The 2007-2008 Off-Season's Most Valuable Potential Free Agents
MLB4U.com ranked more than 200 of the 2007-2008 off-season's potential free agents based on their value, statistics and availability to the majority of the league. We also predicted with which teams they would sign and for what compensation. Certain players with options or a lack of playing time in the in the majors in 2007 were excluded from this list for clarity purposes. Other players were not considered for ranking because their options were basically decided on or were considering retirement. Only the first 55 players are ranked. All other players are listed with a rank number of 51 and are listed alphabetically. The predictions and views expressed below are only educated guesses and do not reflect any actual inside knowledge. They should only be considered as a guide because circumstances are subject to change. Original predictions were completed September 3, 2007.
The 2007-2008 Off-Season Shopping Guide: Most valuable potential free agents with predictions, Complete list of potential free agents, List of potential trade candidates, List of potential non-tenders, List of players eligible for arbitration, Future salary commitments, Team budgets, needs and projected rosters, Managerial, ownership and coaching changes, Free agency rules, & Trading rules
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Rank | Last name | Team | Position | Roster | Service | Agent | Age | Option
Last major update to the list: September 3, 2007
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Rank: 1
Option for 2007: P
Current club: New York Yankees
2007 club: New York Yankees
Current roster status: 25-man
Age: 32
Service time (as of 2006 season): 12.011
Prediction: Signs 8-year, $256M deal with the Giants
Analysis: The top potential free agent has a contract that runs through the 2010 season. However, Alex Rodriguez has a clause in his contract allowing him to opt for free agency after the 2007 World Series, a clause he plans to exercise under the guidance of contract mastermind Scott Boras. Boras wants the Yankees to restructure Rodriguez's contract to guarantee him between $32 and $36 million each year for the next eight years through the 2015 season. The Yankees, meanwhile, say if Rodriguez opts out of the deal they will not try to sign him on the open market because they lose more than $30 million in payments from the Texas Rangers. So if and when he becomes a free agent, the As a free agent, the Angels, Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox, Rangers, Orioles, Indians, Phillies, Mariners, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Astros, White Sox and Giants will all pursue him to some degree. Unfortunately, few will be able to meet such an exorbant price tag.
Actual: Opted out of contract and re-signed on a 10-year, $275M deal with the Yankees
Profile last updated: 04:29 PM - Nov 19, 07
Alex Rodriguez
Contract Expires after/Free agent after: 2017/2017
Current contract: signed 10-year deal worth $275M thru 2017 season on 12/13/07- + he receives a $10M signing bonus: $2M payable upon approval of the contract by the commissioner's office; then $1M each Jan. 15 in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013; finally $3M on Jan. 15, 2014- + he receives salaries of $27M in 2008, $32M in 2009, $32M in 2010, $31M in 2011, $29M in 2012, $28M in 2013, $25M in 2014, $21M in 2015, $20M in 2016 and $20M in 2017- + he can earn $30M in milestone bonuses: $6M each for tying the home-run levels of Willie Mays (660), Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762), and an additional $6M for passing Bonds- + as part of the deal, Rodriguez also receives $9M in previously deferred money owed by the Rangers: paid in $3M installments with interest in 2008, 2009 and 2010
