Presidente’s 2018-2019 MLB Offseason Free Agent Predictions

As we countdown to warmer weather and the glorious-ness of Spring Training, I looked at the top 30 free agents and decided to make my predictions.  I can look like a genius or like an idiot… but whatever… it’s baseball in November!  Take a glance and tell us your predictions.

Comment below, hit us up with questions/thoughts on Twitter (@TheCombineBlog), or post your shit-talk on our Facebook / Instagram page and keep the discussion going.

 

#	Player	Team	Contract
1	Bryce Harper, RF	Phillies	14/$400M
2	Manny Machado, SS	White Sox	12/$350M
3	Patrick Corbin, SP	Yankees	6/$132M
4	Craig Kimbrel, RP	Braves	5/$85M
5	Dallas Keuchel, SP	Angels	4/$80M
6	Nathan Eovaldi, SP	Red Sox	4/$70M
7	Yasmani Grandal, C	Nationals	4/$64M
8	AJ Pollock, CF	Giants	4/$64M
9	Michael Brantley, LF	Astros	4/$60M
10	Josh Donaldson, 3B	Braves	3/$50M
11	Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP	Dodgers	3/$40M
12	J.A. Happ, SP	Blue Jays	3/$48M
13	Wilson Ramos, C	Phillies	3/$42M
14	Andrew McCutchen, CF	White Sox	3/$42M
15	Yusei Kikuchi, SP	Mariners	5/$40M
16	Marwin Gonzalez, UTIL	Twins	4/$40M
17	Nelson Cruz, DH	Twins	2/$36M
18	Charlie Morton, SP	Phillies	2/$36M
19	Jeurys Familia, RP	Mets	3/$36M
20	Andrew Miller, RP	Red Sox	3/$33M
21	Zack Britton, RP	Astros	3/$33M
22	David Robertson, RP	Mets	3/$33M
23	Adam Ottavino, RP	Phillies	3/$33M
24	Jed Lowrie, 2B	Athletics	3/$30M
25	Joe Kelly, RP	Red Sox	3/$27M
26	Brian Dozier, 2B	Nationals	2/$25M
27	Matt Harvey, SP	Reds	2/$22M
28	Kelvin Herrera, RP	Dodgers	2/$16M
29	Daniel Murphy, 2B	Twins	1/$14M
30	Gio Gonzalez, SP	Angels	1/$13M

1. Bryce Harper

The prized jewel of this offseason is going to set a record.  With the money available, I think he chooses the Phillies.  Also in play: Braves, Yankees, Dodgers, and Nats

2. Manny Machado

I’m going bold here… ChiSox.  The Southsiders have money to spend could decide to increase the years and money to motivate him to sign.  Also in play: Phillies, Yankees, Cubs

3. Patrick Corbin

He’s going to the Yankees… end of story.  They just have to figure out length/dollar amount that is agreeable to both sides. Also in play: No one… read the first sentence, idiot.

4. Craig Kimbrel

It’s going to be homecoming for Kimbrel.  He returns to where it all started and a lock for 50 saves in 2019. Also in play: Cards, Phillies, and Red Sox

5. Dallas Keuchel

The Angels need about 4 starting pitchers… they snag one here in Keuchel. Also in play: Reds, Braves, Nationals, Red Sox

6. Nathan Eovaldi

I think he returns to the Red Sox to be the best #4 pitcher in the MLB next year. Also in play: Braves, Angels, Reds

7. Yasmani Grandal

The Nationals have had a void at catcher for basically their entire existence… they shore it up here with Grandal.  Also in play: Mets, Braves, Phillies, Dodgers, Astros, Red Sox, Angels

8. AJ Pollock

The Giants don’t have a proven OF on their roster… and they love paying a lot of money to players who will spend time on the DL for them.  Perfect fit.  Also in play: White Sox, Diamondbacks, Braves, Pirates

9. Michael Brantley

The Astros don’t have a left fielder to plug into their potential championship team, but they do have some money to spend.  With other teams likely to get involved, I see the price getting pushed upwards a little bit.  Also in play: Braves, White Sox, Giants, Phillies

