Here are three things we’re watching around baseball as 2024 kicks into gear…
1. Offseason set to ramp up?
There have been some massive news stories this offseason, such as the record-setting deals for Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as well as the Juan Soto trade, but it has undoubtedly been slow on the whole. 28 of MLBTR’s Top 50 Free Agents are still unattached, including big names like Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and Josh Hader. There’s also plenty of notable guys in the lower tiers still out there, a handful of expected trades that have to be finished and a batch of arbitration salaries that need to be sorted out. Many of the top spenders were focused on Ohtani for a long time and then pivoted to Yamamoto, but by the time both agreed to terms with the Dodgers, it was almost time for the holiday break. With those holidays now over, there’s just six weeks until players start reporting for Spring Training and a lot of work to do, meaning the ice has to crack soon.
2. What’s next for the Boston rotation?
The Red Sox have had upgrading their rotation as a priority all winter. They finally made a move by signing Lucas Giolito last week, but then traded Chris Sale to Atlanta the very next day. That leaves them with Giolito, followed by options like Nick Pivetta, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock. Is there another move coming in the next few weeks?
3. Will the Cubs finally leap into action?
The Cubs have arguably been the least active club this winter, at least in terms of results. Yesterday, MLBTR’s Anthony Franco took a look at each club’s free agent spending thus far this offseason and the Cubs were one of four yet to spend any money at all. The other three have been active in different ways, with the Yankees trading for Soto, Trent Grisham and Alex Verdugo, the Marlins acquiring Christian Bethancourt and Vidal Bruján, and the Rockies having traded for Cal Quantrill. The Cubs have been connected to many big names, both in free agency and the trade market, but haven’t been able to land anything yet.
What? Cubs have been crazy busy, front office shuffling, two minor league catchers and a minor league reliever. What do fans want?
The fans definitely want Bellinger back for sure. It’s definitely time to spend some $.
It seems more and more likely Bellinger will return to Chicago. There might be some dark horse team that steps in but Bellinger and the Cubs have a direct path towards each other, unless either Bellinger or Hoyer do not want a reunion.
@drasco036
You actually missed pointing out the Cubs biggest acquisition in your comment, signing former Brewers manager Craig Counsell to the most lucrative contract ever given to a MLB skipper. That 5 yrs/$40MM contract also surpassed all but 8 teams in guaranteed player spending thus far this offseason. 🙂
No one cared the first three times you posted the same comment.
Every Cubs fan will care if Counsell can add a few more victories to the win column each season. Last year they missed the playoff by one game. That might not have happened with Counsell in the dugout rather then David Ross.
I do not want him back if he’s getting anywhere near 200m.
If it’s 200 million across 10 years I’d be thrilled. If it’s 200 million across 7, no thanks
$200 million for 8 years seems fair for the Cubs & Belli. I just hope it gets done.
I believe in Bellinger, I don’t think just because it was his “walk year” he put together an MVP level campaign and now will regress to nothing again. Having dealt with a shoulder issue, I believe his numbers more reflected his injury and not who he is. I could be dead wrong but I don’t see it that way.
Bellingers talent level is through the roof, just seeing this guy seamlessly go from center field to first base and look like a gold glover there makes me a believer in his baseball IQ. Cubs retained his hitting coach from the Dodgers back when he was playing at an MVP level as well.
I always believe 7/190 made sense, I’d rather cut that AAV and add some years with an opt out after two. I’d do 8/200 opt out after two but the Cubs can negate that by picking up a team option for 2/60.
Seems fair based on…what?
So if he remains good, he opts out and if he’s bad you’re stuck with him for 8 years? That eliminates so much of the potential value in the contract it makes even less sense for the cubs to gamble on it.
He’s also not very likely to agree to a clause like that, that essentially cuts 2 years off the end of the deal?
Duran,Yorke,Houck plus Brazen Jordan for Famber Vasquez ( Astro)
It’s interesting, but I wouldn’t go that far. If we are trading for two years of Valdez, offsetting part of his value by trading away two current contributors would offset that benefit.
For life – The ownership / GM will not trade for two years of controllability on Famber Vasquez with a combined 24 years of control on the 4 you mentioned. Houck will be a big contributor after the Red Sox trade Jansen and Martin. Both Sale and Verdugo are going to be free agents after 2024 as well as Jansen and Martin. The return of Grissom and Fitts have 6 and 7 years of control remaining respectively. O’Niel was different they got him for basically nothing.
