MLB free agency predictions

Los+Angeles+Angels+Stadium%2C+Anaheim%2C+Calif.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons/Bill Selak

Los Angeles Angels Stadium, Anaheim, Calif.

The Major League Baseball offseason has officially begun, meaning that free agency is open and players can sign anywhere in the league. This year’s class of free agents is one of the best classes in recent years, and it is expected that some hefty contracts will be given out during the offseason.

None of the big-name players of this class have signed yet as teams are still looking into their needs and how much they want to spend. Of the top 10 free agents, many are coming off career years and are ready to cash in this winter. We may see some of these major playmakers in new places next year that could change the balance of power around the league.

Let’s look at the top 10 free agents available.

#1 Carlos Correa, Shortstop

For a rebuilding Detroit Tigers team, there may not be a better chance to go out and sign a franchise cornerstone for years to come. Correa is coming off a big year with the Houston Astros, and his value expects him to sign a massive contract. Detroit has not made any major moves on free agents in the last five years, and this would be a perfect situation for Correa to reunite with his old manager, AJ Hinch.

Prediction: 8 years, $210 million to the Detroit Tigers

#2 Corey Seager, Shortstop

Former highly touted prospect Gleyber Torres has not quite panned out as expected for the Yankees, and there has been talk in the organization about moving on from him and going in on a big-time star. Seager’s left-handed swing is built for Yankee Stadium, and he would fit right into that lineup.

Prediction: 5 years, $165 million to the New York Yankees

#3 Kris Bryant, Third Baseman and Outfielder

After being traded from the Cubs to the Giants at the trade deadline, Bryant utilized his defensive versatility to fill all the holes the Giants had. The Giants came so close to making an improbable World Series run, and it makes sense that they bring back a potent and versatile bat.

Prediction: 3 years, $65 million to the San Francisco Giants

#4 Marcus Semien, Shortstop and Second Baseman

Semien is coming off a monster year with Toronto, setting a record for most home runs in a season by a second baseman with 45. The Blue Jays currently have one of the best lineups in the league; bringing Semien back would help keep that lineup together.

Prediction: 3 years, $70 million to the Toronto Blue Jays

#5 Freddie Freeman, First Baseman

Freeman is coming off a championship season with Atlanta, and it’s hard to imagine him playing anywhere else. He has been the anchor of this team for so long, and both sides want to work out a deal to keep Freeman in Atlanta.

Prediction: 4 years, $80 million to the Atlanta Braves

#6 Robbie Ray, Left-Handed Pitcher

Ray is coming off a Cy Young Award season, leading the charge in the rotation for an up-and-coming Toronto Blue Jays. The Angels would certainly be in the market for a guy like Ray, who would help bring depth to a very thin rotation.

Prediction: 2 years, $30 million to the Los Angeles Angels

#7 Max Scherzer, Right-Handed Pitcher

When Scherzer was traded to Los Angeles at the trade deadline, he reportedly had a preference to move to the West Coast. He was brilliant with the Dodgers in his short tenure there and bringing him back is a luxury the Dodgers certainly have.

Prediction: 2 years, $62.5 million to the Los Angeles Dodgers

#8 Kevin Gausman, Right-Handed Pitcher

Gausman is coming off a huge rebound year with the Giants, emerging as a frontline starter on his walk year. The Seattle Mariners could use a guy like Gausman to lead their rotation coming off a surprising year, narrowly missing the AL Wild Card Game.

Prediction: 2 years, $35 million to the Seattle Mariners

#9 Marcus Stroman, Right-Handed Pitcher

The Mets are coming off another down year plagued with injuries to their entire roster, forcing them to show off their depth. Stroman made 33 starts for the Mets last year and took over as one of the leaders of the staff and bringing him back would be a necessary move to make.

Prediction: 2 years, $25 million to the New York Mets

#10 Starling Marte, Outfielder

The Yankees are coming off a year with little production from center field, and New York would be a perfect landing spot for Marte. A player that can get on base and hurt opposing teams with his speed would be a great balance to the power that the Yankees lineup possesses.

Prediction: 3 years, $45 million to the New York Yankees

This article was written prior to Marte signing a four-year $78 million contract with the New York Mets