Six bold predictions for the MLB Winter Meetings

by | Dec 4, 2015

The annual MLB Winter Meetings isn’t necessarily the only opportunity for general managers to fulfill their offseason wish lists, but it sure is the best time.

While a few high-profile names have already found a new home, there is still plenty of activity left – much of which will occur next week in Nashville. Let’s take a stab at what may take place.

6. Dodgers unable to find suitor for Yasiel Puig

Remember when the Cuban outfielder was the most exciting player in the game? In less than two years, Puig become more a nuisance than a superstar. Injuries, bad judgement and discontent override his talent – making him less than desirable for other clubs, regardless of how much they might need a bat. The Dodgers have placed Puig on the trade block for months with nary a solid offer. That’s unlikely to change.

5. Jason Heyward receives a larger contract that Yoenis Cespedes

There was a time – around early September – when the New York Mets’ crucial trade deadline pick-up was under consideration for the National League’s Most Valuable Player. Now, he’s not the most valuable outfielder among free agents. Cespedes’ lackluster postseason, following a red-hot five-week stretch, showed how streaky he can be. Heyward isn’t quite as powerful or captivating. Yet, he’s more consistent and is nearly four years younger. Whichever team signs him next week (perhaps the Angels?) will do so at a higher price.

4. Mets overpay, but sign Ben Zobrist

With Cespedes and NLCS MVP Daniel Murphy likely departing Queens, the Mets are dead set on finding an adequate replacement to ensure the offense doesn’t regress back to what it was during the first half of 2015. Despite remaining cash-strapped, GM Sandy Alderson is well aware that his team’s talented young pitching staff is too good to waste. Just a little bit of hitting can go a long way towards another World Series push, and the 34-year-old utility player (who helped Kansas City beat the Mets in the Fall Classic) would be a nice fit. As the theory (sort of) goes: if you can’t beat ‘em, sign ‘em for more than he’s worth.

3. Cubs refuse to break bank on starting pitcher

The North Side’s revival was aided by an incredible second half performance by Jake Arrieta, en route to the NL Cy Young. But in order for the Cubs to have a chance of advancing past the NLCS, Theo Epstein must complement his right-handed ace with at least one more quality starter in order to better balance out a team already loaded with great offense. The Jon Lester experiment, a signing last winter for six years and $155 million, hasn’t paid off just yet. With that in mind (and David Price off the market), Chicago brass will be leery to go all in on the likes of Zack Greinke. Instead, it could go for a familiar name.

2. Nationals rid themselves of Jonathan Papelbon, trade for Aroldis Chapman

It shouldn’t be a debate whether or not the Washington Nationals should hold on to Papelbon. What remains in doubt is who in the world would take him. Cincinnati, in total overhaul mode (especially with an inexperienced pitching staff), may be the place. And should the Nats be willing to offer up a few extra pieces, they could be lucky enough to get Chapman in the deal. Cutting lose a firebrand for baseball’s ultimate fireballer? This is Washington’s best-case scenario.

1. Zack Greinke goes…back to L.A.  David Price set the bar, as far as free agent starting pitchers are concerned, with his monstrous deal to join the Boston Red Sox. Now, the pitcher who arguably was the best over the entire 2015 season gets his chance to reap the benefits.

Rumor mills are hinting Greinke may flee to San Francisco, a decision that will earn him instant hatred in southern California. As much as the Red Sox exposed their extravagant spending habits last week, the Dodgers have baseball’s deepest pockets. They’ll put it to good use, keeping the most powerful mound duo intact.