1. A reunion between Bellinger and the Yankees had made sense throughout the offseason. Now that it’s happened, does this likely put a cap on the Yankees’ significant offseason moves, or might they look to make another splash?
Frankly, I’m not sure there’s a need for another huge splash. I know the Yankees fan base is disappointed in the championship drought that has lasted 16 seasons, but New York tied for the most wins in the American League last year, missing out on the AL East title and the No. 1 seed because of the tiebreaker with Toronto. The Yankees have added Ryan Weathers, Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn for rotation depth while Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón rehab from injury, but once those two return, the rotation — which also includes Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt and Will Warren — will be in great shape.
There is a chance that the Yankees try to trade for Freddy Peralta, but I don’t expect them to be in the mix for free agents Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, Chris Bassitt or Lucas Giolito. As for the lineup, Bellinger was the only missing piece. With that situation settled, GM Brian Cashman will likely look to add a bullpen piece or two, but the bench looks finished with Amed Rosario, Oswaldo Cabrera, Jasson Domínguez and potentially Spencer Jones. When Anthony Volpe returns from his left shoulder surgery, José Caballero will join that bench group, as well. Bellinger was the big piece of unfinished business, but that has now been addressed.
2. The top group of free-agent position players all have finally found homes, leaving the likes of Eugenio Suárez, Luis Arraez and Harrison Bader atop that market. Where might they land?
Suárez is the biggest bat left on the market, and the Pirates, Tigers and Reds would all make sense as they look to add some pop to their respective lineups. A return to Seattle would also be a natural fit for Suárez, though the team that could now make a push for him is the Red Sox, who lost Alex Bregman and missed out on Bo Bichette, leaving a hole in the infield. Suárez could play third base, shifting Marcelo Mayer back to second base.
Arraez’s market isn’t as clear, though a number of teams continue to monitor him. The fact that he can play first base, second base or DH gives potential suitors some options, and while he posted the lowest batting average (.292) of his career, he still led the NL with 181 hits and ranked at the top of the Majors in whiff rate, strikeout rate and squared-up rate, remaining one of the elite contact hitters in the game.
Bader is the best outfielder left on the market, and a number of teams including the Mets, Diamondbacks and Cardinals need more help in that area. A reunion with the Phillies can’t be ruled out, though that seems like a long shot at this point.
3. For teams still looking for an impact bat, what are the most realistic trade options at this point?
With only a few weeks remaining until Spring Training, the number of available bats on the trade market are few and far between. Luis Robert Jr. was an intriguing change-of-scenery candidate, but the Mets acquired him on Tuesday. Ryan Mountcastle has shown the ability to impact a lineup (33 home runs in 2021), but it’s been a few years since he put together a full, healthy, productive season. Baltimore has nowhere for Mountcastle to play with the addition of Pete Alonso and the emergence of Samuel Basallo, so the 28-year-old could likely be had at a minimal cost. There has been some buzz about the Astros potentially making Isaac Paredes available, though it’s far from certain that he’ll be moved. Infielders Nico Hoerner, Brendan Donovan and Brett Baty may not fit the “impact bat” definition, but all three could be moved prior to the season.
4. Things are less settled on the free-agent starting pitching market, with Framber Valdez leading the way among those still available. Is there any indication that Valdez’s market is heating up, and who might have the upper hand for him?
There has been no indication that Valdez’s market has changed much, with the Mets and Orioles continuing to be the two teams most often connected to the lefty. Valdez was the oldest of the top starters available, and at age 32, it remains to be seen whether he can land the long-term deal he’s seeking. For teams trying to make a notable upgrade to the rotation, Gallen might be a better option, while a trade with the Brewers for Peralta will continue to be in play until he’s ultimately traded.
