The champagne has been steam cleaned off the carpets in the St. Louis clubhouse, arbitration hearings have been held and free agents have officially filed. While we were robbed of some marquee names hitting the market due to extensions being reached with their respective teams there is certainly some talent available. One thing that bodes well for those who did reach free agency is that there is a prevailing feeling from the majority of teams that they are close and in turn they have committed publicly to “compete” for free agents and increase payroll. In baseball, spending more is the most concrete evidence that you are tryin to win and there are at least 16 teams who have pledged their commitment to being in on 2023. We take a look at six of the best players who are now taking calls from potential suitors.
SP Eduardo Rodriguez: While nobody in the world would be able to outshine Chris Sale on a pitching staff, Eduardo Rodriguez has been as solid as any pitcher in the game over the last three years. With Jacob Degrom deciding to stay in New York, Rodriguez hits the market as the clear cut premier starting pitcher available. He has posted 46 wins over the last three seasons and is going to be 30 on opening day which means he and his agent are seeking the “contract of his life”. One General Manager who doesn’t plan on getting involved in the bidding process speculated privately that Rodriguez will likely wind up making about 42-45 million dollars a year AAV when it’s all said and done. He also said don’t be surprised if Philadelphia is the team to give it to him.
Potential Landing Spots: COL, HOU, MIL, PHI, TEX, BOS
C JT Realmuto: There simply aren’t many good offensive catchers in baseball. Nearly none who can hit in the middle of the order and call a good game. JT Realmuto is one of them and he is a free agent. JT Realmuto’s agent Jeff Berry thinks that formula will spit out a monster deal and it’s hard to argue with him. Realmuto voided the last year of his contract with the American League champion Cleveland Indians to pursue free agency. While he hasn’t gotten on base at a very good clip the last two years the power is still there (over 20 home runs per season) and as we mentioned, he is about as solid as it gets behind the dish. He does have a bit of competition with Wilson Contreras, James McCann & Victor Caratini being on the market but most executives I spoke with have him in a class above.
Potential Landing Spots: COL, NYY, CWS, STL, CHC
CL Corey Knebel: Turning 31 in just one day, “Bird Dog” is the best reliever to reach the market in a few years. Compiling 88 saves over the last three seasons for a sub.-500 Milwaukee Brewers club is impressive. He strikes out a lot and doesn’t walk many – baffling hitters with his knuckle curve. One scout told me the one-two punch (fastball and knucklecurve) is reminiscent of Mariano Riveras usage of the fastball – splitter combo. High praise, considering Mariano was the only pitcher who unanimously be elected to the hall of fame.
Potential Landing Spots: ATL, CHC, CIN, CLE, PHI, TB
DH Nelson Cruz: Cruz spent the last two years with the Angels, winning the World Series in 2021. He is coming into the 2023 season at 41 years old but he showed absolutely no signs of slowing down in his DH role last year. His rights were dealt to the Mets for Giancarlo Stanton in a pure salary swap, with the Mets having no intention of retaining him for the upcoming season. He hits the free agent market packing the biggest punch (well outside of Kyle Schwarber, but I simply can’t bring him into a top ten anything list). A reunion with the Rangers is possible.
Potential Landing Spots: TEX, LAD, COL, BAL, PHI
OF David Peralta: Another elder statesmen, the 35 year old David Peralta posted solid numbers once again for the AL Champs. Peralta kills right handed pitching and surprisingly has gotten better with age against lefties. Most importantly Peralta still plays gold glove calibre defense and profiles as a good fit for any contender.
Potential Landing Spots: ARI, MIN, TB, NYY, STL
2B / SS Dansby Swanson: Swanson can certainly be described as a late bloomer. In 2022, at 28 years old, he really fulfilled the promise he once had as an Atlanta Braves prospect. Slashing 250 / 335 / 410 with 22 homeruns and 70 rbis at the bottom of a mediocre offensive squad (Chicago Cubs) and flashing the leather at second base and short stop. There are several teams who have already reached out to his people about three year deals while he will push for a more long term commitment.
Potential Landing Spots: KC, BAL, SEA, PIT, MIA