Recall how close the Giants were to signing Aaron Judge during the previous offseason? or when they believed their agreement with Carlos Correa was finalized?
Although the postseason frequently pales in comparison to the surprises provided by a typical baseball offseason, this exciting October proved once again that the playoffs can be unpredictable. The Rangers, for example, went 11-0 on the road in baseball’s most important month after playing a very mediocre away from home during the six-month regular season. Deals, signings of free agents, everything. Many chaotic components are present.
Recall how close the Giants were to signing Aaron Judge during the previous offseason? or when they believed their agreement with Carlos Correa was finalized?
Although the postseason frequently pales in comparison to the surprises provided by a typical baseball offseason, this exciting October proved once again that the playoffs can be unpredictable. The Rangers, for example, went 11-0 on the road in baseball’s most important month after playing a very mediocre away from home during the six-month regular season. Deals, signings of free agents, everything. Many chaotic components are present.
This is the reason why: With that incredible run to the World Series, the Rangers most likely jumped up on Ohtani’s list. It also so happens that their two most obvious long-term needs/wants are to be in the starting rotation and at DH. Of course, the Dodgers make a lot of sense. The oddsmakers have them as the favorite. The Mets regressed in 2023, but that was understandable given their owner and primary decision-maker’s obsession with victory. The Red Sox, Phillies, Astros, Cubs, Braves, Padres, and Giants can all be justified (in no particular order).
Yet Seattle seems to fit the best. Led by an incredible rotation and a fellow superstar in Julio Rodriguez who is signed to a long-term contract, the Mariners have a winning core. There are up to 12 players on this Seattle roster who were 26 years of age or younger in 2023, depending on your definition of “impact players.” The fact that Ohtani has spent the offseason in Seattle probably helps too.
Yet Seattle seems to fit the best. Led by an incredible rotation and a fellow superstar in Julio Rodriguez who is signed to a long-term contract, the Mariners have a winning core. There are up to 12 players on this Seattle roster who were 26 years of age or younger in 2023, depending on your definition of “impact players.” The fact that Ohtani has spent the offseason in Seattle probably helps too.
This is the reason why: It is obvious that last year’s strategy of assembling a rotation around starters nearing the end of their careers—not just Carlos Carrasco but also Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer—did not pan out. Yamamoto would change the direction of the Mets’ rotation. The 25-year-old right-hander has excelled throughout his career in Japan, where he has a 1.21 ERA this year. He would be a good addition to Kodai Senga in a rotation that still lacks a few arms.
Remain. Bring in a stabilizer like Nola this offseason. The Red Sox are a team with perpetual rotation problems (17 pitchers started at least one game and eight started at least nine times last year). This is the best thing new decision-maker Craig Breslow could do quickly.
Remain. Bring in a stabilizer like Nola this offseason. The Red Sox are a team with perpetual rotation problems (17 pitchers started at least one game and eight started at least nine times last year). This is the best thing new decision-maker Craig Breslow could do quickly.
5. The Giants sign SP Blake Snell
This is the reason why: Consider Snell’s 2023 “audition” game against the Giants. The left-hander pitched 18 innings in three starts against San Francisco. He gave up just 10 hits, 26 strikeouts, and, get this: zero runs. Yes, that is accurate. In 18 innings, Blake Snell recorded a perfect 0.00 ERA against a team that is eager to spend money and coincidentally has a serious need in the starting rotation due to Alex Cobb’s impending hip surgery. Snell was very successful with the Padres, particularly during the two years he was managed by Bob Melvin, when he recorded a 2.72 ERA in 56 starts. Who just so happens to be San Francisco’s new manager? Sure.
6. The Orioles sign CL Josh Hader
This is the reason why: Yes, this is a bit of a surprise because almost everyone believes that the Rangers will sign the left-handed closer with a high strikeout rate. But given the situation in Baltimore, Hader makes a lot of sense. Felix Bautista’s recovery from Tommy John surgery is lengthy. He was a major contributor to the Orioles’ unexpected two-season success. Ask managers and players, and they’ll tell you that having a pitcher who locks down leads and is a lockdown closer at the back of the bullpen is crucial, particularly for a team with as many young players as this one.
players like those of the Orioles. With 48 saves in the previous two years and a 1.85 ERA, Bautista was exactly that. But he’s not in. Are there any guys on the Orioles who could fill in? Could be, indeed. However, Hader’s signing would guarantee the Orioles’ victory streak in games they lead going into the ninth inning. Imagine having a left-handed pitcher and right-hander in the postseason like Hader and Bautista once Bautista returns. Yes, that is the desirable stuff.
