With our “Covid Cup” winners crowned, and the wacky 2020 MLB season over, it’s time to move on to the next phase of the season, and that is the offseason and free agency
Let’s take a look at the 3 biggest free agents from each of the conferences headed into the 2020 MLB offseason
JT Realmuto
JT Realmuto is probably the biggest name headed into free agency this year. We’ve all seen what this guy can do, starting back with the Marlins, and now becoming a top catcher in the game with the Phillies. Despite only playing in 47 of the 60 games this year, he had a little bit of a down year. The thing is, his down years look like a lot of players’ solid years. Realmuto hit .266 with 11 Home Runs, 32 RBI’s, and a .349 OBP. One reason he is such a big target this year is because of how good he was in 2019, by FAR his best season. With the catching shortage, there is in the game today, JT has stepped up and taken the competition by storm.
Will he stay?
As of right now, it looks up and down. Bryce Harper, who signed a massive deal with the Phillies in 2019, said, “J.T. Realmuto needs to be our catcher next year — plain and simple” The Mets are interested in signing JT. Although JT has not hinted or said much about who he is signing within 2020, I would personally think that JT would stay in Philly.
Trevor Bauer
Of course, we all know Trevor Bauer to be one of the most controversial players in the league, with some of the on and off the field decisions he makes, and things he says. But, I guess, he has that right, considering how he is dominating the league right now. Bauer probably is going to win the National League CY Young Award this year, and he is only going to post up more seasons like this from now on. With his fastball touching up at 96 mph, and one of the nastiest curveballs in the league, Bauer has put up some insanely good numbers 2020. From being the 3rd pick, in what we know now to be the best draft of all time, to be one of the best pitchers in the NL, Trevor Bauer has and will continue to dominate.
Will he stay?
Of course, we all know that the Reds are currently almost out of the rebuilding phase of the franchise. The Reds had somewhat of a disappointing season, although they made it into the wildcard spot in the National League. Ultimately, were swept by the Atlanta Braves. Based on Bauer’s history, there is a decent chance that he will move on from Cincinnati. Of course, Bauer posted up phenomenal numbers this year, is probably going to sign for a 6 digit contract in the 2020 offseason. There is also a chance that he stays in Cincinnati for a few more years. The Reds have made comments about how important resigning him will be for the success of the franchise moving forward, saying, “We will do everything we can to resign Trevor Bauer”. It’s up for grabs, and only time will tell what decision he makes.
Marcell Ozuna
Marcell Ozuna might be the biggest bat from the 2020 MLB season in free agency this year. Marcell nearly won a Triple Crown, in a season where everything is shorter and different. Ozuna put up phenomenal number Designated Hitting for the Atlanta Braves this year, in not only the regular season, but he absolutely raked in the postseason. Ozuna was easily a top 3 hitter in the National League, and lead the NL in home runs this year. Numbers like that will certainly make you a LOT of money in the near future.
Will he stay?
Me personally, I would like Marcell to stay in Atlanta. The Braves finished with a phenomenal record of 35-25, with the best game being when they scored 29 runs vs the Miami Marlins, where Ozuna picked up a hit and an RBI with it. His teammate, Adam Duvall made history by recording 2 3 home run games in the same season. Marcell will probably earn a lot of money, as the Braves have a lot of money in the bank they can spend. But, just like he did in St Louis, he may leave. There is a better chance he stays then leaves, but you never know.
Now that we have covered the National League, let’s move onto the American League
Nelson Cruz
Nelson Cruz should be a Hall of Famer. The numbers he has over his career and the consistency he has had is truly special. Fun fact: he is older than his manager, and still hit 40 home runs in a season. He has hit over 400 home runs in his career, and he is also 43 years of age. He continues to defy Father Time and just rake for power. Hall of Fame numbers deserve quite a bit of money, and so he is going to probably make a lot of money this year
Will he stay?
Cruz has been on the Twins for 2 years, and he fits PERFECTLY into the slugging Twins lineup. In 2019, the year Nelson hit 40 home runs, the Twins broke the MLB record for most home runs by a franchise in a single season. That team is built around power, and Cruz is at the forefront of it all. Me personally, I think Nelson will spend the rest of his career in Minnesota. The team is inches away from making a deep postseason run and possibly making it to the world series.
DJ Lemahieu
DJ Lemahieu is one of my favourite hitters in the league and is one of the best hitters in the league. He has fit in very well with the Yankees extreme lineup, hitting leadoff and 2-hole, and can play all over the infield. He picked up a batting title this year, after finishing second to Tim Anderson in 2019. Lemahieu has established himself as one of the premier hitters of even this decade. After being average with the Rockies in his earlier years, the Yankees picked him up on a 2 year $24 million dollar deal, he turned a corner with the Yankees and became arguably the best 2nd baseman in the league. Such a feat will earn himself some paper in the 2020 MLB offseason.
Will he stay?
Lemahieu is known for being a quiet guy. Doesn’t really have social media or say anything controversial, or even really give his opinion to the public. He is the quiet assassin, quietly killing the league. Lemahieu has not quite made a hint publicly about where or who he will sign with in 2020, but the odds are very high he will stay in the Bronx. The team is set up for greatness, after all, they are America’s team. “The Deathstar”. He is a big part of that roster, in driving in runs an making plays defensively. Me personally, the odds are most likely he stays in New York, by a heavy margin.
George Springer
George Springer plays center field for the Houston Astros. He is also a top 3 center fielder in the league. 2nd to the great Mike Trout, Springer has been extremely clutch. Although banging on trash cans may help him, nevertheless, Springer has been elite for the past 3 seasons or so not only in the regular season but in the postseason as well.
Will he stay?
I would think that he would stay in Houston. The bonds and relationships he has with his teammates are special and contribute to his chances of staying in Houston. Then again, the cheating scandal may drive him out of there. He may try and reset his career somewhere else and have a fresh start.
