By Josh:
Both Kelly and Mike mentioned the end of the CBA and the looming potential of a lockout. Both sides need to figure out their issues or fans will continue to walk away. I’ll admit that I haven’t been to a MLB game since 2016 and didn’t watch a single inning of the playoffs this year and only caught parts of a couple games this summer on TV. If the two sides start really fighting and take it to the public the game of baseball will face long term negative affects. With that being said lets get into my predictions.
Carlos Correa – New York Yankees – This took me all of a second to pick and everyone I’ve talked with said the exact same thing. I don’t know that getting Correa should be the Yankees top priority but they will make it their top priority to keep the fans happyish.
Kevin Gausman – San Francisco Giants – The Giants went from a noncontender to 100+ win team and I have no doubt they want to stay that way. Gausman is a top priority for the Giants to show the fans they plan to stay in contention.
Nick Castellanos – New York Mets – With Conforto looking like he is not going back to the Mets, there is a spot in the lineup that needs to be filled with a big bat. Castellanos would give the Mets a solid bat but the challenge here is the Mets front office is a mess (what’s new) and I’m not sure how many free agents want to be a part of that.
Starling Marte – Florida Marlins – Marte will have a lot of options but I think the Marlins want Marte back and it can be a good fit for the team.
Eduardo Rodriguez – Seattle Mariners – The Mariners got pretty close to breaking their 21 year drought from the playoffs. Fans are seeing some hope but if the Mariners can’t capitalize in 2022 they will lose even more fans. Rodriguez would help fill a need for the M’s and their playoff push.
Jonathon Gray – Colorado Rockies – The Rockies held Gray in hopes to sign him long term. He will have a number of teams willing to offer him but the Rockies might be able to offer him the most, assuming they don’t decide to drop even more of their talent and cut costs so they can sit in last place for longer.
Anthony Rizzo – San Diego Padres – The first time I got to meet Rizzo he was a young prospect with the Padres and I think the Padres see Rizzo as a chance to add a strong bat and a steady leader in the clubhouse.
Kenley Jensen – San Diego Padres – Jensen has been a strong closer over the years but I think the Dodgers are ready to move on. However, I can see Jensen wanting to stay in SoCal and the Padres know that they need to improve in a lot of ways if they want to keep pace with the Dodgers and even the Giants.
Hot Stove Free Agent Predictions Part 1
Hot Stove Free Agent Predictions Part 2