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MLB free agency 2017: Top 25 free agents

By Joshua Sadlock

Aug 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) celebrates after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Mets won 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) celebrates after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Mets won 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Crank up the hot stove, it’s time for MLB free agency. Here are the best players on the open market.

As the dust settles on the Chicago Cubs and their first World Series title in 108 years, it is time to turn our attention to Major League Baseball’s free agent class of 2017. This year’s class lacks the star power at the top when compared to the 2016 class which included names like David Price, Zack Greinke, Chris Davis, Johnny Cueto, and Justin Upton. Even without that star power, this is a deep class with plenty of potential impact.

Yoenis Cespedes heads back out onto the market after declining his player option with the New York Mets. Cespedes is the best hitter, but the class does offer more than a few power bats. Price and Greinke headlined a deep class of starting pitchers last winter. This time around, the focus will be on a deep closer group led by Aroldis Chapman.

The market is still sorting itself out, but baseball is in for another intriguing offseason. Here are the top 25 free agents to watch for the 2016-17 offseason.

Sep 26, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) lays on the ground after suffering an apparent right knee injury against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) lays on the ground after suffering an apparent right knee injury against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

25. Wilson Ramos, C

Your heart goes out to Wilson Ramos. He was enjoying a career season and setting himself up to be the best catcher in the 2017 class of free agents. Then, disaster struck during the final week of the season. Ramos suffered a torn ACL, and will not be back on the field until May at the earliest next season. When he does return, Ramos will have to be on a limited playing schedule, so an American League team makes the most sense.

Before his injury, Ramos slashed .307/.354/.496 and set career highs with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs. He also made his first All-Star team. Because of the uncertainty surrounding his health, the Nationals did not extend a qualifying offer to Ramos, which should help drive up interest in his services.

If not for the knee injury, Ramos would be a top-10 free agent this year after his breakout year. Still, there will be plenty of teams bidding for him knowing that he will miss at least six weeks at the start of the year.

Prediction — Houston Astros, four years, $48 million

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