- + previous contract: signed 10-year deal worth $252M thru 2010 season on 12/10/2000: - + he receives a $10M signing bonus that is paid between 2001 and 2005 in $1M installments each March and December 1st- + he receives salaries of $22M each year in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and then $26M in both 2005 and 2006 and then $27M each year in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010- + he can earn award bonuses: $500K for first MVP, $1M for second MVP and $1.5M for third or future MVPs; he receives $200K for finish second thru fifth in MVP voting and $100K for sixth thru tenth finish in MVP voting; $100K for All-Star selection; $100K for top vote getter in All-Star; $100K for Media Awards/All-Star Selections; $200K for WS MVP; $150K for LCS MVP; $150K for DS MVP; $100K for Gold Glove, $100K for Silver Slugger- + bonuses he has earned: $100K for 2005 All-Star selection, $100K for 2005 Silver Slugger, $1M for 2005 AL MVP, $100K for 2006 Gold Glove, $100K for 2007 All-Star, $100K for 2007 All-Star top vote getter, $1.5M for 2007 MVP- + he can void deal within 10 days following the conclusion of the 2007 World Series- + he can void the deal again after the 2008 or 2009 seasons, but only if a position player in the major leagues has a higher salary than him or if he is not earning $1M more than the second highest paid position player- + he has a guaranteed salary increase for 2009 and 2010 by the higher of the following: $5M or $1M greater than average annual value of the position player w/ highest annual average salary- + $5M of 2001 salary is deferred and $4M each year of 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2007 salaries deferred at 2 percent annual interest - + $3M of 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2010 salaries deferred at 2 percent annual interest and paid each June 15 between 2016 and 2025 by Texas- + the $36M in deferred money became an assignment bonus after trade to the NYY from TEX, which is paid: $5M + 2 percent interest on June 15, 2016, $4M + interest in 2017 and $3M + interest in both 2018 and 2019, then $4M + interest in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and then finally $3M + interest in 2023, 2024, and 2025- + Texas pays a total of $67M of his salaries from 2004 to 10: $3M in 2004, $6M in both 2005 and 2006, $7.1M in 2007, $8,116,000 in 2008, $7,101,500 in 2009 and $6,087,000 in 2010- + Yankees defer $1M of his 2004 to 2007 salaries and make them payable on June 30, 2011 at 0% interest- + the deal includes a complete NO-TRADE clause- + hotel suite on road and right to host his personal webpage on the mlb.com network- + as part of the deal, his team may not offer him salary arbitration when he becomes a free agent following the 2010 season- + however, a team may offer him salary arbitration if he opts out the contract early and becomes a free agent- + he has a five-year endorsement deal with Nike thru the 2009 season that pays him about $1M a year and provides him with "everything but his glove and his bat"- + under the terms of his contract, Rodriguez OPTED OUT of the 3 years, $72M ($21.3M paid by TEX) remaining on his contract on 10/28/07 and became eligible for free agency- + after opting out, TEX retains the responsibility to issue $9M in deferred payments of an assignment to Rodriguez: $3M each year in 2008, 2009 and 2010- + TEX also remains responsible for paying deferred payments between 2016 and 2025 according to the payment schedule above- + the final total paid to Rodriguez for his seven years of service with the Rangers and Yankees, including bonuses, was $185.45
Agent: Scott Boras (2008-2017 contract negotiated with assistance of Warren Buffett, John Mallory and Gerry Cardinale) (business manager: Guy Oseary and foundation manager: Richard Rubenstein)
Alex Rodriguez
Recent news:
Prediction from other sources:
Andruw Jones, CF
Rank: 2
Option for 2007:
Current club: Los Angeles Dodgers
2007 club: Atlanta Braves
Current roster status: 40-man
Age: 31
Service time (as of 2006 season): 10.047
Prediction: Signs 7-year, $161M deal with the Phillies
Analysis: Jones started the 2007 season by putting a lot of pressure on himself, putting well-below career average numbers. Chasing balls all over the plate, he was close to the league lead in most strikeouts for a while. After a July resurgence, his numbers began to fall again as the summer heated up. But Jones, will still be only 31 for most of next season and remains one of the best defensive outfielders in the world. He will not return to Atlanta, which lacks the finances to keep him. But, the Yankees, Rangers, Nationals, White Sox, Cardinals, Phillies and Orioles will be linked to him. Earlier this year one AL executive told ESPN.com, "Scott [Boras] will propose a one-year deal with a five-year option or something like that. He'll come up with something creative."
