November 4, 201510 yr http://m.mlb.com/news/article/156397814/top-free-agents-for-each-team-in-mlb Hey Salty's available!!!!! By AJ Cassavell / MLB.com | 10:06 AM ET + 27 COMMENTS Below is a division-by-division breakdown of the key free agents for all 30 clubs. Teams are listed in order of their division finish. Also check out the Hot Stove Tracker for updates throughout the postseason. NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST New York Mets Key free agents: Yoenis Cespedes, Daniel Murphy, Bartolo Colon, Tyler Clippard The Mets have solid internal options across the board, with Michael Conforto and Dilson Herrera set to take over for Cespedes and Murphy, respectively, and some combination ofSteven Matz, Rafael Montero and Zack Wheeler (once he returns from Tommy John surgery rehab) filling Colon's shoes in the rotation. Addison Reed and Hansel Robles are strong candidates to become the primary setup options if Clippard departs. Washington Nationals Key free agents: Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister, Ian Desmond, Denard Span, Casey Janssen Joe Ross' emergence as a capable big league starter should mitigate some of the Nats' concerns if they lose either Fister, Zimmermann or both. With youngsters Michael Taylorand Trea Turner potentially able to fill the roles of Span and Desmond, respectively, Washington could save some money at those positions, while also getting younger. Miami Marlins Key free agents: Jeff Mathis, Casey McGehee Among NL East teams, the Marlins are easily the least affected by the opening of the free-agent market, as they stand to lose only their backup catcher and third baseman. The question isn't so much who Miami will lose. It's who it will bring in to help boost an offense that finished 29th in the Majors in runs scored. Atlanta Braves Key free agents: A.J. Pierzynski, Ross Detwiler, Edwin Jackson The Braves will need to decide whether they're comfortable with Christian Bethancourt as their starting catcher. Pierzynski might not be back, and even if he returns, he'll be 39 next season and incapable of an everyday catcher's workload anyway. Philadelphia Phillies Key free agents: Aaron Harang, Jerome Williams, Chad Billingsley, Jeff Francoeur,Justin De Fratus, Cliff Lee The free agency of Harang, Williams and Billingsley coincides nicely with the arrivals of several of Philadelphia's top pitching prospects. Aaron Nola, Alec Asher and Jerad Eickhoff all debuted this season, and No. 2 prospect Jake Thompson, who came over along with Asher and Eickhoff in the Cole Hamels trade, could be ready for big league action as well. AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST Toronto Blue Jays Key free agents: David Price, Dioner Navarro, Marco Estrada, Mark Buehrle (retiring),Mark Lowe, LaTroy Hawkins, Cliff Pennington There aren't many teams getting hit harder by free agency than the Blue Jays, who will lose three members of their starting rotation. Among Toronto's top five pitching prospects, none figures to be big league ready next season. Marcus Stroman showed signs that he's an ace-caliber starter, but the Blue Jays will need to add some pitching depth around him. New York Yankees Key free agents: Chris Young, Stephen Drew The Yankees' shortage of reliable right-handed hitters gets even worse when Young hits the market. Top prospect Aaron Judge, a 23-year-old power-hitting outfielder, could fill that role soon enough, but in the meantime, expect New York to be active in free agency, as usual. Meanwhile, at second base, Rob Refsnyder, who hit .302/.348/.512 in 16 games last season, could be given the keys to the position in Drew's absence. Baltimore Orioles Key free agents: Chris Davis, Wei-Yin Chen, Matt Wieters, Darren O'Day, Steve Pearce,Gerardo Parra Davis figures to be one of the most appealing free agents on the market, and you'd expect Baltimore to do anything in its power to bring back the slugging first baseman. But the loss of Davis isn't the only potential void on the Orioles' roster. They also have issues to resolve at catcher, both corner outfield spots, the starting rotation and the bullpen. Tampa Bay Rays Key free agents: Asdrubal Cabrera, John Jaso Tim Beckham showed a few signs that he could be an everyday shortstop for the Rays, but that might not preclude them from trying to re-sign Cabrera, who was one of their more reliable performers. The loss of an on-base threat like Jaso could hurt, too, and Tampa Bay -- which boasts one of the league's best pitching staffs when healthy -- will likely be looking for an offensive jolt after it finished second-to-last in the AL in runs scored. Boston Red Sox Key free agents: Craig Breslow, Rich Hill The Red Sox won't be losing much to free agency. There are legitimate questions as to whether they should bring back Hill, who posted a 1.55 ERA in four starts but turns 36 in March. Otherwise, Boston's recent youth movement should be on full display across the diamond next season, but don't be