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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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Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Jason Hammel, RHP

The Chicago Cubs are doing Jason Hammel a huge favor by declining his option for 2017. If the Cubs had kept him, Hammel would have made $12 million, but would have struggled to find starts and innings in the Windy City. As a free agent in a weak class, Hammel will be able to strike it rich. At the age of 34, this may be his last big contract in the big leagues.

This is not a great crop of starting pitchers by any stretch of the imagination, and Hammel will be looking for a team willing to pay him for three or four years. His veteran presence should be attractive to a rebuilding team with a handful of young pitching prospects and a chance to win within the next two years. Hammel is a consummate professional with 11 years of big-league experience.

With his raw stuff in decline, Hammel is more valuable as an innings eater and a molder of young pitchers. He would be a good fit for the Atlanta Braves or Philadelphia Phillies.

Prediction — Philadelphia Phillies, three years, $48 million

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