The Juan Soto trade created a buzz like no other around Major League Baseball, but the blockbuster could become just the first domino of multiple massive moves in the coming months.
Between a superstar-driven free agency class and trade rumors set to heat up, we could be in for a wild offseason with ripple effects stretching across the entire league.
Here are some of the biggest moves that could be made in the upcoming offseason:
Shohei Ohtani traded away from Los Angeles Angels
This storyline admittedly is low-hanging fruit, but Soto’s blockbuster trade sets somewhat of a precedent for dealing superstar players in their primes.
Angels owner Arte Moreno was unwilling to let his two-way star and marketing sensation leave at the deadline, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. The Angels likely will hold onto Ohtani and wait until at least the deadline before swinging a trade, but teams will be calling. It will take a massive haul to acquire the reigning American League MVP before the start of the 2023 season, but it’s certainly possible.
Aaron Judge leaves New York Yankees after historic season
The most recent attempt at a contract negotiation between the Yankees and Judge did not go well. It reportedly started with the sides being off by a substantial margin and ended with Yankees general manager Brian Cashman publicly revealing his offer.
It’s safe to say Judge can raise his price this offseason, as he currently leads the league in hits (122), runs (93), home runs (44), RBIs (98), slugging percentage (.677), OPS (1.068), OPS+ (200) and total bases (273). Not a bad time for the face of the Yankees franchise to be in a contract year.
Carlos Correa opts out with Minnesota Twins, replaces Judge as newest face of Bronx Bombers
The Yankees passed on Correa last offseason. Will they have the strength to hold back on offering the slugging shortstop a massive contract this winter? That move could depend on what happens with Judge, or whether the current Yankees roster can get the job done and bring home a title. If not, the Yankees could be prepared to throw any amount of money at Correa to get over the hump, especially if Judge does, in fact, decide to take his talents elsewhere.
Jacob deGrom opts out with New York Mets, becomes most intriguing free-agent pitcher in recent memory
The pitching market in the upcoming free-agent class is not exactly tantalizing. If deGrom throws his hat into the ring, things will get a lot more interesting.
What kind of contract would make sense for someone like deGrom? When healthy, deGrom is the most unhittable pitcher in the sport. In 2021, the right-handed hurler posted a 1.08 ERA with a 146-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 92 innings. That said, he’s made just 17 starts since the beginning of 2021 and has an expansive injury history related to his throwing arm and shoulder. (Still, that hasn’t stopped him from hitting 102 mph on the radar gun.)
Given his age (34), injury history and generational talent, it might make the most sense for deGrom to sign a deal similar to the one his teammate, Max Scherzer, landed with the Mets. Scherzer signed a three-year, $130 million contract prior to the season. It’s hard to guess who would be the likely suitors for deGrom, but even if he dangled himself in free agency and ultimately returned to the Mets, it still would create quite the offseason buzz.
