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5 stories to watch for during the MLB Winter Meetings

By Sean Sears

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 29: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals celebrates his two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning in Game Six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 29: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals celebrates his two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning in Game Six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 13: Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) rounds third base as he scores a run during the first inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians on Septebmer 13, 2019, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 13: Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) rounds third base as he scores a run during the first inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians on Septebmer 13, 2019, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Are teams really trading these guys?

It’s hard to believe that teams like the Red Sox and Cubs are seriously considering moving two former MVPs in Mookie Betts and Kris Bryant. But both teams missed the playoffs after being two of the three teams to pay the luxury tax in 2019, and despite being two of the most recent World Series Champions, both teams are expected to shake things up on and off the field.

The Cubs have a new manager in former player David Ross to replace Hall of Fame manager Joe Maddon, who’s now in LA with the Angels. The Red Sox hired Chaim Bloom away from the Rays as their new Chief Baseball Officer, replacing Dave Dombroski, signifying a change in direction for both clubs but neither is planning to rebuild.

Both clubs are going to remain competitive, or at least attempt to build a club that remains relevant, but it’s forcing the Red Sox and Cubs to consider the reality of losing their top stars in Betts and Bryant without anything return.

Related Story. Are the Cubs planning a bigger rebuild than we thought?. light

Betts is a free agent after the 2020 season, while Bryant could be available after 2020 if he wins his grievance with the Cubs for service time manipulation, but is currently a free agent after 2021.

The Indians are in a similar position too, being a small market club it’s unlikely they’ll be able to match any offers for Francisco Lindor – one of the top shortstops in all of baseball. Starting pitcher Corey Kluber could also be moved after being rumored as a trade target at the deadline last season. Expect the Indians to consider all options to slash their budget and acquire young, affordable talent for the future.

With the free-agent market a bit top-heavy, teams like the Rangers or Braves that may miss out on Rendon or top outfield options like Nicholas Castellanos or Marcell Ozuna, may be willing to part with top farm-system talent to land a star. But the longer teams like the Indians, Red Sox and Cubs hold on to their trade pieces, the more the market will thin out, which only makes these players more attractive.

Chicago, Boston, and Cleveland shouldn’t have a problem finding suitors, but to get the right deal for their franchise players it will take some negotiating. Expect the Winter Meetings to better define the teams who make sense in the target market, but a trade this early would be quite the surprise.

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