Preview of the MLB Offseason

The MLB free agent market opened on November 10th at 5:00 ET. Before I get into the Top Free agents, there were already a few big moves. Edwin Diaz of the New York Mets signed a 5-year $102 Million contract. This made him the highest-paid reliever ever. Also, some top players have already opted out of their contracts. Justin Verlander, the star starting pitcher for the World Series winning Astros, is deciding to test out free agency. Also notable is Anthony Rizzo, a tremendous first baseman for the Yankees, also has opted out of his contract and will test the free-agent market. Additionally, there are many top players in baseball that are free agents this offseason. This players include Aaron Judge, Trea Turner, and Justin Verlander. Each of the players previously mentioned could make an impact on every MLB organization, but it ultimately comes down to who wants them the most. Now, let’s talk about likely moves for these players. 

Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge just came off of one of the most outstanding regular-season performances in baseball history. Winning the Hank Aaron Award this season, and Judge will hope to add a AL, or maybe even NL MVP to his name. As a Yankee fan myself, I hope that Judge signs with the Yankees and is named captain, but that might not happen. Two places that I think he could go are the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is because Judge grew up in San Francisco and may like to his roots. The Dodgers on the other hand always look for big-name players; right now there is no bigger name in baseball than Aaron Judge. Every team in the big leagues are in the race for Judge but, in my opinion, when Judge does sign it will be with wither the Yankees, Dodgers or Giants.

Trea Turner

Trea is one of the premier shortstops in the MLB. He has speed, great defense, and some pop on his bat. He is a target for all teams that are in need of a middle infielder. My top places for him to land are for him to head to the Phillies, or end up with the Cardinals or the Yankees. The Phillies just came off of an amazing play-off run this year and are only looking to add more talent. They have star Bryce Harper, and bringing in Trea would be like a Reunion of the Washington Nationals whom the both played for, and Turner won a world series with in 2019. As for the Cardinals, they were a surprise team last year, and hope to do the same next year. They have a great core of Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt. They are in need of a shortstop and Trea Turner could be that guy, considering he can make defensive plays, and generate a lot of runs. Lastly, the Yankees are coming off a good season, but are in need of a stop-gap shortstop who can hit for contact. In escense, that is what Turner is, and he could take the Yankees to that next level.

Justin Verlander

JV is one of those guys who is a great person to have in the clubhouse. He is a veteran who just won a World Series and a potential Cy young season. All teams should try to go out for him, but two teams stick out to me. First is the Rangers, they have a great infield and didn’t have a terrible season. Having JV in the clubhouse could be a difference-maker for next season. My second team is the Yankees. This might be biased, but he could be a great person to add to the squad. With him on the Team, the Yankees rotation would be unstoppable and would have an amazing one-two punch when it comes time for the postseason.