Dean Zipes on The Free Agency Continues

Just like any draft for the NFL or NBA, baseball fans are hoping to hear good news about players joining their team. Surprisingly enough, some of the biggest players have yet to decide on who they will join. Hoping to get a lucrative deal that lasts, these players are still waiting.

Bryce Harper (OF)
As it stands, the Chicago Cubs seem to be out of the hunt for Harper. While Harper does have a long-time friend on the team in the form Kris Bryant, Joe Maddon is saying it is a no. The manager of the team stated that the team signing the Outfielder is unlikely to occur. The reasoning behind it? The Cubs can barely afford Adam Warren. When you take that into consideration they may not be able to afford Harper. This is good news for the Phillies who are still interested in the young All-Star. Rumour has it that Harper bonded with the Phillies manager Gabe Kapler during the Las Vegas winter meeting. Could it be everything the team hopes it becomes? We’ll have to wait and see.

Still predicted to head to the Phillies…

Manny Machado (SS)
Manny Machado the 3rd baseman who was projected to get roughly $300 million is currently looking at a $175 seven-year deal with the White Sox. Currently, no other team has made an offer to the Closer. Some of you may be getting flashbacks to the time the Red Sox’s offered J.D. Martinez a $100 million contract knowing that there were no other offers on the table. In the end, he signed with the team for $110 million, well below what he should have been offered. The first offer on the table is relatively low for what he was projected; it would be wise of other teams to step up with their own if they are interested in him. If not, the White Sox may get an excellent player for cheap. While the previous prediction stated he would go to the Yankees, they appear to be content with current players Troy Tulowitzki and Didi Gregorius.

Prediction Change: White Sox

Craig Kimbrel (Closer)
Craig Kimbrel walked away from a one-year $17.9 million offer from the Red Sox and has been a free agent since November 12th. The most surprising thing about Kimbrel’s case is that no other team has come forward with an offer since he left the Red Sox The All-Star player throws a 97 MPH fastball. The All-Star player is a dominant relief pitcher with, and the Phillies are eyeing him as a potential addition to their roster.

Prediction Change: Phillies

All in all the Phillies are aiming to go big this free agent season. We will have to see if John Middleton makes good on the statement that he made in November that the team was “…going into this expecting to spend money, and maybe even be a little bit stupid about it.”

Only time will tell where these players will go….

Originally published at DeanZipes.net.

Dean Zipes is currently enrolled as a law student in Florida. When he isn't busy with classes or studying, he volunteers in his community and watches baseball.