MLB Free Agency Enters Homestretch: Predictions and Analysis
With top free agents like Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette, and Kyle Tucker off the board, the MLB free agency period has entered its final stretch. As spring training approaches, several teams are still looking to make significant moves to bolster their rosters. Our experts weigh in with bold predictions on where the remaining free agents will land, potential blockbuster trades, and the outcome of Tarik Skubal’s arbitration case with the Detroit Tigers.
The Skubal Saga: A Look into the Arbitration Case
Tarik Skubal’s arbitration case with the Detroit Tigers is a highly anticipated event in the baseball world. Skubal is seeking $32 million, while the Tigers are offering $19 million. According to Jeff Passan, Skubal’s performance as the first American Leaguer to win consecutive Cy Young Awards since Pedro Martinez in 1999-2000 will be a significant factor in the arbitration hearing. Passan predicts that Skubal will win his arbitration case, citing his exceptional performance as the best pitcher in baseball.
1 Related
Teams Ready to Make a Big Splash
The Baltimore Orioles have already made significant moves in free agency, committing $195 million to four free agents. However, general manager Mike Elias is expected to make another big move, potentially signing Framber Valdez to a six-year, $180 million deal. This would vault the Orioles past the Dodgers and Blue Jays as the top free agent spenders. Paul Hembekides predicts that the Orioles will “win free agency” with this move.
The Boston Red Sox, on the other hand, are expected to add at least one more bat to their lineup. Buster Olney notes that the Red Sox have been stuck in place with their everyday lineup and need to upgrade to compete with other teams in their division. The Red Sox devoted significant resources to bolstering their pitching quality and depth, but their lineup remains a concern.
A.J. Preller and the San Diego Padres are also expected to make a big move. Alden Gonzalez notes that Preller is known for being busy and has been in conversations with agents and executives throughout the industry. The Padres need help in their rotation and could use another bat or two, making a big move likely in the coming weeks.
Trades on the Horizon
The New York Yankees are expected to trade Jasson Dominguez before the start of spring training. Jorge Castillo notes that Dominguez was previously projected to start in left field for the Yankees, but with Cody Bellinger re-signing, Dominguez’s role is uncertain. The Yankees could use Dominguez as part of a trade to bolster another area, such as pitching help or a right-handed-hitting catcher or outfielder.
The San Francisco Giants need a second baseman, and Bradford Doolittle predicts that they will trade for Brendan Donovan. The Giants are a good team to paper over Donovan’s career platoon weakness against lefties, and the Cardinals are trading any hitter within sniffing distance of age 30. The Giants could pair Donovan with Tyler Fitzgerald to create a strong keystone combination.
The New York Mets are expected to trade Brett Baty to the Seattle Mariners for Jurrangelo Cijntje and Matt Brash. David Schoenfield notes that Baty has been pushed off third base in New York and could slide to first base or DH, but the Mets have other options for those positions. The Mariners have been mentioned in the Donovan trade talks, but Baty is a better fit, with light-hitting Ben Williamson currently the projected starter at third base.
Big Signings on the Way
Eric Karabell predicts that Justin Verlander will return to the Detroit Tigers. Verlander, the second pick in the 2004 MLB draft by the Tigers, won 183 games over 13 years for Detroit. The Tigers would surely make room in their rotation for this future Hall of Famer, who offers veteran leadership and warrants inclusion based on on-field performance.
Tristan Cockcroft predicts that the Pittsburgh Pirates will sign 3B Eugenio Suarez. The Pirates need to address their severe power shortage, and Suarez is one of the best power hitters still on the free agent market. Suarez might accept a shorter deal with higher AAV and/or a post-2026 opt-out, and he would balance what’s currently a lefty-heavy Pirates lineup.
Jesse Rogers predicts that Nick Castellanos will get traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the Philadelphia Phillies eating most of the money. The Pirates still need hitting, and Castellanos still needs a new home. The Phillies could pick up most of the contract, and the Pirates wouldn’t even have to send anyone back in the deal.
