The MLB Hot Stove season is heating up and there are plenty of moves, already made, that will change the landscape of Major League Baseball. The usual suspects, Boston, New York and Los Angeles will be right there in the mix, as always. This year will also see the cities of Chicago, St. Louis, Atlanta and others making splashes via trade and major free-agent moves. With that being said, let’s dive right into the rumor mill of the Hot-Stove season.
Jon Lester is one of the most coveted free agents in baseball. Both the Cubs and Red Sox are lining up to make a huge stab at the lefty. He is one of the best pitchers there is in October, and has been extremely durable. For once, this isn’t about the almighty dollar. Lester is looking for a home and loyal ownership. He was turned off by the trade of his services by Boston, so there are some fences to mend there. Theo Epstein, the Cubs GM, was also Lester’s GM during his earlier days with the Red Sox. With a house right outside Atlanta, keep an eye on the Braves as a sleeper pick for Lester as well.
Max Scherzer is the starter with the most upside. He is a strike-out machine and puts up big innings every year. His camp is looking for a deal around $180m-$200m over 7-8 years. Don’t rule out the Tigers, but the realistic new address is Yankee Stadium. I see Max in pinstripes for years to come to go along with Sabathia and Tanaka as an enormous big three.
Nelson Cruz very well could have been the AL MVP and he’s ready to cash in. He is looking for a 5 year deal in upwards of $85m. Right now there are two main players involved: Seattle and Baltimore. Baltimore makes the most sense, since he played well there and fit in with the Orioles clubhouse. Seattle, though, is looking to add a major upgrade to their offense. He has already rejected a 3 year offer from the O’s, so they need to add a few years or help him pack for the great Northwest.
Pablo Sandoval is in a two team courtship with one on the side. Boston has offered a 5yr/95m deal and it makes the most sense. The often-overweight Panda could DH after Big Pappi retires, and his switch-hitting bat can be sub planted into that line-up. San Francisco would like him back, but his weight becomes a concern in the NL as he ages. Also in on the Big Panda sweepstakes, the San Diego Padres. San Diego is looking to add offense and may trade pitching, as wel as sign Sandoval to do so.
Jake Peavy is a reliable sturdy middle of the rotation guy that will draw interest, as well. The Braves, assuming they miss out on Lester, look to be the favorites. There are many other spots he can land, but he is from the area and his veteran leadership would play well in that young Atlanta rotation.
Yasmany Tomas is another interesting name out there on the free agent market. He is a Cuban defector that looks to play 3B or LF. At 24 the sky is the limit for the big slugger. He may wait until the winter meetings to decide on a home, but Atlanta and San Diego are scheduled to visit him in the Dominican Republic this week. He may sign a short deal now and hit the open market in a few years. If not, those are the favorites for him to land at with a 4-5yr deal.
I’ll stop by with of these news and notes and Thanksgiving as the MLB Hot-Stove really goes to a full boil. Until then, here’s a quick look at other moves that could be coming:
1. Elvis Andrus traded to the New York Yankees as Derek Jeter’s replacement.
2. Matt Kemp traded to the Padres for pitching depth in the rotation and/or bullpen. Andrew Cashner could be the big piece.
3. Yoenis Cespedis traded away from Boston. He turned down a multi-year deal and there are plenty of suitors.
4. Braves to unload Justin Upton, BJ Upton and Evan Gattis. John Hart wants his own stamp in Atlanta.
5. Phillies’ fire sale. They want a brand new lease on life and Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Johnathan Papelbon, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley hold the key to Philadelphia’s financial freedom.
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