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Top upcoming free agents boost stock at plate
- Updated: August 23, 2016
With the final month of the regular season nearly upon us, pennant races have solidified. So, too, has the market for prospective free-agent hitters.
With Edwin Encarnacion and Yoenis Cespedes, the 2016 season has reinforced industry opinion. They are positioned to secure big paydays, just as their track records had suggested.
Others have improved their financial prospects considerably, either by returning to good health or thriving in unexpectedly prominent roles. Here’s a list of upcoming free-agent position players who have done the most to improve their near-term earning potential.
Ian Desmond, OF, Rangers Always popular in the sport, Desmond earned even more admirers this year. He displayed class in handling the disappointment of a one-year deal with the Rangers, after having turned down a reported seven-year, $107 million offer from the Nationals prior to Spring Training in 2014. Desmond embraced a move from shortstop to the outfield, and he made the All-Star team thanks to strong offensive numbers. An OPS under .700 since the start of July could hinder his market somewhat, but he appears certain to land a multiyear deal.
Dexter Fowler, CF, Cubs The Cubs’ stunning one-year, $13 million deal with Fowler will be remembered as one of last offseason’s great signings. It was no accident that the Cubs’ midseason swoon coincided with Fowler’s trip to the disabled list — or that they began regaining their form almost exactly when he returned. Fowler, a first-time All-Star, is having arguably his best all-around offensive season; he turns 31 in March and should land a lucrative multiyear contract.
Brandon Moss, 1B/OF, Cardinals Aside from one month on the disabled list, Moss’ platform year has gone precisely according to plan. The Cardinals’ numerous injuries have afforded him everyday at-bats, with many recent starts in the cleanup spot. Moss crushes right-handed pitching and has held his own against left-handers. He’s made himself into an All-Star corner player with the requisite …
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