MLB Free Agency: Top 50 FA Tracker (Updated 11/22)
MLB Free Agency: Complete Guide To Top 50 Free Agents
Here are the top 50 players in 2014 MLB free agency, where they could end up and why they're so valuable to any team that signs them. Keep checking back as this article will be updated in real time as top players begin signing with teams during the Winter Meetings.
50. SP Chris Capuano
50. SP Chris Capuano
Age: 36
Potential Suitors: Yankees, Mariners
Capuano was one of a few Yankees pitchers to turn it on after being sent to New York in a trade. A return to New York would make sense, but he could also be a solid back line starter in Seattle, a team looking for starting pitching depth.
49. SP Josh Johnson
49. SP Josh Johnson
Age: 30
Potential Suitor: Padres
Reports say the right-hander and San Diego have mutual interest, so as of right now, it looks like he could be going back to the Padres. However, if talks fall through, he's going to generate plenty of interest given his potential upside and relatively low price tag.
48. SP Gavin Floyd
48. SP Gavin Floyd
Age: 31
Potential Suitors: Braves, Pirates
Floyd used to be a great lefty for the White Sox, but he has struggled staying healthy and being consistent lately. He still impressed the Braves enough to motivate them to bring him back, but they'll face competition in the Pirates if they lose Liriano and Volquez.
47. RP Luke Hochevar
47. RP Luke Hochevar
Age: 31
Potential Suitors: Red Sox, Rockies, Royals
After his impressive showing this year for the Royals, Hochevar is going to draw plenty of interest. With some teams, he may even be a back-end seventh inning guy. The Rockies make sense given their desperate need for pitching both in the rotation and bullpen.
46. SP Brandon Morrow
46. SP Brandon Morrow
Age: 30
Potential Suitors: Dodgers, Pirates
Morrow throws incredibly hard, but he's also always injured. If he can stay healthy, he could be a steal for someone. Once again, the Pirates could be interested, but his ties to new GM Andrew Friedman could make the Dodgers favorites to land him.
45. SP Brett Anderson
45. SP Brett Anderson
Age: 26
Potential Suitors: Royals, Cubs
He can never stay healthy, but when he is, Anderson is one of the better lefties in baseball. His agent also represents Billy Butler and the Royals are said to be interested. The Cubs love players they can resurrect, like they did with Jake Arrieta, so he makes perfect sense for Chicago.
44. RP Jason Grilli
44. RP Jason Grilli
Age: 38
Potential Suitors: Rockies, Angels
At 38, Grilli seems like more of a setup man at best right now, but that doesn't mean he isn't valuable. The Angels saw that which is why they'll try to bring him back, but given their need for bullpen help, the Rockies are likely to make a bid as well.
43. IF/OF Emilio Bonifacio
43. IF/OF Emilio Bonifacio
Age: 29
Potential Suitors: Yankees, Braves
Bonifacio's value goes beyond his numbers. He can play almost any position on the field and is a stolen base threat. If the Yankees can't keep Chase Headley this offseason, Bonifacio could be brought on to play multiple infield positions.
42. SP Aaron Harang
42. SP Aaron Harang
Age: 36
Potential Suitors: Phillies, Astros
Harang was once an elite pitcher in Cincinnati, and as he's aged he hasn't dropped off considerably. He has great command and should fit in nicely somewhere. Teams like the Phillies and Astros will try to add another piece to their rotation and will be more likely to sign someone like Harang than a big name.
41. 2B Rickie Weeks
41. 2B Rickie Weeks
Age: 32
Potential Suitors: Athletics, Nationals
Weeks has been the Brewers' best player over the past decade, and he's just 32 years old. While his numbers have started to drop off, he will draw interest. He could platoon against lefties for the Nationals, and his value could attract the Athletics, who may need to add to the middle infield.
