Preview and Predictions For Top 10 MLB Free Agents In 2016

+Read full article

Preview and Predictions For Top 10 MLB Free Agents In 2016

Tampa Bay Rays v Detroit Tigers
Getty Images

Everyone is caught up in the free agency fiasco going on right now in MLB, and rightfully so. However, there is going to be a very strong class next year as well. As of right now, these 10 players are going to be free agents next offseason and here's where they could sign.

10. C Alex Avila

Division Series - Baltimore Orioles v Detroit Tigers - Game Three
Getty Images

10. C Alex Avila

Division Series - Baltimore Orioles v Detroit Tigers - Game Three
Getty Images

Will be signed by: Chicago White Sox

By next offseason, the White Sox could be ready to make a serious splash. While Avila wouldn't be a huge splash, it would cover a position of need and bring Chicago that much closer to being competitive.

9. 1B Mike Napoli

ALCS - Boston Red Sox v Detroit Tigers - Game Three
Getty Images

9. 1B Mike Napoli

ALCS - Boston Red Sox v Detroit Tigers - Game Three
Getty Images

Will be signed by: San Diego Padres

On the verge of being competitive, the Padres need to add a couple more bats. They may be able to add one this offseason, but they will still need more. Even though he's aging and could stay in the AL, the Padres could decide he's the extra batter they need to put them over the top.

8. 2B Howie Kendrick

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Oakland Athletics
Getty Images

8. 2B Howie Kendrick

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Oakland Athletics
Getty Images

Will be signed by: Cleveland Indians

The Indians could very easily be competitive in 2015 and coming off that season, they're going to need some help up the middle. While they could try trading for him this offseason, it's more likely they'll go after him in free agency next winter.

7. IF/OF Ben Zobrist

Houston Astros v Tampa Bay Rays
Getty Images

7. IF/OF Ben Zobrist

Houston Astros v Tampa Bay Rays
Getty Images

Will be signed by: Chicago Cubs

Zobrist's value comes in his versatility as he can play almost any position in the field. He can also hit in the top of the order because he can get on base at a high clip. The Cubs could use a veteran like him to lead their young players and be a role player in the field. The fact he played most of his career under manager Joe Maddon can't hurt the Cubs' chances.

6. RHP Yovani Gallardo

Atlanta Braves v Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images

6. RHP Yovani Gallardo

Atlanta Braves v Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images

Will be signed by: Milwaukee Brewers

Gallardo is going to get a big contract next offseason if he can stay healthy and the Brewers could be desperate to hold onto him. If they want to keep the momentum they've built by developing a promising young rotation, they'll ink their ace to a new deal.

5. SS Ian Desmond

Division Series - Washington Nationals v San Francisco Giants - Game Four
Getty Images

5. SS Ian Desmond

Division Series - Washington Nationals v San Francisco Giants - Game Four
Getty Images

Will be signed by: New York Mets

If the Mets can't get their future shortstop this offseason, they may go after him next offseason. Desmond fits exactly what they're looking for in their future shortstop as he could play the position for them for the next seven years. Should New York sign Desmond, they could be a force to be reckoned with in 2016.

4. RHP Jordan Zimmermann

Cincinnati Reds v Washington Nationals
Getty Images

4. RHP Jordan Zimmermann

Cincinnati Reds v Washington Nationals
Getty Images

Will be signed by: Los Angeles Angels

Zimmermann could be traded this offseason, so he may not actually become a free agent next offseason if he's signed to an extension with his new team. If he isn't dealt, the Angels could ink him to a huge deal in an effort to finally land an ace for their rotation that is devoid of one.

3. OF Yoenis Cespedes

Oakland Athletics v New York Mets
Getty Images

3. OF Yoenis Cespedes

Oakland Athletics v New York Mets
Getty Images

Will be signed by: Philadelphia Phillies

If the Phillies are able to ditch some big contracts over the next 12 months, they're going to be looking to add veteran hitters in an effort to quickly rebuild. Cespedes, the best hitter available next offseason, could be the top choice on their list. Landing him would quickly accelerate the rebuilding effort.

2. RHP Johnny Cueto

Gillette Home Run Derby
Getty Images

2. RHP Johnny Cueto

Gillette Home Run Derby
Getty Images

Will be signed by: New York Yankees

Especially if they don't do much in free agency this offseason, next offseason could be a big one for the Bronx Bombers. They need some serious help in the rotation, so inking Cueto long-term could make a lot of sense.

1. LHP David Price

Pittsburgh Pirates v Tampa Bay Rays
Getty Images

1. LHP David Price

Pittsburgh Pirates v Tampa Bay Rays
Getty Images

Will be signed by: Chicago Cubs

Price is going to be the prize of next year's free agent class and the Cubs, who should be a couple pieces away from being contenders, will make a strong bid for him. His college pitching coach at Vanderbilt is now in Chicago and Maddon, his first manager, is now the head man for the Cubs. All signs point to him being the pitcher to put the Cubs over the top.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon