Ranking the 2020-21 class of free agents
USA TODAY Sports’ ranking of the top free agents available is even more volatile than ever, what with dozens more players likely hitting the market in December after they are non-tendered. The market will likely move in fits and starts, some veterans leaping at early offers to ensure a job, dozens of others likely not hearing the phone ring until the new year.
Here’s a look at our top 81 free agents available at press time, from the very elite to those with a reasonable shot at landing a major league contract. Rankings based on projected future performance and perceived market value:
(Age as of April 1, 2021; 2020 team)
1. George Springer (31, OF, Astros): He salvaged a rough start to the shortened season to reach his usual levels in on-base percentage (.359) and OPS (.899), then proved Playoff George is real by hitting four homers and driving in 10 runs, all away from Minute Maid Park. He is the best option for instant and consistent offense and should receive a nine-figure deal.
2. Trevor Bauer (30, RHP, Reds): Bauer has gone from curiosity to innovator to, now, the best pitcher on the market after leading the NL in ERA (1.73), hits per nine (5.1) and adjusted ERA (276).
3. J.T. Realmuto (30, C, Phillies): In the NL East alone, there’s a significant market for Realmuto, whose receiving ability, on-base acumen and leadership qualities will combine to make him the richest catcher ever in free agency.
4. DJ LeMahieu (31, 2B, Yankees): That he only received a two-year, $24 million contract in his last free agent go-round is more an indictment of the market two years ago than LeMahieu’s skills. Since then, he’s become the most valuable player on the richest team in baseball and the only
player in the modern era to win a batting title in both leagues.
5. Marcus Semien (30, SS, Athletics): An interesting test case for what matters more: The recent but limited-sample 60game season or a 2019 campaign that saw Semien finish third in the AL MVP race thanks to 33 home runs and a .892 OPS. He batted .223 in 2020 and his adjusted OPS fell from 139 to 91. He provides stability up the middle and atop a batting order.
6. Marcus Stroman (29, RHP, Mets): Stroman did not pitch this season after suffering a calf injury and then opting out of the remainder of the season Aug. 10, leaving a strong if uneven track record for suitors to evaluate. While shy of No. 1 starter status, he has surpassed 200 innings twice in his career and still has upside.
7. Marcell Ozuna (30, OF, Braves): He led the NL in homers (18), RBI (56) and total bases (145) while batting .338; he followed that up by driving in nine runs in the NLDS and NLCS, regaining his status as a feared
middle-of-the-lineup presence.
8. Justin Turner (36, 3B, Dodgers): Though he exhibited dubious judgment in appearing on the field after a positive COVID-19 test during Game 6, Turner remains a valued clubhouse leader, gifted defensively and should be worth a strong shortterm investment for a contending club – perhaps even back in LA.
9. Masahiro Tanaka (32, RHP, Yankees): There’s not many Yankees out there less appreciated than Tanaka, who was rarely spectacular yet highly dependable in seven seasons in the Bronx. The two-time AllStar posted a career 3.74 ERA that dipped to 3.33, including a 0.98 WHIP, in 10 playoff starts. If nothing else, the pitching-poor Yankees badly need him back.
10. Nelson Cruz (40, DH, Twins): It appears Cruz will let us know when he’s done. He hit 57 home runs in 173 games with Minnesota, proving no park is too big for him, and could see the market open up for him with the universal DH on the horizon.
His .876 career OPS ranks 15th among active players.
11. Michael Brantley (33, OF, Astros); 12. Liam Hendriks (32, RHP, Athletics); 13. Andrelton Simmons (31, SS, Angels); 14. Didi Gregorius (31, SS, Phillies); 15. Charlie Morton (37, RHP, Rays); 16. Kevin Gausman (30, RHP, Giants); 17. Joc Pederson (28, OF, Dodgers); 18. Jon Lester (37, LHP, Cubs); 19. James McCann (30, C, White Sox); 20. Jackie Bradley Jr. (30, CF, Red Sox); 21. Adam Wainwright (39, RHP, Cardinals); 22. Alex Colomé (32, RHP, White Sox); 23. Tommy La Stella (32, 2B, Athletics); 24. James Paxton (32, LHP, Yankees); 25. Brad Hand (30, LHP, Indians); 26. Mark Melancon (36, RHP, Braves); 27. Trevor Rosenthal (30, RHP, Padres); 28. Enrique Hernández (29, IF/OF, Dodgers); 29. Drew Smyly (31, LHP, Giants); 30. Kevin Pillar (32, OF, Rockies); 31. César Hernández (30, 2B, Indians); 32. Garrett Richards (32, RHP, Padres); 33. Rich Hill (41, LHP,
Twins); 34. Kolten Wong (30, 2B, Cardinals); 35. Taijuan Walker (28, RHP, Blue Jays); 36. Blake Treinen (32, RHP, Dodgers); 37. Jurickson Profar (28, IF/OF, Padres); 38. José Quintana (32, LHP, Cubs); 39. Trevor May (31, RHP, Twins); 40. J.A. Happ (38, LHP, Yankees); 41. Jonathan Schoop (29, 2B, Tigers); 42. Yadier Molina (38, C, Cardinals); 43. Jeremy Jeffress (33, RHP, Cubs); 44. Corey Kluber (34, RHP, Rangers); 45. Brandon Kintzler (36, RHP, Marlins); 46. Tony Watson (35, LHP, Giants); 47. Greg Holland (35, RHP, Royals); 48. Darren O’Day (38, RHP, Braves); 49. Brett Anderson (33, LHP, Brewers); 50. Adam Eaton (32, OF, Nationals); 51. Pedro Báez (33, RHP, Dodgers); 52. Yusmeiro Petit (36, RHP, Athletics); 53. Aaron Loup (33, LHP, Rays); 54. Shane Greene (32, RHP, Braves); 55. Alex Wood (30, LHP, Dodgers); 56. Robbie Grossman (31, OF, Athletics); 57. Tyler Clippard (36, RHP, Twins); 58. Mike Fiers (35, RHP, Athletics); 59. Carlos Santana (34, 1B/DH, Indians); 60. Robbie Ray (29, LHP, Blue Jays); 61. Tommy Hunter (34, RHP, Phillies); 62. Kirby Yates (34, RHP, Padres); 63. Nick Markakis (37, OF, Braves); 64. Mike Zunino (30, C, Rays); 65 Joakim Soria (36, RHP, Athletics); 66. Asdrúbal Cabrera (35, IF, Nationals); 67. Brad Miller (31, IF, Cardinals); 68. Cole Hamels (37, LHP, Braves); 69. Rick Porcello (32, RHP, Mets); 70. Howie Kendrick (37, 1B/DH, Nationals); 71. Anthony Bass (33, RHP, Blue Jays); 72. Junior Guerra (36, RHP, Diamondbacks); 73. Jason Kipnis (33, 2B, Cubs); 74. Jake McGee (34, LHP, Dodgers); 75. Brad Boxberger (32, RHP, Marlins); 76. Kurt Suzuki (37, C, Nationals); 77. Justin Wilson (33, LHP, Mets); 78. Matt Joyce (36, OF, Marlins); 79. Sean Doolittle (34, LHP, Nationals); 80. Brandon Workman (32, RHP, Phillies); 81. Wilson Ramos (33, C, Mets)