By Josh:
Last year I took my sweet time writing up my Hot Stove Free Agent Predictions and had them out long before anyone of the players really starting talking to teams. This year though feels like I have to get it out now because things are already going quickly and it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet. I got to admit it was hard to not put every player on the Seattle Mariners, my favorite team. So with that I will start with the one player I did put on the Mariners.
Yoenis Cespedes – Seattle Mariners – The Mariners were in the playoff hunt until almost the last day of the season and they know that this year is the year they need to go all in because Nelson Cruz, Felix Hernandez and Robinson Cano aren’t getting younger. I do think that the Mariners biggest need is an upgrade at 1st base and another starter and those might need to come from trades.
Jose Bautista – Boston Red Sox – The Red Sox want to replace David Ortiz, and this is not going to do it. He can hit home runs but his average is LOW, but this won’t stop the Red Sox from over spending.
Aroldis Chapman – New York Yankees – How many closer do you know that can throw 105 mph. I only know of one. Chapman is going to seek a 100 million dollar contact. He isn’t going to get it. I think when the Yankees traded Chapman the plan was always to try and get him back. He is a great pitcher but honestly the postseason hurt him. He blew three saves and only one of them can really be blamed on being over used in my opinion.
Kenley Jansen – Los Angeles Dodgers – There is a lot of hype going on with the previous closer, Chapman, but in my opinion I would rather have Jansen. Jansen had an amazing season last year and was a key reason why the Dodgers were able to get as far as they did. Having a solid reliever core has been an issue for years with the Dodgers so I don’t see them losing an in house closer.
Mark Trumbo – Houston Astros – The Astros are a big swinging team and who better to add to the lineup then a power hitter coming off a career year. This is one of the more long shots I am picking but think about another big power hitter in that ball park.
Josh Reddick – Baltimore Orioles – Reddick isn’t a spectacular player but he is solid and that is something the Orioles just might need. I honestly think Reddick would be a better fit on a few other teams but the Orioles might need to fill Trumbo’s spot and Reddick might be the best option.
Rich Hill – Colorado Rockies – The Rockies bring in a new manager who is very good with getting the best from his pitchers. Hill would give the Rockies a veteran pitcher who can win games and give Bud Black some pitching to work with.
Wilson Ramos – Baltimore Orioles – Why move to far away when a team near you needs a catcher with experience. Oh and the team is in the American League so he can take some time at DH because even though Chris Davis can hit homeruns he doesn’t have a great average.