Earlier in the decade, the Giants displayed a rare mastery in even-numbered years, winning the World Series in 2010, ’12 and ’14. The latter part of the decade has given us a trend in odd-numbered years – Tigers hitters who get traded in their free-agent years and become Ruthian figures with their new clubs.



Consider:



Céspedes re-signed as a free agent with the Mets for $75 million over three years, then opted out after one season and re-signed with the Mets again for $110 million over four years.



Martinez signed as a free agent with the Red Sox for $110 million over five years, and can sacrifice the final $62.5 million over three years by opting out after this season.



Castellanos? He will play next season at 28, which is one year younger than Céspedes was during his initial foray into free agency and two years younger than Martinez was.



Like Martinez, Castellanos is represented by Scott Boras. Like Martinez,...