Key free agents for all 30 MLB teams

Key free agents for all 30 MLB teams

November 1st, 2017

The list of free agents was announced on Thursday, and here is a division-by-division breakdown of the key free agents for all 30 clubs. Players are able to sign with a new team beginning at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, five days after the end of the World Series.
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Washington Nationals
Key free agents: OF , OF , C Matt Wieters (player option), 1B (mutual option), RHP , RHP Matt Albers, LHP , RHP Joe Blanton, RHP , SS , C
Werth is the most prominent Nationals free agent, after seven years in D.C. during which he was a key part of the team's development into a perennial contender. But Werth will turn 39 next year, and the Nationals have a plethora of outfield options for 2018. Among other players, the back-to-back NL East champs also have several key bullpen arms hitting free agency, including Kintzler, Albers and Perez.
Miami Marlins
Key free agents: OF (club option), C A.J. Ellis, RHP
The seemingly ageless Ichiro recently turned 44, and the Marlins decided not to pick up the future Hall of Famer's $2 million option. Ichiro has expressed a desire to continue playing and now will likely pursue other options. A 10-time All-Star, there's a chance Ichiro could still return to the Marlins at a lower salary, but that would depend on other factors. If the veteran catcher Ellis departs in free agency, Miami will also need a new backup for J.T. Realmuto.
Atlanta Braves
Key free agents: RHP R.A. Dickey, RHP

The Braves declined to pick up Dickey's club option, so the 42-year-old knuckleballer has hit the free-agent market. After picking up catcher Tyler Flowers' option, the rebuilding Braves don't stand to lose much in free agency this offseason. They also have top prospects like Ronald Acuna on the horizon. As the Braves push to compete in 2018, they could always look to make some moves in free agency, like shoring up their bullpen.
New York Mets
Key free agents: SS , SS (club option)
Reyes is a leader in the Mets clubhouse and a mentor for shortstop of the future , so he could be a target for them to re-sign even though he doesn't have a clear role on their current roster. The Mets are only a year removed from back-to-back playoff appearances that included a trip to the World Series, and their dropoff in 2017 was in large part due to injuries to nearly every key player. That said, those injuries and the Mets' trades during the season leave them with multiple needs to address in the infield, outfield and bullpen.
Philadelphia Phillies
Key free agents: RHP , OF Hyun Soo Kim, 3B , OF
Philadelphia is rebuilding around a core of talented young players like rookie sensation , and the club doesn't stand to lose any of those to free agency. The Phillies are unlikely to make a big splash this offseason in terms of signing a marquee name. Their position players seem to be set up nicely for 2018, but they could use some starting pitching help, and might pursue some more reasonably priced candidates.
NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs
Key free agents: RHP , RHP , OF , RHP , RHP , C Alex Avila, LHP , C
The Cubs, who have made the playoffs three straight years, with a World Series title in 2016, will still have a deep roster heading into next season. But they also have some big names who are free agents -- the 2015 Cy Young Award winner Arrieta, closer Davis and outfielder Jay. The Cubs could find themselves needing to bolster their pitching staff entering 2018 -- or they could re-sign Arrieta, who turned his career around in Chicago; Davis, who was a leader in the bullpen this season; or both.
Milwaukee Brewers
Key free agents: 2B , RHP Matt Garza, RHP
The Brewers emerged as surprise contenders, and they just missed out on their first postseason appearance since 2011. Most of the players who made their run possible will be back. But the Brewers will have some needs, especially in the starting rotation, with Jimmy Nelson missing significant time next year due to September shoulder surgery. Walker, maybe the best second baseman on the market, could also leave via free agency, although Milwaukee already has a potential solution in place after bringing back . Depending on whether they re-sign Swarzak, the Brewers could also go after a reliever.
St. Louis Cardinals
Key free agents: RHP , RHP , RHP , LHP Zach Duke

