By Peyton Schultze

After a postseason performance for the ages, Stephen Strasburg has put himself in a great position for a massive payday (via Flipboard).

With around three weeks to go until the MLB’s Winter Meetings in San Diego, California, the pressure is now on for all 30 teams to start making some moves in the free agency pool in the competitive pursuit for the 2020 World Series. After the Nationals shocked the world and pulled off one of the biggest World Series upsets in MLB history over the favored Houston Astros, there will be plenty of seismic effects felt all throughout the league as teams try to replicate Washington’s winning formula. From Cy Young-caliber pitchers to former World Series heroes, here’s our list of the top ten free agents in the league and their possible destinations for next season.

Starting Pitcher Gerrit Cole

Watch for the Angels to turn into World Series contenders if they are able to pair a dominant pitcher like Cole with a generational talent in center fielder Mike Trout (via The Score).

Gerrit Cole was the most dominant pitcher in all of baseball for the majority of last season, which makes him the biggest fish on the open market. Although his days with the Astros seem all but numbered, every team will have interest in Cole’s wipeout stuff that has marked him as arguably the best pitcher in the MLB. However, the competition for Cole will likely come down to a race between the Angels, Dodgers, Padres, Rangers, and Astros, which should make for a fascinating offseason for the right-hander. It’s Cole’s World right now, and we’re all just living in it.

Nevertheless, the Angels are the clear favorite at this point to sign Cole to what could be the largest contract for a pitcher in MLB history. Angels owner Arte Moreno has never been shy about spending his money on top tier free agents, and the move for a local kid in Cole makes too much sense for this move not to happen. In addition, the Angels have lacked a true ace in their rotation for years now, so pairing him alongside new manager Joe Maddon would be the perfect way to vault the Angels back into the playoff conversation. The Angels need some help across their roster in order to maximize Mike Trout’s prime years, and the move for Cole would be a organizational decision that could make the Angels a potential World Series contender for years to come.

2. Third Baseman Anthony Rendon

After a dominant postseason run, Anthony Rendon will be the hottest commodity on the position player market in the MLB (via Flipboard).

After a special run toward a World Series title, third baseman Anthony Rendon suddenly became a household name due to his clutch postseason hitting and his role as the Nationals’ top bat. Now, in an offseason full of question marks all across the league, Rendon is positioned to be the top position player available on the open market, which should be great news to all teams outside of Washington D.C. It is unclear if Rendon has any intentions of leaving the Nationals, especially after their stunning World Series win, but the All-Star third baseman will have plenty of big-time suitors at the ready such as the Nationals, Dodgers, Yankees, and his hometown Texas Rangers.

Similar to the position the Angels are in, the Rangers are desperate to acquire a big-name free agent after years of irrelevancy. General manager Jon Daniels has faced his fair share of criticism due to his questionable moves and lack of aggressiveness, but a splash move in this offseason could easily swindle the minds of Rangers’ fans across the country. Hence, the move for a superstar position player like Rendon would be ideal for Texas after last year’s retirement of longtime favorite Adrian Beltre, as Rendon would be the team’s first legitimate perennial All-Star player in years. With a lineup full of powerful bats already in the form of Joey Gallo and Elvis Andrus, Rendon would be the perfect fit in the Rangers’ lineup as they look to make it back to the playoffs in a loaded AL West.

3. Starting Pitcher Stephen Strasburg

Stephen Strasburg’s 2019 postseason run officially made him one of the best pitchers in all of baseball when healthy, and he will likely be rewarded in the coming offseason with a gigantic contract from the World Series champions. However, will Strasburg consider any other options? Or will he once again return to the nation’s capital for a run at back-to-back World Series wins?

The San Diego Padres are probably the only real threat to signing Strasburg if they are unable to sign Gerrit Cole (the righty attended college at San Diego State University), but even they seem a little unrealistic considering the Nationals just won the World Series. Even though Strasburg is not the clear #1 in Washington D.C. alongside Max Scherzer, it is very tough to imagine him walking away from the team that he grew up with and has thrived with on the league’s biggest stage. The World Series MVP will get a massive contract full of huge money somewhere around $200-250 million, but look for a shorter-term contract than expected with an opt-out in case the Nationals’ fortunes go sideways in the near future.

4. Starting Pitcher Madison Bumgarner

Expect the Giants to go all-out in order to re-sign the best pitcher in San Francisco Giants history in the left-handed Bumgarner (via WFAN Radio).

Postseason legend Madison Bumgarner is the name that is most recognizable to the average fan in this year’s free agency pool, and many teams will be interested in his services due to his surprisingly young age and experience in the playoffs. However, will the veteran pitcher really leave San Francisco to join a contender, or will he continue his admirable career with the Giants in the long-term?

Bumgarner’s name will be floated around teams such as the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins all offseason, but it is very hard to believe that the veteran left-hander will not return to his home in San Francisco. For one, Bumgarner is a player that thrives at the National League style of play and loves to take his fair share of at-bats; he also remains the best hitting pitcher in all of baseball with his serious pop, which provides another reason why he wouldn’t want to leave the NL. In addition, Bumgarner is a Giants’ legend with a place on their all-time roster, which makes him a fan favorite who can thrive behind a pitcher-friendly park by the Bay in San Francisco. There’s plenty of reasons to believe Bumgarner may leave the Giants to join a contending team elsewhere in the National League, especially for the opportunity to give him another chance at a ring, but it is way too difficult to think that the future Hall of Famer will leave the franchise he helped carry to three World Series titles.

