Where Will Top Free Agents Land? The Votes Are In: 20 League Execs Predict Landing Spots

As we head down the stretch to a possible lockout on Dec 1st, teams are still jockeying for position to sign the top free agents. A new ESPN poll of 20 League executives and MLB insiders has handicapped this horse race, and their results have shown some heavy favorites to land the top studs: 

Carlos Correa: 

Detroit Tigers were the clear choice here from the expert observers, with 10 votes, compared to 6 votes for runner-up Texas Rangers. The average contract they predicted for Correa was 10 years, $304M.

Corey Seager:

This was an even bigger landslide, with the decision going to the New York Yankees, at 12 votes, while the Tigers finished 2nd with 4 votes. Sorry Dodgers fans, only two of these expert observers picked Seager re-signing in LA.

"The Yankees need Seager," said one of the voters. "They can't add another right-handed bat when a lefty-hitting shortstop is staring at them. It makes too much sense. And we know he can handle the spotlight after playing in Los Angeles."

Javy Baez:

This one was also a runaway horserace, with the New York Mets expected to re-sign Baez, with 10 votes picking them, while no other team had more than 3. The infamous "thumbs down" incident is apparently long forgotten—at least for the front office, if this pick is correct. 

Marcus Semien:

Voters had a bit of a tougher time deciphering where the MVP Finalist in two of the last three years would end up. The Seattle Mariners took up top spot here, with 8 votes, while the Tigers drew 5, the Rangers 4, and incumbent Toronto Blue Jays 3. 

If Semien does land in Seattle however, he would likely be asked to play 2nd base again, as they seem pretty set with J.P. Crawford as their starter there. 

The 20 team executives and MLB insiders polled by ESPN were from across both leagues, and voters were assured anonymity.  

Some of these things could play out within the next week, before the collective bargaining agreement expires, and MLB is expected to institute a lockout, and a freeze on player signings and trades. 

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports