10 MLB moves that still need to happen this winter

Most of the action in this MLB offseason is winding down, but there are still some big moves that need to be made.

After a few years of extremely lukewarm stove action, the MLB Hot Stove season got off to a rip-roaring start in 2019.

Every premier free agent except for third baseman Josh Donaldson was signed before New Year’s Eve, including a ridiculous $324-million deal for Gerrit Cole that broke every record for a pitcher contract. Prior to Cole signing, Stephen Strasburg had already set new records for most guaranteed money and annual salary.

Who knows what suddenly got into MLB front offices after dragging their feet on free agents and preaching player development and team-friendly extensions for close to half a decade?

Regardless, the result was a flurry of activity all at once that finally made an MLB offseason exciting for fans, but it’s not quite over just yet. There are a handful of valuable free agents waiting out the market for their new deals. More importantly, there are multiple MVP candidates on the trade block, including Kris Bryant, Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor and Nolan Arenado.

With just over a month to go until pitchers are catcher report, there’s still plenty that needs to get done this MLB offseason. Here are 10 potential moves to keep an eye out for.

Atlanta Braves: Sign Josh Donaldson

If the rumors are to be believed, All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson wants $110 million fully guaranteed over four years. The problem for Donaldson, however, is that he is entering his age-34 season and missed large chunks of the 2017 and 2018 seasons with nagging injuries. The former AL MVP just isn’t going to find a nine-figure offer at this point of his career, and he may have scared off every potential suitor but the Atlanta Braves.

Donaldson signed a one-year deal with the Braves last winter hoping to re-establish his value after his two injury-plagued seasons. He did just that, hitting .259/.379/.521 with 37 home runs and 94 RBI. Donaldson provided fiery leadership to the young Braves lineup and has a four-year offer on the table to return to Atlanta.

Developments over the last week make it likely that Donaldson will be going back to the Braves. The Washington Nationals signed Starlin Castro and Asdrubal Cabrera to fill holes in their infield. Signing Donaldson to a rich deal would push them past the tax threshold. Donaldson’s only other serious suitor was the Minnesota Twins, but he seems to have limited interest in playing there.