Eight MLB burning questions and predictions arise following the winter meetings. Mets owner Steve Cohen sparked the excitement early on, igniting a flurry of activity that has kept the hot stove sizzling.
Teams that missed out on Juan Soto are now scrambling to make moves. The free-agent and trade markets are heating up, with pitchers cashing in and salaries surpassing initial estimates.
The Yankees secured Max Fried, while the Red Sox acquired Garrett Crochet as their new pitching leaders. However, Corbin Burnes remains on the market, and Roki Sasaki’s pivotal decision is expected around January 15. Willy Adames has settled in San Francisco, yet Alex Bregman is still available. The Cubs have found their star in Kyle Tucker, but several top outfielders behind Soto are still up for grabs, and no significant first basemen have changed teams yet.
After a bustling winter meetings in Dallas, here are eight lingering questions and predictions about what might unfold next.
1. Will the Dodgers make additional significant moves?
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has consistently stated, “My goal is to not buy in July.” This strategy stems from their experience during the 2024 trade deadline when a once-deep pitching staff faltered. Adding Jack Flaherty and Michael Kopech proved essential for their championship run, yet both are now free agents, alongside postseason standout Walker Buehler.
Tyler Glasnow, who missed the postseason due to an elbow sprain, is expected to return healthy for the next season. This trio, alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto, could form a formidable rotation. However, health concerns loom over several pitchers in the projected six-man rotation.
Shohei Ohtani is anticipated to return to the mound, but he likely won’t be ready by the Dodgers’ season opener in Japan on March 18. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that while Ohtani may be able to hit, pitching might be a stretch given his recovery from labrum surgery and previous elbow reconstruction.
General manager Brandon Gomes emphasized, “We don’t want him to throw 225 innings.” The focus will be on ensuring Ohtani is prepared to perform at his peak when the games matter most, particularly as the season progresses.
Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin are expected to be ready for spring training, but both missed the entire 2024 season. The Dodgers are also looking to bring back Clayton Kershaw, who underwent knee and foot surgeries in November.
If everything aligns, the Dodgers could boast one of the best rotations in baseball. However, last season taught them that plans can change rapidly. Whether targeting Sasaki or other options, they may seek to bolster their starting pitching or add depth to the bullpen.
The Dodgers have re-signed Treinen, who could serve as their closer, but they remain interested in acquiring top relief pitchers. With Devin Williams traded to the Yankees, other free-agent options, such as Tanner Scott, remain viable.
“If we can add an additional reliever, that helps increase the chances of us not going to market in July,” Friedman stated, indicating a proactive approach to roster improvement.
Additionally, the outfield position left vacant by Teoscar Hernández could be filled, though he remains a sought-after candidate for teams that missed out on Soto.
Prediction: The Dodgers are likely to sign Tanner Scott or find another way to enhance their bullpen.
2. Will Teoscar Hernández return to Los Angeles?
Teoscar Hernández has voiced a desire to return to Los Angeles, calling the Dodgers “the priority” after playing a key role in their championship lineup. The likelihood of his return seems strong as both parties are engaged in discussions, though competition for his services could intensify following the Soto sweepstakes.
Friedman acknowledged Hernández’s impressive performance last season, stating, “He had a really good year,” and highlighted the mutual interest in a potential reunion. However, he emphasized that Hernández and his family will ultimately decide what is best for them.
Hernández’s contributions were significant, both on the field as an All-Star and in the clubhouse, where he formed strong connections with teammates like Ohtani. Roberts remarked on the challenge of replacing a player of Hernández’s caliber.
“There’s not a whole lot of guys that can start 157, 158 ball games and post, and then to be that productive,” Roberts noted, emphasizing Hernández’s unique value.
After signing a one-year deal in Los Angeles last season, Hernández improved his performance, raising his OPS from .741 in Seattle to .840 in Los Angeles. This season, he is likely to attract multiple multi-year offers.
“We’ll continue to look for ways to improve our team,” Gomes said, hinting at ongoing discussions regarding Hernández’s return.
Prediction: Hernández is expected to return to the Dodgers on a three-year deal.
3. How far will the Yankees’ “Plan B” extend?
The Yankees’ acquisition of Max Fried marks a promising start after missing out on Soto, even if an eight-year contract for a 31-year-old pitcher with forearm issues raises eyebrows. This move also provided them with a surplus of starting pitching options, which they have already leveraged to acquire Devin Williams.
Should the Yankees fall short in their pursuit of Bregman, they might consider entering the Nolan Arenado sweepstakes.
Prediction: The Yankees could trade for Cody Bellinger and sign either Alex Bregman or Christian Walker.
4. Is Nolan Arenado on the trading block?
The Cardinals have made it clear they intend to trade Arenado, but finding the right fit remains a challenge. Arenado’s willingness to transition to first base could be beneficial, yet his declining power numbers and reliable defense at third base make him an appealing trade target.
Prediction: Arenado could be traded to the Red Sox, Yankees, Astros, Tigers, or Angels.
5. Will the Orioles secure their next ace?
The Orioles have taken a step forward by acquiring Tyler O’Neill, but with Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander entering free agency, they may not be better off than last season unless their young players progress.
Finding an ace is essential, but the willingness of the new ownership group to spend remains uncertain. Retaining Burnes may require around $250 million, as he stands out among the top-tier starting pitching free agents still available, alongside Roki Sasaki.
They could also explore options in the next tier, such as Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea, or Walker Buehler. However, significant trades could yield the biggest impact, leveraging their young talent to secure a player of Burnes’ caliber.
Prediction: The Orioles might trade for Dylan Cease, Luis Castillo, or Sonny Gray.
6. Will the Giants make another big splash?
The Giants find themselves in a challenging position as they aim to kick off the Buster Posey era with a bang.
Prediction: The Giants may sign Corbin Burnes or trade for Cody Bellinger.
7. Will the Mariners trade from their depth?
The Mariners are hesitant to part with any of their strong starting pitchers. However, to acquire a substantial offensive addition, they may need to make sacrifices. Adding marginal players will not suffice if they aim to contend seriously.
Prediction: The Mariners could trade for Alec Bohm, Triston Casas, Cody Bellinger, Josh Naylor, or Yandy Díaz.
8. Which contenders will take a significant step forward?
While New York and Los Angeles dominate the headlines, numerous teams on the playoff fringes need to make moves. The Mariners are among those teams, but they are not alone in this regard.
Garrett Crochet is a solid addition for the Boston Red Sox, but questions remain about whether ownership is willing to invest enough to regain competitiveness. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays must address their offensive weaknesses and consider whether they can land a long-awaited superstar.
The winter meetings have set the stage for an exciting offseason, but significant developments are still on the horizon.