40. SS Stephen Drew
40. SS Stephen Drew
Age: 31
Potential Suitors: Yankees, Indians
New York could decide to keep Drew on board in order to replace Jeter at shortstop. However, reports are indicating that the Indians, who traded Asdrubal Cabrera at the 2014 trade deadline, have emerged as potential favorites for his services.
39. RP Casey Janssen
39. RP Casey Janssen
Age: 33
Potential Suitor: Dodgers
All signs point to the former Blue Jays closer signing with his hometown Dodgers. The most entertaining thing about that scenario would be the fact that he would be setting up for Kenley Jansen. Now that could get confusing.
38. SP A.J. Burnett
38. SP A.J. Burnett
Age: 37
Signed With: Pittsburgh Pirates
Contract Details: One year, $ 8.5 million.
37. RP Pat Neshek
37. RP Pat Neshek
Age: 34
Potential Suitors: Cardinals, Tigers
The Cardinals have seen how valuable the aging reliever is to them, and they're unlikely to let him go. However, if the Tigers want to add to their dismal bullpen by signing a couple minor pieces rather than one big one, they could make a serious offer.
36. SP Chris Young
36. SP Chris Young
Age: 35
Signed With: New York Yankees
Contract Details: One year, $ 2.5 million
35. OF Norichika Aoki
35. OF Norichika Aoki
Age: 32
Potential Suitors: Royals, Reds, Padres
Aoki isn't a flashy player, but he will get on base and he's a very solid fielder. Adding a left-handed bat to the lineup is huge for any team, and that's why teams looking to become or stay competitive like Kansas City, Cincinnati and San Diego are interested.
34. 1B/DH Kendrys Morales
34. 1B/DH Kendrys Morales
Age: 31
Potential Suitors: Twins, Tigers
In the short time they had him last season, the Twins saw that Kendrys Morales has almost returned to form, so they may want to bring him back. The Tigers may also go after him to replace the lefty power bat they may lose in Victor Martinez this offseason.
33. OF Torii Hunter
33. OF Torii Hunter
Age: 39
Potential Suitors: Tigers, Royals, Twins, Cubs
As a veteran outfielder who can still hold his own at the dish, Hunter is already generating plenty of interest. Contenders see value in his hitting prowess and rebuilders see value in his leadership qualities.
32. RP Rafael Soriano
32. RP Rafael Soriano
Age: 34
Potential Suitors: Rockies, Rangers
Soriano has gotten to the point in his career where he may just be trying to get as much money as he can. For teams desperate for bullpen help like Colorado and Texas, signing him to a bigger deal than he's worth may make sense.
31. RP Luke Gregerson
31. RP Luke Gregerson
Age: 30
Potential Suitors: Tigers, Dodgers, Red Sox
Gregerson fits perfectly into a contender's bullpen as a setup man. The Tigers, Dodgers and Red Sox fit that profile, although he would probably fill a more important role in Detroit than anywhere else. He may even become a closer eventually.
30. OF Alex Rios
30. OF Alex Rios
Age: 33
Potential Suitors: Giants, Royals
Rios would be a perfect fit in San Francisco, especially if they lose Morse to free agency. It would give them a very athletic outfield and also give them some gaps power. In Kansas City, he would fit right in as a solid defender and RBI guy hitting in the six or seven hole.
29. SP Hiroki Kuroda
29. SP Hiroki Kuroda
Age: 40
Potential Suitors: Dodgers, Yankees
Kuroda is aging, but he still has good stuff. He hasn't decided if he'll be back for another season, but if he is, the Yankees and Dodgers would make perfect sense.
28. SP Ryan Vogelsong
28. SP Ryan Vogelsong
Age: 37
Potential Suitors: Royals, Giants
Vogelsong is getting up there in age, but he can still get it done. On a two-year contract, the Royals may be willing to try to replace their ace James Shields for up to $ 8-10 million annually. He could also be brought back to the Giants if they determine they still need help in the rotation.