Actual: Signed 2-year, $36.1M deal with the Dodgers
Profile last updated: 04:49 PM - Dec 6, 07
Andruw Jones
Contract Expires after/Free agent after: 2009/2009
Current contract: signed 2-year deal worth $36.2M thru 2009 season on 12/6/07- + he receives a $12.2M signing bonus: $5.1M paid in 2008, $2.1M in 2009 and $5M in 2010- + he receives salaries of $9M in 2008 and $15M in 2009- + he receive a no-trade clause- + $200K of signing bonus donated to the Dodgers Dream Foundation- + he receives a private hotel suite while on the road
- + previous contract: 6-Year worth 75M- will make in 2002- 9.5M + 3M signing bonus, in 2003-11.5M, in 2004-12M, in 2005-12.5M, in 2006-13M and in 2007-13.5M- + he did not receive a bonus for a 2005 All-Star selection- + he has a complete NO-TRADE clause as a 10-5 player
Agent: Scott Boras
Andruw Jones
Recent news:
Prediction from other sources:
Torii Hunter, CF
Rank: 3
Option for 2007:
Current club: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2007 club: Minnesota Twins
Current roster status: 40-man
Age: 33
Service time (as of 2006 season): 7.135
Prediction: Signs 6-year, $96M deal with the Rangers
Analysis: Hunter remains one of the league's most consistent players. He will surely add another Gold Glove to his collection this year, along with many other accolades. A vocal leader for 10 years with the Twins, he will finally move on from the cash-strapped franchise. The Rangers and Braves appear to be the main competitors for his services, but teams like the Giants, Marlins, Orioles, Yankees, White Sox, Nationals, Red Sox and Phillies will also be mentioned. He reportedly turned down an offer of 3 years, $45M from the Twins in August before saying he would not negotiate mid-season.
Actual: Signed 5-year, $90M deal with the Angels
Profile last updated: 05:06 PM - Nov 29, 07
Torii Hunter
Contract Expires after/Free agent after: 2012/2012
Current contract: signed 5-year deal worth $90M thru 2012 season on 11/29/07- + he receives a $2.5M signing bonus and salaries of $16M in 2008, $17.5M in 2009 and $18M each year in 2010, 2011 and 2012- + he receives a NO-TRADE clause- + previous contract: 4-Year worth 32M- + deal includes 2007 option worth 12M or a 2M buyout- + he will make 6.5M in 2004, 8M in 2005 and 10.75M in 2006- + BONUSES he has received: 25K for 2004 Gold Glove, $25K for 2006 Gold Glove, $25K for 2007 All-Star selection- + value of 2007 option could rise to up to 13M if he reaches various performance thresholds- + the deal includes a limited NO-TRADE clause which allows him to periodically select 5 teams to which he can veto trades to (currently, his permission would be needed for trades to BOS, TOR, CHC, TAM and DET)- + 2007 option worth $12M was EXERCISED by MIN on 10/10/06
Agent: Patrick Murphy, Larry Reynolds
Torii Hunter
Recent news:
Prediction from other sources:
Eric Gagne, CL
Rank: 4
Option for 2007:
Current club: Milwaukee Brewers
2007 club: Boston Red Sox
Current roster status: 40-man
Age: 32
Service time (as of 2006 season): 6.119
Prediction: Signs 3-year, $36M deal with the Tigers
Analysis: Gagne made a terrific comeback from back and arm issues with the Rangers in May. Then after much speculation, the Rangers traded Gagne to the Red Sox for three players, but Gagne started his Boston career by blowing several games as a set-up man. Gagne was set to make about $9 million in 2007. When he returns to a more comfortable role as a closer in 2008, he should garner the big contract he has been waiting for. The Braves, Yankees, Cardinals, Tigers and Padres could be among teams looking for a new closer.
