The winter of 2014 wasn't supposed to be a raucous, record breaking, earth shattering offseason. The free agent class was far from appealing. After all, the Yankees were predicted to resign Robinson Cano. The Red Sox were predicted to re sign Jacoby Ellsbury. And the Mets? All the doubters said they won't spend close to 100 million this offseason, let alone any offseason in the forceable future. The funny part? Everyone was wrong. Below is a recap of where the top 15 free agents of 2013-2014 wound up and their predictions for the upcoming season (predicted by yours truly):
1. Robinson Cano-Seattle Mariners- The "face" of the Yankee organization. The only Yankee to survive the injury plagued season that was 2013. Sure, teams such as Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Oakland, and Milwaukee aren't capable of resigning their stars. But, the Yankees? This is the same team that gave aging Alex Rodrigues a 10 year deal worth 260 million. Finally they have learned from their mistakes. Robinson Cano accepted a 10 year 250 million dollar contract from the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners are in desperate need for an offensive star. Mediocrity has plagued that franchise longer than the length of tonight's Super Bowl (which seemed like eternity.) Cano will join a 70 win team and help them win 75 games. Prediction: .290 AVG; 25 HR; 90 RBI
2. Jacoby Ellsbury-New York Yankees- Just when you thought the Yankees were wising up about giving aging players long term contracts, they made this move. Apparently Robinson Cano was too expensive at $200 million, but Jacoby Ellsbury and his one all star appearance was fine at $150 million. Ellsbury, 30, will help stabilize an aging lineup with aspirations for the fall classic once again. Prediction: .300 AVG; 20 HR; 85 RBI
3. Sin Soo Choo-Texas Rangers-Boy, the Rangers never quit, do they? Texas continues to spend top dollar for top free agents, with a few crafty trades in the middle (see Prince Fielder). After a disappointing 2013, by Rangers' standards, they spend $100 million one the games premier lead off hitter. Though nearing his decline, Choo should help the Rangers overtake the A's in the A.L. West. The game's best lineup is back together. Prediction: .320 AVG; 17 HR; 78 RBI
4. Brian McCann-New York Yankees-The Yankees most dire need was filled in November 2013 when they acquired Brian McCann for a reasonable $80 million. McCann is an aging back stop who has been through the wars. In Yankee Stadium, McCann, and fellow teammate Jacoby Ellsbury, should see their home run totals rise. But their health? Very questionable. Prediction: .260 AVG; 30 HR; 100 RBI.
5. Masahiro Tanaka-New York Yankees-There's no doubt the Yankees dominated this years free agency, and that was before they made this signing. A risky one at best for a pitcher who has never pitched outside of Japan, Tanaka will headline a declining Yankee rotation in much need of an ace. Will Tanaka be that ace? Scouts are saying yes, but they also said yes for Dice-K. Prediction- 15-7; 3.99 ERA
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