By Mark Halpern
So with the trade deadline quickly approaching, we hear the rumors of big-name players who will be free agents at the end of this year. When it comes to teams making a trade for this type of player, I call it a rental and can be very costly to teams. The big names being discussed are Kris Bryant, Max Scherzer, Jose Berrios, Trevor Story, and Anthony Rizzo. With this Free Agency there are just a handful of players, and if any of them are to be traded, they will cost teams big-time prospects and starters, all for a few months on the team. We have seen some small moves by the Mets, Padres, and of course, the Tampa Rays. More will happen in the next week.
Now let’s jump to the end of the season and after the World Series to free Agency. When you look at the players that will either resign or join a new team is a who’s who of stars. However, the average age of these free agents is 34 years old, and the average amount per year they will be seeking is just about $17 million. Some of these big names are Kris Bryant, Zack Greinke, Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, Freddie Freeman, J.D Martinez and Nolan Arenado. This, yet again, is just a sample of the free agents that will be available. The question is, where will they sign?
J.D Martinez, I believe if Boston wins the series, finishes his career out there but, if not, I think he will stay in the American League, most likely as a DH and possibly with the Angels. Kris Bryant will most likely be leaving the Cubs as they are selling off the players as they are trying to shed payroll. Kris Bryant has been rumored to trade rumors to the Padres and the Mets and both teams who want him to sign an extension if traded. If he stays with the Cubs, I believe he will be a NY Met next season. Max Scherzer is one of the top Pitchers in Baseball and will command a big contract wherever he ends up. Unfortunately, I am not sure any team is going to give him what he wants. I think he will stay in the National League East but not with the Nationals.
I think Atlanta or Philly will make a run at him. Clayton Kershaw is coming to the end of his career and a long-term contract he won’t get. I think he will finish his career in LA. Trevor Story’s time will be the most coveted of all the free agents. The New York Yankees will be the most aggressive with him and can offer him whatever but, I think he could end up with Oakland or Seattle. Zack Greinke is 38 years old and at the end of his career. He might get a 1-year deal to be a back-of-the-end starter and nowhere near the $35 Million he is getting. Freddie Freeman, I see staying in Atlanta and finishing his career there, and that is how the old man sees it. Check in the next blog, where I will be reviewing more players this week.
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