Free Agent Market Slimming Down

by on 12/30/2009 in MLB Trade Rumors

The winter meetings have come and gone, but 6 of the top 10 free agents have signed according to Yahoo’s Jeff Passan Free Agent Tracker. Scott Boras is all in as usual, but this year seems a little tougher on the mega agent.

Who’s left in the top ten and predictions to where they may end up

(The numbers indicate where they were ranked among free agents according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo)

1. Matt Holliday, LF – Cardinals made a proposal that could reach $140 million over eight years. What are you waiting for?

Prediction: Holliday will resign with the Cardinals.

4. Aroldis Chapman, SP – Never pitched in the majors, but for a lefty that throws in the upper 90′s and tops out at the century mark, it’s enticing. The Marlins have made a five-year offer worth about $13MM to Aroldis Chapman.

Prediction: Chapman will sign with the Marlins.

8. Erik Bedard, SP – No one knows when he will be healthy enough to pitch. If there’s any deal it will be heavily loaded with incentives. This is an unknown and a hard prediction, but I am going to take a guess at this one.

Prediction: My only guess and I mean a guess, is the Nationals.

10. Adrian Beltre, 3B – There has been a lot of chatter in Red Sox land about Adrian Beltre. I don’t think he will land with the Red Sox. In mid-December, Beltre was believed to be looking for a five-year deal worth $13 million-$16 million per season. This would put the Red Sox over the luxury tax threshold. Adrian Beltre, hit .265 with eight homers and 44 RBIs for the Seattle Mariners last season. I would not make a bid for more than $6 million per year even if he is one of the best third basemen in the majors.

Prediction: Red Sox, if they are willing to make the investment and pay for the luxury tax.

I am looking forward to the 2010 winter meetings when the free agent market will be full of All-Stars.

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