This could be one of the Cardinals' most active free-agent periods in a while, with St. Louis having missed the postseason two straight years. The Cardinals' main goal will be to sign an impact bat to add to the lineup, but the club's departing free agents could leave it with needs to address on the mound. St. Louis could target rotation depth to replace Lynn, as well as back-end bullpen help with Oh, Nicasio and Duke all free agents and recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Key free agents: OF , RHP , C (club option), LHP (club option)
The Pirates answered their biggest decision entering the offseason by picking up 's $14.5 million option for the final year of his contract. Whether McCutchen, 31, remains in Pittsburgh will once again be an intriguing question this winter. The Pirates might well pursue outfield help regardless of how McCutchen's situation unfolds. Even if they have McCutchen, and , they could seek a fourth outfielder for depth. The Pirates' bullpen is also an area that could be targeted in free agency.
Cincinnati Reds
Key free agents: SS Zack Cozart, RHP , RHP
The 32-year-old Cozart is coming off a career year and could depart as a free agent, but he loves Cincinnati and re-signing is a possibility. If Cozart does sign elsewhere, though, the Reds could rely on to step up at shortstop, or look for another replacement. As they try to construct a competitive team entering 2018, the Reds' biggest needs include starting pitching and bullpen help, and they could go after some of the more affordable veteran options available.
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
Los Angeles Dodgers
Key free agents: RHP , OF (club option), 2B , RHP , LHP Tony Watson, OF , OF , 2B (club option)
Coming off their first World Series appearance in 29 years, the perennial powerhouse of the NL West stands to lose some important contributors via free agency. Darvish, their big-ticket Trade Deadline acquisition, is hitting the open market, as well as bullpen contributors Morrow and Watson and veterans Ethier (the longest-tenured active Dodgers player), Utley and Granderson. Depending on how many of those players sign elsewhere, Los Angeles could be looking for a starter, late-inning relievers and veteran depth. Of course, the Dodgers have the means to re-sign their own free agents or go out and get the players they need.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Key free agents: OF J.D. Martinez, RHP , OF , C Chris Iannetta, SS , RHP , 3B (club option)

After being acquired from Detroit, Martinez was one of the best hitters in baseball down the stretch as Arizona made its run to the NL Division Series. He'll be the pre-eminent free-agent hitter this offseason. He could re-sign with the D-backs, but he might want to test the market, where he should command a high price tag. If he leaves, the D-backs will need to find a way to replace some of his production if they want to get back to the postseason. They also could be looking for a new closer if the 40-year-old Rodney departs, although they have relievers, like , who could step up in his stead.
Colorado Rockies
Key free agents: OF , RHP Greg Holland (player option), 1B , C , RHP Pat Neshek, LHP Jake McGee, RHP , C , SS (club option)
The Rockies' biggest area of need this offseason will be the bullpen. Holland, their closer, will reportedly choose to become a free agent after recording 41 saves in 2017, and fellow relievers Neshek and McGee are also hitting the market. All played significant roles for a Colorado club that made its first postseason appearance since 2009. Longtime franchise cornerstone Gonzalez just finshed a seven-year deal, which could leave the Rockies in need of a new right fielder. That could be , but he missed all of last season with injuries, so the Rockies could try to sign an outfielder. Colorado could look to re-sign Lucroy, acquired midseason, but if they can't, they might need a catcher, too.
San Diego Padres
Key free agents: RHP , SS
The Padres will have some moves to make as they try to make headway in the stacked NL West. Aybar, a stopgap at shortstop in 2017, is a free agent and San Diego will likely look outside the organization for his replacement. They'll also need starting pitching, which could include re-signing Chacin, but they will also likely include adding a free agent or two. One other area the Padres could look to fill with a free-agent signing: the backup-catcher role behind .
San Francisco Giants
Key free agents: C Nick Hundley, 1B

