With the conclusion of the World Series, free agency has officially begun in MLB And several Cuban players are already on the market looking for a new team. Raisel Iglesias,Yoan Moncada, Néstor Cortés , José Iglesias and Cionel Pérez exercised his option a few days ago will be free agents.
Raisel Iglesias is obviously the most attractive name on this list, especially after the second half of the season the Cuban closer had. The right-hander posted a 1.76 ERA and 18 saves after tur mid-season classic. In total Iglesias saved at least 25 games for the seventh time in his career. Expect a contending team to have interest in the closer.
Yoan Moncada show flashes of his talent when healthy last season. In 84 games with the halos the infielder slashed .234/.336/.448/.784 with 12 longballs and 35 runs batted, while also playing adequate defense at third base. Expect another team to take a flyer or at least invite on the talented but oft-injured Cuban to camp next year.
In the case of Cortés he will have to prove he can stay healthy in order to earn a contract with any MLB club. The crafty left-hander when healthy is a middle of the rotation talent capable of eating up innings and garnering between 8-12 wins a season. Last season the southpaw only started eight games between stops in Milwaukee and San Diego, while also posting a 2-8 record and a 6.29 earned run average.
In the case of José Iglesias this might be the end of the road for the infielder. In a 13-year career that has seen him hit .279 and swat over 1,200 base hits, Iglesias might just be done after a .229 batting average and .592 OPS. Expect Iglesias to either retire, receive a spring training invite somewhere next season or possibly play in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol.
Last but not least is the case of Cionel Pérez, although the left-hander had a horrendous year out of the bullpen there is still a lot of life and talent left in that arm. Over the last four years Pérez has notched 58 holds and has a sub-4 ERA out of the pen. He has also fanned 166 batters in 175.1 innings pitched. Expect Pérez to receive a minor league contract with a spring training invite or maybe even a good contract offer from a team in Asia.
The offseason chock full of rumors, offers, and important decisions has begun .Who will be the first to sign? And who will surprise us with a new destination?