SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — It’s time to reveal The Post’s Top 30 free-agent rankings and predictions.
This required some deep digging this year, for what is a rather weak free-agent class. But duty calls.
The rankings are compiled via a blend of statistical analysis and expected contract amounts as well as a pinch of popular demand. The predictions are formulated from background interviews with team officials and agents as well as an attempt to think along with clubs, the free agents and their representatives.
1. Yoenis Cespedes, OF
He’s come a long way from his Flushing fling in 2015.
Prediction: Mets, 4 years, $110 million
2. Aroldis Chapman, LHP
He will obliterate Jonathan Papelbon’s record (four years, $50 million) for closers.
Prediction: Yankees, 5 years, $100 million
3. Edwin Encarnacion, DH-1B
The Blue Jays would like him back. You might have heard, though, that David Ortiz retired.
Prediction: Red Sox, 4 years, $100 million
Justin TurnerGetty Images4. Justin Turner, IF
The Mets made him a free agent three years ago when they non-tendered him. He’ll make a little more this time.
Prediction: Dodgers, 4 years, $75 million
5. Kenley Jansen, RHP
The qualifying offer attached to him will give him the silver medal to Chapman’s closer gold.
Prediction: Dodgers, 4 years, $78 million
6. Jose Bautista, OF
While he is not the Jays’ top priority, the baseball winter is fluid.
Prediction: Blue Jays, 3 years, $65 million
7. Dexter Fowler, OF
Up from No. 22 last year, now he has a ring and a stellar season behind him.
Prediction: Rangers, 3 years, $45 million
8. Neil Walker, 2B
How much will the back surgery and the qualifying offer hurt his market?
Prediction: Mets, 3 years, $48 million
9. Mark Melancon, RHP
In other years, he’d be the clear and present top closer on the market.
Prediction: Giants, 4 years, $60 million
10. Rich Hill, LHP
The toughest free-agency nut to crack, perhaps ever.
Prediction: Rangers, 3 years, $48 million
11. Josh Reddick, OF
His lefty bat should play well in an otherwise right-heavy market.
Prediction: Astros, 4 years, $60 million
12. Bartolo Colon, RHP
After such a strong 2016, would the 43-year-old be willing to rejoin the Mets with no guarantee of regular starts?
Prediction: Marlins, 2 years, $24 million
13. Ian Desmond, OF
No. 15 last year — as a shortstop — he completely remade himself.
Prediction: Giants, 4 years, $60 million
Carlos BeltranGetty Images14. Carlos Beltran, OF-DH
It’s his fourth venture into free agency. During the first three trips, he earned $190 million.
Prediction: Yankees, 1 year, $13 million
15. Colby Rasmus, OF
Could the controversy generator wind up back where he started?
Prediction: Cardinals, 2 years, $24 million
16. Wilson Ramos, C
He was set to score huge until suffering a major right knee injury in late September.
Prediction: Orioles, 2 years, $15 million
17. Jeremy Hellickson, RHP
Who signs him, a clear back-of-the-rotation guy, and surrenders a draft pick?
Prediction: Phillies, 1 year, $17.2 million
18. Jason Hammel, RHP
The Cubs did him a favor by not picking up his option.
Prediction: Orioles, 4 years, $42 million
19. Mark Trumbo, OF-DH
The major leagues’ home-run leader in 2016, his erratic overall record will hurt.
Prediction: Orioles, 3 years, $54 million
Mike NapoliAP20. Mike Napoli, 1B
He never has signed more than a two-year deal. Now he’s 35.
Prediction: Indians, 2 years, $26 million
21. Ivan Nova, RHP
Did he actually figure out something in Pittsburgh?
Prediction: Astros, 4 years, $56 million
22. Carlos Gomez, OF
He displayed glimpses of his old All-Star self after signing with the Rangers in August.
Prediction: Marlins, 1 year, $8 million
23. Edinson Volquez, RHP
The man provides steady innings, if not excellence.
Prediction: Braves, 3 years, $33 million
24. Luis Valbuena, IF
An underrated asset who provides lefty pop and defensive adequacy.
Prediction: Blue Jays, 3 years, $27 million
25. Kendrys Morales, DH
The second-best switch-hitting DH available, after Beltran. There are worse categorizations.
Prediction: Royals, 2 years, $24 million
Matt WietersAP26. Matt Wieters, C
In the weak catching market, he stands out.
Prediction: Nationals, 3 years, $39 million
27. Michael Saunders, OF
Will this Blue Jays leadership still have a soft spot for Canadian natives?
Prediction: Mariners, 3 years, $30 million
28. Rajai Davis, OF
The Indians possess the same need for their almost-legend as a year ago, when they thought Michael Brantley would be healthy.
Prediction: Indians, 1 year, $8 million
29. R.A. Dickey, RHP
The 42-year-old surely can keep working in this market.
Prediction: Braves, 1 year, $10 million
30. Joe Blanton, RHP
The remade reliever should find a nice payday.
Prediction: Mets, 2 years, $12 million
