By: Kelly
The Hot Stove season is upon us again and here is my annual attempt at guessing where a handful of these guys will end up. For a a lot of baseball fans the Hot Stove season gives us a chance to dream about the upcoming season and to forgot about the past season’s failures. I enjoy doing these predictions as much as I enjoy reading them. So I am sitting here having my first White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha of the season and a maple cake donut wondering if my Dodgers will finally add to their bullpen. Let the Hot Stove predictions begin….
Manny Machado (Phillies)
Machado had a rough postseason from and probably cost himself some money but when his contract is going to be around $300 million what’s a few million. As a Dodgers fan when they traded for Machado, I was hoping that would give them the fast track for Manny to sign with LA in the off-season. I’m not sure I want that anymore. Manny wants to play SS but will play 3B for the right team. The Phillies are going to give Machado the full court press and offer a crazy amount of money. It will be hard for Manny to turn it down.
Patrick Corbin (Yankees)
Corbin is the youngest free agent pitcher this off-season and will probably get the largest contract. It also helps that Corbin had an All-Star season in 2018. For me all roads lead to Corbin wearing pinstripes starting in 2019 after all he is from New York. The biggest need for the Yankees this off-season is starting pitchers and Corbin would fill that hole big time.
Michael Brantley (Giants)
The Giants have Bryce Harper on the top of their list but not sure they will be able to reel him in. They need outfielders and Brantley is the next best one. Brantley put his injuries in the past and finally had a healthy season in 2018.
Craig Kimbrel (Braves)
The Braves drafted Kimbrel in 33rd round in 2008 and watched him win a Rookie of the Year in 2011. They traded him to the Padres in April 2015 when they started to rebuild. Well the Braves returned to the postseason in 2018 and now they need a closer again. It is time to bring back Kimbrel to Atlanta.
Andrew McCutchen (Indians)
Indians will need to replace Michael Brantley and they will have many outfielders to choose from. McCutchen isn’t the former MVP that patrolled centerfield in PNC Park for all those years. He had a much better second half with the Yankees and the Indians hope that will continue into the 2019 season.
Wilson Ramos (Oakland A’s)
The A’s surprised everyone in 2018 and played in the AL Wild Card game. I believe they will surprise everyone again this off-season by opening their checkbook and spending some money. They need a catcher and Wilson is the best one on the market. It also helps that he can play some DH for them.
Charlie Morton (Astros)
Morton revived his career with the Astros and is believed he wants to stay in Houston. It is important that Houston brings back Morton. I don’t believe Dallas Keuchel returns so they will need someone to slot behind Verlander and Cole.
Andrew Miller (Red Sox)
The Red Sox will need to replace Kimbrel if he doesn’t resign. Miller is coming off an injury ridden season which is unfortunate for him. When healthy he is one of the best relievers in the game. Boston believes he is healthy and will tab him as their new closer.