Major League Baseball (MLB) has some big names hitting the free agency market this offseason. The NL Cy Young winner, the 2017 World Series MVP, and the 2020 Batting Title winner are all looking for a new team this offseason. Here are the top 5 free agents along with my prediction on where they will take their talents in 2021.

1. Trevor Bauer, Pitcher

Current Team: Cincinnati Reds

Prediction: New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers

Trevor Bauer is the first free agent coming off a Cy Young since Greg Maddux in 1992. Bauer is a very outspoken person and has said he wants to play for a contender. Bauer had a stellar 1.73 ERA and 100 strikeouts in the shortened 2020 season. Bauer will be the top name for many MLB franchises, but the top contenders may have the advantage. I would not be surprised if Bauer signs a one year deal for around $20 million. He has stated that he wants to go year by year for the rest of his career, but we will see if any teams offer him a more compelling multi-year deal. The Mets are a great candidate for him. They could put him beside Jacob DeGrom and Noah Syndergaard and create the best pitching rotation in baseball. Plus, they have the money to spend. I also see the Dodgers as a great fit for him. Bauer grew up in the North Hollywood, California area and has expressed interest in suiting up in Dodger Blue. They also have money and the contender aspect to bring him in. Trevor Bauer’s free agent campaign will be interesting, but expect him to be pitching late into October come next season, but this time without a drone injury.

2. JT Realmuto, Catcher

Current Team: Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: New York Mets

JT Realmuto, who turns 30 in March, is arguably the best catcher in the MLB. In 2020, he hit .266 with 11 home runs and was solid defensively with a fielding percentage of .993. Today, well-rounded catchers are hard to come by, which is why Realmuto is seeking a multi-year contract in the $200 million range. The New York Mets are the front runner for Realmuto. They are in need of a catcher and a right-handed power bat. Realmuto fits perfectly. Also, they have a new owner in Steve Cohen, who is the richest owner in the league. With deep pockets, Cohen can satisfy what Realmuto is asking for and make a good first impression with the Mets fans. Look for Realmuto to be behind the dish in the Queens this season.

3. DJ LeMahieu, Second Base

Current Team: New York Yankees

Prediction: New York Yankees

DJ LeMahieu has been the Yankees most consistent and best player the past two seasons. In 2019, he signed a two year $24 million dollar contract with the Yanks. In a lineup full of power, LeMahieu is a steady hitter who makes hard contact almost every at-bat. In 2020, LeMahieu led the MLB in batting average with .364 and led the American League in On Base Percentage (OBP) with .421. LeMahieu also plays multiple infield spots at a gold glove caliber. The Yankees would be foolish to let him walk. In 2019, he signed a 2 year $24 million dollar contract with the Yanks. I expect LeMahieu to be rewarded for his past two seasons. I see him signing a multi-year deal-making at least $20 million per year. LeMaheiu will come back to bat leadoff for the Yankees and put up similar numbers to last season.

4. Marcell Ozuna, Outfield/Designated Hitter

Current Team: Atlanta Braves

Prediction: Atlanta Braves or Chicago White Sox

30-year-old Marcell Ozuna had himself a season in 2020. He hit .338 and led the NL in home runs and RBIs. There will be plenty of teams who will be after the power hitter this offseason. Last season with the NL temporarily adopting the DH, Ozuna was put there most of the season because of a bad throwing shoulder. If the NL does not permanently adopt the DH then Ozuna will be a subpar defender at best. He may even be pursued by AL teams more. The top AL team to be after Ozuna will be the White Sox. They are looking for a replacement for Edwin Encarnacion, who was a disappointment last season. He could be the missing piece in the young White Sox lineup that propels them over the Twins. Although, I still see the Braves as the number one candidate. They are contenders and despite their need for pitching, bringing back Ozuna to solidify the middle of their order alongside Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna Jr. would be huge. I see Ozuna signing a one year deal, even if it’s for less money to stay with the Braves.

5. George Springer, Outfield

Current Team: Houston Astros

Prediction: Houston Astros

On a Houston Astros team that was tormented by the MLB fans, and rightfully so, George Springer had himself a decent 2020 season. The thirty-one-year-old hit .265 with 14 home runs and played exceptionally well in centerfield. Springer has been one of the big contributors to Astro’s recent success, and will most likely also be part of their future. The 2017 World Series MVP and 3x All-Star signed a one year $21 million deal in 2020 to avoid arbitration. With Springer approaching the back half of his career, I see him signing a 3 to 4-year contract to stay with the Astros. Although Springer may have to move to a corner outfield spot, he still will play above-average defense and swing a good bat in the foreseeable future. Watch for him to be playing for the Astros next season.

Other Notable Free Agents: Nelson Cruz (DH, Age 40), Michael Brantley (OF, Age 33), Marcus Semien (SS, Age 30), Marcus Stroman( P, Age 29), Kolten Wong (2B, Age 30), Jackie Bradley Jr. (OF, Age 30)