All the talk in the sports world is currently surrounding the NFL drama and the Super Bowl, and rightly so, as it's arguably the biggest game in all of American sports, but this talk about the NFL doesn't take away from what a slow off-season the MLB is currently having. There have been some small trades that may be effective down the line, as well as some big name signings, but in terms of the true superstars of this Free Agent Class, they are still standing.
The rumours have been swirling since before the season ended about where the likes of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado would end up, and as of now, nothing has happened as they both search for incredibly lucrative deals. A lot of playoff contenders from a year ago or World Series hopefuls of 2019 have their lineup set in stone already, but the signing of either one of those men could change the landscape of the MLB entirely, and once the Super Bowl is over and attention turns to baseball, things are going to get red-hot.
There's no timeline on when any of these men are going to sign deals by, but to keep the conversation about baseball going through this NBA trade deadline/Super Bowl period, today, we are going to predict where the top 5 remaining MLB Free Agents will sign.
So what do you guys think? Where do you see these 5 men going? Do you think either Manny Machado or Bryce Harper deserve the massive deal that they are seeking? Which Free Agent from this list or any from 2018/19 are going to make the biggest impact for their new team? As always, let us know the answer to these questions or any opinion you have on the subject in the comment section below.
Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper is one of the most polarising players that the MLB has ever seen, and despite his inconsistent average, he is a generational talent, and as such, he's going to receive a massive contract this off-season. Speculation about his landing destination has seen him going everywhere from Chicago (both teams), New York, San Francisco and Philadelphia, but at the end of the day, Philly is the best fit for him.
Bryce plays hard in the outfield and has a very powerful bat, and the young Phillies team are in desperate need of a middle of the order presence, so Harper would fill that role perfectly. Sure, the team isn't going to make a World Series push this coming season, but by signing Harper this year, they set themselves up to be a contender for years to come, as well as transforming themselves into one of the most attractive destinations for any pending Free Agents.
Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies
Manny Machado
Despite the many criticisms that are sent his way (all warranted), Manny Machado is still an incredibly talented baseball player, and if he can get into the right situation, he could transform himself into the top-5 player he should already be. Similar to Bryce Harper, Machado will be seeking a $300-million plus contract in Free Agency, and that's perhaps why it's taken so long for him to sign, but when he finds the right situation, he's going to get his money.
Also like Harper, Machado has been heavily recruited this off-season, because he could completely turn a franchise around if he is at his best, but in the last few weeks, it's been narrowed down to a few final teams. We could all be served a massive shock on the day that Manny does sign, but right now, all the signs point to the Chicago White Sox signing Manny, and with all their young talent, he could find himself having a career renaissance in 2019.
Prediction: Chicago White Sox
Craig Kimbrel
The Boston Red Sox were baseball's most dominant team in 2018 en route to winning their 4th World Series since 2004, and most of that came on the back of their young stars J.D Martinez and Mookie Betts, but their pitching staff and bullpen were also great. The staff got a number of great contributions from the likes of Chris Sale, David Price and surprisingly Nate Eovaldi, but it was the bullpen that shined brightest at the back end of the season.
They were up and down throughout the year, but led by Craig Kimbrel, they turned it on when necessary, and given how much the arch rival Yankees have improved this offseason, they need to retain him. The Yankees already had plenty of stars in the field and the 'pen, but they've signed Adam Ottovino in a bid to improve the already dominant 'pen, and the Kimbrel-Red Sox match is one made in heaven, so there's no point changing that.
Prediction: Boston Red Sox
Dallas Keuchel
Several years back, Dallas Keuchel was one of the best pitchers in baseball, and although he's not quite that dominant anymore, he's still a great pitcher, and outside of Clayton Kershaw who has re-signed with the Dodgers, he's the best Free Agent starter available. The left-hander put up 12 wins and a 3.74 ERA in the 2018 season, but a change of scenery could do him the world of good, and if he can come in and be a veteran leader of a young squad, he'll thrive.
That brings us to Atlanta, who have broken out as one of the most promising teams in all of baseball, and the best fit for Keuchel this off-season. The team had a hot start to 2018, but struggled to keep the consistency needed on the mound to be a true contender, but with some of their young stars getting older and better, and the addition of Keuchel to pair with their young stars in the field, this team could be a genuine World Series threat in 2019.
Prediction: Atlanta Braves
Mike Moustakas
Mike Moustakas was key to the Kansas City Royals two World Series appearances in 2014 and 2015, but since that point, his great seasons have flown under the radar, but in 2019, he's going to make a massive mark on the league. He hit 30+ home runs in 2018, and there were a lot of teams around the Majors who had big-time struggles at the hot corner, and that's exactly why Moose is in a great position to sign a good contract in Free Agency.
The best fit for him is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who desperately need to start putting a team around Mike Trout before he leaves in Free Agency, and who need a consistent force at Third Base. They combined 9 players at 3rd in 2018 and couldn't even achieve half the Home Runs that Moose hit, and if you can pair him with Justin Upton, Mike Trout and a returning Shohei Ohtani, this team could finally live up to the promise that they've shown for years.
Prediction: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
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