Top Five MLB Free Agents

by Andrew Pasquini – Sports 1140 KHTK

Free agency started last Saturday for Major League Baseball and already rumors have been flying about where the top free agents will land. One of the bigger available names in Clayton Kershaw already opted-in with the Dodgers for another three season but there are plenty of top level names available. Here’s the top five:

1. Bryce Harper, OF
It’s not too often a 26-year old player with the talent of Harper hits the open market. It’s a real possibility that when Harper signs his contract, he will be the highest-paid player in MLB history, with some projections having him sign for at least $35 million per season. While 2018 wasn’t his best season, Harper’s 162 game average has him hitting .279/.388/.512 with 32 home runs and 91 RBI.

2. Manny Machado, SS
Machado is the other 26-year old star to hit free agency this season. Machado’s star took a bit of a hit during the World Series because of his on-field antics. From lack of hustle to questionable decisions, the shine of Machado’s on-field ability has been dimmed.

This past season with the Orioles and Dodgers, the shortstop posted career-highs in home runs, RBI, BA, OBP, SLG, and OPS but the question remains if he can keep his head on straight on the field.

3. Dallas Keuchel, SP
The 2015 Cy Young award winner has had a roller coaster past few seasons. Since 2014, he’s posted a sub-3.00 ERA three times but has also posted an above 3.50 ERA twice, including this season where he finished with a 3.74 ERA.

Keuchel also struggled with allowing runners on, finishing with career-highs in walks and hits allowed, leading to a career-high WHIP. While he might not be the ace he once was, Keuchel could provide to be a valuable piece to any pitching staff.

4. Patrick Corbin, SP
Patrick Corbin was penciled in to be the ace of the diamondbacks rotation about five years ago. Unfortunately for the left-handed pitcher, it didn’t quite pan out that way. From 2015-2017, Corbin posted a 4.35 ERA in 430.1 innings, while striking out 387 to 144 walks.

The interest in Corbin comes from his 2018 season, where he had the best season of his career. In 33 starts, Corbin posted a 11-7 record and a career low 3.15 ERA. The question will be if Corbin will be the 2015-2017 Corbin or the vastly improved 2018 version.

5. Craig Kimbrel, RP
One of the best closers of all-time hits the free agent market for the first time in his career. Kimbrel hasn’t had a season with less than 30 saves since 2010, which was his first season in the majors. Touring a career 1.91 ERA in 452 career appearances, Kimbrel would instantly bolster the back-end of most teams bullpen.

Kimbrel did stuggle in the 2018 postseason, posting a 5.91 ERA in 10.2 innings, allowing 17 base-runners over nine games. However, he did finish with six saves in the nine appearances.

Newsletter