Houston .- While in San Diego, the fans of the Padres feel euphoric with the arrival of the Dominican player Manny Machado, who signed with a record contract in the history of the Major Leagues, within the free agent market, At least four elite players could benefit from it in their negotiations.
They are outfielder Bryce Harpers, left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel, closer Craig Krimbel and Venezuelan wild card player Marwin Gonzalez.
Machado, 26, signed a contract for 10 seasons and 300 million dollars, the most expensive in the history of professional baseball in the major leagues, in addition to having a clause that allows him after having completed the first five to return to the market. the agents if you wish.
As expected, as soon as the news of Machado’s contract was known, the focus was placed on Harper, who is still available in the free agent market.
The general opinion is that Harper, who has better numbers than Machado, will get a contract over 300 million dollars.
What is still to be decided is the team that is going to pay for them with a list of candidates headed by the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals themselves, the team they have played with. until now as a professional, and with whom he won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National League.
Left-hander Keuchel, 31, who left the Houston Astros to become a Free Agent, also saw last December as starter Patrick Corbin signed a six-year, $ 140 million contract with the Nationals.
A contract that many within the Major Leagues established would serve as a starting point for a potential deal by Keuchel, Cy Young Award winner with the Astros in the American League.
But more than two months have passed and the veteran Keuchel remains unsigned, and there does not seem to be a clear situation around him.
The Phillies could be their most logical destiny, although until the situation of Harper is resolved, it is unlikely that Philadelphia will focus its attention on anyone else.
If the Phillies do not make a strong offer for the southpaw, the Astros could mobilize to bring it with a short-term pact and thereby further strengthen the rotation of starters.
Beyond Houston, several teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers were linked to Keuchel at some point, although none of them took the last step in offering him a long-term contract.
Nor is his future as a free agent clear, Kimbrel, the 30-year-old star closer, despite his professional career and having been decisive last season with the World Series champions, the Boston Red Sox.
Like Keuchel, Kimbrel entered the campaign recess looking for a contract of more than 100 million dollars.
But the signing of contracts that made some relievers like Andrew Miller, Zack Britton, David Robertson and Adam Ottavino, who stayed well below 100 million, then its impact on the value of Kimbrel did not occur.
At the moment, Kimbrel’s dream of signing for more than 100 million dollars and six years faded, as well as the idea of ​​breaking the record pact for a closer of the Cuban Aroldis Champan (86 million dollars for five years).
Hence, according to different sources within the majors, the best destinations for Kimbrel would appear to be the Braves or their exequipo team of the Red Sox.
Although, the situation of Boston with the luxury tax complicates things, as it would have to pay a heavy penalty in addition to what was Kimbrel’s own contract.
Gonzalez, 30, is one of the most interesting and versatile free agents this year, as he can play anywhere except as a pitcher or receiver.
Like Keuchel, Gonzalez seemed an ideal candidate to return to Houston and more if his contractual demands are maintained at 56 million dollars and four years of contract that is what his current agent Scott Boras has requested.
But no position player, with the exception of Machado, has managed to sign for more than 56 million dollars.
The advantage for Gonzalez is that he can fit in any position, except in pitcher and receiver, of a team, and his contribution would improve the club, but before that, Harper’s future will have to be defined in the market as it was with Machado. .UU.), (EFE) .-
