Free Agent Hot Stove: Michael Brantley

Another star veteran outfielder that is a free agent this offseason is Michael Brantley. In his twelve year Major League career, he has over 1,400 hits, a .297 batting average, and has been a four time All-Star. In 2019, he went to the Houston Astros, and performed at a high level in 2019 and 2020 in Houston. He had 179 hits, 90 RBIs, and a .311 batting average in 2019, and was an All-Star. He continued his success in 2020, as he hit .300, with a .840 OPS in the shortened season. Due to his recent years of success and his strong veteran leadership, he should gain a lot of buzz this offseason.

I believe there are two teams that have the biggest chance in signing Brantley: the Houston Astros and the San Francisco Giants. Of these two clubs, I think the Astros have the best chance and will most likely re-sign him. It is already reported that Houston is in serious talks with Brantley. This makes sense, as Brantley has had so much success with the Astros over the past two seasons. It should also be considered that he was not a part of the 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros, who got clipped for cheating. He does not have that effecting his legacy like some of the other Astros players, and I am sure that Houston’s ownership values that. The Astros also need a reliable veteran leader and star outfielder, as fellow free agent George Springer will surely not end up back in Houston. Brantley provides a veteran presence, and he is a top-level bat for the Astros when he is healthy.

The San Francisco Giants are the other squad that I believe is atop the list of the teams that are most likely to land Brantley. This is because of their lack of a high-level star, and they are a team of young guys. Though it is very possible that he could end up in San Francisco, it is a notorious pitcher-friendly ballpark, which may turn Brantley away. Plus, the Astros are a playoff team year in and year out, while the Giants are in somewhat of a rebound, and may not make the playoffs for another couple years.

I think that Brantley will sign to a 4 year/$85 million dollar contract. He is going to be 34 in May, which hurts his case for a long-term contract. He could get a five-year deal, but a four year deal with a fifth year option, or possibly a three-year deal with a fourth year option is far more likely. Regardless, any team that is able to sign Brantley will get a proven veteran outfielder, who can still produce at a very high level.