This year's MLB Winter Meetings could create chaos and pandemonium like no other with at least eight free agents expected to receive contracts for at least $100 million, with Aaron Judge leading the way, BNightengale writes.
Team executives and agents believe these winter meetings will ignite a sensational flourish of activity, perhaps exceeding the record level of expenditures the last time they were in San Diego, particularly once that big free agent domino falls.
This could top it with at least eight free agents expected to receive contracts for at least $100 million, with Judge leading the way, and a Mount Rushmore shortstop class of Trea Turner, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson.The free agent market should be on overdrive considering the trade market is almost non-existent, general managers and executives predict.
The diminutive trade inventory is why baseball executives are predicting a robust free agent market, with even the likes of the Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals planning to spend. The Guardians already tipped their hand about spending when they also offered a three-year contract for Abreu.
"Judge has to go back to the Yankees," one former home run champion said."His swing is molded for that short porch in right-center to the right-field foul pole. His swing is built for Yankee Stadium for sure. Any other place, he'll have to make an adjustment." The Padres already have two highly paid shortstops. Fernando Tatis Jr. is returning April 20 from his PED suspension and Ha-Seong Kim played brilliant defense in Tatis' absence in 2022. Yet with Turner available, the Padres are exploring the possibility of moving Tatis to left field, Kim to second base, and opening shortstop for Turner.
The Twins have offered a variety of contracts to retain Correa, one as long as 10 years, making him the face of the organization, but agent Scott Boras is making it known that he believes Correa should be the highest-paid shortstop. He cites his resume and age and that he's the only shortstop among the group who doesn't have a qualifying offer attached to him.
The most intriguing team to watch might be the Mets, unless, of course, the Yankees don't land Judge.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why SF Giants are expected to be active at MLB Winter MeetingsAaron Judge expected to sign before meetings end, said to be ’50-50′ between Giants, Yankees.
Read more »
How Astros are approaching winter meetings: A short-term focus to win againOwner Jim Crane says team is 'not finished' and Jeff Bagwell pushes a short-term first...
Read more »
Phillies claim outfielder Jake Cave off waivers, focus on shortstop market ahead of winter meetingsDaily News | Phillies claim outfielder Jake Cave off waivers, focus on shortstop market ahead of winter meetings
Read more »
What to watch at baseball’s winter meetings: Trea Turner’s timeline, Phillies’ pitching searchIt figures to be a busy week for Dave Dombrowski Co. Here are a few pertinent questions heading into the three-day meetings.
Read more »
Start of baseball's Winter Meetings good time to reflect on how Padres have been builtWith A.J. Preller busy making trades the last few years, Padres are the least-homegrown, newest team among those who made playoffs in 2022
Read more »
Rockies head to winter meetings seeking pitching, center fielderLast offseason, the Rockies pulled off an unexpected blockbuster, signing free-agent outfielder Kris Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million contract. Don’t expect a sequel, even though the Rockies went 68-94 in 2022 for their fourth straight losing season.
Read more »