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Top Free Agent Signings. The Opposite of Jon Heyman's Version
As I relax on my week off scrolling thru Twitter, rebuilding The Skippers View after a hiatus, I came across a Jon Heyman article. It was titled "The nine best MLB free-agent deals this winter-- Aaron Judge not on list." I, of course, know Heyman has a large following, so I decided to take a look. What I read was one of the most confusing lists I have ever seen. I won't quote or defame him, but I encourage you to read the article and see if you were as confused as I was. I genuinely can not tell if he was serious or not. So, I decided to put together a quick list to counter his. Some of my players overlap with Heyman, but just a note I will not have Correa on this list. Never been a fan of big contracts, let alone one that stems from a botched medical. Or whatever happened.
Clayton Kershaw Dodgers(1-year $20 million)- He is a Hall of Famer coming off another solid season with a low 2 ERA. I don't care about the expectations of "he was obviously going to sign". This is a money-friendly deal for an amazing player.
Edwin Diaz Mets( 5-year $102 million)- We live in a league where a 35-year-old closer with health issues got a contract with $16 million AAV. The Mets locked up a guy seven years younger for only $4 million more per year. The money they make on merch connected with his trumped entrance covers the difference.
Dansby Swanson Cubs (7-year $177 million dollars)- I just hate the other SS deals so much that I had to put this one on. Also, he went to the team out of love for the team, not to make more money. I like that.
Jose Abreu Astros( 3-year $58.5 million)- A player who has been as consistent as can be since he came into the league 8 years on the current WS champs. Yeah, even at 35, I take this deal.
Cody Bellinger Cubs( 1 year $17.5 million)- Cheap chance for the Cubs to take a 27-year-old former MVP and give him a chance to ingratiate himself to him and the city. Could turn into the restart he needs.
Mitch Hanigar Giants (three-year $43.5 million)- When he plays over 100 games, he's productive. Affordable deal to get him out of a crowded outfield in Seattle.
Wilson Contreas(5-year $87.5 million)- Need to replace a legend with someone who has a clue. Contreas has a clue. Maybe a little too much money for me, but going from Molina to Contreas is a little more fluid.
J.D Martinez Dodgers(1-year $10 million)- Give me proven guys on short deals any day.
Masataka Yoshida Red Sox(5-year $90 million)- Needed to put this here to make myself feel better about the state of the Red Sox. Praying he is good.