On the heels of an in a single day signing, listed here are three issues we’ll be maintaining a tally of across the baseball world all through the day:
1. What’s subsequent for the Mets?
The Mets reportedly signed right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year deal value $34MM that features an opt-out after the 2025 season yesterday. In doing so, they stuffed the primary of three rotation spots that have been vacated by the departures of Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana in free company. Montas, who struggled final yr to a 4.84 ERA and 4.71 FIP in 150 2/3 innings of labor between the Reds and Brewers, is hardly a surefire influence addition to their beginning 5 however ought to eat innings in the back of the rotation with the upside to supply further worth — not not like Manaea was seen on the time of his cope with New York final yr.
Whereas the Mets are certain to stay zeroed in on Juan Soto, there’s little query that the membership goes to proceed to pursue rotation upgrades. Will president of baseball operations David Stearns and his entrance workplace use their monetary would possibly to land a surefire ace like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried, or does the membership plan to function equally to final winter on the rotation market whereas focusing their largest additions on a lineup that stands liable to shedding Pete Alonso?
2. Is there extra coming from the Cubs?
The Cubs entered the offseason surrounded by rumors they might look so as to add to the highest of their rotation this winter, however they’ve subsequently reversed course to deal with center tiers of the beginning pitching market. That ostensible shift in focus seemingly led to at this time’s in a single day deal for southpaw Matthew Boyd, who reportedly signed on with the membership for $29MM over two years. The Cubs have been typically anticipated to look so as to add gamers to their rotation and bullpen this winter whereas additionally looking for an improve behind the plate. They’ve a minimum of nominally addressed all three of these positions already this winter by including Boyd, Eli Morgan, and Matt Thaiss. Is there extra coming from the Cubs, or does the rest of their offseason hinge on figuring out a Cody Bellinger commerce?
3. When will the marketplace for QO starters warmth up?
One quirk of the pitching market motion this winter is that it’s been centered completely on hurlers who aren’t hooked up to draft decide compensation. Whereas lots of the starters anticipated to land multi-year offers this winter acquired a qualifying provide final month, Montas and Boyd be a part of Yusei Kikuchi and Blake Snell among the many listing of starters who didn’t. Some unencumbered free brokers corresponding to Jack Flaherty and Nathan Eovaldi stay, however the choices on that entrance are dwindling. Will groups proceed to draw back from certified free agent starters till later within the offseason, or might the approaching days spur some exercise on the opposite aspect of the beginning pitching market?
