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MLB Free Agency 2017: Top 18 players left on the market

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Mike Napoli reacts after striking out against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Mike Napoli reacts after striking out against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Mike Napoli, 1B/DH

Napoli has been a bit of a nomad the past two years, playing for Boston, Texas, and Cleveland. His age-34 season with the Indians should be enough to find at least two years on the open market. Napoli drove in over 100 runs for the first time in his career, and set a career high with 34 home runs. He was still able to play average defense at first base for close to 100 games.

There is some downside risk to signing a 35-year-old first baseman. Napoli did strike out 194 times last year, and struggled in the playoffs. He still managed to draw 78 walks during the regular season, and remains a solid veteran presence in any clubhouse

The Indians are rumored to have interest in Encarnacion, but that may be unrealistic given their budgetary constraints. It’s hard to imagine that the extra cash from the World Series is enough to give the Indians the extra $20 million for the for the former Toronto Blue Jay.

The most realistic option for the Indians is to bring Napoli back on a two-year deal. Encarnacion feels like a stretch even as his market craters. Napoli will be stuck in limbo until after Encarnacion signs.

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