By Josh:
This will be a very interesting off season. I think we will see some bigger dollar amounts per year but I don’t see very many contacts being longer than 3 years, especially with potential labor disputes coming down the road. I really only think that one of the players I have will sign a 3 year contact with all of the rest either being 1 year deals or 2 years.
Trevor Bauer – New York Mets or Los Angeles / Anaheim/ California Angels – To be completely honest I would like to see Bauer go back to the Reds or go to the Braves but I honestly think it is down to two teams. Either the Mets go big on Bauer or the Angels are able to bring him back to Southern California.
Marcus Semien – Cleveland Indians – Lindor will never wear an Indians uniform again, which means the Indians need a SS. They may get one in return for Lindor but I’m guessing it will be a prospect and not someone ready to start the season in 2021. Semien can give the Indians solid numbers for the next 2-3 years while they get a prospect ready.
James Paxton – Toronto Blue Jays – I think it would mean a lot to Paxton to be able to play for the only Canadian team in MLB. Plus his no-hitter came in Toronto so they know he can pitch there.
Liam Hendriks – New York Mets – I have zero doubt that the Mets are going to be the most active team on the free agent market this year and their goal is very simple, improve in every position that they can. Hendriks helps deepen their bullpen as they look to be a contender in 2021.
Kolten Wong – Boston Red Sox – I honestly don’t think this is the best landing spot for Wong, but I think the Red Sox are going to feel pressure to sign some free agents this offseason and Wong at least gives fans a recognizable name.
Joc Pederson – San Francisco Giants – The Giants need offense and Joc can provide some of that. Plus he is from Palo Alto, just outside of San Francisco, so this would be a homecoming of sorts for him.
Tommy La Stella – Oakland A’s – The A’s are now the favorite in the AL West but if they want to stay that way they need to keep and build on their depth. La Stella was solid for the A’s in 2020 and they need to make sure they aren’t going backwards in talent and depth.
Chris Archer – Chicago Cubs – First we all need to acknowledge how big the Rays trade of Archer was to their playoff run this year. Since that trade Archer has been less than ace like but for the Cubs they don’t need an ace. They just need a solid starter to keep them in games. Archer should be able to give them just that.
Hot Stove Free Agent Predictions Part 1
Hot Stove Free Agent Predictions Part 2