JC, I fully agree. Houck in my view is the closer. Duran, Yorke and a couple of A ball players seem like enough.
Houston is still in “play for now” mode so they aren’t trading Valdez without at least a competent starter in return along with other players. Duran, Yorke and Crawford might get their attention, but probably would take a bit more to get them to bite.
First off no and you should look up the players names before posting.
Framber Valdez
Spell check changed it believe it or not as Vazquez is on the Red Sox. I need to disable it, because it f…s my emails and posts up more than it helps.
that would sting for both teams which means it’s a reasonable idea
Why would the astros trade their proven ace when they are trying to win a World Series ? That’s not a reasonable idea at all, hell it’s a terrible idea
I figured after signing Swanson to a pretty decent sized contract last year that they would be quite active this winter. Hopefully they sign Bellinger and one of the pitchers, MLB could use a decent team in Chicago for a change!
99Captain, jhomeslice: Bellinger going back to the cubs ain’t gonna happen. I also don’t think he’s gonna get the kind of money he’s looking for. One good year, and that one coming in the Wrigley bandbox, doesn’t amount to a whole lot.
Avenger, that’s why going back to the Cubs makes sense. Another one year prove it deal or he settles for a four year deal with an opt out.
avenger65- If not a 7 or 8 year deal for Belli then how bout another 1 year deal with a option? $25-28 million seems Doable. Cubs need him badly. The $ will definitely be there for Cody next season with another good year.
Wrigley Field is statistically a slightly-above average park. It simply isn’t a “bandbox,” no matter how many times you repeat it to yourself.
@jhomeslice: You mean Cubs fans could use a decent team in Chicago for a change.
The rest of us really don’t care.
You cared enough to leave a snarky remark.
@rondon: Says the guy who just made a snarky remark.
But you are mistaking snark for caring. As I’m sure you know, they are not equivalent.
The problem isn’t “Now pitching for the Red Sox, Lucas Giolito.”
The problem is “Welcome to Opening Day. Thank you for joining us. Now pitching for the Red Sox, Lucas Giolito.”
Is the problem not opening day but that he will be injured for day 6, 11, 16, or soon there after.
I’m not crazy high on Giolito but he’s actually been a very durable starter over the course of his career. I’m more worried about him getting absolutely lit up in Fenway than I am about him getting hurt.
? What are you talking about? You can count the number of starts he’s missed since 2019 on one hand. He’s incredibly durable.
Injuries have never really been the problem with Giolito. He’s actually been pretty reliable for 30 starts/175 innings every season, and at 29 years old, I don’t feel like injuries are a huge concern. He was good for CWS last season, but fell off after changing teams (twice). His command was definitely off, and his changeup looked ineffective, but I’d give him a pass for having to bounce between 3 teams, which does affect players. Give Breslow and Bailey a chance to work with him, could end up being a great signing
brewpackbuckbadg
Is the problem not opening day but that he will be injured for day 6
====================================
So you wanted to sign in today to tell us you know absolutely nothing about Giolito?
You’re showing a complete lack of confidence in Dick Fitts.
Great name. Rt there with rich harden
Oscar, Dick Pole and Dick Lines would like a word with you.
So would their NASCAR buddy Dick Trickle.
And somewhere, Tricky Dick Nixon is smiling.
Don’t forget former WHA hockey player Dick Paradise.
Wander Franco though
It’s like winning the lottery but refusing the money. Franco is done!
Yes, hearing the Rays need a new shortstop.
He evaded the authorities, fired his legal team, and finally got around to talking to the cops. He’ll be ready for Opening Day.
He’s in jail. No signs of celebrity treatment.
Love to see the words “Spring Training” !!
The Red Sox have only 3 starters. Pivetta proved to be more valuable as a swing/long man. Whitlock has shown his arm can’t hold up as a starter but he has been very good as a reliever. If they were smart they would put him in the setup role where he thrived before.
The problem now is the it has been leaked the Sox aren’t going to spend any money until they start shedding more payroll. That makes ZERO sense because they sit 36 million under the 1st tier of the salary cap.
