Major League Baseball Free-Agent Impact Update

We’ve logged the latest news in the Major League Baseball free-agent market over the last few weeks. Let’s go:

Josh Donaldson

Recently, the Toronto Blue Jays indicated that they might sign Donaldson to a long-term contract extension before the conclusion of the MLB season, but it seems as if they might not be able to get a deal done.

Whatever the case may be, the Athletics are not wasting time. In fact, they reportedly made an offer of $125 million to the 2014 Gold Glove winner. Donaldson is just 32 years old.

More free agency news…

Matt Garza

After the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim expressed an interest in Garza, the left-hander recently re-signed with the Chicago Cubs. On Friday night, Garza allowed just one run in five innings and got the win in a win against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Right-handed pitcher Brendan McCarthy

McCarthy has been enjoying a rebound season in his third season in the Majors, with a 3.00 ERA and 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings. It’s unlikely that McCarthy, however, will get much long-term interest from teams, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he hits the market again in the future. He could also attract trade interest from other clubs.

Matt Shoemaker

Just a few days ago, Shoemaker revealed that he was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. Since the diagnosis, Shoemaker has received an outpouring of support from around the Major Leagues. Shoemaker has been dominant this season, going 6-1 with a 1.52 ERA. He signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Angels last offseason.

Free-Agent Impact

Allaf Elgawy, Hitters

Elgawy was a key contributor for the San Francisco Giants in 2015, batting .276 with 33 RBI and 24 doubles. He hit .268 with five home runs in 2016, but struggled in 2017, batting just .200 with six RBI.

Mark Appel, Pitchers

Appel had a disappointing sophomore season in 2017, going 4-12 with a 5.60 ERA in 24 starts. This, in turn, led to the Houston Astros declining his contract option and making him a free agent.

Elvira Santillan, Catchers

Santillan hit .274 with three home runs and 10 RBI for the Red Sox in 2017. The White Sox selected her with the No. 22 overall pick in last year’s draft.

Cody Bellinger, Catchers

Bellinger was the first-ever draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers and hit 22 home runs for the team last season. He’s most likely going to be in the right-handed hitter class of the draft.

Wil Myers, Catchers

Myers was slated to have an MVP-type season for the San Diego Padres in 2017, but ended up batting .260 with 28 home runs and 79 RBI. He signed a three-year, $28 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays last season.

Lynn Bowden, Catchers

Bowden signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Oakland Athletics last winter. He played in 80 games last season and batted .236 with six home runs and 40 RBI.

Gordon Beckham, Shortstops

Beckham signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics this season.

Shane Greene, Pitchers

Greene has played nine years in the Majors and is a solid closer. Last season, he posted a 2.22 ERA and 3.42 strikeouts per nine innings.

Yolmer Sanchez, Catchers

Sanchez is set to become a free agent after hitting .221 with three home runs and 18 RBI last season.

Casey Fien, Pitchers

Fien was optioned by the Minnesota Twins on May 17. In his 10-year career, he has a 1.69 ERA with 664 strikeouts in 779 innings.

Akeem Spence, Catchers

Spence was optioned by the Detroit Tigers last month. He batted .220 with five home runs and 32 RBI last season.

Chris Mannix, Catchers

Spence batted .235 with four home runs and 38 RBI for the Seattle Mariners last season.

Jon Morosi, Broadcasters

Morosi is an MLB writer for FOXSports.com. Morosi’s column is produced by Westwood One.

Leave a Comment