The Giants will be looking to vault back into contention after their disappointing season, when they slid to last place in the NL West. To do so, they'll want to strengthen their outfield, either in center or the corners or both. San Francisco also might seek out relief arms, especially a left-hander. One area the Giants hoped they wouldn't have to address was the front end of their starting rotation, and right-hander helped by deciding not to opt out of the final four years of his contract.
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Boston Red Sox
Key free agents: 1B Mitch Moreland, 2B , RHP , OF Chris Young, OF , LHP , RHP Doug Fister, RHP
The Red Sox have a large group of free agents, and several of them played large roles for the club that won the AL East for a second straight season. Moreland was their starting first baseman, Nunez a valuable utility player, Davis a strong fourth outfielder and Reed a solid relief arm. As the Sox look to make it three straight division titles, they might have to address all of those areas if they are unable to re-sign some of those players. Luckily for them, they have a robust roster regardless, with some of the top young talent in baseball across the diamond, as well as veteran contributors.
New York Yankees
Key free agents: LHP , DH , 3B , RHP , LHP
The Yankees' "rebuild" didn't take long. The Bronx Bombers broke out in force in 2017, advancing to within a game of the World Series, and most of their best players are young and not going anywhere. The big question mark was , who decided to not opt out of his contract and test free agency after a stellar postseason. Even with Tanaka staying, New York might still want to target starting pitching in free agency. Sabathia, a member of the Yankees since 2009, might have pitched his final game in pinstripes. Pineda is a free agent as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, and the Trade Deadline acquisition Garcia has also hit the market. Frazier and Holliday might depart, which would make third base and designated hitter potential areas to target. Still, the Yankees are in a strong position entering 2018, with no major weaknesses and young talent like and top prospect perhaps ready to make significant impacts in 2018.
Tampa Bay Rays
Key free agents: RHP Alex Cobb, 1B , 1B , 3B , RHP , RHP , RHP Tommy Hunter, OF , OF

Cobb looks like he's pitched his last game for the Rays, which leaves a gap in the starting rotation (and in clubhouse leadership). The Rays' free agents will also likely put them in need of a first baseman and relief pitching. Morrison, coming off a career year in which he hit 38 home runs, and Duda, coming off a 30-homer season of his own, could both depart. The Rays could look internally to No. 5 prospect , or they could try to re-sign Morrison, Duda or another free agent. And with Cishek, Romo and Hunter all hitting free agency, the Rays will need to find some arms to bolster the relief corps.
Toronto Blue Jays
Key free agents: OF (mutual option), C , 2B , OF , LHP
Bautista's memorable tenure with the Blue Jays is over after a decade, which means the team must replace the right fielder who anchored the lineup for so many seasons. That could be , or it could be a free-agent signing. The Blue Jays' other free agents are mostly depth players, but Toronto will still be looking to upgrade its middle-infield depth and starting rotation during the offseason.
Baltimore Orioles
Key free agents: RHP , RHP Chris Tillman, RHP , LHP (club option), SS J.J. Hardy (club option), OF Seth Smith, 1B , OF , C (player option)
The Orioles' big offseason will be after the 2018 campaign, when Manny Machado, and Zach Britton can all hit the market. But they do have an array of free agents this offseason. Several of those are starting pitchers -- Hellickson, Tillman, Jimenez and Miley (depending on what the O's do with Miley's contract option) -- meaning Baltimore will have to fill in its rotation around and . The club might also need a corner outfielder, defensive utility-type infielder and a catcher.
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
Cleveland Indians
Key free agents: 1B , OF , OF , OF (club option), RHP , RHP Joe Smith, LHP , RHP Josh Tomlin (club option), LHP (club option)

The Indians will have World Series aspirations again in 2018, but some of the key contributors from their playoff runs the past two seasons are free agents. Chief among them is Santana, a homegrown Indian who's averaged 24 home runs over his seven full seasons. Santana seems like a strong candidate to re-sign, and he could get a one-year qualifying offer. But if he does decide to go in a different direction, the Indians could try moving Brantley (if they pick up his option) or to first base, as well as pursue external free-agent options. There's also Bruce, who hit some big postseason home runs after the Tribe acquired him from the Mets, and several key relievers like Shaw and Smith, hitting the market.
Minnesota Twins
Key free agents: LHP , RHP Matt Belisle, RHP , LHP , RHP
The Twins surprised everyone by making the AL Wild Card Game, their first postseason appearance since 2010. The core of the team will be intact for '18, led by up-and-comers like and and veterans like Joe Mauer and . In free agency, though, pitching will be a major target as the Twins need to support and in the rotation, and their bullpen corps need additional arms as well -- especially with Belisle, their closer after trading Brandon Kintzler to the Nationals, a free agent. Longtime Twin Perkins is also a free agent. He is unlikely to sign elsewhere, and he might retire unless Minnesota brings back the former closer on a Minor League deal.
Kansas City Royals
Key free agents: 1B , 3B Mike Moustakas, OF , OF , SS , LHP , LHP Mike Minor (mutual option), RHP , RHP

