re: 2020 MLB Offseason Thread

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@stevestone The National’s Stephen Strasburg will opt out of his contract. Don’t get excited Sox fans, nobody in baseball deals better with Scott Boras than Mike Rizzo. I predict Strasburg opts out and signs a long term deal with the only team he’s ever played on, the Washington Nationals

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and signs a long term deal with the only team he’s ever played on, the Washington Nationals

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5) Yankees

The Yankees are on this list because they are the Yankees. They’ve resisted the big splashy acquisition in recent seasons, but they also haven’t been to the World Series since 2009. That would make Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon ideal fits, along with Zack Wheeler, Madison Bumgarner and reliever Will Smith. The Yankees would surprise no one by making an under-the-radar run at Rendon and perhaps JD Martinez if he becomes available

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2) Dodgers

Are the Dodgers ready for a shakeup? Although they generally carry a large payroll, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman seldom acquired superstars from outside the organization during the Dodgers’ streak of seven straight National League West titles. Now he’s believed to be ready to change the mix a bit, and reports say he's interested in making a run at Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor. The Dodgers are one of the few teams with the Minor League depth to make this trade happen. Friedman is likely to talk to all the major free agents, including Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon.

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New York Yankees: Brett Gardner

The longest-tenured Yankees player just finished a one-year, $7.5 million contract that many assumed would be his last in New York. But the outfielder had a career year at the plate, setting personal highs with 28 home runs, 74 RBIs and an .829 OPS. With Aaron Hicks expected to miss at least the first half of the 2020 season, a return on another one-year deal seems likely.

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Houston Astros: Will Harris

Nearly one-third of the Astros’ roster is headed for free agency, so it’s feasible that more than one could return in 2020. Frontline starting pitcher Gerrit Cole seems like a long shot to be back, but Harris -- a right-hander who had an outstanding regular season that carried into October -- is an important piece of the bullpen the Astros likely will try to retain.

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Texas Rangers: Hunter Pence

Elvis Andrus has an opt-out, and the Rangers hold club options on Nate Jones and Shawn Kelley, so let’s rule them out of this conversation. Logan Forsythe and Edinson Vólquez underperformed, but Pence posted a nice comeback season (18 HR, 59 RBIs, .910 OPS in 83 games) and was one of the feel-good stories of the Rangers’ 2019 season.

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Atlanta Braves: Josh Donaldson

Donaldson will be extended a qualifying offer, which could impact the third baseman’s value with other teams. But after posting a big season in Atlanta and helping the Braves to the NL East title, it appears to be a perfect fit for both parties. It would not be remotely surprising to see them come to terms on a multi-year deal.

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Los Angeles Dodgers: Hyun-Jin Ryu

Ryu will surely receive interest from other clubs after posting a league-leading 2.32 ERA in 182 2/3 innings last season, but the consensus around the league is that the left-hander wants to stay in Los Angeles and the Dodgers would like to bring him back. Ryu accepted the qualifying offer last year, so the Dodgers can’t extend another one to him this offseason.

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Los Angeles Dodgers: Hyun-Jin Ryu

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