The arguments against Snell are clear. The market wasn’t kind to him last winter, and now he’s a year older and coming off an injury-plagued season.

On the other hand, the arguments in its favor are also obvious. Snell is a two-time Cy Young champion. When he’s at his best, he’s one of the most unhittable pitchers in the league. Snell is a year older than Fried and hasn’t been as consistent, but the fact that he won’t be tied to an offer this offseason ultimately gives him the edge over his fellow left-hander.

Bregman hasn’t been an MVP candidate in several years, but he remains a terrific hitter and an excellent third baseman defensively. Adames is younger and plays a more valuable position on defense, but he and Bregman are practically at 3a and 3b. Both of these star fielders will sign lucrative long-term deals.

He’s not as big a star as some of the names behind him like Adames, Bregman, Snell, Fried or Alonso. Hell, he was never even an All-Star. No matter what happens, there’s no doubt Adames will be paid like a star this summer. He is a young, multi-talented centre-back who has a thin market for midfielders this year.

The 2021 NL Cy Young winner completed another Cy Young-caliber season. Of the best starting pitchers on this year’s market, Burnes has the fewest question marks and as much upside as anyone.

There was no question who would top this list. Soto is a talent that spreads from generation to generation best season of his careerand he is still only 26 years old. Don’t be surprised if Burnes signs for more guaranteed money than Adames and Bregman combined.