Yes, the World Series just ended last week, but the MLB off-season is just beginning.  This year’s off-season should be a big one due to the big name players who are hitting the free agent market this winter.  Some of the big names include outfielder Bryce Harper, infielder Manny Machado, and pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, along with many others.  Here are my National League predictions for each team’s biggest move this winter:

 Philadelphia Phillies: Manny Machado – SS

The Phillies had a disappointing year in 2018 after jumping out to a very hot start.  They are looking for star power and have the money to pay for it.  Third basemen Maikel Franko will hold down the hot corner for the Phills as Machado takes over at shortstop.

Miami Marlins: Trade

The Marlins are currently going through a major rebuild and this will continue into the off-season.  They are looking to trade all-star catcher J.T. Realmuto for prospects that will better the team in the future.

New York Mets: David Robertson – RP

The Mets are a lower tier team and are just looking for ways to get better.  They are known to have a terrible bullpen and this closer could help.  Another big problem that they have is hitting, but their hitting problems can’t be fixed with one acquisition.

Washington Nationals: Yasmani Grandal – C

The Nationals have a glaring whole at catcher and are probably going to lose star outfielder Bryce Harper.  This frees up cap space for Grandal and the Nats still have potential rookie of the year Juan Soto holding down the outfield.

Atlanta Braves: Cody Allen – RP

The Braves have an abundance of young prospects, both hitters and pitchers.  One of their weak spots that remain in the organization is experienced relief pitching.  Cody Allen has World Series pitching experience because of his time closing for the Cleveland Indians.

San Francisco Giants: Bryce Harper – OF

With Andrew McCutuchen leaving the squad by trade during the season and Hunter Pence get older, the Giants have a need for a star player and Harper is a perfect fit for the team.

Los Angles Dodgers: – AJ Pollock – OF

After reaching the World Series in back to back seasons and losing both, the Dodgers are looking to push themselves over the top.  AJ Pollock is a solid piece that would add both offense and defense to the roster.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Trade

The Diamondbacks are looking to get both cheaper and better, and those are goals that are quite difficult to achieve at the same time.  I believe that they will look to trade some of their more expensive players for prospects to clear room for some major signings next year.

San Diego Padres: Yusei Kikuchi – P

The Padres are bad, there’s no way around it, but they do have several top prospects and this southpaw from Japan could immediately make an impact on the team.

Colorado Rockies : Marwin Gonzalez – IF

Marwin Gonzalez is a player that they can sign for cheap, but will still bring a lot to the table for the squad. The Rockies won’t want to spend a lot of money this off-season so that they can afford the contract of perennial MVP candidate Nolan Arenado, who will be a free agent next winter.

Chicago Cubs : Andrew McCutchen – OF

The Cubs are looking for someone that can help them return to the World Series after a tough loss in the wild card game this past season.  “Cutch” is one of the best outfielders available and is a solid veteran presence on any team.

Milwaukee Brewers : Charlie Morton – P

The Brewers exited the playoffs in the NL championship series after having the best record in the NL during the regular season.  At times throughout the year, their starting pitching was shaky so Morton would be a good fit for the Brew Crew.

Cincinnati Reds : Derek Holland – P

The Reds are in the process of a massive rebuild so it is unlikely that they’ll spend a large amount of money this winter.  Holland is a veteran pitcher that can eat up innings and provide guidance for the young prospects.

Pittsburgh Pirates : Adam Jones – OF

After an injury plagued season, the Pirates find themselves near the bottom of the National League. This team needs help in several areas and Adam Jones brings a plus bat and glove to a team that struggled mightily in 2018.

St. Louis Cardinals : Josh Donaldson – 3B

This will be an interesting winter for the Cardinals because they are known for having money, but not spending it.  It will be interesting to see if they want to pursue top FA’s Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, but it seems unlikely given their history of being stingy when it comes to the cash.  Donaldson brings a lot of pop to the lineup for quite the price, but not the lengthy contract that would come with some of the younger top players.