surprised if the Red Sox go after a big-name starter to boost their rotation. NL CENTRAL St. Louis Cardinals Key free agents: Jason Heyward, John Lackey, Matt Belisle, Randy Choate, Carlos Villanueva, Jonathan Broxton Heyward leaving would leave a huge void, but the emergence of Randal Grichuk andStephen Piscotty would severely lessen that blow. Lackey proved that, at 36, he still has plenty left in the tank, and the Cardinals may try to retain his services. Pittsburgh Pirates Key free agents: A.J. Burnett (retiring), Aramis Ramirez (retiring), Joakim Soria, J.A. Happ, Sean Rodriguez, Antonio Bastardo The Pirates' core group of homegrown talent remains intact. But given the sheer volume of free-agents-to-be on the 2015 roster, there is bound to be some shuffling. The departures of Burnett and Happ could be mitigated should prospects Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillonarrive on the scene in Pittsburgh next season. Chicago Cubs Key free agents: Dexter Fowler, Fernando Rodney, Austin Jackson, Jason Motte, James Russell, Clayton Richard, Trevor Cahill, Chris Denorfia Fowler leaving would sting, but it's in the bullpen where the Cubs will be hardest hit by free agency, as five relievers are set to depart. There was always plenty of room for improvement in Chicago's bullpen, however, and this offseason gives Theo Epstein and Co. a chance to tinker. Milwaukee Brewers Key free agent: Kyle Lohse Regardless of the fact that Lohse finished the season in the bullpen for Milwaukee, his departure serves as a reminder that the Brewers could use some help in the middle of their rotation. Taylor Jungmann looked impressive in his first big league season, but the Crew needs to start building a deeper rotation around him. Cincinnati Reds Key free agents: Sean Marshall, Brayan Pena, Burke Badenhop, Skip Schumaker Like the Brewers, the Reds won't be affected much by free agency. They'd like to bolster their bullpen in front of Aroldis Chapman, with the possible departures of Marshall and Badenhop. But otherwise, they should be free to spend elsewhere without worrying about losing players. AL CENTRAL Kansas City Royals Key free agents: Johnny Cueto, Ben Zobrist, Alex Rios, Ryan Madson, Chris Young The World Series champs needed a front-line starter and a second baseman midseason, so they went out and acquired Cueto and Zobrist, who filled those voids well. Problem is, Kansas City will be faced with those same issues in the offseason, and no one in the organization seems ready to step in. Rios and the Royals have a $12.5 million mutual option, which may end up working for both parties. But if Rios leaves, Kansas City will have to look externally for a right fielder as well. Minnesota Twins Key free agents: Mike Pelfrey, Blaine Boyer, Neal Cotts, Brian Duensing Minnesota has a solid young core of offensive talent, but the club needs pitching depth. And although Pelfrey has struggled for the past three seasons, his departure still signifies the Twins' need to find some rotation help. The pending arrival of the club's No. 2 prospect, Jose Berrios, could be a nice start. Cleveland Indians Key free agents: Mike Aviles, Shaun Marcum Few big league clubs will be affected less by free agency than Cleveland. And that should work nicely for a team that has developed a solid crop of strikeout-heavy starting pitchers. Chicago White Sox Key free agents: Jeff Samardzija, Gordon Beckham, Geovany Soto, Matt Albers Samardzija struggled in his one season on the South Side, and the White Sox certainly have internal options to take his place as the No. 2 starter behind Chris Sale. They hope 22-year-old Carlos Rodon can become that guy. Still, in Samardzija's absence -- assuming he signs elsewhere -- Chicago could very well be looking for another starter this offseason. Detroit Tigers Key free agents: Alfredo Simon, Alex Avila, Rajai Davis, Joe Nathan Detroit's influx of young pitchers mitigates the concern that they'll be losing Simon. And if Avila departs, James McCann and Bryan Holaday have proven themselves more than capable behind the plate. NL WEST Los Angeles Dodgers Key free agents: Zack Greinke, Brett Anderson, Jimmy Rollins, Howie Kendrick Greinke's career year in 2015 coincided with the opt-out clause in his contract, and the 32-year-old right-hander opted out on Wednesday. The Dodgers will undoubtedly aim to re-sign Greinke if he does, but he'll be in demand. The potential loss of Anderson -- not quite as high profile as Greinke -- could prove costly as well, and Los Angeles' already shaky rotation depth stands to take a major hit if neither returns. San Francisco Giants Key free agents: Tim Lincecum, Ryan Vogelsong, Mike Leake, Joaquin Arias, Tim Hudson (retiring), Jeremy Affeldt (retiring) Expect the Giants to be active on the free-agent front in search of starting pitching. Four San Francisco starters had their contracts expire this season, and it's no secret that the Giants are lacking reliable options behind Madison