MLB Free Agency is now in full force. Here we are with substantially bigger fish in the pond than normal. One is the reigning Home Run Derby Champion and one of the premier power hitters of today’s game. Another is a two-way superstar that came all so close to winning a World Series as a Los Angeles Dodger. Unfortunately, you can’t keep all of them forever.
As for the teams on the market, a ton of factors must come into play for free agency. What departments do we need the most work on? Can we afford free agent A or B? Some teams are looking for that final of the puzzle to make that playoff push. Let’s take a look at who is on the market, and also which teams need to pounce on this free agency.
Free Agency: Starting Options
The list of pitchers up for grabs includes Dallas Kuechel, Charlie Morton, and Patrick Corbin. Nathan Eovaldi of the Boston Red Sox is on the market as well. Anyone keeping tabs on these names’ resumes will want at least one in their camp for 2019. If you’re one of these players, you want to be on another playoff contending squad. Here are some potentially great new homes for them that would benefit both team and player.
1. Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have a few advantages in this free agency. Not only do they have a surplus amount of success in recent seasons, but also the highest payroll in the majors as of now. Though someone may have to go, adding another ace to stand with Jon Lester could give the Cubs to the World Series again. Not to mention having Joe Maddon as the manager does not stink for a player.
2. Colorado Rockies
Adding to their pitching roster could boost the Colorado Rockies from playoff to World Series contenders. Not to mention having Kyle Freeland AND another ace can give the Rockies that big break that has not come often for them. An imposing offense plus an improving bullpen could equal trouble for the competition.
3. Seattle Mariners
One thing Seattle has working for them this season is having the Fifth highest payroll in baseball for 2019. Plus, their 89-73 season has put the franchise in the right direction. If they could bring in someone like Corbin or Eovaldi on board, the American League could produce another team to fear.
4. Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers already knows what it takes to stick it out through October. But adding one or two more starting pitchers are beef them up even further. With a significant amount of formidable pitchers in free agency, the Brew Crew should take advantage of this opportunity and help reinforce the roster for another playoff run
Free Agency: Reliever Options
With the game on the line, it is up to the relievers to finish where the starter left off or help repel the batting order. Among the more imposing relievers in this free agency include Craig Kimbrel, Jeurys Familia and David Robertson. Being among the names with the best Wins Above Replacement (WAR), teams should look into these players. Some of these teams include…
1. Atlanta Braves
The young Atlanta Braves are off to a great start, but more still must be done. Bringing in a pitcher with playoff experience could help the Braves break past the NLDS round. Perhaps bringing Craig Kimbrel wouldn’t hurt.
2. Cleveland Indians
If the Cleveland Indians are going to snag that very elusive World Series, new names will have to hit the mound, among other things. Adding relievers to the roster could help ward off intimidating batting orders. Not to mention there are quite a few of them in the American League, especially in the post-season.
3. Milwaukee Brewers
Honestly, the team in most need of beefing up their pitching lineup is Milwaukee. They cannot rely on their offense to take the team up every time. Not to mention teams may catch on and start shutting them out. A more improved pitching roster could help the Brewers get into World Series contention. Plus, they better act fast and get the big free agents before someone else does.
Featured image courtesy of The Boston Globe
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Manuel!
“From Our Haus to Yours”