carmine: Dodgers

The man who has a cutter many claim to see as the closest to that of Mariano Rivera, Jansen will not be on the move this winter. The Dodgers will wisely resign Jansen and keep a strong 9th inning as they move on.

Christian: Mets

With the closer spot being a revolving door for the Mets in the past few years they will look to Kenley Jansen to fill that void. The Mets did not have a lack of production at the back end off the bullpen but instead were hit with suspensions for steroids and a possible suspension for Familia's domestic violence charge. Jansen could bring a reliable shutdown closing option to Queens this season.

Steven: Marlins

With a lack of appealing free agent starters the Marlins could spend the money that they have a reliable closer. Although Miami could sign a free agent starter, it would seem more reasonable for them to acquire another arm by trading a position player.

1. Aroldis Chapman (2017 Age: 29)

The Cuban Missile will top this year’s list as his high-octane fastball will be the most coveted asset of this year’s market. With his dominant performance in this years postseason, helping crown the Cubs champions, and the growing emphasis on bullpen construction, teams will be looking to add the fastest fastball in the game to their late innings. He will have an endless amount of suitors which will only be added too as he does not have a qualifying offer attached to signing him thanks to the midsummer trade which sent him from the Yankees to the Cubs.

Carmine: Yankees

Before being traded to the north side of Chicago, Chapman made it very clear that he loved New York and would be willing to return in the offseason. In his brief stint in the Bronx, Chapman was a crucial member of the bullpen and "Run DMC," acting as the closer. Chapman will not come cheap and there is sure to be a bidding war but the Yankees will go all in as they don’t seem sold on Betances as their closer.

Christian: Yankees

What a year it’s been for Chapman. After starting the year suspended, what better way to end the year than winning a World Series Championship? Now that he got that championship under his belt, Chapman is going to want what every other player wants. Money, and lots of it. He also didn’t hesitate to show how open he was about returning to the Bronx.

Steven: Yankees

Chapman’s work seems to be done in Chicago as they finally won their first World Series in 108 years. I see him returning to the Bronx and helping the Yankees by becoming their closer again not even a year later.