5 Questions for the Winter Meetings
After the Red Sox won the World Series and the league as a whole moved into offseason mode, many believed this would be one of the more interesting in the last few years. Even before the Winter Meetings have gotten started, it’s already been one of the hottest of Hot Stoves. Climate change is real, folks.
Similar to last year, there are quite a few teams that are rebuilding and a limited number of contenders. But this year the contenders are pulling out all of the stops.
The Cardinals’ search for a big bat got them All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the Diamondbacks for a package of former top prospects Carson Kelly and Luke Weaver.
The Nationals and Patrick Corbin agreed to a six-year, $140 million deal, giving Washington a formidable starting three along with Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg.
The Braves took a one-year flyer on former MVP Josh Donaldson. It’s a $23 million flyer, but there’s limited downside to a deal like this.
The Mariners helped make the National League East better by trading Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz and Jean Segura there.
And with all of that we’re really just getting started. With everyone in baseball arriving for the Winter Meetings on December 9, we should finally get some resolutions on questions that are lingering around the Hot Stove.
1. Where will Bryce Harper sign?
Bryce Harper is by far the best outfielder available and would represent a significant improvement to just about every contending team. Presumably with the addition of Goldschmidt, the Cardinals are out. The Dodgers seem like a nice fit for money and star-power. But don’t sleep on the Cubs. A return the Nationals is not out of the question, though, at this point, it’s dubious whether they actually need him. Scott Boras is Harper’s agent, so no matter where he signs, he’s going to sign for a lot more money than you think.
2. Where will Manny Machado sign?
Manny Machado has been one of the game’s best players since he started back in 2012, and he had his best offensive year just in time for his first (and only?) crack at free agency. He and Harper are two of the best free agents we’ve ever seen. There are some questions about Machado’s defense at shortstop and attitude, but this is one of the best players in the league and would be a boost to any contender. The Phillies seem like a perfect fit, especially if he would play third base. The Yankees might have some interest, but that just seems like due diligence at this point. Could the Mets even afford him? Machado could be a great signing for a team that is a couple years away from competing like the White Sox or the Giants.
3. Will the Indians trade a starter?
The Indians just signed Carlos Carrasco to an extension, so he’s probably staying put. Normally you don’t see a team looking to trade an ace-level pitcher while still very much in contention. But the Indians have the great fortune of having a lot of pitching depth and they are in the AL Central. They could win that division with one starting pitcher tied behind their back. Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer are rumored to be on the move, and the Indians could score a big return from the Dodgers or Yankees. Also don’t rule out the feisty young Braves or the hard-hitting Brewers.
4. Will the Marlins trade away J.T. Realmuto?
The clubs that have had the most action in the J.T. Realmuto sweepstakes are in the NL East. The Braves, Phillies and Nationals have each been rumored to be interested in the All-Star catcher. The asking price does seem to be somewhat prohibitive and the Astros and Nationals have already decided to get their catcher from free agency. Also, Wilson Ramos is still a free agent and wouldn’t require a team to give up top prospects. With the number of contenders who need catchers dwindling, the Marlins may be stuck with Realmuto until the trade deadline.
5. Who will feast at the pitching buffet?
This offseason, there are quite a few quality second-tier pitchers available through trade and free agency. Nate Eovaldi has already re-signed with the Red Sox. However, starters J.A. Happ, Dallas Keuchel and Yusei Kikuchi are still available. If the Giants could get a return for Madison Bumgarner similar to the Goldschmidt haul, he’ll be on the move. The Cardinals could use one of these starters and a closer as well. They’re in luck. Craig Kimbrel, Andrew Miller or Adam Ottavino could finally answer their bullpen question.