5. Starting Pitcher Zack Wheeler

The Braves are in need of a big-time starting pitcher to add to their rotation this offseason (via Flipboard).

The talents of Zack Wheeler have often been overshadowed in the Mets’ loaded rotation with Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, but this year’s offseason may finally give him his opportunity to rise as a hot commodity. With plenty of suitors in need of a right-handed starting pitcher capable of dominating a game and going more than five innings, Wheeler will be a serious target for many National League teams such as the Braves, Dodgers, and Phillies.

Even though the Dodgers and Phillies will seriously listen in on Wheeler’s demands, the Braves are the clear favorite to sign the right-handed stud. With a lack of a true #1 pitcher capable of starting Game 1 in the playoffs outside of Mike Foltynewicz, the Braves could make a very splashy move in signing a player that could boost their chances of returning to the World Series for the first time since 1999. With this signing, Wheeler would have a chance to prove himself and shine in the Atlanta rotation, which could make this Braves’ group a very dangerous unit in 2020. Watch out for a dark horse team such as Arizona to make a late move for the starter, but look for Atlanta to lock up Wheeler on a larger-than-expected deal that will keep him with the Braves for the foreseeable future.

6. Starting Pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu

After a Cy Young caliber season in Los Angeles, the Dodgers will likely do whatever it takes to re-sign the left-handed Ryu (via Flipboard).

The Dodgers have been hesitant to offer big contracts to starting pitchers outside of Clayton Kershaw in the past, but Ryu may have changed their minds after a dominant 2019 campaign. Ryu is by no means a power pitcher with an electric fastball, but his wide array of pitches and precise control will give him several options on the open market in the offseason. With that being said, will the 2019 NL All-Star return to the friendly confines of Dodger Stadium, or will he explore other suitors such as Anaheim, Philadelphia, New York, or San Diego?

After finishing second in this year’s NL Cy Young award race, Ryu has proven to be a legit starting pitcher as long as he can stay healthy. With Clayton Kershaw aging and Walker Buehler emerging as one of the best pitchers in baseball, Ryu is an ideal fit in the Dodgers #2 slot in their starting rotation with his dominant, but not overpowering, stuff. In addition to this, the Dodgers will hope to keep their spectacular core of starters together for another season, as they have continuously ranked at the top of the league in ERA year in and year out. Anaheim seems like the most serious contender to signing Ryu, especially if they are unable to sign Cole, but the Dodgers look like the most reasonable destination for the left-hander in the long-term.

7. Catcher Yasmani Grandal

If the Astros missing out on re-signing Gerrit Cole, look for Houston to boost their offensive firepower with Grandal (via Flipboard).

After several roller coaster seasons with the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Yasmani Grandal had a great year with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019. Grandal has always been one of the best power-hitting catchers in the league with a knack for being solid behind the plate as a pitch framer, so he will be a major target for several teams around the MLB. Look for several contenders to be interested in the services of Grandal, such as Milwaukee, Atlanta, San Diego, and even Boston, but Houston could easily become the favorite for the catcher as the offseason moves along.

Perhaps no team in MLB history has had a worse last month than the Houston Astros after losing the World Series, potentially losing Gerrit Cole, and now being surrounded in sign-stealing allegations, but this move could make a lot of sense for Houston. Grandal is not the best catcher in the league, but can thrive in American League ballparks that utilize his massive power with short porches. In addition, Grandal is a seamless addition to the Astros lineup and even has experience catching Houston right-hander Zack Greinke during their time with the Dodgers. The Astros have a serious hole without an active catcher on the roster for next season, so the choice to go after Grandal seems like an ideal fit for the former All-Star catcher.

8. Third Baseman Josh Donaldson

After a great season with the Braves, Josh Donaldson will once again be a notable name on the free agent market (via SportsDepot).

After a very nice 2019 season with the Braves, Josh Donaldson is certainly one of the most unpredictable players for the upcoming offseason. The former AL MVP is still a plus defender and has some serious pop worthy of fitting in the middle of a lineup, which makes his talent something that many teams will be interested in. Teams such as the Cardinals, Dodgers, Braves, Phillies, and Rangers will all be in the mix for Donaldson, and it will be interesting to see which teams comes out on top in the hunt for the former All-Star.

With all of those teams having a fair shot at the third baseman, we’ll go with the St. Louis Cardinals to end up signing the third baseman to a short-term deal in the offseason. Donaldson and the Cardinals both shocked the MLB last season with the return of their superb play, so the match seems appropriate without a true third baseman for the Cardinals right now. In addition, the so-called “Bringer of Rain” would be a huge bat in the middle of the Cards’ lineup, so this could be a great match that once again touts St. Louis as favorites in the NL Central. However, watch out for the Nationals to make some noise if they are unable to re-sign Anthony Rendon, which would be an important addition for the defending World Series champions.

