7) Greg Holland, P — Cardinals
This one has seemed pretty obvious from the beginning. The Cardinals undoubtedly want a closer, Holland is unquestionable the best one left on the market, and the two parties have been linked to each other since pretty much the start of the offseason. The only question is what’s taking them so long. Holland would shore up the back end of the St. Louis bullpen, and even though he’ll be on the expensive side, it’s almost certainly well worth the price tag.
8) Lance Lynn, P — Nationals
Reports have indicated that the Nationals are interested in Lynn, and it’s easy to see why. They already have Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez backing them up, but they still haven’t made it through a playoff series. Lynn isn’t a true ace, but he’s a high-end starter with a 3.38 career ERA and the ability to throw a lot of innings. With free agency looming for Bryce Harper, the Nationals really have to go for it this season. Lynn would add valuable depth to the rotation.
9) Lorenzo Cain, OF — Rangers
We already know the Rangers have interest in Cain’s services. They don’t seem terribly committed to Delino DeShields Jr. as their center fielder, and there are multiple benefits to signing an experienced veteran of Cain’s caliber. He has a reputation as a steady defender, and that would benefit Texas in many ways. He’s a World Series winner who hit .300 last season. As the Rangers try to get their franchise back on track, he’d be a real boon.
10) Todd Frazier, 3B — Mets
The Mets are going to be looking for peoples’ prices to drop, and in that respect, Frazier could represent real value for them. The New Jersey native seems like an ideal fit as the Mets seek a steady option at third, with David Wright’s health ensuring that he can no longer be trusted to hold down the job. Frazier hit 27 home runs last season and is familiar with the National League. He is a good veteran leader to have around as the Mets bring through some younger players.
11) Alex Cobb, P — Brewers
Milwaukee may have made the playoffs if they’d had a more reliable No. 1 starter, and the team seems intent on fixing that issue this offseason. While they may not be able to play with the big boys in the top tier of the market, Cobb would represent ideal value for them. He’s healthy after Tommy John surgery and is coming off a year where he posted a 3.66 ERA in Tampa Bay. He may not be the top-tier ace the Brewers would get in an ideal world, but he’d be a fine addition and could help solidify them for a playoff run in 2018.
12) Addison Reed, P — Cubs
The Cubs have already brought in Brandon Morrow, presumably to serve as the team’s primary closer. That doesn’t mean they should be satisfied with their bullpen, however. Chicago is thin in the setup department, and Reed would at least add some depth in that area. He has a 2.40 ERA over his past two seasons and has been a pretty reliable option for the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox during that span. He’d be a good, safe depth signing for Chicago.
