2022 MLB Free Agency Predictions

2022+MLB+Free+Agency+Predictions

Baseball season has sadly come to an end, but players will be able to sign contracts with new teams starting this Friday. Here are my predictions for where the top 50 available MLB players will play next season. 

 

Aaron Judge, OF

 

After a 62-home run season, Judge’s market value has seen a drastic increase since he declined a 7-year, 213-million-dollar extension offer from the Yankees. However, with a lot of the Yankees’ core players needing new contracts, Judge decides to take his talents elsewhere. Prediction: 9-year, $340 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. 

 

Jacob DeGrom, SP

 

While easily the best pitcher in baseball, DeGrom has struggled with staying on the field, only limiting his contract value. It will be interesting to see if a team takes a gamble on him, but I have him returning home. Prediction: 3-year, $125 million contract with the New York Mets. 

 

Carlos Correa, SS

 

Correa opted out of his contract with the Twins for obvious reasons, as he will surely receive the long-term deal he was looking for last offseason. Correa hasn’t seemed to favor a certain club, so it will likely be a bidding war for his services. The Cubs will likely be big spenders this offseason, so this pairing makes sense.  Prediction: 8-year, $310 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. 

 

Justin Verlander, SP

 

I believe there is almost zero chance Verlander leaves Houston after winning a World Series, so expect to see him back on a short-term deal. Prediction: 3-year, $120 million contract with the Houston Astros. 

 

Trea Turner, SS

 

Like Correa, Turner is also set to receive a gigantic contract this offseason. Shortstop is a huge need for lots of teams with big budgets, and I see Turner signing with the reigning national league champion. Prediction: 8-year, $300 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. 

 

Xander Bogaerts, SS

 

Bogaerts has been with Boston since the 2013 season, and while he opted out of his contract, it is still likely that he re-signs with the Red Sox on a long-term deal. Prediction: 7-year, $210 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. 

Carlos Rodón, SP 

 

Set to receive the largest contract of any pitcher on the market, the list of possible destinations for Rodón is endless. I expect him to have more interest in a contending team rather than a big paycheck. Prediction: 6-year, $175 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

 

Dansby Swanson, SS 

 

Swanson is ranked fourth on likely every list of available shortstops this winter. The Braves are known for locking up their key players, but with great younger options at the position, Atlanta avoids another big payday. Prediction: 6-year, $160 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. 

 

Kodai Senga, SP 

 

Senga is a Japanese right-handed pitcher with a fastball reaching 100 miles per hour, so he will surely draw lots of free-agent interest. Senga joins his former leaguemate, Seiya Suzuki, in Chicago. Prediction: 3-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs 

 

Clayton Kershaw, SP 

 

Kershaw is going back to the Dodgers, it’s pretty simple. Prediction: 2-year, $42 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

 

Willson Contreras, C 

 

After being a top target at the trade deadline, this free agent class top catcher has control over his next team. He adds another bat to an already star-studded lineup. Prediction: 4-year, $80 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

 

Nathan Eovaldi, SP 

 

Eovaldi has been very consistent over the years, posting under a 4.00 ERA in each of the last three seasons. He dealt with injuries this past season, but will likely still receive lots of free-agent interest from teams looking to spend. Prediction: 3-year, $75 million contract with the Texas Rangers. 

 

Chris Bassitt, SP 

 

With the Mets looking to re-sign DeGrom and already having signed Diaz, they likely won’t re-sign Bassitt. Boston needs pitching with Eovaldi gone, so this fit makes sense. Prediction: 4-year, $80 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. 

Jameson Taillon, SP  

 

Taillon is one of the better starters available, and contending teams are going to be looking to add to their rotations. Prediction: Prediction: 4-year, $80 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.  

 

Brandon Nimmo, OF 

 

The Mets will likely re-sign Nimmo as they have very little outfield depth. Prediction: 5-year $100 million contract with the New York Mets. 

 

Those are my predictions and analysis for the top 15 free agents, here are my predictions for the remaining players in this year’s class. 

 

Tyler Anderson – Angels

Martin Perez – Rangers

Anthony Rizzo – Yankees

Jurickson Profar – Marlins 

Taijuan Walker – Twins 

Joc Pederson – Giants

Micheal Conforto – Rays 

Zach Eflin – Phillies 

Jose Quintana – Cardinals 

Noah Syndergaard- Orioles 

Ross Stripling – Blue Jays 

Christian Vazquez – Red Sox  

Jose Abreu – Padres 

Josh Bell – Red Sox  

Gary Sanchez – Twins 

Andrew Heaney – Mets 

Robert Suarez – Yankees 

Jean Segura – Orioles 

Kenley Jansen – Phillies 

Mitch Haniger – Rangers