MLB Power Rankings: Predicting the best free agent each team will sign
By Tim Boyle
10) MLB Power Rankings: Houston Astros sign Andrew Benintendi
Something seems so obvious for Andrew Benintendi to end up with the Houston Astros. Now that the Michael Brantley era will come to a close, a player with some similar abilities is Benintendi.
The team could use improved defense in left field and a veteran bat capable of hitting for a high average. Houston doesn’t always make the biggest of waves in free agency. They do often get it right.
9) MLB Power Rankings: Miami Marlins sign Jose Abreu
The Miami Marlins will go fishing for big bats this offseason and pull in Jose Abreu. The team missed mightily on free-agent additions last offseason and will look to make up for it with this addition.
Unfortunately, we all know the ending. Even if Abreu does spark the offense, the Marlins will come up short in a division that had three playoff teams in 2022 and just as many hoping to be even better in 2023. Let’s give them a hand for trying.
8) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals sign Willson Contreras
Baseball’s big heel turn of the offseason will have Willson Contreras signing with the St. Louis Cardinals. The longtime rival of the Cardinals will replace Yadier Molina who’ll enjoy watching games from home in retirement in 2023. Contreras to the Cardinals is the easiest connection to make. On an already stacked roster, Contreras will see his chances at a World Series ring improve drastically.
7) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs sign Dansby Swanson
Although the Chicago Cubs will be losing their starting catcher, they will gain an infielder. Dansby Swanson is coming to the Cubs. He’s almost a forgotten shortstop in this offseason because of the even bigger names out there. Swanson is coming off of a nice year with Atlanta and should be one of several additions the Cubs make to their roster.
6) MLB Power Rankings: New York Mets sign Justin Verlander
Yep, Justin Verlander gets his 2023 paychecks from Steve Cohen. The New York Mets are going to be aggressive this offseason and maybe even a little angry because they’re going to lose a lot of players in free agency. While the Mets should be able to retain Edwin Diaz and maybe even Brandon Nimmo, they’ll have to pivot to Verlander when they lose Jacob deGrom. Where does he end up? We only have five teams left.