As Major League Baseball's offseason heads towards the highly anticipated Winter Meetings in Dallas on December 9, teams are making strategic moves to redefine their rosters for the upcoming season. This flurry of activity involves significant shifts for several franchises, notably the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs.
Mets Maneuvering
The New York Mets have taken a decisive step by securing right-hander Frankie Montas with a two-year deal, a move that adds depth to their pitching rotation. This could be crucial as the Mets risk losing several key pitchers, including Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana. The offseason strategy for the Mets does not stop at retaining talent; they are actively seeking to bolster their lineup by signing free-agent right-hander Walker Buehler. With the New York Post describing the market for Buehler as "deep," the Mets will have to navigate a competitive field if they are to secure this highly sought-after player.
Cubs Strengthen the Bullpen
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have successfully signed left-hander Matthew Boyd on a two-year, $29 million contract. Boyd demonstrated his value last season with an impressive 2.72 ERA across eight starts. His postseason performance further underscored his capability, allowing just one run over 11 ⅔ innings. This acquisition underscores the Cubs' commitment to enhancing their pitching roster and ensuring a solid foundation for their bullpen.
Shake-ups on the Mound
In other significant offseason developments, the landscape of MLB pitching roles is experiencing notable changes. Former Yankees closer Clay Holmes has attracted interest as a starter. Despite leading Major League Baseball with 13 blown saves last season, Holmes maintained a respectable 3.14 ERA, with more strikeouts than innings pitched. This shift reflects a broader trend, as longtime relievers Jordan Hicks and Reynaldo López have also moved to starter roles via free-agent contracts. Additionally, Seth Lugo’s stellar season, finishing second in the Cy Young voting in his second year as a starter, highlights the potential success for pitchers transitioning from the bullpen.
Astros’ Internal and External Moves
Turning to Houston, the Astros are intent on reshaping their infield while retaining key players. They are vigorously working to re-sign their star third baseman, Alex Bregman. Simultaneously, the Astros are exploring options for free-agent shortstop Willy Adames to reinforce their lineup. Furthermore, Houston has shown interest in acquiring Jorge Polanco, signaling a multifaceted approach to fortifying their roster.
These offseason maneuvers highlight the strategic considerations teams face as they prepare for the next MLB season. By securing new talent, retaining key players, and exploring innovative pitching strategies, franchises like the Mets, Cubs, and Astros are positioning themselves to enhance their competitiveness on the field. The outcomes of these efforts will become clearer as we move towards the pivotal Winter Meetings in Dallas.