Updated MLB Trade and Free-Agency Predictions After 1st Wave of Signings
Carlos Correa, Trevor Story and Sean Manaea are the only players who haven't signed. The Cincinnati Reds and Oakland Athletics are expected to make some notable trades. The starting pitching market is expected for Sean Maea, Frankie Montas, Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle.
Oakland Athletics have already sold Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Chris Bassitt and are looking for a new player. Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea are being considered. The Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins are interested in them. The Twins recently acquired Sonny Gray from the Cincinnati Reds. Manea is a free agent next year, whereas Montaes is controllable for two more years.
Johnny Cueto is a free agent and a one-year deal in the $5 million neighborhood is being considered. Cueta is 36 years old and last year he played for the San Francisco Giants. The Texas Rangers have already signed Jon Gray and Martin Perez. They are going to need more starting pitching help if they want to contend in 2022.
Andrelton Simmons left for the New York Yankees and Isiah Kiner-Falefa was traded to the Yankees. Jorge Polanco is not an ideal replacement for him. The Minnesota Twins have money to spend after unloading Josh Donaldson's contract. Trevor Story has turned down offers from teams wanting to sign him to play shortstop.
The Cincinnati Reds are looking to sell off their top players. Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle are both controllable for two more seasons. Castillos posted a 2.73 ERA with 144 strikeouts in 135.1 innings last season. The Dodgers have Walker Buehler, Julio Urias and Clayton Kershaw in their starting rotation. Trevor Bauer could return at some point.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Andrelton Simmons have been signed by other teams. Freddy Galvis and Jose Iglesias are no longer available shortstops. Carlos Correa is expected to rejoin the Houston Astros. He will get a 10-year, $345 million contract.
