As the MLB offseason progresses, we have seen star players such as J.T. Realmuto and D.J. LeMahieu, and retained by their current teams during free agency. However, other talents such as Trevor Bauer and George Springer have moved on to new teams.
Still, there is plenty of available talent entering the month of February. Here, we discuss the top players in the market:
Honorable Mentions: OF Brett Gardner, RP Trevor Rosenthal, SP Taijuan Walker
5. SP Jake Odorizzi
Spending the last three seasons with the Minnesota Twins, the 2020 campaign was an inconsistent one for Odorizzi. Making four starts, he went 0-1 with a 6.59 ERA. His 2.6 home runs allowed per nine innings marked a career-high, while his 7.9 strikeouts per nine innings were the lowest since the 2013 season. The Twins appear interested in bringing back Odorizzi for the 2021 season, but other suitors at this time include the Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox.
4. C Yadier Molina
After 17 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, could Yadier Molina be moving on in free agency? During the 2020 season, he compiled a .262 batting average to go along with four home runs and 16 RBIs. All signs point to Molina returning to the Cardinals, but it has not been guaranteed. While the Toronto Blue Jays have been named as suitors, Molina is expected to join St. Louis for the 2021 season under a one-year deal.
3. SP James Paxton
After a season to forget with the New York Yankees, James Paxton is among the several pitching talents on the open market. During the 2020 campaign, he finished with a 1-1 record and 6.64 ERA. He appeared in only five games, accumulating 20.1 innings pitched. Among the interested suitors this offseason have been the Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies. Still, he is not expected to return to the Yankees after two seasons.
2. 3B Justin Turner
Even after signing starting pitcher Trevor Bauer to a lucrative deal, there is still room for Justin Turner on the Dodgers’ roster. After compiling a .307 batting average during the 2020 season, Turner has proven to still be a valuable asset. Outside of Los Angeles, his suitors will likely include the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, and Toronto Blue Jays. Turner, 36, is currently seeking out a long-term deal. However, teams may not be able to commit to him past the 2021 season based on his age.
1. OF Jackie Bradley Jr
Headlining the available free agents this month is Boston Red Sox’s Jackie Bradley Jr. He finished with an excellent 2020 season, which included a .283 batting average to go with seven home runs and 22 RBIs. Still, his desire for a long-term contract has stalled negotiations. The Red Sox are closing in on the luxury-tax threshold, which means they may not be able to afford to take on Bradley’s upcoming contract. While the New York Mets have been connected as a suitor as well, there have been no concrete talks at this time.
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