27. OF Michael Morse
27. OF Michael Morse
Age: 32
Potential Suitors: Mets, Cubs, Reds
There was once a time that Morse was one of the best up-and-coming bats in all of baseball. When he's been able to stay healthy, he's still been very productive. The Mets and Cubs are said to be interested, and the Reds are also interested in adding the power hitter to an aging roster.
26. RP Francisco Rodriguez
26. RP Francisco Rodriguez
Age: 32
Potential Suitors: Blue Jays, Padres
The Blue Jays and Padres, who both figure to be without their closers from last year, will be very interested in turning K-Rod into their closer for the next few years.
25. RP Sergio Romo
25. RP Sergio Romo
Age: 31
Potential Suitors: Giants, Blue Jays
Even though he conceded his closer job to Alexi Casilla, the Giants still know how valuable Romo is to them in the bullpen. They will surely make a hard push to retain him. However, the Blue Jays, who could lose Casey Janssen this offseason, could really want to make him their closer.
24. 1B Adam LaRoche
24. 1B Adam LaRoche
Age: 35
Signed By: Chicago White Sox
Contract Details: Two years, $ 25 million.
23. SP Jake Peavy
23. SP Jake Peavy
Age: 33
Potential Suitors: Giants, Cubs
Peavy showed last season in his few months with the Giants that he still has some elite stuff left. That's why the Giants will try to bring him back. However, if the Cubs are able to add Lester and feel they need to make one more addition to the rotation, Peavy could be a perfect fit. He was linked to the Cubs in trade rumors several years ago.
22. OF Colby Rasmus
22. OF Colby Rasmus
Age: 28
Potential Suitors: White Sox, Yankees
Rasmus has proven to be talented but also immature. Any team looking to sign him could get a great deal or a horrible one. The White Sox were linked to him in trade talks at the deadline, and the Yankees are looking to add some high-reward type outfielders.
21. SS Asdrubal Cabrera
21. SS Asdrubal Cabrera
Age: 28
Potential Suitors: Nationals, Athletics
Cabrera has been contacted by Nationals GM Mike Rizzo recently in talks to extend the shortstop as they've clearly seen his value in his short time in Washington. Oakland also makes sense as they may lose Jed Lowrie. They would lose on-base percentage, but get more power.
20. SP Jason Hammel
20. SP Jason Hammel
Age: 32
Potential Suitors: Cubs, Astros
Hammel is one of the best second-tier pitchers available this offseason, and several teams will be interested. He's maintained interest in returning to Chicago, where he pitched for a few months to begin last season. The Astros, who are looking for rotation help, could also make a lot of sense.
19. SS Jed Lowrie
19. SS Jed Lowrie
Age: 30
Potential Suitors: Nationals, Mets
If the Nationals can't hold onto Cabrera, Lowrie could be a logical replacement. Additionally, he could be a cost-effective option for the Mets, who really would like to add a shortstop. He wouldn't cost them nearly as much as a top-tier free agent or trade asset would.
18. RP Andrew Miller
18. RP Andrew Miller
Age: 29
Potential Suitors: White Sox, Cubs, Orioles
Miller may be the most valuable reliever this offseason, because he's a lefty and has closer potential. Both teams in Chicago are a back-end bullpen piece away from being solid in that area, so both teams will surely pursue Miller.
17. SP Brandon McCarthy
17. SP Brandon McCarthy
Age: 31
Potential Suitors: Dodgers, Cubs
McCarthy is among the top second-tier pitchers available, and that's exactly what Chicago and L.A. are looking to add. If they strike out on Lester, the Cubs could be looking to add two second-tier pitchers, and McCarthy would likely be on that list.
16. 3B Chase Headley
16. 3B Chase Headley
Age: 30
Potential Suitor: Yankees
With worries about A-Rod's durability, the Yankees are desperate to make Headley their third baseman in the 2015 season. Usually when the Yankees are desperate, they offer enough money to keep players they want.
15. SP Edinson Volquez
15. SP Edinson Volquez
Age: 31
Potential Suitors: Braves, Yankees
Faced with losing starter Ervin Santana, the Braves could replace him with a very similar player in Volquez. He would probably give them more solid years than Santana anyway. The Yankees will also be looking to add to the rotation, so he makes sense there as well.
