The Hot Stove is the best time of the year, as each team tries to find the key ingredient that will throw them over the top into contention. This year, there is a glut of free agents who have the potential to change their new team drastically. The bidding war for each will be fierce, but here is the ZP: Left Fielder’s take on the final destination for each of the top free agents:
David Price - Blue Jays: Most expect Price to land in Chicago, but I wouldn’t count out the Blue Jays to bring him back. Toronto was on the cusp of a world series, and pitching is not the area to skimp if they want to get back. A great offense is only as good as the pitchers who support it, so expect to see Price get a big offer to stay at his new home.
Zack Greinke - Dodgers: The Dodgers have won a lot, but have nothing in their trophy case to show for it. Greinke isn’t the reason for that, though, and his dominance as a one-two punch with Kershaw makes him too valuable to let go. He scores big bucks from Los Angeles.
Johnny Cueto - Red Sox: The Red Sox need an ace, and Cueto has been on their radar for a long time. His second half last year was a little scary, but the Red Sox proved last year that they aren’t afraid to take a gamble (even when they should be).
Jordan Zimmermann - Cubs: Many like David Price as the Cubs top target, but they would be better off getting two decent-sized fish, rather than one big one. Jordan Zimmermann has been rock solid over the last few years, and would solidify the middle of the Chicago staff.
Jeff Samardzija - Cubs: A reunion between Shark and the North Side would be the perfect solution to the starting depth of the Cubs. They already have a relationship, and, with the money saved from Zimmermann as opposed to Price, Samardzija becomes the fourth starter in a staff that is as scary as the lineup that backs it up.
Jason Heyward - Giants: This may be my oldest prediction of them all. Everyone will want to pick the Giants to win it all this year. It is, after all, an even numbered year. I’m sure the Giants know that, and a little bit of pressure might force them to upgrade their lineup. Heyward would bring some life to an outfield that looks a little old. Heyward’s bat, combined with a second-tier starter, will make the Giants a terrifying team.
Justin Upton - Orioles: The Orioles want a big hitter, and Jay Bruce may be their top choice. They may not have the farmhands to get it done, though, so Upton is a very attractive option for left field. Upton alongside Jones would be a great pairing both in the lineup and in the outfield, and he would become the new centerpiece of a mild rebuild project in Baltimore.
Yoenis Cespedes - Angels: The Angels are familiar with Cespedes from his days in Oakland, and he would be an excellent bat to protect Trout and Pujols. That, combined with the fact that this would become the best defensive outfield in the American League makes Cespedes a good bet for the Angels.
Ian Desmond - Padres: Everyone knows the Padres want a shortstop. They have wanted one for 18 months. And Desmond is the real deal when it comes to shortstop. He can’t field particularly well, but what he lacks with his glove, he makes up for with his bat. Desmond is going to score big bucks, and the Padres will be happy to give them to him.
Alex Gordon - Royals: I would love to say that Gordon goes to Chicago to bring defensive wizardry and a scary bat to an already terrifying Cubs offense, but there is no way that the Royals let their man walk away. Gordon was the heart and soul of this team for so long, and he will get a hero’s welcome to return.
Ben Zobrist - Mets: The Mets will lose Daniel Murphy and Yoenis Cespedes, two central pieces of their World Series runner-up offense. To make up for it, they are going to make a big push for the ultimate Swiss-Army knife ballplayer, Zobrist. He will bring a reliable bat and a versatile glove to a team that has the pitching to make it big, but needs experience and contributors to back them up.
Daniel Murphy - Angels: The Angels are going to try to out-slug their opponents this year, and Murphy could be an excellent option at third base. His defense is mediocre, but his bat would be deadly, especially if the Murphy of October shows up in April. Money might be an issue, but if the Angels can overcome that, then this is a match made in heaven.
Chris Davis - Cardinals: The Cardinals need power, and Davis is the spokesman for power. He can slot in at first base for them, and maybe even the outfield in a pinch. The Cardinals are looking desperate to keep pace with the surging Cubs and Pirates, and they might make a free agency mistake by signing a high-risk, high-reward hitter like Davis.
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