MLB closed out 2019 by having multiple top-name hurlers change teams in December, mostly through the free-agent market but also through a controversial trade.
That flurry of activity sets up a lot of emotional homecomings for those pitchers in 2020. The gatherings will be mostly bright and positive — get ready for video tributes, standing ovations and hugs between ex-teammates.
SN 2019 AWARDS:
Player of the Year | NL Rookie | AL Rookie | NL Manager | AL Manager | NL Comeback Player | AL Comeback Player | Executive of the Year
It won't be all smiles in those parks, of course. There will be subtext to these get-togethers, stuff that doesn't get said in polite company. Expect most, if not all, the talk to come from fans who want to dismiss a player who went away or express anger at a team for letting a favorite go.
MORE: Way-too-early bold predictions for 2020
SN has put together a starting five of the top return visits next season, and it has a few ideas about the quiet parts that fans will want to say loud.
Zack Wheeler to New York
Dates: March 30-April 1
The polite part: Wheeler secured a five-year, $118 million contract from the NL East-rival Phillies after two strong seasons in the middle of the Mets' rotation. The right-hander will be back at Citi Field during the first full week of the 2020 season.
The quiet part: "Thanks for being a competitor and for overcoming injuries, Zack, but you never really put it together in New York. Too much inconsistency. We hope the Mets light up your overpriced butt."
Madison Bumgarner to San Francisco
Dates: April 6-9
The respectable part: The Diamondbacks snagged MadBum with a five-year, $85 million contract. Giants Vice President Farhan Zaidi decided against paying Bumgarner into his mid-30s as he saw the left-hander's peripheral stats decline slightly.
The quiet part: "We hate how Farhan is trying to rebuild this team; he's always trying to show he's the smartest guy in the room. You'll always be aces with us, MadBum. They should let Buster Posey catch you for the first inning." (Actually, Giants Twitter has been vocal about much of this.)
Corey Kluber to Cleveland
Dates: May 4-7
The respectable part: The Indians traded the two-time American League Cy Young winner to the Rangers for reliever Emmanuel Clase and outfielder Delino DeShields, saving themselves $17 million in 2020 and punting on an $18 million option decision for 2021. Kluber was limited to seven starts last season because of a broken arm.
The quiet part: "How can we be mad at you, Klubot? It's not your fault you got hurt and then got discarded by the Dolan who won't spend on players."
Dallas Keuchel to Houston
Dates: June 12-14
The respectable part: The left-hander was around for a lot of Houston's pre-World Series losing; now, he'll be coming back to Minute Maid Park with a Chicago team that is trying to build in a similar way. Keuchel spent half a season with the Braves in 2019 and then signed a contract with the White Sox that could pay him $74 million over four years.
The quiet part: "Major props for surviving the tank and becoming a champion with us, but we were really good without you last year and we'll be really good without you this year, too. Enjoy the Comedy Central."
Gerrit Cole to Pittsburgh
Dates: June 16-17
The respectable part: We could have gone with Cole returning to Houston, too, but Pirates fans have more history with the right-hander, who went from horse to beast after his 2018 trade from the Bucs to the Astros. Cole has already faced his first team, but the game was in Houston.
The quiet part: "You priced yourself out of town as soon as you became good. Can't get mad at you for that. Would it be wrong to ask you to put some of your $324 million into a hat to help buy out Bob Nutting?"
