Hot Stove Free Agent Predictions Part 1

By: Kelly Byrnes

Cody Bellinger (Giants)

As I Dodger fan I would love to see Cody back in LA, but I don’t think it’s in the cards. I loved seeing him get healthy and finding his old form. The Giants are in desperate need of offense and a healthy Bellinger has that in spades. He not only brings the offense but he’s a great utility player on the field. He’s already won one Gold Glove as an outfielder, he’s capable of winning one at first base as well. The Giants missed out on Judge and Correa last offseason. I think they get their guy this time around. Other fits could be the Cubs or Yankees.

 Blake Snell (Cardinals)

The Cardinals have to do something this offseason and it needs to be big. Not only did the Cards not make the postseason but they had their first season under .500 since 2007. Snell is most likely going to win his 2^nd Cy Young in the next few days and that would be the splash St. Louis fans are looking for. Other fits could be the Phillies or Dodgers.

 Josh Hader (Rangers)

Every year there are 1-2 free agents where everyone knows where they are going and that they end up there. Trea Turner going to Philadelphia last offseason is a perfect example. This is another one of those instances. The Rangers are in need of bullpen help and Hader is the best arm on the free agent market. Another fit could be the Phillies.

 Eduardo Rodriguez (Orioles)

Rodriguez really did the Tigers wrong. He used his no trade clause to veto a trade to the Dodgers at the trade deadline in July, only to opt out with 3 years left on his contract. On top on that, apparently, he has informed teams he has no geographic restrictions. A return to the Orioles would be very interesting. They are one of manty teams looking for starting pitching and he originally signed with Baltimore as an amateur free agent. Other fits could be Boston or St. Louis.

 Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (Mariners)

Every year I pick one of my free agents to go to Seattle and every year I am wrong, and I will probably be wrong again with this one. Not because it’s not a good fit but because the Mariner owners won’t spend any money on FA bats. Mariners struck out the second most of any team in MLB, they have to cut down on K’s and put the ball in play more. Gurriel would help in that area and as an added bonus he’ll bring that World Series experience to the locker room where the M’s are looking to finally get to. Other fits could be the Yankees.

 Jung Hoo Lee (Red Sox)

The biggest question on Lee is his health. His season was cut short with a season ending ankle surgery in July. He should be ready to go by Spring Training. The Red Sox could be looking at the same type of deal that Masataka Yoshida got last offseason, 5 years/$90 million. Lee is still young, next year will be his age 25 season. Other fits could be Seattle or San Francisco.

 Jack Flaherty (Pirates)

I feel Flaherty is someone who could be looking for a 1-year contract to re-establish his worth and will hope to land a big contract next offseason. He was traded to Baltimore at the trade deadline and didn’t live up to the hype. He’s had trouble staying healthy since finishing 4^th in the Cy Young race in 2019. I think a young and upcoming team like the Pirates would be a good fit for him. Take some of the pressure off and help lead the staff with Mitch Keller. Other fits could be Kansas City or Detroit.

 Kenta Maeda (Mets)

Call me crazy but I don’t see Uncle Stevie spending money on the top of the free agent market this offseason. I can see the Mets adding several cheaper free agents to help build some depth and give their young players a chance to develop. Maeda would help the rotation for sure and they could get him on a 1- or 2-year deal. He’s finally healthy after missing the 2022 season to Tommy John surgery. Another fit could be a return to Minnesota.

Hot Stove Free Agent Predictions Part 2

Hot Stove Free Agent Predictions Part 3