The MLB season concluded with the Boston Red Sox capturing their fourth World Series title in 15 years. While some players look to get a jumpstart on their offseason plans, others will be working very closely with their agents to secure the bag. But what many fans might not realize is that MLB teams start negotiations early during the first week of November as they attempt to sign the next big-time free agent.

Below is an index of this year’s top MLB free agents and a list of their potential landing spots.

Bryce Harper – Age: 26 – OF (Nationals)

• 2018 Stats: .249 BA, .889 OPS, 34 HR, 100 RBIs, 13 SB, 1.3 WAR

Bryce Harper is a generational talent in MLB. As long as the bonafide superstar can keep his batting average closer to .280 than the ‘Mendoza Line,’ he will be a cornerstone piece at just 26 years old. While the days of 10-year deals are passing us by, Harper remains on a short list of players in this game with a legitimate reason to demand a ridiculously lengthy contract.

Best fit:

• Phillies
• Cubs
• Nationals
• Yankees
• Dodgers
• Angels

Now that that’s over with, we can finally start speculating about Bryce Harper’s free agency.

— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) October 29, 2018

Manny Machado – Age: 26 – SS/3B (Dodgers)

• 2018 Stats: .297 BA, .905 OPS, 37 HR, 107 RBIs, 14 SB, 5.7 WAR

Manny Machado is the most valuable player in this year’s free agent market. His WAR is record-breaking for players through their age-25 season. Yes, he has lapses in mental judgement and isn’t the ideal ” face of the franchise,” but you cannot deny that he would instantly make each of the 30 MLB teams better. An important factor is that if his glove starts to decline, he still has all the tools to become a serviceable corner outfielder in his latter years.

Best fit:

• Phillies
• Yankees
• Cubs
• White Sox
• Marlins
• Angels

A.J. Pollock – Age: 31 – OF (Diamondbacks)

• 2018 Stats: .257 BA, .800 OPS, 21 HR, 65 RBIs, 13 SB, 2.5 WAR

A.J. Pollock has emerged as one of the game’s elite center fielders – when he’s been able to stay on the field. Even though he’s injury prone, he’s undoubtedly one of the best all-around players in the free agent market.

Best fit:

• Mariners
• Giants
• Cubs

Adam Ottavino – Age: 33 – RHP (Rockies)

• 2018 Stats: 6-4, 2.43 ERA, 0.991 WHIP, 13.0 K/9, 6 SV, 2.6 WAR

Adam Ottavino went from obscurity to relevance by adding a cutter to his pitching arsenal. He had one of the most dramatic statistical improvements in 2018 and with dominant splits vs. both lefties and righties, he could be one of the most valuable relief pitchers this market has to offer.

Best fit:

• Red Sox
• Cubs
• Nationals

Nathan Eovaldi – Age: 29 – RHP (Red Sox)

• 2018 Stats: 6-7, 3.81 ERA, 1.126 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 1.5 WAR

Nathan Eovaldi is one of MLB’s hardest throwing starters AND displayed a legendary level of toughness and grit during Boston’s latest championship run. He’s been through a pair of Tommy John surgeries, but looks to be in the absolute prime of his career and would bolster the rotation of many teams around the league.

Best fit:

• Rangers
• White Sox
• Reds

Nelson Cruz – Age: 38 – DH (Mariners)

• 2018 Stats: .256 BA, .850 OPS, 37 HR, 97 RBIs, 1 SB, 2.9 WAR

Did you know that the player in MLB with the most home runs over the last 10 seasons is Nelson Cruz? But at age 38, he’s really only a great value add as a DH. AL teams looking for an instant boost in run production would be remised to not take a flyer on Cruz.

Best fit:

• Astros
• Rays
• Rangers

Michael Brantley – Age: 32 – OF (Indians)

• 2018 Stats: .309 BA, .832 OPS, 17 HR, 76 RBIs, 12 SB, 3.6 WAR

Michael Brantley has rebounded nicely after a couple of lost seasons due to injury. He led MLB in contact rate and hit over .300 last season for the Indians. A team with an all-around need for a left-handed bat will be very much in the mix for the 32-year-old outfielder, with the hopes that he can play a full season and produce.

