5 bold predictions for MLB's winter meetings

One of Major League Baseball's biggest weeks is set to begin when the winter meetings open in Las Vegas on Sunday. In anticipation, here are five bold predictions from theScore's MLB editors for the four-day event at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino as front offices weigh whether or not to go all in, check, or fold on the 2019 season:

Yankees trade for Kluber, Encarnacion

Eager to add a front-line starter, but underwhelmed by the remaining options in free agency, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman makes a blockbuster move at the winter meetings by landing right-hander Corey Kluber and Edwin Encarnacion from the Indians. Cleveland entered the meetings motivated to move either Kluber or Trevor Bauer, but opt to deal the two-time Cy Young winner in an effort to rid themselves of the more than $50 million remaining on his contract, while also netting a stronger return. Packaging Encarnacion also clears out the $21 million owed to the slugger next season while giving the Yankees another 30-plus homer bat that can also help fill in at first base. Part of the return going back to Cleveland includes Sonny Gray and Clint Frazier, helping the Indians fill a need in the outfield and rotation to keep the major-league roster competitive in a weak AL Central. - Brandon Wile

Machado stays in L.A. - signs with Angels

The Angels shock the baseball world, significantly overpaying to land Machado. Yes, they need pitching more than another bat. But this is Arte Moreno's Los Angeles Angels we're talking about - the team that stunned everyone by signing Albert Pujols in 2012 and Josh Hamilton in 2013. Also, even the Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter deals caught people off guard. Moreno has never been shy about spending money, and with a farm system that's still shallow, spending money remains the Angels' fastest way to improve Mike Trout's supporting cast. Machado will form a deadly duo with Trout at the plate and a near-impenetrable fortress on the left side of the infield alongside shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Will it work? That remains to be seen - but in true Angels fashion, they'll give it a shot. - Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

Cardinals shock everyone with Harper signing

After acquiring Paul Goldschmidt from the Diamondbacks, the Cardinals make an even bigger splash at the winter meetings by signing Harper to a 10-year contract. By locking up Harper, the Cardinals solve their lineup's lack of left-handed pop and become the NL Central favorites in one fell swoop. Ignore reports stating the Cardinals aren't pursuing the former MVP, this is the deal the team needs to make; missing the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season is not an option. Once the ink is dry, expect St. Louis to shift focus to trading Jose Martinez and maybe Tyler O'Neill in pursuit of bolstering its bullpen. - Jason Wilson

Mets land Realmuto

After acquiring Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz, the Mets land another All-Star in Realmuto. Baseball's most valuable catcher by WAR last season improves a desperate area of need for New York after Mets backstop combined for a .652 OPS in 2018. The front office has been speaking with Miami about the availability of Realmuto for most of the offseason, and while the Mets were hesitant to part with either shortstop Amed Rosario or outfielder Michael Conforto, they opt to include Brandon Nimmo in the deal. - Bryan Mcwilliam

Giants trade MadBum to Atlanta

The Braves lack elite talent at the top of their depth chart, which is why they lure Madison Bumgarner from the Giants. The NL East is turning into a bit of an arms race, and Atlanta has precluded itself from signing any of the top free agents, watching both Nathan Eovaldi and Patrick Corbin agree to terms - with the latter joining the division-rival Nationals. However, Bumgarner is an attractive alternative who only has one year left on his deal and poses almost no burden to the Braves' current payroll. Even further, a rental ace would fit well with the one-year, $23-million contract the club recently handed Josh Donaldson. Atlanta has the need, the prospect capital to do it, and the general manager - Alex Anthopoulos - who's known for making splashy deals. - Michael Bradburn