2017-18 Free Agent Predictions: Outfielders
Dec 18, 2017 12:06:35 GMT -5
Padres GM (Noah), Twins GM (Pat), and 1 more like this
Post by White Sox GM (Michael) on Dec 18, 2017 12:06:35 GMT -5
Infielders
Methodology: Look at team needs and available salary and factor in how crazy the owner is. I don't ever participate in FA seriously so the contract guesses may be off.
Jose Bautista RF
Bautista's future in baseball is uncertain. At age 36, his production fell off a cliff, so it's hard to project a rosy 2018. At the same time, he still managed 23 home runs, and other hitters have been able to tweak their swing late in their careers for a renaissance. Don't expect 2010-2015 Joey Bats, but this could be a good short-term risk for a team with money to blow and a need for power. My best guess is Washington, although I think Houston is a dark horse here.
Projected contract: 1 year @ $6M
Jay Bruce RF
Even in a power-inflated league, Bruce still managed top-20 HR and RBI production across baseball. There's value here from the 31-year-old, who is a pretty steady bet for 30+ homers and an average that won't kill you. Still, most teams with money aren't in a huge need for a right fielder, so I think he ends up on a reasonable deal with Seattle. They're most likely trying to make upgrading pitching a priority, but I could see them moving Hosmer to clear some money and make improvements in the lineup and on the mound.
Projected contract: Mariners, 3 years @ $12M/year
Lorenzo Cain CF
Lorenzo Cain is the definition of jack-of-all-trades, master of none. I think he goes a bit underappreciated, though. Cain's 26 SB last season may not seem gaudy, but it actually left him tied for 11th in baseball last season. The truth is that players don't really steal anymore, so mid-20s steal numbers are elite for fantasy. Combine that with an above-average bat at the weakest outfield position, and I think Cain could be a value pick for whoever grabs him.
I currently have the Jays pinned for Cozart, so they'll have to make room if they're signing him and Cain, but the Jays have enough assets to make more cap space if they choose. With a few strong upgrades for the offense, the Jays will be true contenders for a Wild Card spot in 2018.
Projected contract: Blue Jays, 4 years @ $19M/year
Jarrod Dyson CF
Same situation as Cain, but without the good hitting, so...not the same situation. Dyson is an elite defender, so he will get playing time, which means he could easily finish as a top-10 stealer again. I think the Indians spend most of their money on pitching, but this is probably the cheapest way they can make a sizable difference in their 2018 lineup.
Projected contract: Indians, 2 years @ $7M/year
Carlos Gonzalez RF
Does anyone want CarGo? Not really. I think he'll come cheap, and the Rangers could use a RF with the few million they have.
Projected contract: Rangers, 2 years @ $6M/year
J.D. Martinez RF
Martinez's monster 2017 is well-known, but I also feel like it went underappreciated. 45 homers in under 500 PA is ridiculous! J.D. is clearly the best OF available this offseason, and he is only 30, so he will command 5 years at a very high price. Most of the competitors with enough cash to sign J.D. have bigger needs elsewhere, so I think the Astros make their annual offseason splash here. Max is close enough to contention with Martinez to justify this signing, but he's also a pretty safe bat should Max choose to deal him.
Projected contract: Astros, 5 years @ $33M/year
Cameron Maybin LF/CF
Maybin is the other elite stolen base source in this class, although he might not be a full-time player. Still, I think he gets a few hundred PAs and several pinch running opportunities which still makes him valuable for steals. This seems like a savvy pickup for a contender who can try to win steals most weeks cheaply. The Braves are set up with speed, but their center field situation is uncertain while Bader is blocked and Jankowski can't hit.
Projected contract: Braves, 1 year @ $4M
Methodology: Look at team needs and available salary and factor in how crazy the owner is. I don't ever participate in FA seriously so the contract guesses may be off.
Jose Bautista RF
Bautista's future in baseball is uncertain. At age 36, his production fell off a cliff, so it's hard to project a rosy 2018. At the same time, he still managed 23 home runs, and other hitters have been able to tweak their swing late in their careers for a renaissance. Don't expect 2010-2015 Joey Bats, but this could be a good short-term risk for a team with money to blow and a need for power. My best guess is Washington, although I think Houston is a dark horse here.
Projected contract: 1 year @ $6M
Jay Bruce RF
Even in a power-inflated league, Bruce still managed top-20 HR and RBI production across baseball. There's value here from the 31-year-old, who is a pretty steady bet for 30+ homers and an average that won't kill you. Still, most teams with money aren't in a huge need for a right fielder, so I think he ends up on a reasonable deal with Seattle. They're most likely trying to make upgrading pitching a priority, but I could see them moving Hosmer to clear some money and make improvements in the lineup and on the mound.
Projected contract: Mariners, 3 years @ $12M/year
Lorenzo Cain CF
Lorenzo Cain is the definition of jack-of-all-trades, master of none. I think he goes a bit underappreciated, though. Cain's 26 SB last season may not seem gaudy, but it actually left him tied for 11th in baseball last season. The truth is that players don't really steal anymore, so mid-20s steal numbers are elite for fantasy. Combine that with an above-average bat at the weakest outfield position, and I think Cain could be a value pick for whoever grabs him.
I currently have the Jays pinned for Cozart, so they'll have to make room if they're signing him and Cain, but the Jays have enough assets to make more cap space if they choose. With a few strong upgrades for the offense, the Jays will be true contenders for a Wild Card spot in 2018.
Projected contract: Blue Jays, 4 years @ $19M/year
Jarrod Dyson CF
Same situation as Cain, but without the good hitting, so...not the same situation. Dyson is an elite defender, so he will get playing time, which means he could easily finish as a top-10 stealer again. I think the Indians spend most of their money on pitching, but this is probably the cheapest way they can make a sizable difference in their 2018 lineup.
Projected contract: Indians, 2 years @ $7M/year
Carlos Gonzalez RF
Does anyone want CarGo? Not really. I think he'll come cheap, and the Rangers could use a RF with the few million they have.
Projected contract: Rangers, 2 years @ $6M/year
J.D. Martinez RF
Martinez's monster 2017 is well-known, but I also feel like it went underappreciated. 45 homers in under 500 PA is ridiculous! J.D. is clearly the best OF available this offseason, and he is only 30, so he will command 5 years at a very high price. Most of the competitors with enough cash to sign J.D. have bigger needs elsewhere, so I think the Astros make their annual offseason splash here. Max is close enough to contention with Martinez to justify this signing, but he's also a pretty safe bat should Max choose to deal him.
Projected contract: Astros, 5 years @ $33M/year
Cameron Maybin LF/CF
Maybin is the other elite stolen base source in this class, although he might not be a full-time player. Still, I think he gets a few hundred PAs and several pinch running opportunities which still makes him valuable for steals. This seems like a savvy pickup for a contender who can try to win steals most weeks cheaply. The Braves are set up with speed, but their center field situation is uncertain while Bader is blocked and Jankowski can't hit.
Projected contract: Braves, 1 year @ $4M
