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2063's Most Intriguing Free Agent Market Yet
The Cardinals may be done after their aggressive moves for Alexis Walker, Korean star Yun-Seong Jeon, and their pitching additions, but several teams coming off strong 2062 campaigns still have work to do. Meanwhile, others desperately need these remaining free agents to avoid another season in the WAR cellar.
The Elite Remaining Free Agents
Cyrus Edwards (27, RF) tops the market, seeking $18.1M annually. The former Cleveland star's .301/.365/.512 slash line and age make him the most coveted player available. The Red Sox, coming off a 16.9 WAR season (2nd in MLB), have both the need and resources to add an impact outfield bat.
The pitching market remains surprisingly loaded:
- Jayden Carter (33, SP): 15-10, 3.43 ERA in 2062
- Torque Hercules (34, SP): 2.71 ERA with Baltimore
- Minoru Watamura (34, SP): Consistent mid-rotation arm
Teams That Have "Won" the Offseason
The Seals, despite not yet playing a game in San Francisco, have accumulated 10.2 WAR worth of talent. The Washington Grays (6.6 WAR) and Chicago Cubs (6.0 WAR) have also made significant improvements.
Who Still Needs Help?
The Dodgers (-9.2 WAR) desperately need pitching help - Carter or Hercules would be perfect fits. The Blue Jays (-11.6 WAR) and Solons (-11.9 WAR) need help everywhere; both should be all over Matias Rodriguez (29, LF) and veteran infielders Benny Jimenez and Rex Collins.
The Value Plays
Several contenders could benefit from strategic additions:
- Boston Red Sox: An Edwards signing could push them past St. Louis
- Washington Grays: One more starter could make them legitimate threats
- Portland Stags: Coming off a 5.6 WAR season, another bat could solidify their lineup
Under-the-Radar Names
- Ifan Rodriguez (33, CF): Elite defender with decent bat
- Rex Collins (30, 2B): Could be a bargain for teams needing infield help
- Alejandro Palomo (40, 1B): Perfect platoon bat for a contender
With spring training weeks away and several impact players still available, expect a flurry of moves. The teams that capitalize on this unusually deep February market might just be the ones we're talking about in October.
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