Storylines to watch during 2023 MLB hot stove offseason

Fans of MLB need to remain alert throughout the fall and winter months, as impactful news about players and coaches can drop at any time. The lack of predictability when it comes to timing makes it somewhat of a free for all, which means that baseball supporters need to have a few general themes in mind to check in on as the winter unfolds.

There’s no bigger domino during the offseason than Ohtani’s MLB future. It’s going to be fascinating to see what type of long term contract he commands, and at what cost. It doesn’t seem like the dual threat player will be able to pitch for at least a year, which might drive his value down. It seems like only a few teams might be able to offer what Ohtani is expected to ask for.

It might be the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds, as the club declined Votto’s $20 million option for 2024. The first baseman has spent the last 17 seasons with the team, and has said he wants to continue his MLB career. It seems possible that Cincinnati might be open to bringing him back at a discount, but he could be lured away by another team looking for a veteran presence.

Another player who has achieved great things with the only franchise he has ever known is on the market this winter. Kershaw is one of the best pitchers of all time, but is now in his mid-thirties. It’s unlikely that he receives a long term deal this winter, but his average annual salary might come close to what Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander earned in the last couple years.

The Rangers are basking in the glory of winning their first World Series championship in franchise history. The front office is already hard at work to figure out how they can defend their crown. Starting pitcher Martin Perez was a key cog for their run, and it’s going to be interesting to monitor how intent Texas is on bringing him back.

Bellinger has had a roller coaster career so far in the Major Leagues. He’s won Rookie Of The Year and an MVP award all by the age of 23. He’s also been dropped in the batting order and given up on by at least one club after a precipitous drop in production. Bellinger seemed to right the ship this year with the Chicago Cubs, but it’s hard to know exactly which player will show up moving forward.

After a storied major league career, manager Dusty Baker will enter a new phase of his life in retirement. Houston was prepared for this to happen, but will now have to find the individual who can continue the team’s great run in the American League. It seems like they prefer to elevate an in-house candidate rather than bring someone else in from another team.

It was decided in late September that Buck Showalter would not be returning as manager of the New York Mets, despite winning 101 games in 2022. The veteran skipper is looking to run a team that appears closer to contention, which makes him an attractive option in a couple of places. The San Diego Padres might consider Showalter, as well as the Los Angeles Angels if Ohtani is resigned.

A wrinkle in every offseason involves the potential to sign Japanese players to MLB clubs. This year, it seems like the grand prize is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pitcher who just threw 150 innings with the Orix Blue Wave, to a miniscule 1.50 ERA. We just saw Kodai Senga have a strong rookie season with the New York Mets, which might drive Yamamoto’s price up this offseason.