This year’s free agent market is set to be an interesting one, with some of the league’s best ready to test free agency; but teams will also have some decisions to make with the guys on their roster, as some big trades could be made before the 2015 campaign. The rumor mill is already spinning, and some trades have already taken place. Here’s a look at 10 potential hitters that could cause some serious attention.
1. Yoenis Cespedes, Left Fielder, Boston Red Sox
When the Sox traded for Cespedes at the deadline, they gave up their best pitcher in Jon Lester. Now, they gained a big name player, as Cespedes had just won his second consecutive Homerun Derby and was named to his first All Star Team in his short three year career, but there have been several rumors that the Cuban Missile may be on the move.
Cespedes finished the 2014 season with a .260 average, 22 home runs, and 100 RBI. Not only is he always a threat to go deep at the plate, but Cespedes is also a Gold Glove caliber left fielder, as he is a finalist for the award this season.
There has been a lot of talk about the Red Sox and Cespedes when it comes to his relationship with his peers as well as his coaching staff, but he seemed to continue his success with ease after the blockbuster trade last season. He is a big name that will definitely draw some interest, and with the Sox missing the playoffs last season, and looking for some more additions, Cespedes could be dealt this offseason.
2. Chris Davis, First Baseman, Baltimore Orioles
Crush Davis is a player the O’s should consider trading. The first baseman was suspended last September and missed out on the postseason. Baltimore was able to advance to the ALCS without Davis, however, as well as Manny Machado who was out due to injury.
Davis had an unforgettable 2013 season, where he hit .286 with 52 home runs. How did he follow up such a great season? With a mere .196 average and 26 homeruns.
The O’s can succeed without Davis. They will get Machado back, and have Nelson Cruz who had a big year last season. Teams looking for a power hitter could pursue Davis, but don’t expect the O’s to get too much for him, especially considering this is Davis’ last year before entering free agency and the trouble he caused last season.
3. Howie Kendrick, Second Baseman, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
It’s been reported that the Angels may look to trade Kendrick to resolve other needs for the upcoming season, such as pitching. The Angels won the AL West with the best record in baseball, but finished the year by getting swept by the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS.
Kendrick has been a solid hitter and defender for the Halos over the years, and could bring a lot of value to another club. The second baseman finished the 2014 season with a .293 average, seven home runs, and 75 RBI.
The Angels payroll will continue to rise, and trading Kendrick could clear up some salary space. They also have a young prospect in Grant Green, who is most likely to take over if Kendrick is indeed dealt. The Halos also have Gordon Beckham, acquired in August, who could contribute.
4. David Freese, Third Baseman, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Angels will pursue pitching this offseason, both in rotation and relief, and willing to deal Kendrick or Freese. Freese is known for his postseason heroics in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Last year, Freese struggled a bit, hitting .260 with 10 home runs and 55 RBI. Due to a lack of depth at the hot corner, losing Freese would mean Beckham would start at third full-time; something he hasn’t done since 2009 when he was with the Chicago White Sox.
The Halos have a solid roster, with some of the best hitters in the league, but they lacked pitching last season, and will look to improve their pitching staff this offseason while also clearing some salary space.
5. Miguel Montero, Catcher, Arizona Diamondbacks
In an effort to create some flexibility in their payroll, the DBacks are reportedly willing to deal Montero this offseason. The catcher finished the 2014 season with a .243 average, 13 home runs, and 72 RBI.
Montero has a lot of value, especially behind the plate as he threw out 24.8 percent of base stealers. He also leads all catchers in games played over the last four years. This is an interesting scenario considering the D'backs don’t have someone waiting in Montero’s wings, ready to take over right away.
6. Josh Donaldson, Third Baseman, Oakland A’s
After a disappointing 2014 season for the A’s, there’s been much speculation as to what unpredictable Billy Beane will do. Donaldson’s name has been tossed around as a possible trade piece following a breakout season in which he started the All Star Game, participated in the Homerun Derby, and is a finalist for the Gold Glove Award.
Donaldson finished the season with a .255 average, 29 home runs, and 98 RBI. The A’s third baseman started the season swinging the bat extremely well, then struggled toward the end; especially after the Cespedes trade.
If Beane were to trade Donaldson, the A’s would greatly struggle, and it would be in an effort to rebuild, yet again. Donaldson will be an intriguing target for teams, with his stellar defense and power at the plate.
7. Alex Gordon, Left Fielder, Kansas City Royals
It has been rumored that the Royals are open to talks about a few players, but Gordon seems like the guy who may be most likely to possibly be dealt. He has been a leader on this club, and his success will draw a lot of interest.
Gordon hit .266 with 19 home runs and 74 RBI in 2014. While his numbers aren’t anything extraordinary, he gets on base a lot, and plays remarkable defense in left field, as he too, is a finalist for the Gold Glove. If the Royals are going to deal Gordon, they ought to receive one extraordinary offer.
8. Jason Heyward, Right Fielder, Atlanta Braves
After a disappointing 2014 season in which the Braves missed the postseason with a 79-83 record, they have some decisions to make when it comes to the future of the organization. They may deal some big names this offseason to acquire players for the future.
Heyward is young, and still has time to develop, but has yet to come close to the numbers he put up in 2012. He finished this season hitting .271 with 11 home runs, and 58 RBI.
He will be a free agent after the 2015 season, but his age and great defensive play will make him an attractive trade target for several teams.
9. Justin Upton, Left Fielder, Atlanta Braves
Heyward isn’t the only player rumored to be on the move in Atlanta. Justin Upton could be dealt in an effort to bring in young talent for the future as well.
Like Heyward, Upton will be a free agent following 2015. The Braves outfielder had a great 2014 hitting .270 with 29 home runs and 102 RBI, as one of the best hitters in their lineup.
It will take a lot for the Braves to deal Upton. After all, he led the Braves in home runs and RBI last season. That being said, he will draw a lot of attention, and teams will want him, but it will have to greatly benefit the Braves organization.
10. Matt Kemp, Left Fielder, Los Angeles Dodgers
Kemp has been involved in trade rumors for quite a while now. The slugger was the talk of the town at the trade deadline, drawing interest from multiple clubs. His stellar second half, and comeback season, has added to his value if the Dodgers determine to deal him away.
In 2014, Kemp hit .287 with 25 homers and 85 RBI. The Dodgers have a lot of depth at the outfield position, and Kemp’s solid season has added to his value.
While Kemp is always mentioned in trade rumors and speculation, Andre Ethier has also been mentioned as a possible trade candidate. Ethier hit .249 with four homeruns and 42 RBI.
LA would receive more for Kemp than Ethier, but both are being mentioned in trade talks, and the Dodgers could receive help in other areas by clearing out some great outfield depth.