10. Josh Donaldson

The Braves got good production from Camargo last year, but they also desperately need a big RH bat to protect Freeman.  Also in play: Cards, Nationals, Cubs

11. Hyun-Jin Ryu

This little piggy won’t be leaving the market.  The Dodgers know him better than anyone and need him in their rotation.  When he is on and healthy, he is a beast.  Also in play: Yankees and Angels

12. A. Happ

The Blue Jays always loved Happ… they bring him back on a 3 year deal to continue their mediocrity.  Also in play: Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Brewers

13. Wilson Ramos

The Phillies traded for him after getting little production from their other catchers… they must know his knees pretty well and can pray they stand up to 100+ games in 2019. Also in play: Braves, Nationals, Red Sox, Mets, Astros

14. Andrew McCutchen

The Southsiders add to their Machado signing by adding a veteran presence in McCutchen to their barren outfield.  Also in play: Cubs, Rays, Phillies

15. Yusei Kikuchi

This may be part racist… but I’ve got no fucking clue.  With Ichiro in the front office, the Mariners will add Kikuchi to the rotation. Also in play: Dodgers? Padres?

16. Marwin Gonzalez

The Twins love the versatile infielders.  They snag Gonzalez to replace Escobar. Also in play: Literally almost every team

17. Nelson Cruz

The Twins have a big void in their lineup when it comes to power unless Sano wants to show up in 2019.  Twins add him on a 2 year deal and reap the benefits. Also in play: Mariners, Astros, Rays, Athletics

18. Charlie Morton

Rumor is Charlie wants to be close to home if Astros don’t resign him… Phillies make him an offer since there is no draft pick compensation tied to him. Also in play: Astros, Red Sox, Braves

19. Jeurys Familia

Mets need bullpen help and a lot of it.  I think they go with a committee until one separates themselves from the pack.  Also in play: Dodgers, Red Sox, Angels, Phillies

20. Andrew Miller

Red Sox are losing Kimbrel, but Andrew Miller isn’t a bad consolation prize.  He could step in and close for them or continue to work multiple innings.  Also in play: Yankees, Dodgers, Braves, Angels, Phillies

21. Zack Britton

The Astros wanted him before… now they get him.  They could use another lefty in the pen and potentially turn him into a “fireman”. Also in play: Mets. Dodgers, Red Sox, Angels, Phillies

22. David Robertson

Like Familia, the Mets need a lot of help and want closing experience. Also in play: Dodgers, Red Sox, Angels, Phillies

23. Adam Ottavino

Phillies need bullpen help and Ottavino looks like a solid years/dollars fit for them.  Also in play: Dodgers, Red Sox, Angels, Mets

24. Jed Lowrie

Athletics were competitive last year and could look to bring back the versatile Lowrie. Also in play: Nationals, Twins, Dodgers, Rays

25. Joe Kelly

The World Champion Boston Red Sox can’t let both Kimbrel and Kelly walk.  Kelly will be far more affordable than Kimbrel and shows flashes of dominance.  Also in play: Dodgers, Red Sox, Angels, Phillies

26. Brian Dozier

There may not be a better fit than the Nationals.  Short-term deal and fills a void at 2B. Also in play: Red Sox, Mets, Yankees

27. Matt Harvey

Surprisingly, Harvey did far better in Cincy after the trade last year and I think the Reds overpay to keep him.  Also in play: Red Sox, Angels, Nationals

28. Kelvin Herrera

The Dodgers could use some insurance in case Jansen’s heart needs another break… Also in play: Phillies, Mets, Braves

29. Daniel Murphy

Minnesota has some holes in the infield that could fit Murphy well.  With Mauer retiring, the Twins could plug him in at 1B and rotate him at DH/2B as well.  Also in play: Dodgers, Yankees, Rays, Athletics

30. Gio Gonzalez

Angels need pitching and Gio needs somewhere with an offense to support his 4.50 ERA. Also in play: Brewers, Yankees, Athletics

 

Team by Team Offseason Analysis