Major League Baseball players report to spring training this month with the preseason springing hope for players and fans that a World Series could be at the end of the long season. There are still plenty of high-profile free agents on the market that could enable a baseball club to win a pennant and possibly, the World Series. MLB fans can use the William Hill bonus to get the latest bet offers before wagering on the games this season.
Although a significant number of would-be free agents signed extensions in 2019, the class of free agents this winter features some star-studded baseball players.
- Yasiel Puig
Former Los Angeles Dodger and Cincinnati Red Yasiel Puig is drawing interest from teams around MLB. The St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians have both been linked to his signature, and both clubs could use his bat in the line-up. Puig split last season between the Reds and the Indians hitting a combined 24 home runs and knocking in 84 runs. Each of the last three seasons have seen Puig hit over 20 home runs. He is worth the money for the big bat in the middle of the line-up.
- Brock Holt
Utility player Brock Holt parted ways with the Boston Red Sox at the end of last season after the team underachieved after winning the 2018 World Series. The career .271 hitter is now seeking a deal elsewhere but could ultimately return to Fenway Park if a deal can be worked out that both sides agree on. Holt appeared in 87 games for the Red Sox tallying 77 hits, 31 RBI, and three home runs. Holt made just shy of $3.6 million in 2019, which equates to over $12,000 per plate appearance for the Red Sox. Holt’s experience and ability to play multiple positions makes him a great addition for the price.
- Wilmer Flores
Call us crazy, but former New York Met and Arizona Diamondback player Wilmer Flores is a solid player that should be snapped up this offseason. Still just 28-years-old, Flores can play the middle infield and in 2019, had a career-high .361 OBP. Flores also hit nine home runs and tallied 37 RBI in just 265 at bats. It was his lowest number of at bats since his 2013 rookie season. He made $3.75m last season for the Diamondbacks but was bought out of the coming year.
- Addisson Russell
Shortstop Addison Russell is nearing the territory of heavily hyped player never to make it big in MLB. Russell was called the third-best prospect in MLB by Baseball America. The No. 11 draft pick in 2012, Russell was shipped to the Chicago Cubs in 2015 where he made his big-league debut. The 2016 season was his best as the shortstop hit .238, tallied a career-high .321 OBP, and .738 OPS. Russell also hit 21 home runs and had 95 RBI while being voted to the National League All-Star team. Russell’s numbers have declined in subsequent years but 2020 could see a rebirth in the right place. He just turned 26 and should be entering his baseball prime.
