Top Five Padres Free Agent Options Countdown

Sep 21, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Cameron Maybin (L) stands on deck as shortstop Alexi Amarista (5) bats against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Padres finished the 2014 season with a record of 77-85. That was good enough for third place in the National League West behind the San Francisco Giants, who are currently playing in the World Series, and 17 games back of the division winning Los Angeles Dodgers. This season was showed a grand total improvement of one game from 2013. While that’s… alright I guess… the Padres need to continue to improve going forward and while relying on young home grown talent is good in theory it’s not enough to show significant improvement anytime soon for this lackluster club. The off season is upon us and this year’s market contains a solid crop of players. However, many of these players will cost far beyond the Friars price range and some just won’t do anything to help the team. Luckily, there’s a happy medium and there are a few players that would almost certainly help to boost the Friars attack come the 2015 campaign. They may not be the most flashy stars in the world and some may even be pricey. Who are these mystery free agents? Allow me to show you as we take a look at the Padres top 5 free agent options this off season.

Number 5: Russell Martin- Catcher

Sep 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Russell Martin (55) hits a two RBI single during the first inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Age: 31; Bats/Throws: Right/Right; 2014 Numbers: .290 batting average, 11 HR, 67 RBI, .402 OPS

Catching is a position the Padres may need to cover for the time being. With the 25-year old Yasmani Grandal still in need of some growth for his all around game the organization may wish to bring in a veteran presence to help mentor him while he serves as the backup. Russell Martin may be that guy.

Martin’s nine year career has sent him through Los Angeles with the Dodgers, New York with the Yankees and after two seasons with the Pirates the 31-year old has hit the free agent market once again. Martin is an excellent defensive catcher, known for his impeccable work with the pitching staff and fast reflexes. He’s a consistent power hitter but the cavernous PETCO Park may sap some of his power.

The Pirates are prepared to add significant salary in order to retain him but the Padres could beat them out. But are they willing to offer him a contract around $15 million dollars a season? Would they sacrifice a draft pick to sign him now that it seems the Pirates will extend him a qualifying offer? These are the factors that may cause the Padres to pass him up and continue to allow Grandal to learn as he goes along.

Still, Martin would help to make the team better and he should be among the discussion within the Padres front office this off season.

Number 3: Melky Cabrera- Outfielder

Aug 31, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Melky Cabrera (53) hits a home run in sixth inning against New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Age: 30; Bats/Throws: Both/Left; 2014 Numbers: .301 batting average, 16 HR, 73 RBI

After being suspended for steroid use during the 2012 season with the Giants few knew what to expect from Melky Cabrera when he signed a two year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. But the corner outfielder hit to the tune of .293 average, crushed 19 homers and drove in 103 runs in his two years with the Jays.

He’s not a home run hitter but instead takes more of a slap approach, lining balls into the gap and being a true table setter. He often batted as the lead off hitter or in the number two hole.

As a defender he is a above average and mans the corner spots extremely well. Over his ten year career he’s played for the Yankees, Braves, Royals and of course the Giants and Blue Jays. The Blue Jays are going to extend him a qualifying offer and try to renegotiate a contract but I see a real fit the Padres. They’re in desperate need of a corner outfield and a table setter to bat near the top of the lineup. Cabrera could be that guy.

He has surprising range for his small stature and big build and that would come in handy within the large dimensions of PETCO Park. Melky has put the steroid scandal behind him and his two productive years with our neighbors to the north have earned him a decent enough contract. It could very well be with the Padres.

Number 2: Nick Markakis- Outfielder

Aug 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis (21) singles in the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Age: 30; Bats/Throws: Left/Left; 2014 Numbers: .276 batting average, 14 HR, 50 RBI

After nine seasons of consistent play with the Baltimore Orioles, Nick Markakis will hit the free agent market for the first time in his career. The Orioles have chosen not to pick up the 30-year old’s $17.5 million dollar option for the 2015 season.

Throughout his career the fan favorite averaged 152 games per season and owns a lifetime .290 batting average. He’s known for his leadership, team oriented play and more than steady defense. The Orioles may resign him but I’m sure if it came down between him and the Major League leader in home runs, Nelson Cruz I find it hard to believe they’d chose Markakis.

The Padres need a right fielder even if it’s just as a stop gap to let the younger players like Rymer Liriano develop further. Markakis, a gap to gap hitter, would fit extremely well with the Padres and would help to lead the young team as they continue their quest to return to contention.

Like the aforementioned Melky Cabrera Markakis is table setter and top of the order bat. He would slot right into the two hole in the lineup but is no stranger to leading off or batting third. Markakis is number two on this list because while he provides the Padres with everything they need he isn’t the type of player that the man ahead of him could one day turn out out to be.

Number 1: Yasmany Tomas- Outfield

Cuban outfielder and Padres’ target, Yasmany Tomas. Mandatory Credit: mlb.com

Age: 23; Bats/Throws: Right/Right; 2014 Numbers: Unavailable

With the success of Cuban players like Yoenis Cespedes, Aroldis Chapman, Yasiel Puig and Jose Abreu finding tremendous success in Major League Baseball teams are lining up to get a crack at someone who could be the next Cuban star. Yasmany Tomas recently defected from the country and has been declared a free agent by the Commissioner’s Office.

Primarily a right fielder Tomas is a hulking presence known for his tremendous power and above average throwing arm. He’d be the superstar slugger the Padres have been looking for and would certainly be the big splash that new General Manager A.J. Preller will be looking for in his first season at the helm.

His price tag is predicted to reach the $100 million dollar range which would make him the highest paid Cuban born player in the history of the game, beating out the $75 million dollar contract the Red Sox gave Rusney Castillo over the summer.

While scouts say he’s better than Castillo he’s no Abreu but will still bring a significant power threat to the Padres lineup. The Phillies, Rangers, Mariners among other teams are also in the running to acquire his services and the market will be competitive. If the Frairs front office brass was going to spend big on one player it’d be Tomas.

His youth, raw ability and projected superstar talent makes him the number one target for the Padres this off season.