URGENT UPDATE: The MLB offseason is heating up as executives make bold predictions about the fate of top free agents, including Kyle Tucker and premier pitchers. With the offseason just starting, the chatter around potential blockbuster deals is intensifying.
The Seattle Mariners kicked off the winter by re-signing Josh Naylor, while the Los Angeles Angels and Baltimore Orioles executed an early trade. The Texas Rangers and New York Mets followed suit with a high-profile swap of Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo, and the Boston Red Sox added Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. As teams gear up for a competitive offseason, a recent poll of 16 MLB executives reveals where the biggest names might land.
The spotlight is on Kyle Tucker, with many wondering if he will command a staggering $400 million contract. The poll showed mixed opinions, with 6 executives believing he will exceed this amount, while 10 disagreed. Top contenders for his signature include the New York Yankees (6 votes), Los Angeles Dodgers (4), and Toronto Blue Jays (3).
One executive suggested, “If Tucker had been healthy all season, his contract would start with a five, not a four.” They see a potential deal of $350 million over 10 years, likely with the Yankees. Another speculated that the Dodgers could swoop in for a longer deal with lower annual value.
As for the top free agent pitchers, predictions are rolling in. Framber Valdez is projected to land with the Blue Jays (5 votes), while Dylan Cease is favored to join the Mets (6 votes). The Red Sox and Phillies are also in the mix for key starters, with executives emphasizing the Blue Jays’ need to bolster their roster after a near championship run.
In the race for Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, the San Francisco Giants lead the predictions with 5 votes, followed closely by the Yankees and Dodgers (3 each). Imai, at just 27 years old, is viewed as a prime candidate for a multi-year contract.
Meanwhile, the fate of players like Kyle Schwarber, Alex Bregman, and Pete Alonso remains uncertain. The poll indicates that Schwarber is most likely to return to his original team, with executives noting the critical role he plays for the Phillies.
As teams prepare for the upcoming trades and signings, executives are also eyeing the Pittsburgh Pirates as potential dark horses in the market. An executive noted, “There has been more chatter in general about small-market teams spending this winter.”
The offseason promises exciting developments, with teams ready to make moves that could reshape their rosters. Keep an eye on these predictions as the MLB offseason unfolds, and share your thoughts on who you think will secure the biggest contracts.
Stay tuned for more breaking news as these predictions and potential deals materialize throughout the offseason!