Best fit:

• Cardinals
• Mariners
• Nationals

Dallas Keuchel – Age: 31 – LHP (Astros)

• 2018 Stats: 12-11, 3.74 ERA, 1.314 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 2.6 WAR

Dallas Keuchel won the AL Cy Young Award in 2015, but has never averaged 90 MPH on his fastball. Despite serving as one of the Astros’ back-end starters, he still has better-than-quality stuff from the left side. Look for Keuchel to become a veteran presence on a young, upstart staff.

Best fit:

• Brewers
• Rays
• Braves

Dallas Keuchel on his future: “Man, I have no idea. I'd more than love to be back here. I’ve made that known since day one. I’ve given my heart and soul for seven full years.” #Astros pic.twitter.com/JREjAB8PFP

— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) October 19, 2018

Josh Donaldson – Age: 33 – 3B/1B (Indians)

• 2018 Stats: .246 BA, .801 OPS, 8 HR, 23 RBIs, 2 SB, 1.2 WAR

Josh Donaldson can sure up the hot-corner for a contender at age 33 as long as he can remain healthy. After missing a bulk of games over the last two seasons, Donaldson’s health concerns will be the biggest factor for who decides to sign him. In the games he’s played over the last two years, his production is still high — but can he return to the ‘Bringer of Rain’ form? Only time will tell…

Best fit:

• Cardinals
• Braves
• Mets

Josh Donaldson on the bitter end in Toronto: “I’m going to take the high road on this. It’s already over and done with and I’m healthy now.” #Bluejays #Rallytogether

— Rob Longley (@longleysunsport) October 8, 2018

Craig Kimbrel – Age: 31 – RHP (Red Sox)

• 2018 Stats: 5-1, 2.74 ERA, 0.995 WHIP, 13.9 K/9, 42 SV, 2.3 WAR

Craig Kimbrel had moments last season where he couldn’t find the strike zone, but the Red Sox nailed down a World Series championship with him as their closer. His stuff has yet to decline, and he still remains one of the most dominant closers in baseball.

Best fit:

• Red Sox
• Nationals
• Phillies

Patrick Corbin – Age: 29 – LHP (Diamondbacks)

• 2018 Stats: 11-7, 3.15 ERA, 1.050 WHIP, 11.1 K/9, 4.8 WAR

If you look at the numbers, Patrick Corbin possibly had the best 2018 season of any impending free agent, making improvements in many of the important statistical categories. At only 29 years of age, he appears to very much be within his prime as a big league pitcher and could be paid like one this offseason by a team looking to bolster their rotation.

Best fit:

• Yankees
• Dodgers
• Giants

Who needs fastballs these days?
Patrick Corbin's slider is about to get him paid. He'll be one of the first marquee free agent starters for whom secondary stuff comes first. How fitting for today's MLB.

Story ➡️ https://t.co/9ckzkoJfqq pic.twitter.com/masL6SMevt

— David Adler (@_dadler) October 17, 2018

Clayton Kershaw – Age: 31 – LHP (Dodgers)

• 2018 Stats: 9-5, 2.73 ERA, 1.041 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, 4.0 WAR

Clayton Kershaw has – without a doubt – been one of the best pitchers that this game has ever seen. But over the last couple of seasons, he’s started to show signs of fatigue and injury. He has an opt-out clause which would allow him to hit free agency. A change of scenery might be what the doctor ordered for Kershaw, but the Dodgers should do everything in their power to bring him back to their rotation.

Best fit:

• Dodgers
• Phillies
• Yankees

Clayton Kershaw’s future is the subject of speculation and intrigue — but very little verifiable fact. Some in the industry expect him to opt out and re-sign with the #Dodgers almost immediately. I’ll be honest with you: I don’t know what will happen. ??‍♂️ @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 30, 2018

Matt Harvey – Age: 30 – RHP (Reds)

• 2018 Stats: 7-9, 4.94 ERA, 1.303 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 0.7 WAR

Matt Harvey was once thought to be at the very top of the potential free agency list, but a rocky ending to his time with the Mets (and a drop in overall production) leaves him near the bottom. His inability to stay out of the public eye off the field will make teams nervous, but at 30 years old, Harvey can still be effective in the right rotation.

