On Nov. 7, MLB’s free agency period began and there are plenty of good players for teams with high hopes—and deep pockets—to choose from. But where are they headed and how much will they command?
Here’s a look at the 10 best available players with best guesses of their free agency outcome:
10. Ben Zobrist
Age: 34
Position: Utility player
All-Star appearances: 2 (2009, 2013)
2015 stats: 13 home runs, 56 RBIs, .276/.359/.450 (average/on-base/slugging)
Zobrist’s numbers don’t jump out at you, but he is a manager’s dream. He hits well for a middle infielder, can play nearly anywhere on the field (save for pitcher and catcher), has a great attitude, and is a clutch performer.
Possible suitors: Chicago (NL), Kansas City, or New York (AL). The Cubs are a likely landing spot with manager Joe Maddon very familiar with Zobrist’s skills from his time with the Rays. Whatever team is willing to go four years would out-distance themselves from the rest.
9. Chris Davis
Age: 29
Position: 1B
All-Star appearances: 1 (2013)
2015 stats: 47 home runs, 117 RBIs, 84 walks, 208 strikeouts, .262/.361/.562
Davis is a major wild card here. He’s had three good seasons over the past four years, but mixed in with the good was his 2014 season when he hit .196 while striking out 173 times in 127 games.
Possible suitors: Baltimore, Seattle, Colorado. The Orioles need power in their lineup, and Davis has had his greatest success under Buck Showalter. He won’t be getting a long-term deal, though. Something along the lines of three years and $45 million sounds right.
8. Jordan Zimmerman
Age: 29
Position: SP
All-Star appearances: 2 (2013, 2014)
2015 stats: 13–10 record, 3.66 ERA, 201 2/3 innings, 164 strikeouts
With a career ERA of 3.32 and having made at least 32 starts four straight seasons, Zimmerman should have no shortage of suitors. He’s never won a Cy Young before but has finished in the top 10 of the voting twice and is a good No. 2 starter.
Possible suitors: Milwaukee, Seattle, Washington. The Brewers don’t have Kyle Lohse’s contract on the books anymore and could use another innings eater. Five years, $75 million is best guess.
7. Justin Upton
Age: 28
Position: RF
All-Star appearances: 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
2015 stats: 26 home runs, 81 RBIs, .251/.336/.454
Upton is what you want out of your corner outfielder—power. The two-time Silver Slugger award hitter has hit better than 25 home runs five times in his career, and he’s still two years away from turning 30.
Possible suitors: Houston, Baltimore, Detroit. Upton in Houston would give them quite a powerful lineup. He'd be likely to command six years with a total value of around $100 million.
6. Johnny Cueto
Age: 29
Position: SP
All-Star appearances: 1 (2014)
2015 stats: 11–13 record, 3.44 ERA, 212 innings, 176 strikeouts
Cueto was brilliant in 2014 when he went 20–9 with a 2.25 ERA and 242 strikeouts while finishing second in the Cy Young voting. He had a 2.62 ERA in 19 starts with the Reds before being dealt to the Royals, where his season more or less nose-dived. Although he proved to be extremely erratic in the postseason as well, he has No. 1 starter potential and should be a good fit in the National League.
Possible suitors: San Francisco, New York (AL), Seattle. The Giants would offer Cueto the chance to stay in the NL, and they have a pitcher-friendly ballpark as well. Five years for $100 million should do the trick.