Actual: Signed 1-year, $10M deal with the Brewers
Profile last updated: 04:03 PM - Dec 10, 07
Eric Gagne
Contract Expires after/Free agent after: 2008/2008
Current contract: signed deal for 2008 season worth $10M on 12/10/07- + he can earn $1M in performance bonuses: $250K each for 50, 55, 60 and 65 games finished
- + previous contract: signed deal for 2007 season worth $6M on 12/19/06- + he can earn $5M in performance bonuses based on GF: $75K for 3 GF, $100K for 6 GF, $150K each for 10, 13 and 16 GF, $175K for 20, 23 and 26 GF, $200K each for 30, 33 and 36 GF, $250K each for 40, 43 and 46 GF, $500K each for 50, 53 & 56 GF, $333K each for 60 and 63 GF, $334K for 66 GF- + he can earn award bonuses: $250K for Rolaids award ($200K for 2nd place finish, $150K for 3rd, $100K for 4th, $50K for 5th), $100K for Cy Young ($75K for placing 2nd, $50K for 3rd), $100K for MVP or Comeback Player of the Year, $50K each for WS MVP or All Star selection, $25K each for LCS MVP or Gold Glove- + he receives a hotel suite while on the road- + the deal includes a limited NO-TRADE clause that allows him to list 12 teams to which he can be traded to w/out his written consent (among those 12 teams are the PIT, CIN, KC, WAS, NYY, MIL, NYM and LAA; not among those teams are SEA, ARI, STL, BOS, CLE, PHI and DET)- + as of 7/31/07, he had earned $1.35M in performance bonuses- + waived his no-trade clause to allow for trade to BOS on 7/31/07- + in exchange for waiving no-trade clause, the Red Sox guaranteed $2.5M ($400K of that paid by TEX) of his $3.65M remaining in unearned performance bonuses- + the other $1.15M in performance bonuses were eliminated from the deal- + BOS will pay his moving expenses- + TEX is responsible for most of $2M remaining on his contract after the trade- + 2006 salary: $10M (+ $1M buyout), 2005: $8M
Agent: Scott Boras
Eric Gagne
Recent news:
Prediction from other sources:
Kosuke Fukudome, RF
Rank: 5
Option for 2007:
Current club: Chicago Cubs
2007 club: Chunichi Dragons
Current roster status: 40-man
Age: 31
Service time (as of 2006 season): 0
Prediction: Signs 4-year, $36M with the White Sox
Analysis: Fukudome missed the final couple months of the 2007 season after elbow surgery, but remains poised to play in America via free agency in 2008. At just 30 years old, the patient left-handed moneyballish hitter can expect to command at least three years, $18 million and up to five years, $50 million. He made about $3.2 million this season while putting up okay numbers during an off year. Scouts project him as a corner outfielder in the majors, but he does have the speed for centerfield. His arm is said to be better than Ichrio's. The Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, Giants, White Sox, Devil Rays, Mariners and Padres scouted Fukudome this year.
Actual: Signed 4-year, $48M deal with the Cubs
Profile last updated: 05:01 PM - Dec 12, 07
Kosuke Fukudome
Contract Expires after/Free agent after: 2011/2011
Current contract: signed 4-year deal worth $48M thru 2011 season on 12/19/07- + 2007 salary: $3.2M, 2006: $2.15M
Agent: Joe Urbon
Kosuke Fukudome
Recent news:
Prediction from other sources:
Carlos Silva, RHSP
Rank: 6
Option for 2007:
Current club: Seattle Mariners
2007 club: Minnesota Twins
Current roster status: 40-man
Age: 29
Service time (as of 2006 season): 5
Prediction: Signs 3-year, $35M deal with the Dodgers
Analysis: Silva was the subject of trade rumors in late July, and last fall there was doubt of whether his 2007 option would be exercised or not. While his record looks bad, Silva should approach 200 innings with career average-like numbers. Silva's decent career numbers and relatively young age should amount to a larger than expected payday this winter comparable to what Vicente Padilla received last year. Since trading him, the Phillies have always liked him. The Reds, Orioles and Rangers could also be matches.