I’m hoping the Sox will trade Jansen and Martin, put Houck and Whitlock in their respective roles, and use the cash to invest in the rotation.
The problem now is the it has been leaked the Sox aren’t going to spend
==========================
Or an idiot writer was looking for clicks.
I’d go with Bello, Pivetta, Crawford, Giolito and maybe Houck unless Kenley gets traded. Whitlock belongs in the pen. As does Winckowski.
The Red Sox telling a free agent that they need to shed some salary before they can pursue him more aggressively may just be a negotiating ploy. Also, I don’t put a lot faith in anonymous sources.
This could be a dumb idea….. but, I wonder if MLB restricted FA signings to like 45 days after the WS if that would accomplish driving down salaries and light a fire under both sides. Similar to the international posting system timeline.
This way, Boras can’t hold the entire league hostage while speaking an additional penny out of prospective employers.
And if they don’t sign during the signing period, they should be forced to wait until the season starts before they can enter back into FA negotiations….
Clipper: Sounds like a good idea. That would light a fire under everyone.
@Clip It’s not a bad idea but the MLBPA would never agree to it. It would also entail MLB making changes to the Q.O., contract-tendering, and arbitration process timeline. Most players want to do nothing for a month after a long, grueling season.
Yeah, I agree YBC – the union would have a major issue with that, thus it would never happen.
You think the Yankees will make any upper-tier signings… or do you feel it’s depth from this point forward?
I’m hopeful (but highly doubtful) that they acquire a SP, and either Hicks or Hader. DonOsborne (Cards fan) informed me that Hicks is a bit of a head case though, so that concerns me.
@Clip I think there may be another trade coming for a lower-tier SP who can give innings or perhaps signing Imanaga? Don’t see them in on Snell or Monty. And they’ll probably stick with Holmes as closer. I see them feeling out Rodon until the deadline before making a significant move for a SP if necessary. The outfield and infield are set. Cashman can’t be comfortable with Oswaldo Cabrera and Trent Grisham off the bench with no power. So there will probably the likes of a Cordero and Bauers competing in ST.
There also needs to be a contingency plan if Stanton has actually became a pumpkin.
Sox fans have to mentally prepare themselves for the announcement that BOS is in agreement on a 3-year contract with (drumroll followed by rimshot and the music that plays when somebody loses on the Price is Right)…….Sean Manaea!!!! (Even the crickets stop chirping)
Pivetta is fine as a starter as long as Bailey is smart enough to realize he regained his effectiveness in that role when they temporarily moved him to the pen because he was no longer “warming up” for his starts the typical way a starter does. Why teams co time to “prepare” modern starters for their games the same way they did in the 1950’s, when they were expecting the guy to still be on the mound in the 9th inning, is beyond me. Modern starters are used quite differently than they were in the past. Teams need to understand that and adjust accordingly. 20-50 long toss throws in the OF before moving to the bullpen mound doesn’t make a lot of sense anymore.
@Goose
So you are making the assumption that the Red Sox budget is at the first tier of the CBT. What if it isn’t?
Not seeing Redsox Nation showing up, tuning in, or buying anything at this point for 2024. Their offseason will ultimately determine our further investment and support of the team. We’re getting the message through their actions, not their “Full Throttle” words.
Considering the issues stem from ownership more than simply poor baseball decisions it’s becoming more of a “watch when they’re good” mentality for casual fans. I’m curious by seasons end of there will be a significant drop in attendance and merchandise sales, which again may just cause them to spend on big names vs making actual improvements, continuing the cycle.
There are enough fans that haven’t been able to get tickets.
Baley sports bankrupt is cause of many teams not spending. All tv deals with Baley end after 2024 season so what does that mean.
Top players remaining to sign:
Blake Snell
Justin Montgomery
Cody Bellinger
Matt Chapman
Josh Hader
Marcus Stroman
Shota Imanaga
Teoscar Hernandez
Jorge Soler
Jordan Hicks
Sean Manaea
Joc Pederson
Clayton Kershaw
Mike Clevinger
Jordan*
Thank you.
You corrected yourself Justin time.
Haha, nice.
If I make a comment a will make an error. Just a simple fact. See. Told you.
All future Dodgers.
They’ll leave one out just to throw the rest of the league a bone.
