[MLB] Guesstimate about FA Class of 2022-2023 [English]
Hi! I will write this post in English only. I am gonna talk about my guess of the Freeagent 2022-2023 class. I will narrow it down to 20 players. The ranking is based on the article "Top 20 potential free agents this offseason," posted by the MLB official Web Page. A link to this article is attached below. I will write my educated guess in this order. (Former team→My guess) I will not comment on some players who have already decided next team before writing this post and will mark them as "※."
Let's get started!
1. Aaron Judge, OF, NYY→SF, age 31
He spent an unbelievable 2022 season, making a new American league homerun record and becoming an MVP in the American league. He was famous for declining an extension offer of 7year $ 213.5 million from the Yankees before the opening day this season. I thought the suggestion from the Yankees was appropriate at first, but he proved his value by himself under tremendous pressure. Judge is a cornerstone of the Yankees, but they already have Stanton. His contract will last until the 2027 season, and he mostly plays DH. Considering this situation, I think it is time to part ways with Judge.
2. Jacob deGrom, RHP, NYM→TEX, age 35
He is one of the best pitchers in the current MLB when healthy. Surpassing the limits of human beings, he tends to be fragile. Based on this year's performance, I think the Mets will negotiate another notable pitcher.
3. Trea Turner, SS, LAD→PHI, age 30
The rumor Turner wants to be a teammate with Bryce Harper prevails. I do not know whether it is true, but it is reasonable based on the lack of SS in the Phillies. If the Phillies pass up acquiring Turner, they may acquire one of the notable SS this season. I also found a video on Youtube that" the Dodgers will pass up the re-sign with him." The streamer claimed that the contact rate and running ability would decrease as baseball players get old. His contact rate was in the danger area even now, and the Dodgers may know this fact.
4. Carlos Correa, SS, MIN→MIN, age 28
Many people guess he will go to the Dodgers, but I do not think so.
Firstly, he has been gathering hatred from Dodgers fans because of the Sign stealing scandal of 2017. However, he has been his genuine value even after this incident.
Secondly, the Twins traded Gio Urshela to the Angels last week. He was traded to the Angels to open the room for third baseman Jose Miranda and a salary dump. I interpret this move is for creating money space for re-signing with Correa.
5. Xander Bogaerts, SS, BOS→LAD, age 30
No one guesses Bogaerts will go to the Dodgers, but I think it is reasonable. His contract may be relatively decent more than that of Tarner and Correa. In addition, Bogarts has been consistent and robust against injury. That is why I guess Bogaets will agree to terms with the Dodgers.
6. Justin Verlander, RHP, HOU→LAD, age 40
He did an extraordinary job last year at 40-age seasons and was selected unanimously for the CY award. In light that he was his first year after taking Tommy John Surgery, his performance was unreal. According to the report, he seeks the same scale contract as Max Scherzer, three years $140M.
7. Dansby Swanson, SS, ATL→CHC, age 29
He had been an ordinary shortstop until last season, but he had a breakout season last year. I think the Braves will replace Swanson for Grissom. Additionally, Swanson's wife, Mallory Pugh, is a soccer player who plays in Chicago.
It is reported that the Cubs need a great shortstop. It may happen considering these situations.
8. Carlos Rodón, LHP, SF→NYM, age 30
His performance in these recent two years is a genuine ace. His recent two seasons at White Sox and Giants are unbelievable, given he had experienced a non-tender from the White Sox before that. His market will heat up because he is a sole lefty who can change games by pitching.
9. Chris Bassitt, RHP, NYM→STL, age 34
He is a solid middle-rotation pitcher. I think the Cardinals are a good choice.
10. Brandon Nimmo, CF, NYM→NYM, age 30
I think he will stay at the Mets. This is because the Mets are one of the wealthiest baseball teams and need a high-end Center Fielder.
Koudai Senga, RHP, Fukuoka Softbank Hawks→SF, age 30
He had anticipated going overseas for a long time after he did a terrific pitch in the previous WBC. The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks have a stringent policy not to admit a posting to any players. Therefore, he could not try for the MLB until he got FA in Japan. Considering his consistent performance in Japan, he will be a solid middle-rotation or ace pitcher, even in the contender teams.
※12. Clayton Kershaw, LHP, LAD→LAD, age 35
He was reported to re-sign with the Dodgers.
※13. Tyler Anderson, LHP, LAD→LAA, age 33
His next destination is the Angels. He rejected a one-year qualifying offer extended by the Dodgers and signed with the Angels with a 3-year, $ 39 million.
14. José Abreu, 1B, CWS→HOU, age 36
I think he is one of the underrated players in baseball. His performance has consistently been high since he defected to the U.S.
15. Willson Contreras, C, CHC→DET, age 31
He is on a different level compared to other catchers in the 2022-2023 FA campaign. His most selling points are offense side and arm strength. In addition, the team that acquired him had to give up some draft picks because he had received a QO already.
※16. Martín Pérez, LHP, TEX→TEX, age 32
He accepted a one-year qualifying offer extended by the Rangers.
17. Josh Bell, 1B, SD→CWS, age 30
He was good before the trade deadline last season in the Nationals. He was involved in an unprecedented blockbuster trade of Juan Soto and moved to the Padres with him. After moving to the Padres, his productivity plummeted.
Considering his age and Position, he cannot receive a big contract.
18. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP, BOS→MIN, age 33
He finished a long-term contract which was agreed upon soon after the Redsox won a World series. I think he lived up to expectations fully.
※19. Anthony Rizzo, 1B, NYY→NYY, age 33
He rejected a one-year qualifying offer extended by the Yankees but re-signed with them with a 2-year, $ 40 million plus a club option of the 2025 year with a buyout.
20 . Jameson Taillon, RHP, NYY→TEX age 31
He has thrown over 150 innings since the 2018 season. As a Yankee fan, I think his performance was solid and I can expect 150 innings and a 4.00 ERA, give or take. However, his potential is overrated. I cannot belive if he can gain a contract over 3 years or over $50 million contract in total.
Reference
https://www lb.com/news/top-mlb-free-agents-2022-23-offseason
Thank you for reading it. I hope my guess will be correct, around 50%. See you in the next post.