MLB Predictions 2019: Manny Machado And Bryce Harper Sweepstakes, Dodgers' Trade, Yankees' Offseason

There hasn’t been a ton of player movement since the MLB Winter Meetings in December. Things should pick up now that we’re into January and pitchers and catchers are set to report in a little over a month.

Here are five predictions for the MLB offseason in 2019:

Manny Machado will sign before Bryce Harper, who will get a record contract

For months, we’ve been wondering what MLB’s most sought-after free agents would do. It might not be long before Machado makes his decision, but the waiting game will continue for a while when it comes to Harper’s future.

Machado has met with the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees. He knows where they stand and should sign with a team soon. It isn’t nearly as clear which teams are making a strong push to sign Harper, and his free agency could last well into February as Scott Boras looks to secure a record-setting contract. Some team is bound to offer the 26-year-old a deal worth more than Giancarlo Stanton’s $325 million contract, and it’s hard to believe he’ll leave a single cent on the table.

The Philadelphia Phillies will get Machado or Harper

So much has been made about Philadelphia spending “stupid” money this offseason, yet the organization has yet to make a splash—signing Andrew McCutchen doesn't count. Because it would be considered a failure if the Phillies don’t end up with either Machado or Harper, expect the team to make sure they land one of the two superstars.

It sounds like the Phillies are going to outbid the Yankees for Machado. The infielder reportedly prefers to play in the Bronx, so he could take a small discount and sign with New York. If that happens, don’t be surprised if Philadelphia hands Harper a blank check. The Phillies have plenty of room on their payroll. Even a 10-year, $350 million contract would get Harper off their books when he’s only 36 years old. Philadelphia might only be one star player away from contending, and they seem ready to go all in on trying to win a World Series within the next few seasons.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will trade for Corey Kluber or J.T. Realmuto

Los Angeles has been in trade discussions for the best available players this offseason. Look for them to pull the trigger on a deal at some point before spring training.

The Miami Marlins’ asking price for Realmuto remains high and the Dodgers won’t give up Cody Bellinger, but things could change as Miami continues to have trouble finding a deal. Los Angeles has even more prospects that they can trade for Realmuto or Kluber after sending Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Alex Wood to the Cincinnati Reds. The Dodgers moved veterans for minor leaguers and payroll relief so they could improve the team in other areas. After losing in the World Series for a second straight year, L.A. seems determined to add another potential All-Star for 2019.

Zach Britton or David Robertson will re-sign with the New York Yankees

The Yankees might have two notable signings left in them for the remainder of the offseason. New York remains in the Manny Machado Sweepstakes, and they will likely sign one marquee reliever. The team already took care of the rotation by trading for James Paxton and re-signing J.A. Happ.

Adam Ottavino has been linked to the Yankees, but he’s received heavy interest from the White Sox and Boston Red Sox. That might mean either Zach Britton or David Robertson, whom New York is interested in re-signing, will get a contract to stay in the Bronx. Robertson reportedly wants to stay in the Northeast and has proven he can pitch in New York. Britton did the same last year when he posted a 2.88 ERA with the Yankees after the trade deadline.

Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel will sign four-year contracts

With Patrick Corbin going to the Washington Nationals early in the offseason, Kimbrel and Keuchel are the top pitchers in free agency. Both players are reportedly looking for lengthy, nine-figure deals, but they might have settle for far less money than what they are seeking.

It’d be stunning to see Kimbrel get the reported six-year contract he wants. Despite being a perennial All-Star, the closer was bad in the playoffs and after the All-Star break, which could make it hard for him to even land a five-year deal. After seeing Corbin get six years and $140 million from the Nationals, you can bet Keuchel wants at least five years and $100 million. But there doesn’t seem to be much of a bidding war for the left-hander, who doesn’t have a high strikeout rate and has recorded a 3.77 ERA since winning the 2015 AL Cy Young award.