Heyman | Early look at the AJ Pollock market

A.J. Pollock looks like he’s headed for a big free agency after finishing April with nine home runs and 22 RBI, then making it 10 homers the first day of May. He might have to move up on our original list.

In any case, Pollock is a star, and always has been. But he looks like he may be putting together a career year at just the right time.

There’s no evidence of any contract talks ongoing with the Diamondbacks, so the expectation is that he becomes a free agent. We’ve done derbies for Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Clayton Kershaw and Josh Donaldson. So here is Pollock’s.

1. Dodgers

What a great way for the Dodgers to take a big bite out of the rival Diamondbacks. There’s a connection there, as Dodgers exec Josh Byrnes was GM when the D-backs picked Pollock in the draft, and while he’s heavily involved with amateur scouting, there’s no chance they don’t ask. The Dodgers have reset their tax, but the priority will be all-time great pitcher Clayton Kershaw, and they’ve also been tied to Harper and many others under the sun.

Odds: 4:1

2. Rangers

Well, they should have some money after mostly sitting out last year.

Odds: 5:1

3. Diamondbacks

They’d like to keep him, but they’d also like to keep star pitcher Patrick Corbin, and in a year from now, franchise man Paul Goldschmidt.

Odds: 6:1

4. Mariners

The Dee Gordon experiment has been pretty good, but what’s to prevent them from moving Gordon to second and Robinson Cano to first? GM Jerry Dipoto also was with the D-backs when Pollock was there.

Odds: 8:1

5. Yankees

If they decide the slugging corner outfielder Harper doesn’t fit, and the shortstop-loving Machado also doesn’t fit (though it’s possible Harper can play center or Machado third), they could go the (slightly) cheaper route, and try to sign both D-backs guys – star pitcher Patrick Corbin (which was discussed here last week) and Pollock.

Odds: 9:1

6. Giants

They incredibly stayed below the threshold this year (by pennies, give them credit). And with Andrew McCutchen a free agent and no great replacements coming, it’d be a natural fit.

Odds: 10:1

7. Braves

They looked at an outfielders this winter (i.e. Lorenzo Cain), and with Nick Markakis a free agent, they could find room, and also give themselves one of the best defensive outfields in the game, with Ender Inciarte and Ronald Acuña Jr. already there.

Odds: 15:1

8. Cubs

They have the money, of course. But Albert Almora has looked fantastic defensively this year, so probably not.

Odds: 30:1

9. The Field

The Red Sox appear to have a full house in the outfield. The White Sox look ready to do something big, and Luis Robert is a few years away. The A’s would be a great fit – except financially.

Odds: 10:1