Since the end of last week’s Winter Meetings, several signings have taken place. However, with less than ten days left in the holiday shopping period, there are numerous deals still to be finalized.
Unlike the fast-paced shopping season, the Hot Stove period is expected to extend into January and possibly February. So, as we move into the latter half of December, where are we standing?
The Starting Pitching Market
Michael King seems poised to be the next player to sign, attracting interest from teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Cubs, and Mets. It is anticipated that King will secure a four-year deal, while other top-tier starters including Framber Valdez, Tatsuya Imai, and Ranger Suárez are aiming for contracts of at least five years.
Tatsuya Imai’s situation must be settled by January 2, when his posting window closes. The timelines for Valdez, Suárez, and Zac Gallen remain uncertain. The high-end starting pitching market remains robust, although the recent deal for Cease may have elevated the expectations for these players.
The Position Player Market
Recent signings only hint at what’s to come in the position-player market, as several prominent names are still available.
Players like Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman, and Bo Bichette are expected to see increased interest, particularly due to the scarcity of high-caliber players on the trading block.
Tucker has already met with the Blue Jays, but the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers are also eyeing him. Bellinger might hold off until Tucker establishes market value, but with the Yankees keen on Bellinger after his strong performance, he could be incentivized to sign sooner.
As for Bregman and Bichette, their markets are less defined. Teams like the Cubs, Tigers, and Red Sox are reportedly targeting Bregman, while the Blue Jays, Braves, and Red Sox have shown interest in Bichette.
The longer these players remain unsigned, the higher the probability of “mystery teams” emerging as January approaches.
