The baseball world is on the cusp of a total spending frenzy, with the collective bargaining agreement expiration on December 1 looming. Front offices are about to hit the gas, and rumors are flying about some truly wild moves, including the Boston Red Sox potentially making a dramatic play for Cincinnati’s electric Elly De La Cruz.
The Skubal Sweepstakes Is Already Heating Up, With A Record-Setting Bill Coming Due
Let’s talk about Tarik Skubal first, because his name is whispered everywhere, and for good reason. This dude is head and shoulders above the rest of the free agent pitching class, and everyone knows it. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are the “industry favorites” to land him, according to The Athletic’s Katie Woo. But come on, you know it’s not going to be that simple. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel spilled the tea that the New York Yankees are “thinking about” making a run for Skubal, and if they do, they’re already planning to trade from their current pitching stockpile. Can you believe that? Thinking two steps ahead already.
The Detroit Tigers are reportedly “monitoring for a discount,” which, good luck with that, because we’re talking about a “record-setting cost for a pitcher” here, in both guaranteed money and average annual value. The Angels, White Sox, and Padres are apparently “the sleepers,” but who knows if they’ve got the cash. If Skubal considers more than just the money, though, this two-team battle everyone expects could get way more interesting than anyone imagines. This guy is going to get PAID.
Red Sox Looking For A Jolt? Elly De La Cruz Could Be The Answer
Okay, here’s the real bombshell. The Boston Red Sox, World Series champs in 2018 but only three playoff trips since, are looking for a dramatic change. They’ve been stuck, getting bounced in the Wild-Card Round their last two postseason runs. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden reports the Red Sox are ready to “call the Reds if Cincinnati decides to move Elly De La Cruz.” Woah.
De La Cruz just delivered his *first 30-30 campaign*, which is insane for a young player! He’s been “decidedly awesome” to start his career. But his team, the Reds? “Decidedly not.” They’ve posted forgettable win totals between 75 and 83 in all four of his seasons. It makes you wonder: are the Reds questioning if they can even contend during De La Cruz’s prime? Are they already sweating his club control running out in 2030? Trading him could totally restock their farm system and give them a clearer direction. For Boston, this could be the big, bold move to shake them out of their slump. Imagine that speed and power in Fenway. Scary.
Yankees Bullpen Moves: They’re Not Messing Around
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are going to be busy. They’re reportedly targeting a second baseman and an outfielder to replace Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham, reloading their bullpen, and needing a right-handed-hitting catcher. On the bullpen front, they’ve already slapped a qualifying offer on closer David Bednar, which tells you they definitely want him back. And speaking of relievers they want to keep, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News says they have “strong interest in re-signing Paul Blackburn.” Blackburn was absolutely terrific last season, his first as a full-time reliever, putting up a tidy 1.59 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 85 innings pitched. The Yankees are clearly not waiting around for the CBA deadline to start locking down their relief corps.
The dam is about to break, and when it does, it’s going to be absolute chaos. Keep your eyes glued to the rumor mill, because the next few weeks are going to set the stage for how some of these teams look for a long time.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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