The Sox are behaving like a franchise that’s been without front office leadership for four years.
It’s not the front office, it’s the ownership that’s doing this. F-ck them
“Front office.”
Sox currently do not have a #1 pitcher, and out of the bunch, I’m not sure there is really a #2 there either. So I expect a FA signing especially a lefty. They are still missing a power bat in the middle of that line up also. Can they move Jansen? Basically less than two months before camp… rock on Breslow!
Cubs front office waiting for free agency to start
1.Giants Snell
Chapman
2. Pirates Montgomery
Bader
3. Cubs Bellinger
Stroman
4. Yankees Hader
5. Mets Imanaga
Soler
6. Blue Jays Hicks
Joc
7. Dodgers Kershaw
8. Twins Manaea
9. Orioles Clevinger
10. DBacks Martinez
The only one of these predictions I’m certain won’t happen is Montgomery to the Pirates.
Orioles won’t sign Clevinger.
I don’t think the Cubs will bring back Stroman. Just my opinion, I think they are more likely to make a trade. I also think the Cubs grab Hicks
Agree i felt hicks was the guy cubs would like..wont rule out belli if he will settle for a 4 to 5 year contract..dont think they go much beyond that
Hicks would definitely be my target for the Cubs. Hicks, Bellinger and one the top 3 pitchers left on the market. You don’t block any of the young guys and you go into the season better than last years team.
Yeah that would be nice ..i wouldnt mind the naylor deal if they could pull it off..he makes solid contact would be a nice fit in the 3 hole ahead of belli with nico and swanson be a very solid 1 through 4
When exactly did Redsox fans turn into Yankee fans? Holy crap. Spoiled brats. Have won 20 percent of last 20 WS. U people sound like dopes
“When exactly did Redsox fans turn into Yankee fans?”
October, 2004.
When exactly did Redsox fans turn into Yankee fans?
========================
2004. And there were a lot of articles back then predicting this would happen.
Rick – they are not Red Sox ‘fans’! They are trolls and bandwagons!
Rick… not here.. not ever… listening to one game playoff 78 on transistor radio at school/ temping ALL faith by vcr bottom of Tenth in 86. Num to the fact in 03… I know you were using a broad brush but this Redsox fan in heart of Chicago will NEVER Beeotch about being grateful… all my buddies are cubs fans and would say how lucky I am… At least Boston makes playoffs..( pre 2000) and I would agree .. torture though is not the same … analogy I would use is Cubs never went to the prom… Redsox did but girl left with another guy… ( mostly Yankees).. do I wish they were better absolutely .. but after one the sting was gone and so on… two unreal… three you’ve got to be kidding and four!!! I’ve had a great life !!!
For the first time since both have been in the league, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez are playing for different teams.
Not yet. Still plenty of time for AA to swing another deal.
Expect signings right before the respective team’s fan conventions for that feel good photo op
You got a good point there, Slider. I believe last year the Cubs announced the Dansby Swanson deal just as the convention was a week away or so.
The Cubs always make sure they’re listed as going for the big names, but I believe that’s just to satiate the fanbase. Ricketts only wants to pay the tax when they’re ready to “go for it” whatever that means. (as a big market club they should always be “going for it” but alas…). Meanwhile, Jed is still hibernating for the winter, so somebody needs to poke the bear (or “cub” in this case).
Coop woke up to tell everyone how cheap Tom Ricketts is! Yay!
Just because you HAVE money, doesn’t mean you need to spend it recklessly. Sometimes, waiting, patiently does not equal “missing out.” It certainly can – but IMO other than Ohtani, none of this year’s FA class is worth a bidding war/dramatic overpay.
Sometimes, waiting, patiently does not equal “missing out.” It certainly can
========================
Without even looking, I’d bet that the Jan/Feb signings yield better value than the Nov/Dec signings.
Get rid of wisdom- turner,hoskins, bellinger and a few pitchers
Turner cannot play third anymore so that would put him at DH, where Morel will be slotted if the Cubs sign Hoskins.
I like Bellinger, Hoskins on a one year deal so Bellinger can take over first when he leaves and/or when PCA comes up, moving Hoskins to DH.
