Chicago Cubs: Signing Kris Bryant to an extension
Multiple key members of the Chicago Cubs core are set to hit free agency following the 2021 season, including left fielder Kyle Schwarber, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, shortstop Javier Baez and third baseman Kris Bryant. Assuming the club won't be able to afford to keep them all, it'll have some tough decisions to make.
The toughest might be regarding Bryant. The 2016 National League MVP is struggling through an injury-marred season, but he remains one of the game's marquee talents. If the Cubs put him on the trading block this offseason, there would be suitors aplenty.
That could happen. But based on comments Bryant made in July, indicating he may be more open to an extension than he had been previously, we'll predict the two sides work out a deal that keeps him on the North Side for the foreseeable future.
Cincinnati Reds: Re-signing Nick Castellanos
Nick Castellanos has cooled down after a scalding start with the Cincinnati Reds and is now hitting just .237. But he's got 12 home runs and an .871 OPS and has a career-best 48.2 percent hard-contact rate.
The 28-year-old right fielder signed a four-year, $64 million contract with the Reds that includes an opt-out after this season. Given the dearth of quality bats on the free-agent market, it seems likely he'll exercise it and angle for a new deal.
He could get one from a number of teams, but Cincinnati appears committed to building a winner and may be extra motivated if it misses the playoffs, which is likely. Look for the Reds to do what it takes to retain Castellanos.
Milwaukee Brewers: Signing Jake Arrieta
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitchers have posted a 4.96 ERA this season and could lose left-hander Brett Anderson to free agency. Acquiring at least one impact arm should be an offseason priority.
Here's a notion: What if they signed Jake Arrieta?
Milwaukee showed interest in Arrieta after the 2017 season. He signed with the Phillies instead and has struggled with injury and inconsistency. This year, in his age-34 season, he owns 5.54 ERA. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner's days as an ace are probably over.
But if he could be had on a shorter-term show-me deal (assuming the Phils decline his $22.5 million club option for 2021), he could be an excellent gamble for the Brewers. And a return to the NL Central, where Arrieta enjoyed his best years with the Cubs, could be just the change of scenery he needs.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Um...
Sorry, Pittsburgh Pirates fans. We really tried to think of something exciting the Bucs could do this offseason. But let's face it: Coming off a last-place finish and considering they sport the second-lowest payroll in baseball, the Pirates aren't going to spend much, if anything, in free agency.
At the same time, Pittsburgh doesn't have many notable trade assets. It's possible it could move someone such as first baseman Josh Bell, but he's followed up his 2019 All-Star season with an abysmal .209/.285/.317 slash line. The Pirates would be selling way low.
Instead, expect the team to make a middling addition or two to fill out the roster and hope for the ascent of youngsters such as right-hander Mitch Keller and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.
St. Louis Cardinals: Acquiring Nolan Arenado
In January, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported the Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals had moved deep enough into trade discussions for Rox third baseman Nolan Arenado that they exchanged names.
The deal didn't happen, but expect Arenado to feature in myriad rumors again this offseason.
He inked an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Rockies in February 2019. But less than 11 months later, he voiced unhappiness with the team. He can opt out of his deal after 2021, so if the Cardinals or anyone else is going to part with the talent required to land the five-time All-Star, they'll likely want some assurance he'd be open to a long-term extension.
There is precedent: St. Louis acquired first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the Diamondbacks in December 2018 and signed him to an extension in March 2019. If it could pull off the same trick with Arenado, it would measurably improve an offense that has posted a .743 OPS.
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September 12, 2020 at 06:04PM
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Predicting Each MLB Team's Most Exciting Move of the 2020-21 Offseason - Bleacher Report
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