The Major League Baseball offseason went from a standstill to a flurry of activity seemingly overnight, with Aaron Nola, Reynaldo Lopez and Lance Lynn all agreeing to contracts in a 36-hour span. And all indications are that the market remains active.
There is a definite chance for more deals to be completed ahead of Thanksgiving and all indications are that another big name coming off the board is entirely possible. The starting pitching market is an area to watch and something that teams are becoming increasingly aggressive after Nola re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on a seven-year, $172 million contract.
Here is what I'm hearing around the league, via major-league sources:
Pittsburgh Pirates
Internally, the Pittsburgh Pirates view the 2024 season as a realistic chance for the team to reach the postseason. And that means being more aggressive in upgrading the roster through trade and free agency.
The Pirates have explored a plethora of options. One source said that "(Ben) Cherington is on everything." But realistically, the Pirates will not be signing a star in free agency. Rather, they will be in the mid-tier markets, and could be signing more veteran players to put in their young clubhouse.
Among the options to watch for the Pirates include Rowdy Tellez, the first baseman who was non-tendered by the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. He's coming off a down, injury-filled season but provides power and is considered a good locker room presence. He would be an upgrade over Carlos Santana, who the team signed to be their primary first baseman last winter.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves have aggressively bolstered their pitching staff this winter, trading five players to acquire left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer from the Chicago White Sox. They then signed Reynaldo Lopez to a three-year, $30 million contract and will give him a shot at winning a spot in the rotation.
And every indication is that the Braves aren't done.
The Braves continue to monitor the pitching market, sources say, and one rival executive believes they could add another starting pitcher and relief pitcher. The Braves were heavily after Aaron Nola, and it's possible that they pivot to Sonny Gray, Eduardo Rodriguez or another high-end arm to upgrade their rotation.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays have shown an early interest in some of the top names in free agency, including on the starting pitching market, as first reported by Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. Toronto has also been examining the trade market.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are poking around the top of the pitching market, and have expressed interest in Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Cease. They are also widely expected to be involved in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes, a bidding that is likely to exceed $200 million.
That's not to mention Shohei Ohtani, who is believed to be the Dodgers' top target in free agency. The team has long had their eyes on the two-way superstar. They have the financial means to complete a contract in excess of $500 million and present the opportunity to consistently compete for a World Series, something that he's sought since coming to MLB.
But the Dodgers also need to add multiple starting pitchers, and considering some of the names they are targeting, appear to be looking for a long-term frontline starter.