MLB Free Agency 2014

                 MLB Free Agency 2014

After an MLB season that included a few heartbreaking upsets, a shocking postseason run and a World Series that ended with an MVP pitching performance, it’s finally time for free agency. However, I’m not going to talk about all the huge free agent names that have been gone over so many times. Today, we’ll take a look at and evaluate some of the 2014 MLB free agents that could have a huge impact on their future team. 

1.      Melky Cabrera

     Despite the hanging questions about a past PED suspension, Melky had a solid season this past year.  The 30 year old outfielder with one of the best strikeout ratings in baseball will make a great addition, wherever he goes.  With 16 homers and an above .300 batting average last season, he has received a lot of interest from teams like Kansas City, who are in desperate need of an outfielder with power and consistency.  At this time, the Royals have three outfielders testing the free agent waters (Josh Willingham, Norichika Aoki and Raul Ibanez), all of them having a lower batting average and less home runs than Melky last season.  However, his decreased speed and pinkie finger surgery will bring up some questions.  Can he still play center field?  Can he stay healthy?  Even with these questions, Melky should still get a sizable contract, whether it is from Toronto, Kansas City or elsewhere. 

2.      Zach Duke

      This left handed relief pitcher is one of the most underrated in this free agent class.  Duke posted a K per 9 innings ration of 11.44 with the Brewers last season, and he could be signed this off-season for pennies compared to a few big ticket relievers.  The 31 year old former All Star’s 2.45 ERA through 58.2 innings will catch your eye, as will his 0.463 Home Runs per 9 innings pitched.  Zach Duke is someone to keep an eye on next year, wherever he may be.

3.      Aaron Harang

     Aaron Harang was a huge surprise last season, starting 33 games and going 12-12.  Look for the 36 year old Harang to land a sizable deal this year, larger than the 1 million he made last year with Atlanta.  Harang doesn’t have blow-by velocity on his fastball, which averaged about 89 MPH last year, but he is a crafty veteran with a deceptive motion, and he could end up in any number of places.  The Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros, to name a few, would be good spots for Harang, as a relatively low priced starter with 12 years experience and the ability to set career lows in ERA and go 200 plus innings doesn’t come up that often.  Aaron Harang could make a big splash in this year’s market.

4.      Adam LaRoche

      

     Adam LaRoche is a powerful hitter.  He hit 26 homers last year and has hit 243 in his 10 year MLB Career.  His defense is solid, but not great and his base-running is a question.  LaRoche put up a .259 batting average in 140 regular season games last season, and he may be the most consistently powerful hitter in this free agent class.  However, his relatively poor stats against lefties and an old shoulder injury could hurt his chance at a big money deal.  LaRoche is expected to land a decent contract this year, as the 35 year old could get a contract totaling 30 plus million dollars.