MLB Power Rankings: The best contract extension candidate on every team
By Tim Boyle
20) MLB Power Rankings: Kansas City Royals, Bobby Witt Jr.
Yet another youngster who could have some of his years bought out, Kansas City Royals infielder Bobby Witt Jr. could get the same treatment as other future stars across the league. The Royals aren’t in a position to extend any of their older players. Those guys are short-term options. Someone like Witt will be around for a while. A rookie season that included 20 home runs, 80 RBI, and 30 stolen bases showcased multiple ways he can be a threat on offense.
19) MLB Power Rankings: Miami Marlins, Luis Arraez
If Sandy Alcantara didn’t already have a deal, he’d be the guy the Miami Marlins need to pay. Instead, it’s Luis Arraez. More than any of their young pitchers, locking up the newly acquired and reigning American League batting champion should be on Kim Ng’s to-do list. It’s not a priority. It is, however, a logical move to make. Not many players are as pure of hitters as Arraez. Hopefully he can bring his Rod Carew skills to Miami.
18) MLB Power Rankings: Arizona Diamondbacks, Gabriel Moreno
This spot was previously reserved for Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll. He signed an extension with the team over the weekend which allows us to turn our attention to another young player the team could look to lock up, Gabriel Moreno. The young catcher was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in a trade this offseason. Buying out a few of his arbitration years and maybe more could be next on the front office’s agenda.
17) MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals, Jordan Montgomery
The St. Louis Cardinals are hoping Jordan Montgomery is as good for them in 2023 as he was down the stretch in 2022. Acquired from the New York Yankees for Harrison Bader, it’s a deal that should include a contract extension for Montgomery. The Cardinals have a whole lot of starting pitchers hitting free agency next offseason, including him. His age and performance should make him the biggest priority.
16) MLB Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Pirates, Bryan Reynolds
The only reason Bryan Reynolds isn’t higher in this week’s MLB Power Rankings is because extending him might not be the most practical move for the Pittsburgh Pirates to make. He deserves it, but it is someone else who will most likely end up paying him. The Pirates haven’t set themselves up well for long-term success. The Reynolds contract saga seems like it will lead to the team eventually trading him for a package of prospects. As soon as that happens, look for negotiations to resume.