Offseason Trading Updates for Black Snell and Dodgers

The MLB offseason  is in full swing, with several key players and teams actively shaping their strategies for the upcoming season. Blake Snell, one of the top free agent pitchers on the market, is already meeting with potential suitors, including the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are exploring their options, the A’s face challenges in the trade market, and the Rays are considering whether to make major moves. Let’s dive into the latest MLB offseason developments.

Blake Snell’s Early Free-Agent Meetings

Blake Snell, a left-handed pitcher who will turn 32  in December, has wasted no time meeting with interested teams. After a strong 2023 season, Snell is aiming for a quicker resolution in free agency compared to last year, when he didn’t sign with the San Francisco Giants until mid-March. This offseason, Snell has already met with the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, and he could soon meet with other teams, such as the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays, all looking to bolster their starting rotations. Snell’s age  puts him slightly behind other top pitchers like Max Fried (31) and Corbin Burnes (30), but he has a key advantage: unlike Fried and Burnes, Snell is not tied to a qualifying offer, meaning the team that signs him will not have to sacrifice a draft pick or international bonus pool money.

Snell is no stranger to pitching in high-pressure markets, having spent five seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East, so he would not be opposed to a move to Boston, where he could be a valuable addition to their rotation. The Dodgers, on the other hand, are an attractive option for Snell, especially since team president Andrew Friedman was the Rays’ GM when Snell was drafted by Tampa Bay. The Dodgers, who showed interest in Snell at both the trade deadline and last offseason, are once again expected to pursue him.

Dodgers’ Evolving Plans

The Los Angeles Dodgers are constantly reshaping their roster, and this offseason is no different. A key development is their decision to move Mookie Betts to second base, which has sparked speculation about possible roster changes, including the signing of free agent shortstop Willy Adames. However, Dodgers’ president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is known for his strategic moves and reluctance to overpay for elite talent. While Adames is a top shortstop in a thin market, he is expected to command a significant contract, and Friedman may not want to lock into such a deal when the team’s larger needs lie in the outfield and rotation.

The Dodgers also have decisions to make regarding Gavin Lux, a former first-round pick who had a strong second half after recovering from knee surgery. Lux could be a valuable asset if the Dodgers decide to trade him, especially considering his affordability and the potential return they could get. If Lux remains, the team could shift Betts back to shortstop and slot Tommy Edman at center field, providing flexibility while addressing roster needs.

Oakland A’s Trade Challenges

The Oakland Athletics are focused on improving their roster through trades, but they are facing significant hurdles. The A’s have limited appeal to free agents, especially given their current home in a minor-league park in Sacramento. As a result, general manager David Forst has been concentrating on trade opportunities to help the team take a step forward.

However, other teams are also looking to upgrade their rosters, and the A’s are reluctant to trade away their best assets. Key players like designated hitter Brent Rooker and center fielder JJ Bleday are expected to remain with the A’s, as they are integral to the team’s rebuilding process. While the A’s may be willing to trade reliever Mason Miller, they will likely require a quality position player in return, complicating the trade process.

Rays’ Flexible Trade Strategy

The Tampa Bay Rays, despite playing at a minor-league facility in 2025, are in a better position than the A’s, with a deeper talent pool and a more flexible payroll. After trading  several key players in the past season, the Rays have a payroll that is expected to stay around $85 million, which could decrease if they trade certain players, such as first baseman Yandy Díaz or second baseman Brandon Lowe.

The Rays are unlikely to make drastic changes to their roster but could reassess at the trade deadline, depending on team performance. While they may not be heavy players in free agency, the Rays have the flexibility to trade from their depth  to bolster  their roster.

Cubs’ Challenges with Cody Bellinger

The Chicago Cubs are exploring trade options for outfielder Cody Bellinger, but the high price tag on his contract could make a deal difficult. Bellinger, who has a guaranteed $32.5 million remaining on his contract, was one of the top outfielders in 2023, with an OPS 39% above league average. However, his performance in 2024 will influence his trade value, and teams may be hesitant to take on such a significant contract.

While the New York Yankees have shown interest in Bellinger in the past, his $32.5 million guarantee could complicate any potential trade. The Cubs may need to absorb part of the contract or accept a lesser return in the deal.

Conclusion

The MLB offseason is full of activity as teams position themselves for the 2024 season. Blake Snell is a prime free agent target, with several teams vying for his services. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, A’s, and Rays are navigating their unique challenges  in terms of roster construction and trades. The Cubs face a difficult  situation with Cody Bellinger, but his trade market will evolve as the offseason progresses. Stay tuned as these teams continue to make moves and finalize  their plans for next season.