At 29 years old, Walls got the biggest contract of the first season, with 99.5 millions for 5 years. Since Walls has not proven anything yet, we hope that Colorado’s owner knows what he is doing. He may have some information that we don’t. Walls can play in the right field, but he might be better on the left side with his average glove and arm. At bat, he should do what he is paid for, hitting and running. It won’t be difficult for Walls to get on base with his good eye, and his great base running abilities will make him a dangerous man to have on bases. Depending where he will be in the batting order, Walls may join the 30-30 club.
This is another risky contract with Austin at 35 years old. The Brewers gives him a 42 millions contract for 5 years, with a team option for the last year. Strangely, the salary is higher year after year. This will make Austin a costly 39 years old pitcher. He is a very nice left-handed pitcher, with great control and good against every hitter. Also, Stephen has some interesting pitches, like a screwball and a slider. His health is average, and without a high training budget and medical, this guy could land on the disable list often. Let’s see if he can reach the 12 wins this season.
Henderson got one of the biggest contracts of the free agency, with a total of 40.5 millions over the next 5 years. Graham is already at 34 years old, so this contract might be a little bit risky. Detroit’s owner will have to invest some money in training to keep his newly added pitcher in a major league shape. Beside all that, he is a very interesting pitcher. I guess that he will be the guy that closes the matches. The left-handed pitcher has a great control and does well against both side of the plate. Also, Graham can use two great pitches, a fastball and a slider.
Harvey was in demand on the market, but he finally accepts a 4 years contract of 39 millions including a signing bonus of 5 millions. His contract will end when Art will be at 35 years old. Montreal’s owner will have to keep a high training budget to keep Harvey in good shape. He may have the #1 spot of the rotation since Montreal doesn’t have a lot of deep in his major league roster. The right-handed pitcher has a great control of the ball, and can throw against any kind of hitter, left or right. Harvey has five types of pitches, a great curveball, a nice change up, a decent cut fastball, a decent slider and a below average fastball. If he stays healthy, he may get around 15 wins, but it will mostly depend on Montreal’s bullpen.
At the age of 31, Miles accepts a 5 years contract of 30 millions including a mutual option for the last year. This guy is a horse and could be a part of a four man rotation. Bob has four very good pitches, a fastball, a change up, a curveball and a forkball. Depending on the catcher that will be use with him, he could hit the 15 wins over the season. His health is not very good, but this is a risk that could pay at the end.
This third baseman of 29 years old will play for the Phillies for the next 5 seasons for a total of 28.5 millions. Benitez is a lefty power hitter and he is better against right-handed pitchers. His contact may not help him to keep a high batting average, but he will manage to hit some homeruns, maybe reaching the 40. On the defensive side, Jair will be fine at third, but he could also play on the corner outfield.
Cincinnati’s owner hires Martinez for the next three years for 26.5 millions including a mutual option. Juan may act as the closer of the team with his high control and a super sinker. He is very good against righty hitter, but does very well with lefties. At 31 years old, Martinez still has one or two good season in front of him. If he stays health, Juan might be a great pitcher and help the Reds in their first season.
Rodrigo has accepted a 4 years contract for 26 millions including a team option. This is a wise contract. At 30 years old, Pena is still in his good years. Pena can play at shortstop, but may end at third. He has barely the defensive skills to play at his current position. If he can get on bases, his speed and base running abilities will be a huge advantage. This guy could reach the 20-20 club at his first season with the Mets.
Flynn accepts a 5 years contract for a total of 26 millions with a team option. This young pitcher may not pitch a lot of inning per game, but it will be quality innings. His average stamina will give him about 70 pitches in a match. However, Mo has some nice pitches to use, like a curveball and a fastball. Also, he is as good against lefty as righty. The only thing that could cost him a win is his average control level. We don’t know when he will lose control of the ball and give the extra run. Not sure if Houston’s owner will give him a spot in the rotation, but Flynn would be a great choice for long relief for sure.
As a former member of the Expos, Pasqual was leave alone and had no choice to go for free agency. Hopefully for him, Arizona’s owner decides to offer him a contract, a huge one a three years contract of 23.6 millions with a player option and a no-trade clause. Perez seems to have the caliber of a major league pitcher, but his below average control may cost him some matches. He can throw a lot of balls in a match, and he is good against lefty and righty. This guy has two good pitches, a slider and a curveball.