14. SP Francisco Liriano
14. SP Francisco Liriano
Age: 31
Potential Suitors: Dodgers, Cubs
Liriano, who was once one of the bright young pitchers in the game in Minnesota, could be a very interesting and relatively cheap option for teams in need of bullpen help. He could be used to complement a Lester signing in Chicago, or simply be signed on as the No. 4 starter in Los Angeles.
13. OF Nick Markakis
13. OF Nick Markakis
Age: 30
Potential Suitors: Athletics, Tigers, Orioles
Markakis seems like a lifetime Oriole, but he will certainly explore other options. He fits in well with the Tigers and Athletics as a potential No. 6 hitter. No matter what he chooses, he would be in a good situation in any of these three places.
12. RP David Robertson
12. RP David Robertson
Age: 29
Potential Suitors: Yankees, Cubs, Padres
Robertson is the premier closer on the market, and the Yankees will do what they can to make sure he doesn't leave. However, up-and-coming teams like the Cubs and Padres may decide to shore up their bullpen and make him their closer.
11. OF Nelson Cruz
11. OF Nelson Cruz
Age: 34
Signed By: Seattle Mariners
Contract Details: Four years, $ 57 million (with $ 1 million bonus)
10. SP Ervin Santana
10. SP Ervin Santana
Age: 31
Potential Suitors: Braves, Royals
Santana is one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball, but the Braves see his value. They could decide to retain him or he could bolt for Kansas City, where he enjoyed playing earlier in his career. The Royals will be looking to replace James Shields, who they likely won't be able to keep.
9. OF Melky Cabrera
9. OF Melky Cabrera
Age: 30
Potential Suitors: Tigers, Royals, Mariners
Cabrera would fit seamlessly into the Tigers' lineup near the top as a tone setter, and it's reported that Detroit is very interested in the outfielder. If the Royals go out and make a big splash, Cabrera could be it. He could replace the potential loss of Billy Butler in the lineup, albeit in a different capacity.
8. C Russell Martin
8. C Russell Martin
Age: 31
Signed by: Toronto Blue Jays
Contract: Five years, $ 82 million.
7. C Victor Martinez
7. C Victor Martinez
Age: 35
Signed by: Detroit Tigers
Contract: Four years, $ 68 million.
6. OF Yasmani Tomas
6. OF Yasmani Tomas
Age: 23
Signed By: Arizona Diamondbacks
Contract: Six years, $ 68.55 million
5. 3B Pablo Sandoval
5. 3B Pablo Sandoval
Age: 28
Signed By: Boston Red Sox
Contract: Five years, $ 95 million.
4. SP James Shields
4. SP James Shields
Age: 32
Potential Suitors: Red Sox, Marlins
It's very likely that Shields could end up in Boston -- that is, unless the Red Sox are able to bring back Jon Lester. If that happens, then the Marlins could jump into the race, having just signed Giancarlo Stanton and wanting to prove they can compete.
3. SS Hanley Ramirez
3. SS Hanley Ramirez
Age: 30
Signed By: Boston Red Sox
Contract: Four years, $ 88 million.
2. SP Jon Lester
2. SP Jon Lester
Age: 30
Potential Suitors: Cubs, Red Sox, Yankees
Even though the Yankees could make a big offer, this may turn into a bidding war between the Cubs and Red Sox. Boston is reportedly willing to offer a six-year deal, so that could majorly test what the Cubs are willing to spend on elite starting pitching this offseason.
1. SP Max Scherzer
1. SP Max Scherzer
Age: 30
Potential Suitors: Angels, Dodgers
If either L.A. team signed Scherzer, they would have to dig deep into their wallets, but that's not totally out of the question. He would give the Angels a legitimate ace, which is a major area of need. If he went to the Dodgers, they would undoubtedly have the best rotation in baseball with three aces.
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