Trevor Bauer tops list of MLB's top 10 free agents

It remains to be seen how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact MLB free agency this offseason, but we can be certain that these prime talents will not go unclaimed before the 2021 campaign begins. Here are the Top 10 available free agents in baseball this winter.

1. Trevor Bauer, SP

Trevor Bauer, who has repeatedly insisted that he will go "year-to-year" for his entire career, should be at the top of the wish list for every team looking for starting pitching this offseason.

Bauer is fresh off a Cy Young-caliber campaign for the Reds in which he went 5-4 with a 1.73 ERA and 0.795 WHIP.

2. J.T. Realmuto, C

Arguably the best catcher in baseball, J.T. Realmuto is in search of a big payday this offseason. A career .278 hitter, Realmuto has averaged 21 homers and 79 RBI per season, and brings solid defensive skills to the table.

He’s been linked to the Mets, who have the newest and richest owner in the majors in Steve Cohen looking to make a splash right away.

3. DJ LeMahieu, 2B

DJ LeMahieu proved to be a tremendous bargain for the Yankees at two years and $24 million two offseasons ago. He hit .336 in 195 games for the Bombers with 36 homers and 129 RBI.

If he does not choose to re-sign with the Yankees, LeMahieu could command a large contract on the open market.

4. George Springer, OF

George Springer did not decline as drastically at the plate as some of his Astros teammates in 2020. He hit .265 at the top of the order, smacked 14 homers and drove in 32 runs.

Springer is an above-average fielder that offers managers flexibility, so he could be highly-coveted if the Astros choose to let him walk.

5. Marcus Stroman, SP

Marcus Stroman’s Mets tenure was a tumultuous one. His 3.77 ERA in 11 starts at the end of 2019 didn’t inspire. Then he began to rehab from a calf injury suffered before the 2020 season began before changing course and opting out of the campaign.

However, his most recent numbers with the Blue Jays were strong (2.96 ERA in 21 starts), so Stroman will draw plenty of suitors.

6. Marcell Ozuna, OF

The one-year flier the Braves took on Marcell Ozuna paid dividends this year. The Dominican native hit a career-best .338 and led the NL in homers (18), RBIs (56), and total bases (145).

Anyone looking for a corner outfielder might be interested, though Ozuna profiles best as a DH.

7. Marcus Semien, SS

Marcus Semien probably wishes last year had been his contract year, as he hit .285 with 33 homers and 92 RBI – all career highs – and finished third in AL MVP voting. As it stands, Semien enters free agency off a season in which he just .223 with seven homers and 23 RBI.

However, he’s still an above-average defensive shortstop and will draw several suitors.

8. Liam Hendriks, RP

Liam Hendriks is clearly the best bullpen arm available this offseason – the 2020 AL Reliever of the Year struck out over 40 percent of his opponents while tallying 14 saves. The relief market can be volatile, so it will be interesting to see what kind of contract Hendriks will sign.

9. Didi Gregorius, SS

Taking a "prove it" contract in 2020 paid dividends for Didi Gregorius, who shook off a lousy 2019 with the Yankees by hitting .284 with 10 homers and 40 RBI with the Phillies. He’s 31 now, but should still garner a multi-year offer.

10. Masahiro Tanaka, SP

He never quite lived up to the hype after signing a seven-year, $155 million deal with the Yankees in 2014, but Masahiro Tanaka should field plenty of offers from teams looking for a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter. His 3.56 ERA and 1.167 WHIP from 2020 were right in line with his career averages (3.74 and 1.130, respectively).