Free Agent Matrix: Where's shutdown closer Wade Davis gonna go?
While the Hot Stove is a beautiful respite from the dreary world, it can be complicated sometimes. To help, we've created the Cespedes Family BBQ Free Agency Matrix to determine where this offseason's top free agents could end up.
The 2017 postseason unequivocally belonged to
As starters continue to get pulled earlier and earlier, having a bullpen that can prevent runs is more important than ever. No relief pitcher has been better at run prevention over the last few years than
Since becoming a full-time reliever in 2014, Davis has posted a 1.45 ERA, the single lowest in baseball amongst pitchers with at least 100 innings over that span. After another splendid season with the Cubs, Davis finds himself on the Free-Agent market as the best proven closer available.
Which teams are the best fit for Davis? Let's take a look:
The Dark Horses
Rangers: Texas had the third-worst bullpen ERA in the Majors last year behind only the Tigers and the Mets, so you have to think they'll look for some new arms. However, the Rangers may choose to use free agency to focus on some of their other pressing needs, like center field (cough
D-backs: D-backs fans learned something very important in 2017: There is no thrill ride in baseball more heart-stopping than the
Nationals: All things considered, Davis and his heroic seven-out save in Game 5 of the NLDS was vital in helping the Cubs outlast the Nats. D.C. did a lot to sure up the 'pen at the Trade Deadline by acquiring bearded human
The Favorites
Cardinals: Former shutdown closer
Angels: Rule No. 1 of life: If you have
Astros: The Astros won the World Series, but they were also one game away from not winning the World Series. If not for the heroics of Charlie "Ground Chuck" Morton and
Cubs: The Cubs' postseason story for 2017 was that Joe Maddon didn't really seem to trust anybody out of the bullpen except for
Our Predictions
Jake: Cubs
Jordan: Astros