It's been a slow free agent market again this year for Major League Baseball. So slow, in fact, that there have been accusations of owner collusion and recently, San Francisco Giants' Third Baseman Evan Longoria posted on Instagram claiming players are being devalued by analytics as well as their own fans. It got me thinking about how a few of the top free agents are still available with about three weeks until pitchers and catchers report. They need to pick a team soon and below are my predictions for where they'll land. Don't hold me to them, however. My name's not Tony Romo.
Manny Machado (SS)
Manny might not believe in hustling, but he sure believes in getting paid, with his initial contract demands approaching 300 million dollars. The two teams linked most frequently to Machado are the Phillies and the Whitesox. However, Jon Heyman, of Francred Sports, recently tweeted that the Padres have kept tabs on the infielder. The Dodgers were recently reported to have some interest as well. So it seems the Machado situation is fluid at the moment.
My Prediction: New York Yankees
Why? : I think New York is where Machado wants to play and Brian Cashman knows it. I would not be surprised if the Yankees swoop in unexpectedly as spring training begins to come even closer and Machado's demands start to lower. Furthermore, I think he'd play third for the Yankees just like is idol, Alex Rodriguez. Miguel Andújar is a defensive liability and could be traded for pitching or moved to first base, where only Luke Voit is in his way. I can't see Machado signing with the forgotten Chicago team in the Whitesox, especially if their offer is really only 175 million as was reported. Unfortunately it would make twitter nightmare Dan Clark correct, which would go right to his head.
Bryce Harper (OF)
According to Matt Kelly of mlb.com, the Cubs, the Phillies, and the Dodgers remain in the mix for Harper. The Nationals are reported to be interested in retaining their homegrown star as well. In the Jon Heyman report referenced above, the Padres also have some level of interest. Along with Machado, Harper was believed to be looking for a deal north of 300 million however none his "offers" have been leaked so we have no way of knowing what teams are thinking.
My Prediction: Washington Nationals
Why? : Again, like Machado, it seems Harper isn't getting the 300 million dollar offers he was expecting. The Nationals likely believed they would be priced out of the market for the outfielder. With Harper's expectations possibly coming down, I see the Nationals making a real run at their star player, especially with the amount of talent the team still has on its roster. Washington never won a championship during their last window but having an outfield of Victor Robles, Juan Soto, and Harper could be the first step in building towards their next opportunity.
Craig Kimbrel (CP)
Kimbrel is the last closer remaining as a free agent. It's been reported that he is looking for something like 80 million over five years. As a thirty year old, it is an ambitious asking price but in line with what the Yankees gave Aroldis Chapman in 2016.
My Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Why? : While Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski might say he's comfortable with his team's bullpen without Kimbrel, I can't see Boston going into 2019 without an established closer, especially because the AL East is likely to be a dog fight between the Red Sox, the Yankees, and the upstart Rays. No one wants to play the wild card game and the Red Sox aren't going to depend on an unproven commodity in the ninth inning. They are waiting for Kimbrel's price to come down and as spring training approaches, it will.
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