Actual: Signed 4-year, $48M deal with the Mariners
Profile last updated: 04:58 PM - Dec 20, 07
Carlos Silva
Contract Expires after/Free agent after: 2011/2011
Current contract: signed 4-year deal worth $48M thru 2011 season on 12/20/07- + he receives a $5M signing bonus- + the deal includes a mutual option for 2012 worth $12M or a $2M buyout
- + previous contract: signed 2-year deal worth 5.05M on 2/8/05- he will make 1.75M in 2005 and 3.2M in 2006- + the deal includes a Team Option for 2007 worth 4M or a 100K buyout- + the value of the option can rise to 4.325 if he has 360IP in the first two years, then to 4.75M with 380IP, 5M with 400, 5.25M with 420IP, 5.5M with 430IP and 5.75M with 440IP- + the option can become Mutual if he is traded or if he pitches 205 innings in 2006 or 410IP over the first two years- + if he is still a Twin and rejects the option, if it is Mutual, then he forfeits the buyout- + he can earn 100K in performance bonuses each year: 25K each for 195 and 200IP and 50K for 210IP- + 2007 option worth $4.35M was EXERCISED on 10/31/06 by MIN
Agent: Barry Praver and Scott Shapiro (fired Peter Greenberg on 10/31/07)
Carlos Silva
Recent news:
Prediction from other sources:
Mike Lowell, 3B
Rank: 7
Option for 2007:
Current club: Boston Red Sox
2007 club: Boston Red Sox
Current roster status: 40-man
Age: 34
Service time (as of 2006 season): 8.02
Prediction: Signs 4-year, $48M deal with the Yankees
Analysis: Lowell regained his form in 2007 after a couple seasons of showing declining power and average. He will enter 2008 at just 34 making him an attractive third base options for many teams. While he wants to remain in Boston, he wants more than the 1-year deal the Red Sox would be willing to offer according to their current plans. The Padres, Giants, Yankees, Astros and Phillies could be looking to upgrade at third base.
Actual: Re-signed on a 3-year, $37.5M deal with the Red Sox
Profile last updated: 03:11 PM - Nov 20, 07
Mike Lowell
Contract Expires after/Free agent after: 2010/2010
Current contract: signed 3-year deal worth $37.5M thru 2010 season on 11/20/07- + he receives a $1.5M signing bonus and salaries of $12M each year in 2008, 2009 and 2010- + he receives a limited NO-TRADE clause
- + previous deal: 4-Year worth 32M signed in Dec. 2003- the contract is a 1-Year guaranteed contract w/ a player option for 2005 worth 14M- if Marlins have financing set for a new stadium by Nov. 1st, 2004 the deal remains a 4-year deal, if financing and plans are not set, Lowell may void his contract and opt for Free Agency on Nov. 1st- + he receives a 25K bonus for an All-Star selection- + deal was REVISED and AMENDED on 10/29/04 removing his opt-out clause and GUARANTEEING the final 3 years of the contract worth a total of 25.5M thru the 2007 season, despite the team not having new stadium plans set- + he will make 7.5M in 2005 under the new deal and 9M each year in 2006 and 2007- + bonuses he has earned: 25K for 2005 Gold Glove, $25K for 2007 All-Star selection
Agent: Sam and Seth Levinson
Mike Lowell
Recent news:
Prediction from other sources:
Mike Cameron, CF
Rank: 8
Option for 2007:
Current club: Milwaukee Brewers
2007 club: San Diego Padres
Current roster status: 40-man
Age: 35
Service time (as of 2006 season): 10.036
Prediction: Signs 4-year, $52M deal with the Braves
Analysis: Cameron had a slow start to the season and made several defensive miscues early with the Padres, but despite being slowed by an oblique injury picked it up throughout the summer. He hits well at Petco and covers the ground there brilliantly. With Eric Byrnes off the market, Cameron becomes the most cost-effective centerfield option on the market because he turns 35 next year. He still strikes out too much and with age his speed is declining. It is unlikely he will return to San Diego, who offered him just 3 years, $24M to remain a Padre in March. The White Sox and Braves seem like the Georgia resident's best options, but depending on where Andruw Jones and Torii Hunter sign, the Yankees, Rangers, Nationals, Cardinals, Phillies and Orioles also need centerfielders.
