7 bold predictions for MLB's winter meetings
With the winter meetings opening Sunday in Orlando, Fla., theScore's MLB editors Jonah Birenbaum, Michael Bradburn, Lucas Casaletto, Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb, Bryan Mcwilliam, Brandon Wile, and Jason Wilson make bold predictions for the biggest signings and trades to come from the five-day event.
Newly hired Braves GM throws weight around
In six offseasons as general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, Alex Anthopoulos demonstrated impressive fiscal restraint - Russell Martin's five-year, $82-million deal was his largest free-agent addition. However, with the Braves both poised to take the next step in their rebuild in 2018 and reeling from recent sanctions that'll significantly impede their ability to sign international prospects, expect the new GM to throw a little dough around this week. The Braves aren't going to contend in 2018, but they're not that far off, either, and with lots of cash to play with - their projected 2018 payroll is only $89 million - Anthopoulos will look to add multiple veterans to his increasingly robust core of young talent. Names that come to mind: Mike Moustakas, Lance Lynn, and Steve Cishek. - Birenbaum
Orioles find a deal for Machado
Manny Machado is less than a calendar year away from becoming a free agent, at which time he'll almost certainly leave the Orioles with only draft-pick compensation after rejecting a qualifying offer and signing elsewhere. Despite their remote chances of re-signing the star infielder, shipping Machado away is not to be taken lightly, but the winter meetings are the spot for Dan Duquette to find a suitor willing to help the team in the long run. After five seasons, a .548 winning percentage, and no postseason success, Baltimore took a substantial step backward last season. Now with Giancarlo Stanton in the division, building around Jonathan Schoop and Trey Mancini is likely the right direction. - Bradburn
Giants sign Cain, Moustakas to mega deals
After missing out on Stanton, who ultimately decided not to waive his no-trade clause to join the team, the San Francisco Giants will shift their focus to free agency and lock up two former Kansas City Royals: outfielder Lorenzo Cain and Moustakas. The table-setting Cain doesn't come with the same pedigree as Stanton, but would immediately give the Giants an everyday center fielder. Moustakas, the more surprising addition, would provide the club a legitimate option at the hot corner in place of Pablo Sandoval. - Casaletto
Cardinals make major moves for a starter, third baseman
After a 2016 offseason when the Cardinals sank a ton of money into Dexter Fowler and Brett Cecil, the regular season left plenty to be desired. There won't be a repeat. Even after the Cards whiffed on Stanton, they won't leave the winter meetings empty-handed. Expect the Cardinals to stake claim to contendership by signing either Jake Arrieta or Yu Darvish. Additionally, don't be surprised if they follow through in a blockbuster with the Tampa Bay Rays for Chris Archer, Evan Longoria, and Alex Colome. While this kind of brash gunslinging on the trade market could backfire, John Mozeliak isn't looking to play it safe and there will be big changes. A pivot to a pair of JDs (Martinez and Josh Donaldson) is also in the team's back pocket. - Wilson
Angels' wild winter keeps rolling
Angels GM Billy Eppler's wild offseason is set to continue as the signing of two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani and extension for Justin Upton aren't enough. Eppler kicks off the winter meetings by signing second baseman Neil Walker. The switch-hitter helps balance a right-heavy lineup while giving the club another 20-homer bat. Because Ohtani's deal is such a bargain, the Angels have the cash to make another move, and Eppler uses that money to solidify the bullpen by signing closer Greg Holland to a multi-year deal. - Wile
Davis spurns Cubs for division rival
Free-agent closer Wade Davis pulls off his best Fowler impression and opts for a long-term deal with the Cardinals over a similar agreement from the Chicago Cubs. This comes after trade talks with the Rays for closer Colome come to a standstill following the Rays' insistence that Longoria and his $81-million salary be included in a deal for far too many of the Cardinals’ best prospects. - Mcwilliam
Dipoto goes on trading spree after Ohtani snub
Friday was a tough day for Jerry Dipoto, as his Seattle Mariners lost out on Ohtani to the divisional rival Angels despite furious efforts to sign him. But when has missing out on the prize ever stopped "Trader Jerry"? This is Dipoto's time to shine, and he'll take the stage in a big way this week. Expect the sleepless Seattle GM to turn over most of his roster now that Ohtani is in Anaheim, bringing in a new corner outfielder and starting pitcher via a bevy of trades that will shake up his team yet again. Yes, Dipoto loves to trade on any day of the week, but after hitching his wagon to Ohtani and missing out, there's really no other alternative. - Sharkey-Gotlieb
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