Cubs need one starting pitcher and one high leverage reliever. I want Jordan Hicks but im kind of at a loss with starting pitching. I’d take Stroman back in a heartbeat for a 3/45 contract but I strongly doubt it goes that low. Anything over 20 million I want a guy with TOR upside, not solid middle of the rotation option.
Imanaga would be nice but the price for Japanese players is getting ridiculous. I don’t see the risk out weighing the reward when you are basically paying market value for unknown commodities.
Why not Matt Chapman? That IF defense would be arguably the best in MLB (Chapman, Swanson, Nico) – though admittedly, the Chapman contract may be some overpay, not unlike CHC’s Swanson deal last year.
A.) the Cubs need a middle of the order hitter, not a 6/7 hole hitter
B.) Madrigal is as good if not better than Chapman defensively at this point in his career
sub B.) Vazquez is an elite defender in AAA with a ridiculous arm and is blocked by Swanson (and Hoerner) on the depth chart
C.) Morel is basically the same hitter as Chapman and the line up would be a disaster having both those guys in it at the same time.
sub C.) so is Wisdom but less talented.
D.) Cubs have Matt Shaw in AA, small sample size but the guy tore the cover off the ball in the minors and was considered the best pure hitter in the college ranks. If he isn’t up this year he will probably be up next.
Chapman only “fits” if the Cubs deal Morel, which could happen. Like I said, moving parts and all Morel could be dealt for someone like Naylor, then Chapman could make sense because we could add someone like Turner, Martinez, Soler etc to DH.
Chapman hit .240 with 17 homers last season. And how much will they have to pay to get him?
The Wisdom/Madrigal combo hit .234 with 25 homers.
No thanks.
Sure, but bWAR (2023) by position —
3B: TOR @ 2.5 bWAR (#6 of 30)
3B: CHC @ -0.5 bWAR (#17 of 30)
He doesn’t warrant an overpay, but def an upgrade.
He’d be an upgrade, but the cubs have a pre arb upgrade who is really close. At 20-25 mil a year for however many years they’ll have to pay him I can stomach Madrigal/Wisdom for a few months.
Cubs only sign Bellinger if it’s 6/150m or less. I’m ready to let the kids play, PCA in center to start the season. Shaw at 3rd if he has a big spring. Madrigal can be a placeholder until then. Morel at 1st. Cade Horton could be the next ace. Throw him in the rotation in June so if they make the playoffs he won’t be held up on an innings limit. I truly believe the Dodgers will rue the day they spent a Billion in the offseason. Dave Ramsey would be a better GM than Robert Kiyosaki. Most championships are won with young players outpacing their contract and a few veterans on larger contracts.
I come here to talk baseball with my fellow Red Sox fans…. it is pretty easy to see who are the real fans and who are the trolls and attention seekers.
I hear ya Coop… if you haven’t lived 78/ 86/ 03.. enough.. heck some of the guys go 67 and then some!! Want them to be better.. sure… but not going to lose sleep over it… I would be alot happier ( only one.. maybe Icon/ FPG also) if they brought back a certain # 70….
I saw Harry Agganis play at Fenway. Talk about a dump then. That’s how far back I go. The people posting as Red Sox fans on this forum don’t know how well off, they are.
I’m sure the Teams stuck in the DSG (Bally) mess are waiting for the Jan 10 th court date outcome before spending on free agents . The teams don’t even know who’s going to carry their broadcast or the revenue .for 2024 . Have to know the money will be there .
Looking at the Cubs roster it seems they have pieces to make a big trade with the White Sox. They could get Cease or even better get Robert and Cease. The Cubs have outfielders and pitching and that’s what the White Sox would want. It would be weird to get Cease back after trading him but it would make sense.
I think the Sox are planning for long term success. I like the Sale trade..they are moving guys that won’t be around long term.
So they’ll move Jansen, maybe Martin…then sign/trade guys that will be around 5 years from now.
They’ll trade for Burnes, sign Monty or Bauer…and be set.
Here’s a wacky thought: they move Casas to Milwaukee for Burnes and put Devers at 1st then sign Chapman to play 3rd. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to move Story and take Adamas in the Burnes deal…even if it cost Casas.
No Burnes… if is a trade and sign meabe! Monty yes! Casas is Boston 1B of the future! I like Famber Valdes of Houston( Duran, Yorke and 2 A ball