Interesting question brought up on Fangraphs...

[blitzerlover]

I wanted to see what the people here had to say about the topic.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.ph ... le-player/

The feeding frenzy already started over Albert Pujols’ potential free agency reminds us how rarely truly elite players hit the open market, and the raging demand that emerges at the slightest hint that a true superstar could become available. So what would happen, I wondered, if every player in baseball was declared a free agent tomorrow? Who would be the most sought-after player in the game?

Here are the ground rules. Every active player who has played a game in the major leagues is eligible. Every team has the same budget, and the same salary commitments (which is to say, none). Every ballpark has the same neutral dimensions. Leagues and divisions are abolished. Finally (and perhaps most importantly), every player would be a team’s to keep for the rest of his career.

Under those conditions, which player would be most in demand? In other words, who is the most valuable player in baseball, no conditions attached?

Personally I would take Heyward.

 

[reljac]

In my opinion.... the way baseball teams seem to go after players, a young Ace pitcher would be most in demand....

But Albert Pujols would be highest paid.

of course I'm considering demand as # of teams joining the negotiation for a player, rather than amount of money a player would be able to demand.

Not sure which way you meant 'demand'

 

[muskiesfan]

I think the answer would still be Albert Pujols. The guy is incredible. His down years would be considered career years for the majority of baseball players. He's excellent all the way around. Albert Pujols is the real deal. He brings above average offense and defense. He would instantly improve any team he is on.

Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of awesome baseball players and I know this board loves prospects. However, there is no one in baseball that I would take above Albert Pujols. Absolutely no one.

I'm a Reds fan and he's a division rival, but Pujols deserves all of the praise he receives and more.

 

[TGutta]

My first thought was Joe Mauer. He is a great player but I figured I am a bit of a homer on that one. I think I would actually take a young stud pitcher and I figured there would be none better than King Felix.

 

[blitzerlover]

Something to keep in mind. You would have the player for the rest of his career. Also, the three picks that fangraphs came up with was Hanley Ramirez, Evan Longoria, and Albert Pujols.

 

[jbhofmann]

I'm surprised Felix hasn't been mentioned. Young dominant arm to build around.

 

[blitzerlover]

I'm surprised Felix hasn't been mentioned. Young dominant arm to build around.

They limited the players to hitters only.

 

[jbhofmann]

I'm surprised Felix hasn't been mentioned. Young dominant arm to build around.

They limited the players to hitters only.

They also took out Heyward, but everyone seemed to think he might be the real answer.

 

[trademhigh]

I would take Jason Heyward.

 

[bradical]

No love for Buster Posey? Once in a lifetime player with extreme versatility.

Hard to pass that up.

Heyward is going to be a great player too, but has some issues with injuries that could derail his career.

 

[pigskincardboard]

Heyward and Posey are jokes.

You should be picking someone with at least three years of experience. Maybe you like risk, and that's cool and all, but the additional time that you'd have them under contract doesn't make up for the uncertainty associated with them.

Heyward and Posey may turn out to be absolutely amazing players, but we cant state that with 623 and 460 PA, respectively.

I know this is a prospect board, but when you start extrapolating and predicting progression, you end up with goofy results.

It makes a lot more sense to sacrafice 5-years and take the player who's produced for a few years.

 

[bradical]

Heyward and Posey are jokes.

Not at all. When weighing the value of a player, age is a highly touted commodity.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

Heyward and Posey are jokes.

Not at all. When weighing the value of a player, age is a highly touted commodity.

In conjunction with established productivity of course.