Hey There, Big Spenders: Season-Five Free Agency

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

Big payrolls, big stars, and high stakes. All of these factors figure to create the perfect storm for some very big spending once free agency hits. Season-five free agency figures to be the most lucrative in Double Day's history for high-end players.

An astounding nine teams have set their opening-day payroll budget to exceed $100 million. The league-average payroll budget has now ballooned all the way up to an unusually high $84 million. Teams are entering season five with one singular mindset: spend.

That whets the appetitite of the agents of the stars of season five's free agency class, which features more stars than season four. While season four was headlined by such players as Reid Paul, season five is a pitching-heavy free agent class.

The prize catch of season-five free agency might be Durham's Rafael Mercado. Assuming the 33-year-old Mercado isn't re-signed, his asking price--8.3 million per season for two seasons--will be trumped by owners determined to sign the ace. Mercado could command the most lucrative contract ever handed out to a pitcher in Double Day: a deal valued in excess of $80 million would not be unexpected.

Similarly, Tom Lofton's gaudy numbers will also translate into a huge payday. Teams will likely pay Mercado-like money for the 32-year-old, and Lofton will instantly become one of the two richest pitchers in Double Day.

This bodes well for the starting-pitcher class after Mercado and Lofton, who will command large figures in the wake of mega-signings. Despite a horrid season four, Boots Lesher's potential will convince one owner to give the 33-year-old a contract valued at over $40 million. Because he's an under-30 pitcher, Louisville's Matthew Brown will likely earn himself a five-year deal and become the third-highest paid pitcher from this free agency class. Brown could end up with a deal that exceeds $50 million.

Teams seeking relief pitching will make Wes Mathews, Gabe Buehrle, Hank Decker, and Sherman Dalrymple all wealthy men. Any of these proven setup men and closers could command deals worth over $20 million. There is no clear elite-level closer in this class, but there are more than a few RPs who can play the role of closer on a championship-caliber team.

Offensively, MVP finalist Barry Broadhurst will likely earn Reid Paul-like numbers as a 1B free agent and the best hitter on the market. 4 years at $10 million a year wouldn't be unheard of for a guy who puts up huge offensive numbers year after year. However, Broadhurst might not even be the highest-paid offensive player on the market: 30-year-old Pedro Galvez is asking for $8.3 million a season, and will potentially earn a deal that pays out $60 million over 5 years.

There are other offensive players who will command a serious payday. 2B Brandon Stairs will get a lot of money with a deal that might approach Galvez's. Despite being 33 years old, someone will give Paul McNamara a hefty raise in the hope that he can still play SS and hit the ball. Otto Judd will likely be among the top-five offensive free agents in terms of payout, and Buddy Walker's name--and his ability to still play a reliable third base--is going to get him a lofty deal, likely for three seasons.

If teams are really willing to fill their payroll and spend, season five could very well end up as the most lucrative free agency class in Double Day history.