Actual:
Profile last updated: 03:01 PM - Sep 2, 07
Mike Cameron
Contract Expires after/Free agent after: 2008/2008
Current contract: signed deal for 2008 season worth $7M on 1/14/08- + he receives a $1.25M signing bonus and a salary of $5M in 2008- + he will begin the 2008 season with a 25-game suspension to a violation of the MLB stimulant policy thus costing him $792,350 in pay- + the deal includes a team option for 2009 worth $10M or a $750K buyout- + he can earn $750K in performance bonuses in 2008 for reaching 475PA- + he can earn $750K in performance bonuses in 2009 for reaching 575PA- + he receives a limited NO-TRADE clause
- + previous contract: signed 3-Year deak worth 21M- + he will make 5M in 2004, 6M in 2005 and 8M in 2006- + the deal includes 7M Team Option for 2007 or a 500K buyout- + 2M of 2006 salary is deferred and will likely be paid by Mets-+ the deal includes a Limited NO-TRADE clause, allowing him to be traded to 21 teams w/out his permission (his written consent would be needed for trades to OAK, DET and 6 other teams that do not include SD, HOU or SEA)- + 2007 option worth $7M was EXERCISED by SD on 10/30/06- + bonuses he has earned: $50K for 2006 Gold Glove
Agent: Mike Nicotera, Gene Casaleggio
Mike Cameron
Recent news:
Prediction from other sources:
Aaron Rowand, CF
Rank: 9
Option for 2007:
Current club: San Francisco Giants
2007 club: Philadelphia Phillies
Current roster status: 40-man
Age: 30
Service time (as of 2006 season): 5.065
Prediction: Signs 4-year, $44 million with the Cardinals
Analysis: Labeled one the toughest players in the league, the outfielder has showed signs of power as he continues to develop. While not on the disabled list, Rowand is a major boost to any lineup, and if not a career year and possible offensive fluke he would have come relatively cheap price. The Phillies would like to re-sign him, but are prepared to enter next year with Pat Burrell, Michael Bourn and Shane Victorino. The White Sox, Braves, Rangers should be interested depending on how the market ahead of him settles.
Actual: Signed 5-year, $60M deal with the Giants
Profile last updated: 05:02 PM - Dec 12, 07
Aaron Rowand
Contract Expires after/Free agent after: 2012/2012
Current contract: signed 5-year deal worth $60M thru 2012 season on 12/12/07- + he receives an $8M signing bonus: $4M paid each year in 2008 and 2009- + he receives salaries of $8M in 2008, $8M in 2009 and then $12M each year in 2010, 2011 and 2012- + he receives a full NO-TRADE clause in 2008- + he receives a limited NO-TRADE clause in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012- + 2007 salary: $4.35M on 1/16/07- + bonuses he has earned: $15K for 2007 All-Star selection- + 2006 salary: $3.25M, 2005: $2M
Agent: Craig Landis
Aaron Rowand
Recent news:
Prediction from other sources:
Jorge Posada, C
Rank: 10
Option for 2007: P
Current club: New York Yankees
2007 club: New York Yankees
Current roster status: 40-man
Age: 36
Service time (as of 2006 season): 10.085
Prediction: Re-signs for 3 years, $42 million deal with the Yankees
Analysis: Despite a great start to the 2007 season, Posada opens the 2008 season at age 38. At this point in his career, not much can be left in those knees and back though he did not start catching until late in his professional career. Posada could see more time at first base and DH in the coming seasons. His offensive numbers have been on a three-year rise, but that is not the norm. It seems imperative that the Yankees re-sign Posada. The Mets, Astros, Phillies, Tigers, Angels, Cubs and Padres could also be looking for catchers.
Actual: Re-signed on a 4-year, $52.4M contract with the Yankees
Profile last updated: 04:29 PM - Nov 19, 07
Jorge Posada
Contract Expires after/Free agent after: 2011/2011
Current contract: signed 4-year deal worth $52.4M thru 2011 season on 11/29/07- + he receives salaries of $13.1M each year in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011- + as a 10-5 player, he receives a no-trade clause as long as he remains with NYY
- + previous contract: signed 5-year deal worth $51M- + receives a $15M signing bonus paid over 5 years: 1.5M '02, 2M '03, 3M '04, 4M '05, 4.5M '06- + he receives salaries of $4M in 2002, $5M in 2003, $6M in 2004, $8M in 2005 and $9M in 2006- + the deal includes a Team Option for 2007 worth $12M or a $4M buyout- + he has the rights to void deal after the 2004 season- + if he starts 330 games at catcher between 2004 and 2006, his 2007 option becomes guaranteed and a Player Option for 2008 is added- + 2007 option worth 12M became GUARANTEED on 8/5/06 and a player option for 2008 worth an unknown amount or a $4M buyout was added- + as a 10-5 player, he receives a complete NO-TRADE clause
Agent: Sam and Seth Levinson
Jorge Posada
Recent news:
Prediction from other sources:
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