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From the newly-crowned champion Chicago Cubs, facing the
possible loss of free agents, to teams pondering a rebuilding
effort, MLB's 30 clubs will be jockeying for talent as they head
to the Dec. 5-8 Winter Meetings in Maryland.
The Braves, looking to improve their starting pitching, took a
chance on a rebound by 42-year-old knuckleballer Dickey, who
went 10-15 with a 4.46 ERA last season for Toronto. From 2010 to
2015 he compiled a cumulative ERA of 3.46 ERA.
Bigger possible losses looming for Toronto were their pair of
free agent sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.
The high-flying Cubs, over the moon since landing their first
World Series title in 108 years last week, figure to have some
re-tooling to do.
Fireballing closer Aroldis Chapman, a key championship
contributer, is expected to price himself out of Chicago's
payroll structure and centerfielder Dexter Fowler is also
testing the free agent waters.
The American League champion Cleveland Indians are expected to
try and retain power-hitting first baseman Mike Napoli, but that
may hinge on whether he finds a lucrative long-term free agent
deal.
Power hitters and closers are abundant in the free agent pool.
Other potent power hitters shopping for offers include Yoenis
Cespedes of the New York Mets, Matt Holliday (St. Louis) and MLB
home run leader Mark Trumbo (Baltimore).
Besides Chapman, top flight closers Kenley Jansen of the Los
Angeles Dodgers and Mark Melancon of the Washington Nationals
are up for grabs.
Starting pitching, however, is very thin.
The most appealing targets include Jeremy Hellickson of the
Philadelphia Phillies, who was 12-10, 3.71 ERA, Rich Hill of the
Dodgers and Jason Hammel of the Cubs. Even 42-year-old Bartolo
Colon of the Mets is on the free agent short list.
The paucity of top-notch free agent starters might swing open
the door for a lively trade market for rotation pitchers.
Rebuilding teams looking to the future may make high-profile
pitchers available for the right package of prospects.
The Tigers have suggested Justin Verlander might be in play, and
the Chicago White Sox could ponder the possibility of moving ace
Chris Sale or Jose Quintana if the price is right.
(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Frank Pingue)
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