The MLB Postseason has begun, and there are a lot of questions about the offseason. Here are a few of my predictions before the Hot Stove turns on:
Tigers Resign a Few; Let Max Scherzer Walk: This one is almost obvious, and it became obvious when Detroit went out and acquired David Price from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 31st. Well, not all of it is obvious, just the fact that Max Scherzer is not returning to the Motor city next season. The Tigers will resign Torii Hunter and Victor Martinez simply because they were their best hitters all throughout this 2014 season. David Price is expected to take Scherzer’s place in the rotation and Joba Chamberlain is going to re-up with Detroit due to the fact that the Detroit bullpen is among the worst in the majors and Joba will gladly try to help.
Yankees Part Ways with Alex Rodriguez, Rebuild: The Yankees need a shortstop now, and releasing A-Rod’s $275 Million contract may be a good thing in acquiring a new shortstop. The Yankees are responsible for his salary should they release him, but it would free up some roster space and, in turn, maybe some cap space. The Yankees would also be rid of the “bad press” due to the circumstances surrounding A-Rod’s one year suspension for the 2014 season. This would allow the Yankees to rebuild and shy away from getting the veterans that may be a little past their prime and who may not be able to perform at the all-star level expected of them.
Jon Lester stays in Oakland: I have a question for all MLB teams: Who is looking for starting pitching? I’m sure a few teams would say “yes”, but I believe that it’d be easier for Jon Lester to stay in Oakland than go to a different team and try to learn their system. I don’t think he stays in Oakland for long, signing a two year deal and possibly being traded in the second year.
Photo Credit: Anthony Gruppuso, USA TODAY Sports