MLB Offseason Buzz: Blockbuster Trades and Bold Contract Predictions Await Baseball Fans

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01/11/2024 23h12

**MLB Offseason Kicks Off with Major Trades and Bold Predictions**

As the MLB offseason kicks into high gear, baseball fans are gearing up for a thrilling winter filled with potential blockbuster moves. This year's free-agent market is led by stars like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes, with numerous contending teams eager to bolster their rosters. Although free agency officially begins in a few days, the trade market is already buzzing, highlighted by the Atlanta Braves dealing Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for right-hander Griffin Canning.

In a series of bold predictions, it is anticipated that the New York Yankees will match top offers from the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers to secure Juan Soto with a staggering $622 million contract. This deal would ensure that the dynamic duo of Soto and Aaron Judge remains a central fixture in the Yankees' lineup for years to come.

Simultaneously, the Mets are expected to concentrate on fortifying their pitching staff, successfully signing both Corbin Burnes and Max Fried to long-term contracts. Additionally, they aim to retain first baseman Pete Alonso, committing over half a billion dollars in future salaries to achieve these goals.

Turning to the Dodgers, the team is projected to make several key moves, including signing shortstop Willy Adames to a six-year, $150 million contract. They are also anticipated to re-sign left fielder Teoscar Hernández and right-hander Walker Buehler, solidifying their lineup and pitching rotation.

The Houston Astros are poised to bring in center fielder Cody Bellinger on a four-year, $112 million deal after he opts out of his current contract with the Chicago Cubs. In a major retention move, the Astros are also expected to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman for seven years at $185.5 million.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are predicted to secure lefty Tanner Scott with a four-year, $60 million contract, marking the end for relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez within their bullpen. In Washington, the Nationals are projected to make a significant move by signing outfielder Anthony Santander to a six-year, $142 million deal, signifying the first major acquisition in their rebuilding phase.

In Cleveland, the Guardians may retain ace Shane Bieber and sign veteran pitcher Michael Wacha to a three-year, $45 million contract. To the west, the Kansas City Royals are expected to fill the gap left by Wacha by signing left-hander Sean Manaea on a three-year, $68 million deal.

The Seattle Mariners are predicted to enhance their infield by signing first baseman Christian Walker and second baseman Brandon Lowe. On the other hand, the San Diego Padres are likely to re-sign left fielder Jurickson Profar and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, aiming to maintain a consistent lineup for the 2025 season.

The Boston Red Sox are expected to bring in right-hander Jack Flaherty and left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, while the Texas Rangers look to retain Nathan Eovaldi and sign reliever Carlos Estévez. The Detroit Tigers are predicted to make a move for Nick Martinez with a three-year, $40 million deal.

In Baltimore, the Orioles are anticipated to sign Blake Snell to a lucrative three-year, $105 million contract and trade for Athletics' closer Mason Miller, whom they plan to convert back to a starter. The Arizona Diamondbacks are likely to exercise their club option on Eugenio Suárez and trade Jordan Montgomery to the Braves.

Other notable predictions include the retirement announcement from veteran pitcher Charlie Morton and the Pittsburgh Pirates' signings of outfielders Tyler O'Neill and Joc Pederson. Additionally, it's expected that no players will accept the qualifying offer for the second consecutive year. Lastly, Ichiro Suzuki, Billy Wagner, and Andruw Jones are predicted to be newly elected members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing their outstanding careers and contributions to the sport.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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