After the Winter Meetings come to a close, the feeling out process arrives. Free agents looking to go elsewhere are trying to get the most bang for their buck, and teams are doing the same. Once a higher market player has signed, the rest of the market for the remaining free agents becomes clearer. Below is a list of the top 10 available free agents and where they may end up playing next season.
#10- Vladimir Guerrero
Many see Vlad as a DH only, I still believe he can contribute to any team if used in the outfield occasionally. He’ll certainly sign with an AL team to be used as a DH the majority of the time. He could still be valuable for a team looking for a little pop in their line-up. A return to the Angels doesn’t look likely but he definitely has his suitors. In the end I believe he’ll end up in Texas
Likely Destinations: Rangers, Twins
#9- Jermaine Dye
Dye is in sort of the same boat as Vlad. Some teams think he can contribute everyday, most would prefer him at DH. Only, Dye believes he can be an everyday player in the outfield. Still, the number of teams looking at Dye will be mostly from the AL. He could also land in Texas, though, if the Cardinals can’t come to a deal with Matt Holliday, they could be giving Dye a call.
Likely Destinations: Rangers, Mariners, Braves, Cardinals
#8- Aroldis Chapman
Plenty of teams interested in this phenom. He likely won’t pay dividends right away but if put in the right system he could become a top of the line pitcher. He’s been linked to so many teams it’s hard to say where he’ll end up. Though, my money is on where the money already is.
Likely Destinations: Yankees, Red Sox, A’s, Marlins
#7- Orlando Hudson
One things for sure Hudson won’t be returning to the LA Dodgers next season. There are however, a number of teams who could use a player like Hudson. He brings a lead-off hitter mentality to the plate along with outstanding defensive skills at 2nd Base.
Likely Destination: Mets, Nationals
#6- Adrian Beltre
The Mariners would like to keep Beltre but certainly not at the number he’s looking at and will most likely get. Also, it wouldn’t benefit Beltre to return to Safco field, a large park which have depleted his power numbers since arriving in Seattle.
Likely Destination: Twins, Giants, Red Sox, Mariners
#5- Jose Valverde
Valverde may be the first victim of Baseball’s “feeling out process.” His talents are undeniable, however, the only remaining teams who still need a closer can’t afford him. He’ll have to take less money and wherever he lands he won’t be the closer on opening day. He’s looking at most likely a one-year offer.
Likely Destinations: Phillies, Angels, Cubs
#4- Johnny Damon
Damon has proven himself, he’s shown exactly what kind of player he can still be under the largest spot light. The number of suitors are dwindling however, as Damon is apparently looking for a deal for 2 years paying him around $20 Million. He could have been an option for the Mets, but they’ve since agreed to terms with Jason Bay. Even with the signing of Nick Johnson many believe Damon could still end up back with the Bronx Bombers. Although, one can’t help imagining a reunion in Boston. And Seattle is making a late push.
Likely Destinations: Yankees, Red Sox, Mariners
#3- Joel Pineiro
The Cards would love to keep him. Pineiro would be a fantastic addition to any one’s rotation. What it’s going to come down to is money, with the money guys like Randy Wolf have gotten thus far, a team out their is going to have to make a big offer. Mets are a likely destination, but they still have other things to worry about.
Likely Destinations: Mets, Dodgers
#2- Ben Sheets
Remember this guy? I know he’s coming off an injury but I’ve listed him so high for a reason. He is the dictionary definition of a low-risk/high-reward signing. He’ll likely sign a one-year deal plus incentives. And when Sheets was healthy he was one of the best.
Likely Destination: Mets, Dodgers, Cubs, Mariners, Rays, Angels
#1- Matt Holliday
Holiday has been number one since the off season started. He apparently has an offer on the table from the Cardinals. The Mets had some interest but backed off when it was clear that either they couldn’t afford him or he simply didn’t want to play in New York. The Orioles briefly were in the mix but back out after he declined their offer. He still looks likely to be back in Cardinal red. However, if St. Louis balks at his request look for the Red Sox to creep back in.
Likely Destinations: Cardinals
