Baseball executives, media and fans have been salivating for quite some time at the thought of the 2018 free agent class, which is expected to be the greatest of all time.
That’s not hyperbole.
Following this year’s World Series, the sport’s entire landscape could drastically change when an array of bona fide superstars hits the open market. Several teams, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly been structuring their finances in anticipation of just that.
It’s impossible to forecast how the depressed state of the recent off-season will influence dollar figures that are doled out next winter, but the difference in top-end talent is blatantly obvious. Here’s a closer look at the crop.
Note: Asterisk denotes opt-out clause that player must exercise to become free agent.
BRYCE HARPER, RF
Harper, who turns 26 this October, has long been considered the marquee name in the 2018 class. His combination of age and Hall of Fame talent will likely ensure he inks the largest contract in baseball history.
MANNY MACHADO, SS
Machado, selected two spots behind No. 1 overall pick Harper in the 2010 draft, is just as much of a game-changer. He was already an elite third baseman, but this season will switch to shortstop — a move that could dramatically boost his value.
CLAYTON KERSHAW, SP*
The loaded market is not just flush with offence; Kershaw could make things interesting if he opts out from a contract that would pay him a combined $70 million over the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He turns 30 later this month and has missed time with back injuries over the past two years, but it’s hard to envision a scenario where he doesn’t warrant a massive new deal.
JOSH DONALDSON, 3B
With Machado at shortstop, Donaldson enters the market as the best third baseman available. He’ll be 33 next season, so any team that signs him will have to weigh the risk of paying for the decline phase of his career. Donaldson’s impending free agency will loom large over the Toronto Blue Jays all season and will help shape the future direction of the franchise.
CHARLIE BLACKMON, CF
The Coors Field factor could impact his earning potential, but it’s worth noting the late bloomer posted a .926 OPS on the road in 2016 and a .784 OPS in away games last year. Blackmon, who turns 32 in July, accumulated 10.6 wins above replacement over the past two seasons and also plays a premium position.
CRAIG KIMBREL, CL
The soon-to-be 30-year-old is in the upper echelon of major-league closers. He bounced back in 2017 from a sub-par campaign to post a sparkling 1.43 ERA and 16.4 K/9 rate. If he does that again this season, Kimbrel could command something along the lines of Kenley Jansen’s five-year, $80-million deal.
ELVIS ANDRUS, SS*
Andrus has quietly transformed into an offensive threat in recent years. Since the beginning of 2016, his .344 wOBA ranks third among AL shortstops, just behind Carlos Correa (.368) and Francisco Lindor (.347). Andrus is entering his age-29 season in 2018 and if he were to opt out, he’d be leaving four years and $58 million on the table — a potentially risky endeavour.
DALLAS KEUCHEL, SP
There are some durability concerns here, but let’s not forget that this crafty left-hander was the American League Cy Young winner in 2015. He missed considerable time with a neck injury last season, but still generated 2.5 wins above replacement, while owning the best groundball rate in baseball. The 30-year-old needs to stay healthy in 2018 and let newly-hired agent Scott Boras handle the rest.
ANDREW MILLER, CL
The lights-out lefty is just as good as Kimbrel, but is several years older — 2018 will be his age-33 season. While some regression is likely to come as he gets older, it’s difficult to find fault with a pitcher who has posted a 1.83 FIP and 42 per cent strikeout rate over the past four regular seasons.
DREW POMERANZ, SP
We put Pomeranz on this list instead of David Price simply because it’s too hard to imagine the latter left-hander forgoing the remainder of his massive contract. Pomeranz has pieced together consecutive solid seasons and if he can stay healthy and productive in 2018 he will be an attractive free agent.
Honourable mentions: Daniel Murphy, David Price, Andrew McCutchen
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