Best fit:

• Athletics
• Giants
• Cardinals

Matt Harvey said he was open to just about anything in free agency, but… "There's only one team out there I would not sign with, that's about it."

— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) September 26, 2018

Joe Kelly – Age: 31 – RHP (Red Sox)

• 2018 Stats: 4-2, 4.39 ERA, 1.355 WHIP, 9.3 K/9, 2 SV, 0.5 WAR

Flame-throwing righty Joe Kelly made quick work of the Dodgers in Game 5 of the World Series and proved that he may be more effective as a reliever than a starter. He’s always had talent, but struggled with inconsistency. 10 Ks and 0 BB in the World Series will stick out to almost all teams in need of a RHP, but can he be this reliable moving forward?

Best fit:

• Dodgers
• Rockies
• Indians

Wilson Ramos – Age: 31 – C (Phillies)

• 2018 Stats: .306 BA, .845 OPS, 15 HR, 75 RBIs, 0 SB, 2.7 WAR

Wilson Ramos led all catchers in BA and OPS last season after returning from an ACL tear, but his defense was just average. He is one of the two best backstops available in this market and could be a veteran bat and leader for a number of teams who have a need behind the plate. 

Best fit:

• Angels
• Nationals
• Astros

Joakim Soria – Age: 35 – RHP (Brewers)

• 2018 Stats: 3-4, 3.12 ERA, 1.137 WHIP, 11.1 K/9, 16 SV, 0.9 WAR

Joakim Soria has bounced around and assumed many roles over his last 10 seasons, but he recently posted his best K/BB ratio during the 2018 season with the Brewers. Milwaukee holds a $10M option on Soria, but is unlikely to pick that up. Multiple contenders will be in the running for his services.

Best fit:

• Nationals
• Astros
• Cardinals

Asdrubal Cabrera – Age: 33 – UTIL (Phillies)

• 2018 Stats: .262 BA, .774 OPS, 23 HR, 75 RBIs, 0 SB, 0.7 WAR

Being a switch-hitting infielder with versatility and power makes Asdrubal Cabrera a very interesting free agent. After a solid season with the Phillies, he stands to get some looks from teams in both leagues. As a utility player, he’s valuable in the NL, but that flexibility is also important in the AL. Look for him to sign with a team that can challenge for a playoff spot.

Best fit:

• Rays
• Pirates
• Diamondbacks

Gio Gonzalez – Age: 33 – LHP (Brewers)

• 2018 Stats: 10-11, 4.21 ERA, 1.444 WHIP, 7.8 K/9, 1.8 WAR

Gio Gonzalez made some important starts for the Brewers after leaving the Nationals, proving that he still can get it done. Whether good or bad, he has pitched in many high-leverage games and can definitely be a reliable rotation piece, who can also mentor young pitchers.

Best fit:

• White Sox
• Mariners
• Braves

Kelvin Herrera – Age: 29 – RHP (Nationals)

• 2018 Stats: 2-3, 2.44 ERA, 1.195 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 17 SV, 1.6 WHIP

Once viewed as one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the game, Kelvin Herrera has struggled since joining the Nationals. In 2018, he recorded a lower ERA than his career average, but never quite developed a true identity in the Nats bullpen. The importance of having a strong bullpen in baseball has never been greater, so look for Herrera to land with a team in the hunt for a title.

Best fit:

• Cubs
• Astros
• Dodgers

Garrett Richards – Age: 31 – RHP (Angels)

• 2018 Stats: 5-4, 3.66 ERA, 1.284 WHIP, 10.3 K/9, 0.1 WAR

Garrett Richards finally decided to undergo Tommy John surgery after years of arm issues. Credit him for his toughness and willingness to go out and battle for a team who didn’t pose much of a threat in the AL West. He likely will miss the entire 2019 season, but teams with long-term goals should definitely give him a serious look after he finished last season with a 10.3 K/9 ratio.

