The stage has been set for the MLB offseason to explode. All 30 teams will head to Las Vegas next week and try their luck to hit the jackpot. Here are some big moves that could happen during the 2018 MLB Winter Meetings.
Harper Goes To Philly
The Philadelphia Phillies were a surprise last season, but fell apart late. They have a ton of top-end talent and a solid foundation to their pitching staff. Nonetheless, there are holes in both corners of their outfield. This is where Bryce Harper comes into play. He had a slow start to his season but later took off in the second half following his Home Run Derby title in front of his Nationals home fans. Harper ended the season hitting 34 homers and 100 RBI, while hitting .249.
The 26-year-old is hitting the free agent market in the prime of his career. The Phillies are more than ready to offer Harper a hefty sum of money for his services. This might establish this team as a dominant force in the NL East. Furthermore, Harper’s contract will set the bar for future free agents such as Mike Trout and Kris Bryant once they too become free agents. The Phillies are front runners for Harper thanks to the Yankees filling their outfield last offseason and the Cubs rumored not to want to break the bank for him. Only time will tell if this move is actually made next week.
Cubs Will Fill In The Gaps
The Chicago Cubs are coming off a season the fans aren’t used to based on previous results. The bats completely disappeared down the stretch and then were caught in the standings by the surging Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago lost game 163, which lost them the division. They then went out and scored a single run behind a strong effort by starter Jon Lester and the rest of the bullpen. Chicago promptly fired hitting coach Chili Davis after one season. It seems as if the Cubs’ front office will seek for bullpen pitchers. Zach Britton and Andrew Miller look like prime candidates to fill the holes in the bullpen caused by injuries near the end of the season.
The Cubs need a solid player in the middle infield as Addison Russell will serve a suspension due t his domestic violence incident. Add to that, the fact that Ben Zobrist did not have the greatest of seasons. He batted for .305, 58 RBI and 9 homers. The Cubs have options as players such as DJ LeMahieu and Brian Dozier are available. While they are not youngest players out there, they will not break the bank for Chicago. Not only that, but they will add stability to their infield.
Machado In, Seager Out
Corey Seager was considered an “unsaleable asset” a few seasons ago. The 2017 Rookie of the Year was set to become the face of the Dodgers franchise until injury struck last season. Seager underwent Tommy John surgery and was ruled out for the season. The Dodgers front office struck gold before the All-Star break, trading for infielder Manny Machado. He proved to be what the Dodgers needed to storm through the finish line. Los Angeles won another division title and made it to their second World Series in a row.
The Dodgers could play their cards right and keep Machado. Not only that, but they could get a hold of a couple of prospects. Harper will set a standard for the remaining free agents. Once the deal is closed, the Dodgers could sign the free agent to a similar contract. With no place for Seager as a starter on the team, he could turn out to be a big trade too in exchange for younger prospects.
The MLB Winter Meetings are set to kickoff this upcoming December 10th.
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