BOSTON, MA - MAY 31: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox reacts during the ninth inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds on May 31, 2022 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
It’s Thanksgiving weekend and there are plenty of MLB teams that need to show how thankful they are for their players and resign them. There are big free agents in every division that can change the landscape of the American League. The New York Yankees have Aaron Judge. The Boston Red Sox have Xander Bogaerts. The Minnesota Twins have Carlos Correa and the Houston Astros need to retain Justin Verlander.
What these MLB teams need to do to be even more thankful heading into the New Year
New York Yankees
Outfielder Aaron Judge is the biggest free agent, literally and figuratively. The Yankees must do whatever it takes to keep this man in pinstripes. The 62 home runs speak for themselves, but his all-around game and leadership intangibles speak even further. Judge means so much to the city, fan base, and locker room. Removing number 99 would not only cause an uproar, but lose production that they can’t replace. Without Judge, it’s possible that the Bronx Bombers would even be a non-playoff team. Let that sink in for a minute.
Boston Red Sox
Shortstop Xander Bogaerts has been a critical part of the Red Sox success. He’s won two World Series, five Silver Sluggers, and is a four-time All-Star. He’s become a staple and they can’t afford to lose him. His offensive production is incredible and he has a WAR near six last season. He hits for average and power, with a career batting average of .292 and 156 home runs. Bogaerts’ defense can improve, but he’s still vital to this Red Sox team. Replacing him would be tough. It’s doubtful they would sign another shortstop, and probably just move Trevor Story back to his natural position.
Minnesota Twins
Shortstop Carlos Correa had a good first year with the Twins with 22 home runs and an OPS+ of 141. Correa’s defense was as good as ever and provided great leadership. Correa wants to be back, the Twins just need to be prepared to spend heavily on him. He could help them turn it around after they fell short of the AL Central title. Correa’s return would signal that the Twins are serious. Correa could also entice other free agents to sign with them.
Houston Astros
Starting pitcher Justin Verlander just won the Cy Young Award and, at age 40, can still get it done. Verlander will have a high price tag for his age, but it’s worth it for the Astros. He sets the tone for their entire pitching staff. He has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the league since joining Houston. If the Astros want to repeat, it would be smart to keep JV around.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 23: Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs adjusts his ear piece to communicate to the pitcher through PitchCom during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 23, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cubs defeated the Phillies 6-2 in 10 innings. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
Part two of this story will explore which teams in the National League must show thanks by resigning their free agents. The New York Mets have Jacob deGrom. The Atlanta Braves have Dansby Swanson. The Chicago Cubs have Willson Contreras. The San Francisco Giants must resign Carlos Rodón.
New York Mets
Starting pitcher Jacob deGrom has been the best Met player during his tenure. deGrom has put the team on his back when they were incapable of scoring runs. He is a guy that everyone trusts and has comfort when he takes the ball. His career ERA is 2.52 and his strikeouts per nine innings are just under 11. deGrom has had health issues, but his contract is worth the risk. Resigning him puts the Mets in the best position to compete for a championship. They didn’t even get to see a full season of him and Scherzer together. Taking a few shots at a World Series with those two has so much upside. If deGrom is back, the Mets could be the NL East favorites and possibly of the entire National League.
Atlanta Braves
Shortstop Dansby Swanson had a career year, winning a Gold Glove and hitting a career-high 96 RBI. Swanson was the one guy that played every day. He’s durable and dependent. At 28 years old, the arrow is only pointing up for Swanson. He’s been in Atlanta his entire career and his teammates love him. He also stole a career-high 18 bases. With the rule changes next season, his speed could make him even more valuable. He helped them win a World Series in 2021 and he’s a key to their success.
Chicago Cubs
Catcher Wilson Contreras wasn’t traded last season at the deadline. The Cubs could’ve gotten something for him, but now they can’t let him walk for nothing. Contreras is an offensive catcher. He hit 22 home runs which were second on the team despite only playing 113 games. His OPS of .815 led the team and his bat is one of the few impactful ones in their lineup. Losing him would create a black hole that they couldn’t replace. They won’t find a better catcher on the market. The Cubs need to take a step forward not backward.
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San Francisco Giants
Carlos Rodon was the best pitcher on their staff last year. Rodon has the best strikeout stuff with his fastball in the high 90s and his wipeout slider. He lead the Giants with 237 strikeouts and his ERA was 2.88. He threw 178 innings and proved he’s seemingly past his injury concerns. At 30 years old, he could command the largest contract on the pitching market. Rodon would be a good first step in showing that the Giants want to compete next year.
