As the Winter Meetings approach, here’s what we’ll be keeping an eye on around baseball today:
1. The top of the starting pitching market
Justin Verlander, Jacob deGrom and Carlos Rodon sit atop the free agent list for starting pitching this winter. A combination of injury history and age makes the contract for each tricky to predict, but we are seeing markets emerge for each. It was revealed yesterday that the Rays had been in touch with deGrom, joining the Yankees, Mets and Rangers as teams with confirmed interest. Rodon had a Zoom meeting with the Mets yesterday, and the Dodgers, Twins, Yankees, Rangers and Giants have all shown interest in the lefty this winter. Verlander is coming off a Cy Young-winning season and has been linked to the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees, as well as a return to Houston. As teams meet with these players, it might not be long before things ramp up and given the similar teams being linked to each option, once one name comes off the board the others might follow quickly.
2. Which players might come off the board before the Winter Meetings begin?
The Winter Meetings will kick off Sunday in San Diego for the first time since 2019, and the widespread expectation is that they’ll spur some action both on the free agent and trade markets (as is commonplace). That said, a handful of recognizable names could come off the board even before Sunday evening. WEEI’s Rob Bradford reported this week that former Red Sox hurlers Nathan Eovaldi and Matt Strahm have strong enough markets that a deal could materialize this week. Meanwhile, the Pirates have had talks with Kyle Gibson, The Athletic’s Rob Biertempfel reported, and his market has been “heating up,” per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Gibson’s free agency wrapped up quickly last time he was on the market, when he signed just before Thanksgiving, so it stands to reason that he could be keen on another short stay on the market rather than a drawn-out process. Meanwhile, the Pirates have already signed Carlos Santana, acquired Ji-Man Choi and traded Kevin Newman, so they’ve shown a willingness to make some early deals themselves.
3. Chat with Anthony Franco today at 5pm CT
With the Winter Meetings just around the corner and the bulk of the market’s most notable free agents and trade targets yet to find new homes, many of the biggest storylines of the offseason have yet to truly unfold. There’s plenty to talk about, and MLBTR’s Anthony Franco will host a live chat taking your questions at 5pm CT. You can leave a question here in advance, and be sure to use this link to join and participate live if you’re able!
Why do I have a hunch Bloom will depend on the rule 5 draft & internal fixes to call himself a playoff team this year?
Bc the RS haven’t made a notable FA signing yet and would rather wait for the market to come to form than create one?
We have been waiting 3 seasons for the market to form for Bloom! lol
If the Yankees don’t bring Judge back they should go get Carlos Rodón and see what the young talent can produce.
The Yankees could get 2 Rondons for the pricetag Judge is seeking per year.
At this time of year I always think of the juxtaposition of 2 long time baseball axioms:
1. Good pitching beats good hitting;
2. A SP only shows up every 5th day while a hitter like Judge is there everyday.
So, as a GM right now trying to improve your team for 2023 who do you give the $$’s to: Judge or a DeGrom/Verlander.
DeGrom/Verlander
I see your point however pitchers are getting paid like everyday hitters. Every team will have their needs though in this case I’ll take 2 Rondon’s over a Judge.
I’d give Judge more money than the pitchers in a heartbeat, but that’s not really the question, because he’s clearly going to get more (in terms of total contract, since he is definitely going to get more years).
Would I rather have Degrom at say $40 million per for 3 years versus Judge for $40 million for 10 years?
Unless I’m the Yankees, Degrom. No question.
Imagine what Judge will get paid per strikeout.
@JockStrap: who are the 2 Rodon’s the NYY should get?
None of them unless you are the Dodgers. Every other team has too many holes to fill.
Probably more like 20 Rondons, but maybe 2 Rodons.
As a Crew fan I’m always keeping a cautious eye out as to what the Cards are up to. Things have been awful quiet over there, and I wonder if they’ll jump in on one of the big 3 available pitchers. DeGrom would be deadly on that team if he could stay healthy. That’d hurt!
The Cards only pick up a guy if they see something they can fix and can underpay
As a Cards fan I feel like it’s more likely they go after a SS if big money is going to be spent on a FA. A trade for either/both Catcher and front line SP are very much in play though.
Mo has strongly suggested Edman is the SS in ’23. Masyn Winn is coming up through the minors. The Cards’ 2024 rotation is almost completely unproven, so I’d like to see them sign 1-2 good-to-great SP.
He also said Matt Carpenter is the starting 3rd baseman. Just saying. I would love them to spend on front line starters but there are only 3 available. All injury risks that are going to cost 30-40 mil per yr. A trade seems more likely.
I wouldn’t mind a Mariners trade centered around Taylor Trammell and Chris Flexen, just not sure what a trade centered on those guys can bring back. But I would honestly rather see the Mariners use some of the payroll flexibility that they have to bring in a Trea Turner or a Dansby Swanson. Hopefully we will see soon enough what they are planning.
Ahmed Rosario is the center piece of a trade for Flexen and Trammel