After a pretty busy weekend on the MLB hot stove, we’re going to be keeping an eye on three baseball-related things throughout the day today.
1. Where can teams that missed it go Dansby Swanson turn?
Swanson’s deal with the Cubs puts all four of this offseason’s star shortstops on a new team. While each of the clubs that lost a shortstop have an internal alternative, all four would be outmatched by an external addition. The Dodgers and Red Sox could keep the incumbent second basemen Gavin Lux and Trevor story at their current position. The twins wouldn’t have to rely on it Kyle Farmerprobably more suited to a part-time role than an everyday gamer while waiting Royce Lewis to return from his second cruciate ligament tear. The Braves would be able to relax Vaughn Grissom getting in at the shortstop rather than immediately pushing him into a mundane role at a playoff club. The choice of quality regulars in the free agent market is small Elvis Andres and maybe Jose Iglesias the last remaining options. The trading market has more options, although each comes with questions: Paul DeJong and Nick Ahmed might be up for a pay cut, but they’re overpaid compared to their expected production through 2023 (and Ahmed is recovering from shoulder surgery). Jorg Mateo and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are quality defenders, but both are more than 20% below average on the plate as measured by wRC+ as of 2021. Amed Rosario is perhaps the most complete player one could have, although it’s possible the Guardians will simply keep him until he reaches free agency in the next offseason before handing the keys to shortstop to their bevy of youngsters in 2024. The four teams above will have competition since Well, with the Angels and White Sox among the other teams that could still be looking for middle infield help this offseason.
2. Will the Cubs and Smyly deal close today?
Reports surfaced yesterday that the Cubs and Lefty Drew Smyly were close to a deal, but it has yet to be reported as done and the terms remain unknown. It is possible that the solution will come today. Dear 33 year old Ross Stripling‘s (giants) and Jose Quintana (Mets) both have two-year contracts, but both veterans have had stronger seasons than Smyly. On the other hand such as Kyle Gibson and Noah Syndergard are among the players who recently signed one-year contracts. Assuming Smyly does indeed return to Wrigley, that could take the Cubs out of the pitching starting market as he would presumably join Markus Stroman, Jameson Taillon, Kyle Hendricks and Justin Steele in the rotation.
3. Where does the foreign market stand?
It’s been a busy few days for the outfield market. Andreas Benintendi signed a five-year deal with the White Sox, Joey Gallo took a one-year contract with the twins and Michael Brantley returned to the Astros on a one-year deal of his own. These leaves Michael Conforto and Jurickson Prof left as arguably the best free agents, with veterans like David Peralta, AJ Pollock, Wil Meyers and Andrew McCutchen also available. The Blue Jays, Rangers and Marlins are among the teams seeking outfield help this offseason, and all (along with the Cubs) have been linked with Conforto. Profar’s market is less clear and a rumored admirer, the Astros, has just re-signed Brantley. The trade market, where Bryan Reynolds, Max Keplerand Daulton Varsho to those reportedly discussed, an alternative route remains.