Bumgarner. Arizona Diamondbacks Key free agents: David Hernandez, Jarrod Saltalamacchia The D-backs aren't losing any key pieces, but their rotation still lacks depth. It'll be interesting to see which hurlers Arizona chooses to pursue in free agency. San Diego Padres Key free agents: Justin Upton, Ian Kennedy, Shawn Kelley, Brandon Morrow, Clint Barmes From an offensive standpoint, Upton's departure is massive, but it allows Wil Myers to shift from center field to left, at the very least, boosting the Padres' overall team defense. In that vein, San Diego will need to decide if a Melvin Upton Jr./Travis Jankowski platoon in center is the answer. And the Padres will also likely need to sign at least one starting pitcher with the impending departures of Kennedy and Morrow. Colorado Rockies Key free agents: Justin Morneau, Kyle Kendrick, Michael McKenry The Rockies declined their $9 million option on Morneau, which signifies a transition to Ben Paulsen at first base. Colorado was already in need of starting pitching even before Kendrick became a free agent, and the Rockies hope top pitching prospect Jon Gray, who debuted in August, can be part of the solution. AL WEST Texas Rangers Key free agents: Yovani Gallardo, Colby Lewis, Mike Napoli, Will Venable It's hard to envision Lewis leaving the Rangers, and he has expressed his desire to return. Still, Texas will likely need to boost the middle of its rotation by either adding a starter or re-signing Gallardo. The Rangers also will get a boost when Yu Darvish returns from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in March. Houston Astros Key free agents: Colby Rasmus, Scott Kazmir, Tony Sipp, Oliver Perez, Joe Thatcher,Chad Qualls Rasmus' torrid postseason boosted his stock, and it remains to be seen whether the Astros will attempt to retain him (or go after another outfielder). They could very well be content to simply hand over more playing time to Preston Tucker and Jake Marisnick. The potential loss of Kazmir may be even more impactful, and Houston could be in the market for a No. 2 or 3 starter if he leaves. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Key free agents: David Freese, Chris Iannetta, Matt Joyce, Shane Victorino Freese's free agency presents the Angels with a question as to whether the organization feels Kaleb Cowart can be an everyday third baseman. Chances are, the Halos will aim to bring back Freese or at least look elsewhere for help at the hot corner. Their other free-agent losses all appear to be fixable internally, but don't be surprised if the Angels focus on bringing in another big bat. Seattle Mariners Key free agents: Hisashi Iwakuma, Franklin Gutierrez Iwakuma stated his preference to return to Seattle, but it's still unclear whether he and the Mariners will work something out in free agency. If he departs, it would leave a big hole behind Felix Hernandez in Seattle's rotation. Oakland A's Key free agent: Edward Mujica Mujica and his nearly $4 million salary will come off the books, and the A's would be wise to reinvest that money in their bullpen after they posted an AL-worst 4.63 relief ERA in 2015. Of course, that isn't Oakland's only area of weakness, and despite the absence of any significant roster subtractions, the A's might still be busy this offseason. AJ Cassavell is a reporter for MLB.com
November 5, 201510 yr How about Napoli as a right-handed compliment to Bour? Or are we done with signing native South Floridians after Latos and Morse?
November 5, 201510 yr How about Napoli as a right-handed compliment to Bour? Or are we done with signing native South Floridians after Latos and Morse? How about 1B Byung Ho Park from KBO? Now he is on the posting.
November 5, 201510 yr How about 1B Byung Ho Park from KBO? Now he is on the posting. I'd be fine taking a chance on him. They did just hire a couple of front office guys from the Pirates and signing Kang last year worked out well for them. I can't imagine it would cost all that much either.
November 5, 201510 yr Kyle Kendrick and Gallardo Its gonna be Doug Fister if he wants it. Take it to the bank like he will
November 5, 201510 yr Its gonna be Doug Fister if he wants it. Take it to the bank like he will Zimmerman Fister wastes of money. Kendrick will produced the same results for less money. It's like we are detirmined to LOOK we are trying...but really hoping to tank.
November 5, 201510 yr For the sake of people like me who haven't followed him closely, can someone give me us an explanation as to why we do not want Doug Fister?
November 5, 201510 yr If he can do what he did with the Mariners and when he was first traded to Detriot I will take him with open arms.
November 5, 201510 yr For the sake of people like me who haven't followed him closely, can someone give me us an explanation as to why we do not want Doug Fister? He had a bad year last year but I think he's worth it if its a low dollar amount with possible incentives. High guarantee multi-year would be sketchy.
