Matching free agents, teams that need them
Six suggestions that make sense to rekindle market
There has been a slow- to- develop free agent-market for position players, in part because of an abundant supply of talented outfielders. Here’s a look at six sensible pairings of free agents with teams:
YOENIS CESPEDES TO WHITE SOX
The White Sox have had success with Cuban players and Cespedes homered four times in 12 games against them.
The White Sox scored the fewest runs in the league last season, and right fielder Avisail Garcia hasn’t developed as expected. Strong- armed Cespedes — coming off a 35- homer, 105- RBI season — could replace him and provide amajor boost. Five years, $ 90 million.
CHRIS DAVIS TO ORIOLES
The slugging first baseman has been linked to the St. Louis Cardinals for much of the offseason, and they have a hole after Jason Heyward’s departure. But the Cardinals are too practical to get into a bidding war for a player who reportedly has turned down Baltimore’s seven- year, $ 150 million offer.
The Orioles have explored other powerhitting options. None offers the clout of Davis, baseball’s leading home run hitter in two of the last three seasons. Though not thrilled with the wait, the Orioles will welcome him back. Seven years, $ 150million.
JUSTIN UPTON TO RANGERS
Upton is 28 and looking for a long- term deal, but he’s coming off a so- so season — 26 homers, 81 RBI, a .790 on- baseplusslugging percentage — and it can’t be blamed entirely on playing at offense suppressing Petco Park. In his one year with the San Diego Padres, his numbers were better at home than on the road ( 15- 11 in homers, .866-. 714 in OPS).
Still, there’s plenty to be said about moving to a hitter- friendly environment with a team that won its division. While Upton looks to re- establish his value before likely moving on, the Rangers get a big right- handed bat to balance their leftyheavy lineup. One year, $ 18 million.
IAN DESMOND TO PADRES
Few teams are seeking a starting shortstop this offseason, and Desmond’s representatives have marketed him as a versatile player capable of shifting to another position. He wouldn’t have to do that if he moved to the Padres, the one team desperate for a shortstop.
The Padres retrenched after last offseason’s trading frenzy, but they’re not in an all- out rebuilding mode and could land Desmond at a reduced price after
his subpar 2015. Four years, $ 60 million.
IAN KENNEDY TO ROYALS
Kansas City got excellent value last season out of its under- the- radar investments in Edinson Volquez and Chris Young, and Kennedy could follow in that pattern. His ERA ( 4.28) and homers allowed ( 1.7 per nine innings, a career high) spiked last season, but Kennedy made 30 starts and averaged better than a strikeout an inning.
He could help fill the void left by Johnny Cueto’s departure.
One hurdle to this deal is that signing Kennedy would cost the Royals their first- round draft pick, because he turned down a qualifying offer from the Padres.
For a contract in the three- year, $ 38 million range, it might be worth it.
DEXTER FOWLER TO TIGERS
Detroit reacquired Cameron Maybin in November and is not seeking a center fielder. But it needs another outfielder. Fowler’s defensive metrics have profiled him more as a corner outfielder.
Though the switch- hitting Fowler batted a career- low .250 with the Chicago Cubs last season, his .346 on- base percentage and 17 homers make him appealing. He could fill the leadoff spot. Two years, $ 25 million.