By: Kelly Byrnes
Another Hot Stove season is upon us and no impending doom of an expiring CBA this year. I will say though that I liked all the action last year right before the CBA expired. It’s almost like a deadline for free agent signing during the Hot Stove would be a good idea. That’s just wishful thinking but I would really like that, say around mid-January. Anyways, the free agent SS are stacked again Correa, Turner, Bogaerts and Swanson this time around. It will be fun to see if teams that broke playoff droughts are ready to spend, Phillies and Mariners. Maybe the Orioles who had a late season surge will start to dip into the free agent market. Hopefully the Stove stay at a nice simmer throughout the winter!
Trea Turner (Phillies)
As much as I would love to see Trea back in Dodger blue next season, I just don’t see it happening. It’s rumored that he wants to play on the East Coast since that’s where he is from. I don’t know if there is any truth to that but it wouldn’t surprise me. I think the obvious team is the Phillies. They need a SS and Turner would definitely help them make a deep run in October again. I could also see the Giants making a run at him if they miss out on Aaron Judge.
Carlos Rodon (Dodgers)
The Dodgers badly need to add some depth to their starting rotation. With Walker Buehler out until 2024 most likely they are in need of adding 2-3 starters this off-season. Rodon would be a great spot to start. He’s coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons and struck out more than 200 batters for the first-time last year. He could return to San Fran but my guess is they’re looking to sign pitchers to shorter deals and Rodon should be looking for at least a 5-year deal. Another fit could be the Rangers.
Brandon Nimmo (Mariners)
The Mariners are known to be looking for an outfielder, lefty bat and someone who gets on base a lot. Nimmo checks all three of those boxes and can you imagine him playing one of the corner outfield spots next to Julio Rodriguez. That would be fun to watch and it would get Julio out of the leadoff spot next year. Other fits include Mets or Astros.
Chris Bassitt (Mets)
Seems like Bassitt enjoyed playing with the Mets and the Mets enjoyed having Bassitt. Why not just stay where you’re comfortable. Other fits could be Dodgers or Rangers.
Sean Manaea (Rangers)
The Rangers should be looking to add pitchers this off-season after signing Seager and Semien to BIG contracts last year. It sounds like the Rangers are shopping at the top of the FA pitching list but I believe deGrom, Verlander, Rodon are going to be a little too rich for their blood after all they spent last off-season. They signed Jon Gray last year for 4 years/$56 million deal, they could probably get Manaea right around that same number. Other fits could be Orioles or Cubs.
Noah Syndergaard (Giants)
This feels like a great match for the Giants. Similar deal they did with Rodon last off-season. Maybe a 2-year deal with a player option for a 3rd year. He’s not the strikeout pitcher he used to be and he needs to learn to pitch with less velocity. A big stadium like where the Giants play would be helpful to him. Other fits could be Twins or White Sox.
Anthony Rizzo (Yankees)
It feels like Anthony Rizzo was made to play with the Yankees, he’s a perfect fit there. I don’t even have any other fits for Rizzo. He belongs in pinstripes. He’s heading into his age 33 season so other 2-year deal would probably get the job done.
Christian Vazquez (Cardinals)
As everyone knows the Cardinals are searching for a new catcher. The best two FA catching options are Willson Contreras and Christian Vazquez. I believe the Cards are looking to upgrade their pitching staff as well so the big contract will probably go to that, and Vazquez is the much cheaper behind the plate option. Other fits could be Guardians or Dbacks.
Hot Stove Free Agent Predictions Part 2
Hot Stove Free Agent Predictions Part 3
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