This past weekend, baseball's free agent market showed signs of life with the signings of big-time players like Eric Hosmer (to the Padres) and J.D Martinez (to the Red Sox). Sprinkled in with those two blockbusters were multiple smaller deals involving Eduardo Nunez, Jamie Garcia, and Andrew Cashner among others.
With Spring Training nearly in full swing, the hardline stance previously taken by players in negotiations has appeared to have softened. Despite the recent flurry of activity, there are still some big names out there on the market. Teams have shown that they are hesitant to hand out Giancarlo Stanton-esque contracts, in terms of length, to players on the wrong side of 30.
That being said, there is still hope for those still in baseball purgatory.
Here are some of the biggest names left and where they could end up:
Jake Arrieta
Potential Landing Spots: Cardinals, Rangers, Nationals, Twins
Arrieta has had no shortage of interested parties but seems to be willing to wait for the right deal. The Cardinals could look to sign Arrieta to tip the balance in the NL Central. With Carlos Martinez emerging as a great No. 2 starter, a 1-2 punch of Arrieta-Martinez would be one of the best in baseball.
The Rangers know they need one more starter and make a splash signing. Arrieta is a Texas native and currently lives in Austin, hometown discount perhaps? According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the Nationals and Arrieta have mutual interest after the signing of Yu Darvish.
It appears to be just rumors at this point, but Arrieta's agent Scott Boras and Nationals owner Tom Lerner do have a history. Imagine a rotation of Max Scherzer, Steven Strasburg, and Jake Arrieta? Scary stuff.
Mike Moustakas
Potential Landing Spots: Royals, Yankees, White Sox
The market has been slow to develop for "Moose." Plenty of teams need help at third base, but there aren't many out there willing to pony up the dough and a draft pick, as result of Moustakas declining his qualifying offer, to sign him.
That being said, a reunion with the Royals is not out of the question. Since they did not resign Hosmer, Kansas City has the money to re-sign Moustakas, but does a team headed for a rebuild want that money on their books?
The Yankees would need to get creative with their payroll, but Moustakas would fill a need at third and put an already terrifying lineup on a level all its own.
The White Sox are a stretch, and there has been no rumors between the two, but they do have a need at third base and the money to spend. They could always use another bat to supplement Jose Abreu and Yoan Moncada.
Lance Lynn
Potential Landing Spots: Brewers, Twins, Orioles
It is still surprising that a guy like Lynn, who led MLB with 33 starts last season, is still on the market. He is not a top tier guy, nor will he command top tier money, but he would be a reliable three starter on a contender. However, Lynn also declines his qualifying offer, thus attaching draft pick compensation to him.
The Brewers and Twins still have a huge need for pitching, as both teams best starters-Jimmy Nelson and Ervin Santana respectively- will miss the start of the season.
The Orioles have rotation spots to fill and have been engaged in discussions with Lynn for some time now.
Jonathan Lucroy
Potential Landing Spots: Rockies, Brewers
Lucroy hit free agency at the worst possible time, toiling through the worst season of his career and entering a historically frozen free agent market. However, there is a lack of catching depth in baseball, and a guy like Lucroy would be a welcome improvement for many teams. Lucroy is not likely to sign with a non-contender and wants to start.
Thus his options are a bit more limited. The Rockies have expressed interest in bringing Lucroy back. After securing a playoff berth in 2018, Colorado would like to have a veteran presence behind the plate to guide its young pitching staff. A reunion with Milwaukee is possible, as of now Steven Vogt is the starter for the Brew-Crew.
