During the course of discussion through the offseason, there seemed to be two groupings of reactions to Bloom’s work – those disappointed with the lack of major additions and those content with the moves but with the expectation that the big signings were being saved for the ‘21/’22 offseasons. I would fall more into the latter category, and that got me thinking about what major free agents are available the next two offseasons and how they might fit into the current roster and top prospects.
I am only going to cover position players since I think it is much harder to predict pitcher performance/needs but we can get into that as well if someone wants to put it together. I also haven’t looked at major trades since it seems unlikely Bloom would trade away multiple top prospects for a star player. But perhaps a deal for a star already signed to a big deal where the prospect capital would be low is worth considering.
2021 – from MLBTR
C Vaz extension/smaller FA signing and Wong
1B Casas
2B Downs
3B Devers
SS Bogaerts
LF Bryant/Conforto
CF Duran/Buxton/Haniger (RF)
RF Verdugo
DH Dalbec
So when spring training camp starts in 2023, who do you want to see signed? Any other FA names you think are worth big contracts?
I am only going to cover position players since I think it is much harder to predict pitcher performance/needs but we can get into that as well if someone wants to put it together. I also haven’t looked at major trades since it seems unlikely Bloom would trade away multiple top prospects for a star player. But perhaps a deal for a star already signed to a big deal where the prospect capital would be low is worth considering.
2021 – from MLBTR
- SS – Lindor, Seager, Story, Correa, Baez - Obviously the historic SS crop is getting all the headlines for next offseason, but I expect 2 or 3 of the names listed to be extended/re-sign with their current team. Couple that with Bogaerts already being on the roster and other large market teams having a need at the position, and I doubt the splash is coming from this group. I know there is the opinion that X is not a good enough defensive SS and should move to 3B/LF, but I am predicting a reworking of his contract to remove the ’22 opt out after the bar is reset.
- 1B – Freeman, Rizzo – Freeman is likely to extend with the Braves and I am not sure Rizzo is worth blocking your top 1/2 prospect. You can’t assume Casas will make in the big leagues but the whole point of Bloom rebuilding the farm system the last two years is to reap minimum salary players. I also think the pass here.
- 3B – Arenado, Bryant – Now that Arenado is out of Colorado, I have a hard time seeing him opt out so I assume he will stay a Cardinal. It seems almost certain Bryant will leave the Cubs, but Devers creates a complication with this signing. This season will be a huge data point in answering whether Devers sticks at third. If not, there is an opening for Bryant.
- LF – Conforto, Bryant – Outside of Verdugo and the chance that Duran or Franchy takes a step forward, the outfield is pretty wide open. Signing one of Conforto or Bryant to take over LF seems like the most probable splash.
- CF – Buxton – If Duran can’t be anymore than a bench OF and they decide Verdugo is better in RF, Buxton could be a splashy signing for center. Also, we should know a lot more about G. Jimenez in two years.
- RF – Haniger, Judge – Haniger could also be a nice OF addition if Verdugo can stick in center. I have a hard time seeing Judge being worth a large contract and it not being with the Yankees but YMMV.
- SS – Turner, Anderson, Swanson – These three would only be replacement options if Bogey opts out and leaves. I don’t know that they would really be considered splashy signings though.
C Vaz extension/smaller FA signing and Wong
1B Casas
2B Downs
3B Devers
SS Bogaerts
LF Bryant/Conforto
CF Duran/Buxton/Haniger (RF)
RF Verdugo
DH Dalbec
So when spring training camp starts in 2023, who do you want to see signed? Any other FA names you think are worth big contracts?
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