The MLB offseason has been full of surprises with NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton being traded to the New York Yankees and Japanese star outfielder/pitcher Shohei Otani signing with the Los Angeles Angels. The crazy surprises make every day feel like Christmas morning, anxiously waiting to open your gifts. There are still plenty of talented free agents, but where will they sign? Here are the five biggest MLB free agents and where they might sign:
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Jake Arrieta
Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta is one of the top arms in free agency and wants to be paid like it. His agent is Scott Boras, who is always looking to get his clients to sign mega deals. This past season, Arrieta had a 14-10 record with a 3.53 ERA in 168.1 innings pitched. Arrieta is only two seasons removed from an NL Cy Young award. The Phillies and the Nationals look to be pursuing him the hardest and the Nationals have a solid relationship with Boras, which may lead to him signing with the Nationals.
Yu Darvish
Many people consider Darvish as the top starting pitcher left on the free agent market. In 2017, Darvish held a 10-12 record with 209 strikeouts, a 3.86 ERA in 186.2 innings pitched. He did, however, struggle in the World Series where he lost both of his starts and had a 21.60 ERA. The top three teams that could land Darvish are the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs.
Eric Hosmer
A bunch of rumors have been swirling around Royals star first baseman Eric Hosmer and where he will call home in 2018. The 28-year-old posted a career-best .318/.385/.498 batting line with 25 home runs and 94 RBI over 162 games in 2017. With the Royals in likely rebuilding mode, Hosmer will be likely playing somewhere besides Kansas City in 2018. The top suitor for Hosmer at this moment is the San Diego Padres.
Lorenzo Cain
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Outfielder Lorenzo Cain joins this list with his teammate Eric Hosmer. The 31-year-old's batting line last season was .300/.363/.440 with 15 home runs and 26 stolen bases over 155 games. Cain is a good outfielder who can cover a lot of ground, so finding a team with holes in the outfield will be critical to know where he might sign. The top two suitors for his services in 2018 appear to be the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays.
J.D Martinez
The power-hitting first baseman belted 45 home runs in 119 games last season. The Red Sox have been tied to Martinez, who are looking to add some power to their lineup that hit the fewest amount of home runs in the majors last season. The San Fransisco Giants are also a possible destination, but after the Giants traded for third baseman Evan Longoria, they may not want to add another right-handed batter.
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Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports. Check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
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