Top 15 free agents with predictions

The 2014 Free Agent market opens tomorrow! While we have one last chance to take a look at the market before teams can start negotiations, I will be ranking the top 15 free agents and giving them predictions for where they will go. This market is quite pitcher heavy, as teams looking for pitchers will have plenty of options to bolster their staffs. 

1. Robinson Cano -- Yankees 
It's been noted across the baseball world that the Yankees are going to prepare for life without Cano by planning to offer Omar Infante a contract. I just can't see any other team being able to swoop in and strike a deal with Cano! He was quoted wanting over $300 million and ten years on his next contract. He probably won't get that type of deal, but if he gets anything close, it's probably going to be with the Yankees.

2. Jacoby Ellsbury -- Phillies
The Phillies know they have made large mistakes with outfielders before, and I think Ruben Amaro Jr. is pretty much sitting on the hot seat. A new TV deal could be reached soon, and they could be in the elite payroll category with teams like the Dodgers and Yankees. The Phillies however, are lefty heavy, and could really use a few right-handed bats in their lineup. Ellsbury, however, really hasn't had trouble with lefty pitchers in the past, posting a .295 batting average. With or without the TV deal, I think the Phillies are going to go "all-out" for Ellsbury, but they will have to outbid other teams such as the Red Sox and Rangers. 

3. Shin-Soo Choo -- Mets
Shin-Soo Choo is quite a player, and it was noted that the Mets have had some "significant" interest in the outfielder. Choo should be able to reach a multi-year deal with the Mets, who had truly needed a leadoff hitter. They finished 29th in OPS from leadoff hitters, and Choo was a great leadoff hitter for the Mets, posting an .885 OPS, 277 points above the the Mets .608 mark. Choo could really fix the Mets problem from the leadoff spot, and could help bolster their outfield, although his defense really isn't that great. 

4. Brian McCann -- Rangers 
With A.J. Pierzynski becoming a free agent, the Rangers could be in the market for McCann, who really could solidify their catching problems with an four or five year deal. McCann, 30, has been one of the Braves best hitters over the past few years, and could really help the Rangers. A seven-time all star, McCann will be a hot catching topic on the market who can really solidify any lineup. 

5. Matt Garza -- Mariners 
While Garza has had plenty of injury concerns with his shoulder, I believe the Mariners have money to spend, and are looking for a starting pitcher. Garza had a 3.82 ERA in 24 starts this season. But, a completely heathy season for Garza can prove huge to a team on the cusp of making the playoffs. The Mariners are an improving team with a somewhat experienced pitching staff. Garza could bolster this staff, and prove to be large for the Mariners in 2014. 

6. Ervin Santana -- Royals 
I really believe the Royals will try and retain their ace from 2013. A 3.24 ERA in '13, Santana's breakout season could prove large for his next contract. But, being mostly inconsistent in the past could hurt his stock, due to the fact that he is going to cost a draft pick from any other team that signs him, except the Royals. All those reasons to me point towards a Royal homecoming for Santana. 

7. Mike Napoli -- Red Sox
With all their money, I think the Red Sox won't miss on re-signing Napoli. The 31 year old proved large for the Red Sox throughout the season and postseason, as his 23 HR and 91 RBI played a large role in helping the Red Sox through their season. Expect Napoli to continue to play first base in Boston. 

8. Ubaldo Jimenez -- Blue Jays 
Over Ubaldo's career, he went from one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues to one of the worst. But, a rebounding season in 2013 really boosted his free agent stock, posting a 3.30 ERA over a great season in Cleveland. In the second half of the season, he posted a 1.82 ERA in 13 starts. He'll likely sit near the top of a rotation with R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle. The Blue Jays are still trying to make a run with that team they assembled from the 2012 Marlins, and will look to add to it to make a run in the AL East. 

9. A.J. Burnett -- Pirates 
It's been said before, Burnett is going to re-sign with the Pirates or retire. Leading a Pittsburgh staff at the age of 36, Burnett posted a 3.30 ERA in 30 starts. He proved durable, and was able to win big games for Pittsburgh. Expect him to re-sign, but do not expect him to have the top spot in the rotation, as Francisco Liriano was outstanding last season, as he finished the season at 29 years old. Expect Burnett to re-sign to a one-year deal. 

10. Carlos Beltran -- Yankees 
As MLBTR pointed out, Beltran has showed interest in the Yankees for the past decade, and he probably wants to play DH in the AL, so expect him to sign there. I agree with MLBTR, and I think he will finally go to the Yankees to play DH. They have the money there, and they have everything he wants. Maybe he can even make a couple more playoff runs while his career fades? 

11. Curtis Granderson -- Cubs
The Cubs have had a lot of questions in their outfielders, as Alfonso Soriano and David DeJesus played the most games in left and center field, respectively. To close up that center field gap, the Cubs could sign Curtis Granderson, who has played very well in his 10 years in the big leagues. He had injury concerns last year with the Yankees, but I think he can get over those and play well for Chicago in 2014. 

12. Stephen Drew -- Cardinals
The Cardinals have Pete Kozma currently at shortstop, a light-hitting player who's defense isn't the best. Drew, who's 2013 average was 36 points higher than Kozma's, and defense just as good, if not better, looks to be a very nice option for the Cardinals if they would like to make a personnel switch at the shortstop position. He will be 31 in 2014, and could have a lot of interest on the market this winter due to his fantastic season and postseason. The Red Sox probably won't retain him, and give youngster Xander Bogaerts a shot a short. 

13. Hiroki Kuroda -- Yankees 
Kuroda has few options, to either stay with the Yankees, go back to California, or go back to playing baseball in Japan. I think he stays with the Yankees on a short-term deal, and retires at the end of the 2014 season. He pitched well in 2013, but I do not think he wants to go to another team, especially since he's comfortable with New York, and he's nearing the end of his line. 

14. Joe Nathan -- Tigers
The Rangers seem to be letting their closer walk, and so do the Tigers with Joaquin Benoit. It only makes sense that they sign Nathan, right? Since becoming a closer in 2004, Nathan has been at the top of his game, posting a 2.14 ERA with 340 saves in that time. He's been reliable, but he is getting older (Nathan is 39 in 2014). Expect him to sign to a one or two year deal with the Tigers.   

15. Nelson Cruz -- Royals
Many people think Cruz should go to Philadelphia, but he reminds me of Delmon Young, a failed experiment who had little contact, some power, and was horrible defensively. Stay in the AL, Cruz, and sign with the Royals.