Orioles: Evaluating MLBTR’s Top 50 Free Agent Predictions

Jul 31, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (32) and starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) speak on the pitching mound during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Orioles Free Agents

Chris Davis – #5 — Baltimore fans will be sad to see that MLBTR does not predict the Orioles to re-sign Davis, though they say there will be discussions toward that end. Ultimately they see Davis going to the Cardinals for $144 million over six years. The comment is made that first base is not a position in high demand this offseason, so perhaps that can have some possible benefit for the O’s in negotiations and keeping them in the game.

Wei-Yin Chen – #13 — I have to admit to being surprised to see Chen so high on the list, but it speaks to the priority and high value upon solid starting pitchers. He is the seventh pitcher in the ranking. MLBTR sees him as going to the Tigers for five years and $80 million. Now that is a true Scott Boris deal! Certainly Detroit has the need, but I have always predicted the Mariners as his next team.

Matt Wieters – #15 — Again, I am surprised to see this name so high on the list. Whereas most writers locally have speculated upon the Braves being the team of choice for Wieters, this list has him rather going to … wait for it, wait for it … the Nationals at four years and $64 million. Though not excited about seeing Wieters back with the Orioles, there is something about him being in nearby Washington that would feel very wrong. Ramos has not been great for the Nationals, and the MLBTR people mention that it is true that Matt provides a good bat for the position.

Gerardo Parra – #32 — I am not one of those Orioles followers who are high on Parra’s return to Baltimore. There are worse choices, but his early season numbers this past year were an aberration relative to his broader career. Though he was inexplicably worse than his personal career average after coming to the O’s, he is not a top corner outfield bat in my estimation, especially for free agent money — such as $27 million for three years, also predicted for the Nationals.

Darren O’Day – #33 — It will really hurt to lose O’Day, which is what the Trade Rumors writers believe will happen, seeing him go to the Red Sox for three years and $22.5 million. Now that would be a disaster!  Honestly, I could see him getting even more bucks than this, with many teams being in on the bidding, hopefully including the Orioles.

Steve Pearce – #43 — Wow … would not have expected to see Pearce’s name on this Top 50 list, as there are many more-common names below him. But his home run potential is beyond what most players can produce or project, along with his versatility. So he is predicted to go to the Rangers for two years at $14 million.

Next: Two likable choices and one surprise...