MLBTR Free Agent Predictions: White Sox Agree To Record-Breaking Contract And More

MLB free agency is here, the White Sox have some holes to fill, it's going to be a crazy offseason so what better way to kick things off than some predictions! These are always fun and it should mainly be viewed in that context, but predictions can also give fans a hint as to what direction your team is heading in the offseason. Plus, MLBTR's annual free agent predictions come with some pretty solid analysis, so it's not completely throwing shit against the wall and hoping it sticks. With all that being said, Tim Dierkes presented MLBTR's top 50 free agents on Monday and the White Sox are predicted to make at least one big splash. 

MLBTR predicts the White Sox will sign the third ranked free agent in George Springer along with left-handed starting pitcher James Paxton, while also bringing back closer Alex Colomé. Here's the breakdown on Springer.

George Springer: White Sox.  Five years, $125MM The 31-year-old has consistently mashed since the Astros called him up in 2014, and he rates as one of the 15 best position players in baseball.  Springer has cut his strikeout rate significantly over the years while developing 35 home run power.  Springer has played both right and center field in his career, generally ranking above average defensively.  For teams seeking a middle-of-the-order hitter capable of playing a premium defensive position, you can’t do much better than Springer on the free-agent market. Springer is an excellent hitter without cheating, as evidenced by his performance the last two seasons.  Much like players have gotten large contracts following steroid suspensions, Springer will find plenty of interest from GMs focused on winning.  He has apologized, and will likely be embraced by fans if he moves to a new team and continues producing.  He’ll hear his boos on the road when fans return, but I don’t think the PR of the sign-stealing scandal will have a major effect on his free agent market.

Springer was one of six players to receive the $18.9 million qualifying offer from their respective teams. Players who get the qualifying offer have by Nov. 11, to either accept the one-year guaranteed contract or go into free agency. Springer will definitely turn down the QO and test the market, which also means that if he goes elsewhere, the Astros will get a draft pick in return from whatever team Springer signs with. The cheating scandal doesn't seem like it's going to hurt Springer's market, as MLBTR predicts a five-year, $125 million contract with the White Sox. That would break Yasmani Grandal's $73 million deal last offseason for the largest free agent contract in team history. As for Paxton and Colomé, MLBTR predicts one-year deals for both, $10 million for the lefty starter and just $6 million for the right-handed closer. Some pretty good value there. You can see the entire list of the top-50 free agents and predictions here.