Yankees might be pitcher away from World Series
With the 2019 World Series in the books and the Nationals crowned champions, it’s time to turn the page to the winter ahead – and the 2020 MLB season.
A number of marquee players are set to hit free agency, including some of the biggest stars of the World Series in starting pitchers Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg as well as third baseman Anthony Rendon.
Any team that signs a player of this caliber is going to have increased expectations, but even as the hot stove gets preheated, here’s a way-too-early look at the teams that could make an October run next year.
The usual suspects
Astros: They’ll probably lose Cole in free agency, but the core is still very much in place and the seemingly neverending prospect pipeline will graduate even more talent to the majors.
Yankees: The Bronx Bombers topped 100 wins with all the injuries and a rotation with a 4.51 ERA, so expect them to go all out in pursuit of Cole.
Dodgers: Another disappointing year ended in the NL Division Series, but everyone is still there – except maybe starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, who is a free agent. The next wave of youngsters – namely second baseman Gavin Lux and starting pitcher Dustin May – have already made their presence felt and will only get better.
They’ll be back
Nationals: Hanging on to Rendon and Strasburg is the top priority. But even if they lose one (or both), there’s
enough talent to return to the postseason.
Rays: They’re always facing an uphill battle in the AL East, but full seasons from starting pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow should make the division a lot tighter. Tampa Bay also will get bigger contributions from promising youngsters including Willy Adames, Nate Lowe and Brendan McKay.
Braves: After winning back-to-back division titles, they have tough decisions to make, namely whether they want to commit to free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson. Atlanta’s young pitchers came on strong in 2019, and this could become one of the National League’s better rotations.
Cardinals: They’ll need to bulk up on offense, especially if outfielder Marcell Ozuna leaves. But St. Louis could really have a special rotation led by Jack Flaherty.
Athletics: They’ve lost in the AL wild-card game the past two years and in 2020 should get full seasons from young pitchers Sean Manaea and Jesus Luzardo.
Hit or miss
Twins: The Bomba Squad’s recordsetting 2019 isn’t particularly sustainable, but the front office has shown a willingness to spend money.
Indians: Starting pitcher Corey
Kluber’s health is a topic of discussion, but Mike Clevinger and Shane Bieber have proved to be top-of-the-rotation arms. Third baseman Jose Ramirez will bounce back from a disappointing 2019, but will Cleveland look to deal shortstop Francisco Lindor?
Red Sox: After winning 84 games in 2019, pitching is still going to be an issue, slugger J.D. Martinez can opt out and the new regime could trade some of the club’s best players.
Mets: A strong starting rotation is intact, but it’ll be all for naught if closer Edwin Diaz can’t find consistency.
Phillies: Without addressing the rotation, it’s hard to imagine 2020 ending any differently from the past two seasons, though expect more consistency under new manager Joe Girardi. That said, everything changes if they can get Cole.
Brewers: They fought through a lot of adversity in 2019 and stand to lose third baseman Mike Moustakas and catcher Yasmani Grandal in free agency, but any team with outfielder Christian Yelich has a chance.
Dark horses
Padres: They’re still probably a year away. But with a transcendent young superstar in shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres could wind up competing ahead of schedule, just like the Braves did with outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. San Diego already has a ton of money tied up but could go after Cole, a SoCal native, in free agency.
Angels: They have the best player in baseball and an exciting new manager in Joe Maddon. There are a ton of holes to fill, but starting pitcher-DH Shohei Ohtani should return to the mound in 2020 and the Angels are considered one of the favorites to sign Cole.