The Major League Baseball offseason is in full-swing. Spring training games will begin on February 21st just weeks after teams report for camp. The 2019 MLB free agent list may not have a long list of notable names as in years past, but it does feature two of the most intimidating hitters in the game. MLB viewers can wager on their favourite teams with online sports betting all year long and never miss a pitch. With weeks to go until the start of spring training 2019, these 5 MLB free agents are the top players still on the market.
Manny Machado – 3B/SS
Manny Machado joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 18th of last season. The Baltimore Orioles, knowing Machado would be a free agent in 2019, moved him to the Dodgers for five players. The Dodgers basically gave up a number of future and MLB quality players to get Machado for a half season and the chance to sign him long-term. Although he helped the Dodgers make the World Series, Machado failed to step-up on the big stage. He hit just .182 in the World Series. Still, teams are salivating at Machado’s potential. Whichever team signs him, it will pay through the teeth.
Possible teams: New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies
Bryce Harper – OF
Bryce Harper was the player the Washington Nationals built around for so many years. Despite the Nationals’ great regular season play, they could never win when it counted in the postseason. Harper’s 2018 saw him hit just .249, his second lowest batting average of his career. Despite striking out 169 times (a career high), Harper hit 34 home runs and knocked in 100 RBI (also a career high).
Possible teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Nationals
Craig Kimbrel – Pitcher
Craig Kimbrel is the type of relief pitcher ever MLB team needs and that is why he will get top dollar in 2019. Kimbrel recorded 42 saves for the Boston Red Sox last season. He struggled briefly in the playoffs before coming good in the World Series. MLB insiders expect Kimbrel to get a very generous deal in the region of four years and $60 million.
Possible teams: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs
Dallas Keuchel – Pitcher
Dallas Keuchel had a poor season for the Houston Astros in 2018. He posted just a 12-11 record, but that isn’t putting off teams from signing the left-handed pitcher. Keuchel won the Cy Young Award in 2015 with 20 wins. However, his last three years have paled in comparison. MLB teams covet quality left-handed pitchers and Keuchel’s past will influence teams to bid for his services.
Possible teams: Washington Nationals, New York Yankees
Adam Ottavino – Pitcher
Last season saw relief pitcher Adam Ottavino finally rebound from his 2015 Tommy John surgery. Ottavino posted a .243 ERA and pitched in a career high 75 games. He recorded a 6-4 record along with six saves in 77.2 innings pitched. Ottavino is a strong right-handed pitcher that several teams are after. A three-year, $27m deal is a realistic contract for the former Colorado Rockies player.
Possible teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland A’s
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