By Kelly:
This year for the first time I feel like I was ready for the season to be over so the Hot Stove season could get started. So many great free agents and as we all remember from last year there be a handful of trades that come out of nowhere. I didn’t even bother to predict any trades, I just stuck with free agents. Here we go…
Jordan Zimmermann (Giants): Regardless of who he signs with he will most likely get a $100+ contract which will make him the first pitcher to have Tommy John surgery and get a $100+ contact. He seems like he would be a perfect fit for the Giants. I know they are going to make a run at Greinke and if that doesn’t work out Zimmerman would be an excellent fall back option.
Johnny Cueto (Red Sox): I don’t think the Red Sox have a shot at Price or Greinke so the next best option is Cueto. They need an ace and Cueto has shown he can be just that. With that being said I don’t think this is a great fit. The Red Sox could just as easily make a trade for an ace.
Jeff Samardzija (Mariners, Padres or Giants): This may sound crazy but think about it. Samardzija had a horrible 2015. He could look for a 1 year deal from a team with a big ballpark and try to reestablish his market for next offseason. I wouldn’t be too surprised if he accepted his QO from the White Sox.
Mike Leake (Dodgers): Whether the Dodgers sign Greinke or Price they will still need another starting pitcher. This would be a great option that wouldn’t cost as much as the top tier guys. He is also only 28 years old. Dodgers will need another RHP if they sign Price so he fits that description also.
Dexter Fowler (Mets): At first I thought Fowler would end up in Seattle but with him receiving a QO I don’t see that as an option anymore. Mets will be in need of an outfielder with Yoenis most likely signing elsewhere. He had a career year in 2015 and he will be paid nicely for it.
Matt Wieters: (Nationals): I had a difficult time picking a team for Wieters. He’s coming off a Tommy John surgery and didn’t make his 2015 debut until June. He didn’t catch 3 days in a row all year. He’s from Georgia so the Braves could be an option as well. Also I think the Mariners could look to him to help with their catcher positon but once again I’m not sure they will be willing to give up their 11th pick since Wieters received a QO from the Orioles.
Daniel Murphy (Rockies): If he goes to Colorado he would play first base for them. The Rockies have had some pretty good lefty’s play 1B and he fits that mold perfectly. Murphy is going to cash in on his Babe Ruth like performance in the NLDS and NLCS.
Ben Zobrist (Yankees): This might not be the splash we’re used to the Yankees making but Zobrist would be a solid get for the Yankees. With as many positons Zobrist can play just about any team could use him for the next 3 or 4 years.
Last year I went 1 for 8 in my Hot Stove predictions. Maybe I will do better this year, maybe not. Either way I love writing them and always read as many as I can find.