Best fit:

• Rays
• Twins
• Nationals

Cody Allen – Age: 30 – RHP (Indians)

• 2018 Stats: 4-6, 4.70 ERA, 1.358 WHIP, 10.7 K/9, 27 SV, 0.0 WAR

Cody Allen had his worst statistical season as a big-league reliever last season and while the timing doesn’t help him, his career numbers don’t lie. He’s been among MLB’s best since 2013 and can be an immediate impact reliever for just about anyone.

• Giants
• Athletics
• Yankees

Yasmani Grandal – Age: 30 – C (Dodgers)

• 2018 Stats: .241 BA, .815 OPS, 24 HR, 68 RBIs, 2 SB, 3.3 WAR

Yasmani Grandal had an opportunity to put himself at the top of the free agent market with a great postseason showing, but missed the mark. Nevertheless, a switch-hitting catcher with power and the ability to frame pitches can be an asset for many teams, especially in the AL.

• Astros
• Angels 
• Diamondbacks

Clay Buchholz – Age: 34 – RHP (Diamondbacks)

• 2018 Stats: 7-2, 2.01 ERA, 1.037 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 3.0 WAR

Clay Buchholz apparently just needed a change of scenery because he was absolutely reborn in Arizona. With the pressure that comes with playing in Boston gone, he had one of his best seasons as a major league starter. Injury ended his season in September, but the 34-year-old’s phone should definitely be ringing with offers this offseason.

Best fit:

• Brewers
• Mets
• Padres

Adam Jones – Age: 33 – OF (Orioles)

• 2018 Stats: .281 BA, .732 OPS, 15 HR, 63 RBIs, 7 SB, 0.2 WAR

At age 33, Adam Jones can move into a new phase of his career. The 5-time All-Star and 4-time Gold Glover can now become a quality outfielder for a contending team. Center fielders can play anywhere in the outfield, so look for the veteran to be a hot commodity.

• Padres
• Giants
• Twins

Adam Jones says he appreciates how Baltimore appreciates people who show up to work and post up, that his family’s happiness will be paramount in his free agency, and he’s excited to go somewhere his skill set is appreciated. #Orioles

— Jon Meoli (@JonMeoli) September 30, 2018

David Robertson – Age: 34 – RHP (Yankees)

• 2018 Stats: 8-3, 3.23 ERA, 1.033 WHIP, 11.8 K/9, 5 SV, 1.0 WAR

David Robertson has been a reliable back-end bullpen arm for his whole career, especially during a strong 2018 campaign for the Bronx Bombers. Allowing no runs in almost 80% of his appearances makes him as attractive as there is in the free-agent market for relief pitchers – whether he is featured as a closer or not.

Best fit:

• Phillies
• Cardinals
• Indians

Brian Dozier – Age: 32 – 2B (Dodgers)

• 2018 Stats: .215 BA, .696 OPS, 21 HR, 72 RBIs, 12 SB, 1.0 WAR

Brian Dozier hit 104 homers from 2015-2017 in Minnesota and was poached by the Dodgers last season, who wanted to see if he would find that spark with a contender. That spark never came. That being said, look for Dozier to command a lot of interest for those looking for a big bat to patrol second base.

Best fit:

• Diamondbacks
• Indians
• Angels

Jed Lowrie – Age: 35 – 2B (Athletics)

• 2018 Stats: .267 BA, .801 OPS, 23 HR, 99 RBIs, 0 SB, 4.8 WAR

Jed Lowrie is coming off the best year of his career, but lacks a consistent track record. At age 35, he’s likely to draw interest from teams with World Series aspirations and the need for a relatively stable bat.

