The free-agent market this winter has been a lot of things, including incredibly profitable and excruciatingly slow-moving. However, what has never been is unexpected.
Is it asking too much to expect a change in this before spring training begins?
Since things are so dreary right now that one can’t help but drift into wishful thinking, it’s a question worth addressing. However, Jon Heyman of the New York Post also thought up an intriguing scenario involving Blake Snell’s free agency, which gave rise to the proposal.
“I think [Snell] may be like Prince Fielder, who was never connected to Detroit, right? I think this is one of these situations now where it could go to any surprise team,” Heyman remarked on the two-time Cy Young Award winner’s market during a B/R live stream on Wednesday. After that, he ultimately signed a $214 million contract.”
This made me consider odd candidates for Snell and the top three free agents still available, Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery, and Matt Chapman. I ultimately narrowed it down to teams that haven’t been firmly affiliated with any of the four, but even yet, I chose three long-shot, speculative fits for each. You know, you have to keep it interesting.
Accept this for what it is: an attempt to throw something at the wall without really thinking about what will stick. You heard it here first, though, if any of these concepts turn out to be prescient.
Matt Chapman Surprise No. 3: Milwaukee Brewers
Why It Would Be Unexpected
This winter, Chapman has received surprisingly little attention, which is strange given that he is a four-time Gold Glover and has hit 155 home runs in seven seasons. He might still win $100 million or even $150 million, though.
Is the Brewers investing that much cash on a free agent? Yes, it’s difficult to accept.
They have never signed a free agent for more than $80 million in total, and that was six years ago, during a period when they had more discretionary cash than normal. At the moment, it isn’t nearly the case.
The Reasons It Would Make Sense
On the other hand, the Brewers really ought to improve at third base.
The expected starter at the hot corner is Andruw Monasterio, who just finished his rookie campaign with a.678 OPS and 1.3 rWAR in 92 games. A squad that would be in the running for the Central Division title of the National League can and should perform better.
Even after deciding to sign Rhys Hoskins, the Brewers are still expected to be below their 2023 payroll, despite their limited flexibility. Further flexibility is in store for the upcoming winter, when the wages of Corbin Burnes and Willy Adames, who are eligible for free agency, will total almost $28 million.