The Royals want to return to the form that made them back-to-back pennant winners in 2014-15 and World Series champs in '15, which makes this a critical offseason for them. Many of their core players have hit free agency -- Hosmer, Cain, Moustakas, Escobar and Cabrera. Hosmer is coming off his best season statistically, Moustakas set a single-season franchise record with 38 homers, and Cain was one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball. Not only that, Kansas City has some pitchers hitting the market as well, possibly including Minor, who could be a closer for the Royals but has a mutual option for 2018. The Royals could look for starting pitching and bullpen depth in free agency, and they might need to fill several positions depending on who they can re-sign out of their own free-agent group.
Chicago White Sox
Key free agents: RHP Mike Pelfrey, C
Chicago's rebuild continued in 2017, and the White Sox now have talented young players all over the field and a loaded farm system, in addition to mainstays and . Chicago's bullpen will be an area of focus entering the offseason, and the White Sox will also be looking for starting pitching depth and a left-handed power bat to supplement its lineup. Luckily, the Sox don't stand to lose any of their impact players, and they could be in good shape in the near future if their players continue to develop and their top prospects prove they're ready for the big leagues.
Detroit Tigers
Key free agents: RHP
The rebuilding Tigers won't be losing any key players in free agency, having already traded , J.D. Martinez and for prospects to load up their farm system. Detroit probably won't be making any huge splashes in terms of signing free agents, either, as the club has some big contracts on the payroll and owe money to the Astros and Rangers for Verlander's and 's contracts. They could still look for bargains on the rotation and bullpen fronts, as well as try to add a veteran type to the outfield or infield.
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
Houston Astros
Key free agents: DH , OF , LHP , RHP Luke Gregerson, RHP
It doesn't look like the Astros' World Series window will be closing any time soon, but that doesn't mean they won't have some choices to make. Beltran, a leader in the Houston clubhouse during the team's run to the title, is a free agent, and the Astros will have to decide if they want to try to bring back the 40-year-old. Other significant role players like Maybin and Gregerson are also free agents. The Astros will have a short window before the market opens to settle on a strategy for how to ensure they will be a powerhouse contender again in 2018.
Los Angeles Angels
Key free agents: RHP (club option), 2B , 3B , RHP , RHP Ricky Nolasco (club option), OF , RHP , 2B Cliff Pennington, RHP , RHP
The Angels signed Justin Upton, their key August acquisition who could have opted out of his contract, to a five-year deal the day after the World Series. They also might have needs to address at third base, with Escobar a free agent, and second base, with Phillips the same. And the team could always look for pitching depth on the open market, with the way its rotation has been ravaged by injuries over the past couple of seasons. This offseason will be important for the Angels, who just missed out on the playoffs in 2017 and will be looking to make the leap in '18.
Seattle Mariners
Key free agents: 1B , OF , C , 1B Danny Valencia, 2B , RHP , RHP
With Alonso and Valencia both free agents, the Mariners will need to figure out what they want to do about first base. Alonso could re-sign, or Seattle could look for another free agent, with several first basemen available. The Mariners might also have to look for a depth outfielder if they're unable to re-sign Dyson, who is both a veteran presence and still one of the speedier outfielders around. The same goes for their backup-catcher role, with Ruiz becoming a free agent. The Mariners could also try to jump into the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes if the Japanese phenom is able to come stateside this offseason.
Texas Rangers
Key free agents: OF , 1B Mike Napoli (club option), RHP , RHP , RHP , RHP Tony Barnette (club option)
The Rangers' main target this offseason will be pitching. They're interested in Ohtani, but regardless of what happens, they'll be looking to bolster both the starting rotation and bullpen. They'll need multiple starters; re-signing Cashner is one option. The same goes for the bullpen, as the Rangers could try to acquire a closer if they're not satisfied with in-house options like , Matt Bush or . The focus on pitching doesn't mean the Rangers will be quiet on the offensive front, especially in regard to the outfield if they can't re-sign Gomez.
Oakland Athletics
Key free agents: None
The A's picked up 's option, which means they don't have any key players who are free agents. The A's are building around a solid young core that includes the likes of , and , and an impressive group of prospects acquired through trades and the Draft. They look like an up-and-coming team. Oakland seems unlikely to make big moves in free agency this offseason, but the team could target affordable veteran starting pitching to deepen its rotation, as well as bullpen help after it traded and to the Nationals in July.