What Clubs Remain to Have a Major Move Planned?
January 29, 2024 by Emily Montano
January 29, 2024 by Emily Montano
Photo via Canada Today News
There have been multiple conversations regarding the top free agents who are still unsigned as January draws to a close and the dates for Spring Training are getting closer.
What will become of Cody Bellinger? How about Matt Chapman, Jordan Montgomery, or Blake Snell? These ballplayers and clubs need to make a decision.
With the addition of signing Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Teoscar Hernández, James Paxton, Joe Kelly, and Jason Heyward, Los Angeles has undoubtedly been the busiest team this off-season.
Despite the Dodgers continuing to dominate the “Hot Stove” headlines, they are hardly the only team that has made big offseason acquisitions. While the Royals added Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Hunter Renfroe, Chris Stratton, and relief pitcher Will Smith. The Reds added Jeimer Candelario, Nick Martinez, Frankie Montas, and Emilio Pagán. With the addition of Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Sonny Gray, the Cardinals revamped their starting rotation. After reaching the World Series, the D-backs re-signed Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and added Eduardo Rodriguez and Joc Pederson. The Mets haven't exactly been on the search, but they did sign Harrison Bader, Sean Manaea, and Luis Severino.
Numerous other teams, such as the Giants (Jung Hoo Lee, Jordan Hicks), Astros (Josh Hader, Victor Caratini), Tigers (Jack Flaherty, Kenta Maeda), and Blue Jays (Yariel Rodriguez, Kevin Kiermaier), have landed at least two free agents. As well as the Yankees, who acquired Marcus Stroman and traded for Juan Soto.
Which clubs, then, still have room for huge moves?
Photo via The Athletic
To replace Stroman in the rotation, the Cubs signed Shōta Imanaga, but Chicago has not yet addressed the empty spot that would be left in the lineup if Bellinger signed elsewhere. Obviously, the Cubs may just bring Bellinger back, which is what most think will happen in the end. The Cubs are also interested in third baseman Matt Chapman; if they add both hitters, it would be an effective winter despite being largely silent.
A further prediction suggests that Snell will be signed by the Giants, who just acquired Hicks with the intention of turning him into a starter, to partner with Logan Webb at the front of the rotation.
As the time is running down, there is still much to be figured out this winter.