6 Dark Horse MLB Free Agent Moves That Could Go Down This Offseason
By Chris Russo
The stove will be very hot this winter, and the temperature started rising with AJ Hinch's decision not to pitch Gerrit Cole in Game 7 of the World Series. After a wildly unpredictable postseason, it seems that anyone has a chance to take part in the 2020 Fall Classic. Teams will be vying to revamp, so here are six surprising free agent moves that could shake up the MLB.
6. Mets Bring Back Asdrubal Cabrera and Overpay Him
Brodie van Wagenen might have helped give Mets fans some hope last offseason, but the Mets have a history of bringing in older players and overpaying them. This offseason may see the team make a similar mistake if they pursue Asdrubal Cabrera to fortify the infield. After Cabrera's underrated World Series performance and victory, the Mets might want to take back from their division rival, but they should be cautious about how much they pay him.
5. Yankees Sign Dallas Keuchel
Keuchel might not be as attractive an option as Cole or Madison Bumgarner, but his 3.75 ERA last year was still better than that of any Yankees starter. Brian Cashman confirmed the team made a push for him before he ended up in Atlanta, and the fact that he's won a World Series would do wonders in the clubhouse. After missing out on him this offseason, perhaps the Yankees can finally get Keuchel in pinstripes for the 2020 season.
4. Stephen Strasburg Goes Home to San Diego
Stephen Strasburg has the option to opt-out of his current deal with the Nationals, and the expectation is that the 2019 World Series MVP will test the open market. Stras will receive plenty of lucrative offers, but one team who could make a real push for him is his hometown Padres. After growing up in the area and playing college ball at San Diego State, heading to the Padres could be a logical next step for the former No. 1 overall pick.
3. Anthony Rendon Stays in Washington
Just like Strasburg, Rendon had a great postseason, not to mention potentially the NL MVP in the regular season. They will both be worthy of higher contracts, but the Nationals clearly spent the money to win a championship, so it's possible they keep things going rather than break down like the Marlins did when they won their titles.
2. Gerrit Cole Joins the Dodgers
With Cole unhappy about AJ Hinch's Game 7 decisions and rumors abounding that he'll go home to southern California, the Dodgers seem a perfect fit. While the Angels will also be in competition for Cole's signature, he'll be looking to erase the sour taste of a World Series defeat from his mouth, and the Dodgers would offer an incredibly enticing opportunity to get right back to the Fall Classic.
1. Twins Sign Madison Bumgarner
The Minnesota Twins last won World Series titles on the back of solid starting pitching by Frank Viola and Jack Morris, the latter of which signed as a free agent in the twilight of his career. With a record-setting offense, the Twins are maybe one big ace away from ending a near 30-year drought. Bumgarner is not expected to be back in The Bay, and he would immediately act as a significant improvement spearheading the Twins' rotation alongside Jose Berrios.