November 5, 201510 yr He had a bad year last year but I think he's worth it if its a low dollar amount with possible incentives. High guarantee multi-year would be sketchy. It's not just that he had a bad year; it's his peripherals during the bad year were absolutely garbage. It wasn't a fluke that he sucked. He's got career low swgstrk rates on all his pitches. His avg 2 seam velocity was like 86 mph down from 87.5 in 2014 and 88.5 in 2013. Notice how that HR jumped with that shit ass velocity. He also had career low movement on the 2 seamer. So he's throwing a slower 2 seamer that is moving less. Great. So unless he gets that velocity back up (he won't as this doesn't magically happen), he will once again have that terrible HR/FB rate. He also had a creer low GB% (again related to velocity and movement on the 2 seam). For ground ball pitcher to have a career low GB rate is not a good thing. Thinking he will return to 2014 or before form is ridiculous and pretty much wishful thinking without any sort of statistical evidence to support it (aka loria 101). The guy will have a mid/upper 4s era next year at best. He sucks. I'd give him 1 year $2m at most.
November 5, 201510 yr He wasn't good last year but he isn't far removed from being a good big league starter. And doesn't Benedict specialize in fixing pitchers? I certainly wouldn't give him big money, but I'd take the gamble at the right price.
November 6, 201510 yr He wasn't good last year but he isn't far removed from being a good big league starter. And doesn't Benedict specialize in fixing pitchers? I certainly wouldn't give him big money, but I'd take the gamble at the right price. This
November 6, 201510 yr FWIW, Benedict is in favor of signing Fister if its a team-friendly or incentive-laden deal.
November 6, 201510 yr FWIW, Benedict is in favor of signing Fister if its a team-friendly or incentive-laden deal. Any word on who the front office is after? The Marlins acknowledge that they haven’t done the best job of putting their payroll to use in building around their young core in recent years, as Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. Pitching is the major need, according to president David Samson, who says he feels the organization has “three of the top ten players in baseball” — referring to Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Fernandez, and Dee Gordon. Per Jackson, Miami would go up to $15MM a year on the right starting pitcher, though the team is more likely to spend in the $12MM to $15MM range. (He calls Yovani Gallardo an “interesting option in the high end of that range.”) Of course, trades are also possible, and Marcell Ozuna appears to represent a big chip with the organization seemingly unconvinced that he’s a piece worth keeping. Miami is chasing two pitchers, says Jackson, one of whom could come from a deal involving Ozuna.
November 6, 201510 yr Any word on who the front office is after? The Marlins acknowledge that they haven’t done the best job of putting their payroll to use in building around their young core in recent years, as Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. Pitching is the major need, according to president David Samson, who says he feels the organization has “three of the top ten players in baseball” — referring to Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Fernandez, and Dee Gordon. Per Jackson, Miami would go up to $15MM a year on the right starting pitcher, though the team is more likely to spend in the $12MM to $15MM range. (He calls Yovani Gallardo an “interesting option in the high end of that range.”) Of course, trades are also possible, and Marcell Ozuna appears to represent a big chip with the organization seemingly unconvinced that he’s a piece worth keeping. Miami is chasing two pitchers, says Jackson, one of whom could come from a deal involving Ozuna. I guess they really do believe fans are dumb or cluesless. We've all known they haven't been putting "their money" around the core correctly. But perhaps this is the hamster wheel of the off-season. Sell the public about how this yr it will be different. Stfu, stay out of the baseball knowledge (Benedict, etc) way and let them do what they need to. Spend on what they say, maybe we will see instant change on a budget. Ala Pirates.
November 6, 201510 yr This You guys are looking at this completely the wrong way. Just becuase he had a okay 2014 and a bad 2015 does not mean he will magically revert to form. Fister is a 2 seam ground ball pitcher. His 2 seamer now sucks and has been showing signs of deterioration/red flags for a couple years now. There's a lot of other guys who had bad 2015s who are pretty signable and actually have their arsenal still in tact. I think fangraphs has Fister projected at .9 WAR for next year. I think that's generous but even using that number won't get done what we need. Have we already forgotten the Mat Latos experiment?
November 6, 201510 yr You guys are looking at this completely the wrong way. Just becuase he had a okay 2014 and a bad 2015 does not mean he will magically revert to form. Isn't that the Miami Marlins special, though?!
November 6, 201510 yr Isn't that the Miami Marlins special, though?! No doubt. See Mat Latos. It's also the inverse of their usual spiel, signing guys off career years where it's blatantly obivous they won't repeat
November 6, 201510 yr Kyle Kendrick and Gallardo. cheaper/better options then Fister and Zimmerman. I don't think many cpitchers will be as cheap as Fister. Most organizations know he sucks. Gallardo's peripherals are almost as bad as Fisters. Walks too many and doesn't strike out too much. No way Jose.
November 6, 201510 yr Considering he will get about $15 million or there close to it is another reason to say no thanks.
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