One move each MLB Team should make this offseason
By Brad Rowland
St. Louis Cardinals – Re-sign Jason Heyward
If Heyward isn’t the case study for player value coming in various ways, he is certainly near the top of the list. The stud right fielder is nearing the end of a fantastic season in his debut with St. Louis, generating better than 5 fWAR on the strength of solid offense, strongly above-average base-running and spectacular defense.
However, Heyward will be a free agent when the season concludes, and that is the principle reason that the Cardinals were able to acquire the talented outfielder from Atlanta. It will be wildly interesting to see what the market bears out for Heyward, especially given that he isn’t a traditionally dominant player on the offensive side of the ball. All indications are that defense remains undervalued on the open market, but with Heyward acting as arguably the best defensive right fielder in baseball, this will be the test case.
The Cardinals are a deep and talented franchise with talent everywhere and money to burn, but they would be hard-pressed to replicate what they’ve received from Heyward this season. As long as the price is even approaching reasonable territory, St. Louis should match any offer and hope that Heyward enjoyed his maiden voyage.
San Diego Padres – Re-up with Ian Kennedy
It may seem crazy to suggest that the Padres should pursue another contract with Ian Kennedy, given that he has been “worth” less than 1 win over replacement (via FanGraphs) this season. However, San Diego can ill afford to go into the season with their current rotation sans Kennedy, and the starting pitching market is often volatile.
At this point, we know what we’re getting from Kennedy. He will never reach his lofty “ace” potential, but Kennedy has been a soundly above-average pitcher in three of the past four seasons, and he could come at a reasonable cost. The Padres do have a lot of decisions to make, namely in the form of their high-priced outfield, but San Diego can’t afford to take a step back in the rotation and even if it isn’t Kennedy, the team must acquire someone who can be relied on for solid production on the mound.
Next: Giants and Mariners