9. Outfielder Nick Castellanos

After a successful tenure with Chicago after the trade deadline, Castellanos could easily re-up with the Cubs in their new era post-Maddon (via Detroit Free Press).

After being traded from Detroit to Chicago at last year’s trade deadline, Nick Castellanos became one of the best hitters in the National League and a fan favorite in The Windy City. A pure doubles machine, the outfielder was a perfect fit inside the confines of Wrigley Field, as his immense gap-to-gap power was consistently on display for the Cubbies. Just like every other year, Castellanos remains one of the most underrated players in all of baseball, which makes his potential destination all the more interesting.

The Cubs would be foolish not to immediately re-sign the power hitting outfielder, as he gave the organization an offensive spark that they lacked for a large portion of the season. In addition to this, the right-handed hitting outfielder will once again face plenty of dominant left-handed pitchers in the National League, which make his bat even more important on a team that is expected to float around the playoff picture next season. The Cubs have disappointed in back-to-back seasons, but re-signing Castellanos could be a huge step in the right direction as they look to bring in a new era of Cubs Baseball with longtime manager Joe Maddon. This should be a move that happens rather quickly for Chicago, as both sides should be able to get a long-term deal done in a short matter of time with interest on both sides.

10. Shortstop Didi Gregorius

With a crowded infield over in New York, look for Didi Gregorius to explore some surprising options in the offseason (via New York Post).

Didi Gregorius remains an elite shortstop at the major league level with solid defense and an explosive bat, but his time in New York looks like it may be running out. With a surplus of middle infielders for the Yankees and several major injuries piling up during his time as the Yankees shortstop, Gregorius could be a sneaky candidate to depart from the Bronx and head to a new city for 2020.

The Giants seem like an ideal spot for Sir Didi, as they must be looking to replace longtime veteran Brandon Crawford at shortstop. Although Oracle Park is not the ideal hitter’s park for a player like Gregorius, the Giants’ traditional culture and young talent could be something that intrigues the shortstop to head to Northern California. In addition, Gregorius would be an immediate addition to the middle of the Giants’ lineup, whose big-game and postseason experience could help a roster full of exciting young players such as Mike Yastrzemski and veteran studs at the backside of their prime such as Buster Posey. With new manager Gabe Kapler now in the mix for San Francisco and the need for a serious challenger to the Dodgers at the top of the NL West, look for the Giants to go all-in on a talented young player with yearly All-Star potential such as Gregorius.

Trade Alerts

Third Baseman Kris Bryant

If the Dodgers aren’t able to convince Anthony Rendon to sign, look for the Dodgers to get create and add another All-Star caliber player (via Sporting News).

Third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant was billed as a once-in-a-lifetime player after rising throughout the minor leagues with Chicago, and has lived up to the hype in The Show. With a World Series ring and a NL MVP award in his pocket, Bryant has become a premier player in the MLB. So why would the Cubs even think about trading him? With manager Joe Maddon now in Anaheim and plenty of change happening throughout the Cubs organization, Chicago may feel forced to deal the All-Star third baseman with a massive haul full of future franchise-caliber stars.

With that being said, this trade makes a ton of sense for the Dodgers to pursue in the offseason. With a logjam of players at the major league level and more desperation for a title than any other team in the league, the Dodgers will likely do whatever it takes to make a significant addition in the offseason. With versatility that the Dodgers value and a bat that still has not even reached its full potential, Bryant could thrive in L.A. and would once again make the Dodgers the favorites in the National League. Their package for the third baseman would likely have to include key prospects such as Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, as well as major league talent such as Joc Pederson and Kiké Hernández, but these are desperate times for Los Angeles. With a potential infield including Bryant, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, and Max Muncy, as well as rookie Gavin Lux, this could be a serious deal that the Dodgers go all-in for during the offseason.

Right Fielder Mookie Betts

A high impact player such as former MVP Mookie Betts could jumpstart the seemingly endless rebuild for the young White Sox (via NBC Sports).

Mookie Betts on the trading block? Even after winning a World Series and being named league MVP just a season ago? Believe it or not, but the Red Sox at least have to explore trading the Gold Glove right fielder as they transfer into their new era of management, especially after J.D. Martinez opted into his contract with Boston for next season. With tons of money on the books for the league’s highest payroll and without a great farm system that provides a ton of hope for the future of the Red Sox, this might be the time for the Red Sox to move Betts for a massive haul full of proven and upcoming studs.

Enter the White Sox, who showed some real promise a season ago with the rise of several young players such as Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada. Chicago would certainly have to move some of their prized possessions such as Eloy Jimenez and Andrew Vaughn, but the move could be great in the short term as the White Sox look to finally end their far-too-long rebuild and return to relevancy in the poor AL Central. Meanwhile, the Red Sox could agree to a solid deal for Betts that could clear some financial woes while adding some young talent for the future. There are still plenty of developments that need to happen until the Red Sox would seriously consider moving the 2018 AL MVP, but watch for the situation in Boston to progress over the course of the offseason.

Free Agent Frenzy

Starting Pitcher Gerrit Cole