Best fit:

• Cubs
• Diamondbacks
• Rockies

J.A. Happ – Age: 36 – LHP (Yankees)

• 2018 Stats: 17-6, 3.65 ERA, 1.131 WHIP, 9.8 K/9, 3.4 WAR

J.A. Happ had one of the best years of his career and pitched like an ace for the Yankees down the stretch. From the left-side, Happ had a stellar strikeout rate, which is valuable to just about any team. If push comes to shove, will he chase a ring or a check?

Best fit:

• Mariners
• Cardinals
• Braves

Not that anyone who follows the Blue Jays would be at all surprised, but inside a dejected Yankees locker room, there was J.A. Happ embracing some clubhouse staff and players. Told some of them, "Thanks for letting me be a part of this."

Professional and classy, even in defeat.

— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) October 10, 2018

 

Daniel Murphy – Age: 34 – 2B (Cubs)

• 2018 Stats: .299 BA, .790 OPS, 12 HR, 42 RBIs, 3 SB, -0.9 WAR

Daniel Murphy has solidified himself as a professional hitter in this league, but his injury issues will be what plagues him. There isn’t a team in the league who wouldn’t want a career .300 hitter with proven postseason success in their lineup, but is the juice worth the squeeze? Likely only for a team with a deep roster.

Best fit:

• Rockies
• Padres
• Athletics

Andrew McCutchen – Age: 32 – OF (Yankees)

• 2018 Stats: .255 BA, .792 OPS, 20 HR, 65 RBIs, 14 SB, 2.7 WAR

Andrew McCutchen was once among MLB’s elite and just a handful of seasons removed from winning an NL MVP Award. With declining speed and a dip in his batting average, he seems to have started to regress. However, his power numbers have stayed consistent, and he can still defend as an above-average outfielder. If he has a legitimate shot at a championship, things may turn around for the 32-year-old.

Mike Moustakas – Age: 30 – 3B (Brewers)

• 2018 Stats: .251 BA, .774 OPS, 28 HR, 95 RBIs, 4 SB, 2.5 WAR

Just two seasons ago, Mike Moustakas nearly hit 40 homers for a declining Royals team. With postseason experience and a wealth of offense to provide from the third base position, look for Moustakas to find a team where he’ll play out the remainder of his prime as a big leaguer.

Best fit:

• Angels
• Braves
• Rays

D.J. LeMahieu – Age: 30 – 2B (Rockies)

• 2018 Stats: .276 BA, .749 OPS, 15 HR, 62 RBIs, 6 SB, 3.0 WAR

A couple of seasons ago, D.J. LeMahieu won the NL batting title while being one of the elite defenders at second base. At age 30, he’s still in his prime, which is why his hunger to sign with a consistent contender has to be atop his list of important factors. Be wary of his power numbers as he departs from Coors Field.

Best fit:

• Red Sox
• Cubs
• Athletics

Zach Britton – Age: 31 – RHP (Yankees)

• 2018 Stats: 2-0, 3.10 ERA, 1.230 WHIP, 7.5 K/9, 7 SV, 0.7 WAR

Zach Britton allowed four runs in an entire season just a few years ago, but an Achilles tendon injury derailed his dominance. After a solid year with the Yankees, Britton will look to recapture some of that filthy magic with a team that’s on a mission.

Best fit:

• Astros
• Red Sox
• Dodgers

Andrew Miller – Age: 34 – LHP (Indians)

• 2018 Stats: 2-4, 4.24 ERA, 1.382 WHIP, 11.9 K/9, 2 SV, 0.2 WAR

Andrew Miller’s small decline in 2018 could be due to over-use. He is still one of the premier relief pitchers in all of baseball, but his frequent DL stints may give teams cause to pause. Look for him to find a new home with a club who won’t mind shelling out the extra dollars to catch that 2015-16 lightning in a bottle.

Best fit:

• Yankees
• Phillies
• Giants

 

Don’t forget these important dates…

• October 31: When most contract option decisions are due
• November 2: The deadline for teams to tender the qualifying offer for their eligible free agents, which is a one-year deal worth $17.9M
• November 3: MLB’s free agency period officially begin