Why, I suppose, ruin a good thing? This is the reason. In 2023, Bellinger needed the Cubs and the Cubs needed Bellinger. It succeeded in ways that neither side could have imagined on a number of levels. Bellinger has the potential to sign a long-term contract, contribute to the Cubs’ current winning streak, and establish himself as a Wrigley Field legend.
Why, I suppose, ruin a good thing? This is the reason. In 2023, Bellinger needed the Cubs and the Cubs needed Bellinger. It succeeded in ways that neither side could have imagined on a number of levels. Bellinger has the potential to sign a long-term contract, contribute to the Cubs’ current winning streak, and establish himself as a Wrigley Field legend.
In addition to playing excellent defense, he can occasionally launch a few home runs from the back half of a lineup over the fence. That’s exactly what a lot of teams, even contenders, would want or need because their lineup can compensate for offensive shortcomings. In essence, he works well with the Dodgers (Max Muncy can cover first base in the event that J.D. Martinez signs a free agent) but would be a disaster with the Yankees.
10. The Cardinals sign SP Sonny Gray.
This is the reason why: It seems like many fan bases have convinced themselves that Sonny Gray would be a stealthy, off-the-radar addition to their beloved team. And I understand the reasoning behind it—Gray will not be able to command a deal as long as some of the other pitchers on the market at 34, when he turns 34 this week.
However, a starting pitcher who produced an AL-best 2.83 FIP and 2.79 ERA in 2023 while only giving up 8 home runs in 184 innings is nothing to take lightly. Even if the contract is only for three or maybe four years, he will still command a premium AAV. Basically, the teams that want more rotation depth won’t be in that mix; only the teams that NEED starting pitching will. The Cardinals certainly fit that need category, but the shorter-term agreement would make the commitment more tolerable overall. It would also be interesting to see him return to the Reds as a free agent with experience to support a young but extremely talented rotation.
Swift-hit forecasts
SS The Tigers sign Seth Lugo: Lugo declined his player option for 2024 after demonstrating in 2023 that he is a capable starting pitcher at the age of 33 with a 3.57 ERA in 26 starts. Eduardo Rodriguez will most likely need to be replaced by someone for the Tigers.
C/D Texas retains Mitch Garver: Although he didn’t play much in the latter half of 2023, he remains a reliable backup and was a key member of Texas’ middle order in October. Recall that, while batting in place of Adolis Garcia, it was his RBI single that started the scoring in the decisive Game 5 of the World Series.
SS Marcus Stroman joins the New York Mets: Somewhat surprisingly, given that Stroman spent the majority of the second half on the injured list and had a 5.63 ERA in his four September appearances, he declined his $21 million player option for 2024. Nevertheless, he was excellent prior to the injury, and at 32 going into Opening Day, he should still be able to sign a multiyear contract—though probably not at the AAV that he would have received had the second half gone exactly as the first did. Many teams be in will interested in him, but it’s not hard to imagine him joining the Mets again. They need a lot of pitching, and they will remember his 3.02 ERA in 33 starts in 2021.
SS The Yankees sign Michael Wacha: Wacha has a respectable 3.27 ERA in 47 starts over the previous two seasons with the Red Sox and Padres, and the Bronx Bombers need starters. The Padres had a 2023–24 two-year option, and this past weekend, rumors circulated that they were losing ground. That Wacha would decline his one-year player option is academic.
1B/DH Signing with the Guardians is Rhys Hoskins: It’s likely that he will need to establish value again after missing the entire year due to an ACL injury.This is the reason why: With that incredible run to the World Series, the Rangers most likely jumped up on Ohtani’s list. particularly on the right side. When Josh Naylor is out (having played in just 312 of 486 games over the last three years), Hoskins can play both DH and 1B. Or he could go back to Philadelphia.
DH: J.D. Martinez signs with the Marlins: Ohtani? The Dodgers may have a better catch than Martinez, but Martinez still makes sense with the Dodgers. Chapman? — regardless of how successful Martinez was at DH in 2023, that would affect their ability to give him time there. Martinez would make a solid backup designated hitter if the Marlins decide not to re-sign free agent Jorge Soler.
SS After signing with the Dodgers, Lucas Giolito Giolito fits the Dodgers’ reclamation project philosophy, which is all about them. The Dodgers will need choices now that Kershaw is not an option. Giolito might be pleased to sign a lucrative contract with the Dodgers, especially after that awful second half.
1C Signing with the Blue Jays is Joey Votto: Votto is too classy to say it, but the Reds should have given him a more fitting send-off. Since they were never going to pick up his option, why not make the announcement during the season so that he could say farewell to the Cincinnati supporters as well as himself? Oh my. He would fit in Toronto, anyway. He’s from there, obviously, and the Jays will most likely lose their left-handed hitting first baseman/DH, Brandon Belt, so there may be an opening.
