TEAMS TO WATCH THIS WINTER

Posted byMichael RifkinPosted inMLB, Rifkin’s Rift TideTags:, , , , ,

BY MIKE RIFKIN

With MLB free agency underway, we know a lot of the action will pick up after Thanksgiving and during the Winter Meetings. Here are some teams to watch this offseason.

  1. Mets – Yeah after missing the playoffs after signing Juan Soto the Mets are going to be players again this winter. They have two of their players Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz are both on the market. But most importantly the Mets will have to explore the starting pitching market. 
  1. Orioles – Like the Mets, the Orioles were one of the biggest disappointment in all of baseball. The Orioles have one of the best young cores in all of baseball, but it’s time to surround that core with really good starting pitching. The Orioles were 26th in ERA, only in front of the Athletics, Angels, Nationals and Rockies. The Orioles have already traded Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for Outfielder Taylor Ward, who hit a career high 36 homers. But what does this mean about their plans in the rotation? 
  1. Pirates – This feels like a put up or shut up team. There are reports the Pirates are willing to spend some money on offense to back up a pitching staff led by Paul Skenes. If the Pirates decide to stand pat, that could have massive implications when it comes to the future of Skenes. 
  1. Astros – The Astros missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Now, was that a sign of an aging core or do they see it as a one year wonder? But as long as guys like Altuve and Alvarez are around the Astros will go for it. 
  1. Giants – Over the years the Giants have been able to land some big fishes, but now it’s a must to land one. After the Devers trade the Giants showed they’re all in and now they have to capitalize in free agency. They’re always tied to big names, let’s see if they can land one. 
  1. Mariners – They were so close to going to their first World Series in franchise history. They have already re-signed Josh Naylor, so let’s see if the Mariners can continue to back that terrific pitching staff. They can’t expect 60 homers from Cal Raleigh again.

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