MLB offseason bold predictions: Tarik Skubal, William Contreras, Yankees, more

Key Points:

• Tarik Skubal is predicted to sign a record-breaking pitching contract worth closer to $400 million, surpassing Yoshinobu Yamamoto's $325 million deal with the Dodgers.
• The Milwaukee Brewers are expected to break their trend of trading star players before free agency by signing World Series MVP William Contreras to a six-year, $144 million extension.
• The Houston Astros are predicted to trade shortstop Jeremy Peña while retaining third baseman Isaac Paredes, despite conventional wisdom favoring the opposite move.
• The Atlanta Braves may shake up their core by trading Ozzie Albies to address offensive stagnation, while keeping other key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson.
• Several notable trades and signings are anticipated, including the Mariners trading starting pitcher George Kirby for a bat, the Cubs and Yankees making a trade involving pitching and infield help, and Japanese third baseman Teruaki Sato securing a contract potentially doubling that of Munetaka Murakami.