Winners and losers as spring training gets going
BOSTON — “It will be a cold winter,” an agent predicted in November when asked how he thought the free agent market would develop.
That was a widely held opinion. After a 60-game season that had many teams claiming huge revenue losses because of the pandemic, nearly 200 players entered the market.
In general, it was a chilly reception. Through Friday, only 10 players received deals worth $32 million or more, with five hitting $65 million or more.
Thirteen free agents landed deals worth at least $34 million last season, with 10 getting at least $65 million.
To be certain, some notable teams cut back on payroll. But it wasn’t a particularly strong free agent class, either, so comparisons to previous seasons aren’t necessarily valid. Teams also have learned over time that free agency is often not a cost-effective way to add talent.
Here’s a view on which teams were winter winners and losers.
Winners
Padres: A.J. Preller had a career-making winter, swinging trades for starters Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Blake Snell without cutting too deep into his prospect depth.
The Padres improved their offensive versatility by signing Korean star Ha-Seong Kim and signing Jurickson Profar. Preller then added Keone Kela and Mark Melancon to the bullpen just before spring training.
Blue Jays: Signing George Springer gave Toronto an accomplished leader who can prod their impressive collection of young talent in the right direction. Adding shortstop Marcus Semien to play second base should further improve their defense up the middle. Investing $5.5 million in Kirby Yates having a bounce-back season in the bullpen was a good risk.
Mets: They didn’t get Trevor Bauer. But they did trade for shortstop Francisco Lindor and righthander Carlos Carrasco along with signing sturdy catcher James McCann, a potential No. 3 starter in Taijuan Walker, and a few relievers.
Phillies: For a team that didn’t plan to increase its payroll, the Phillies signed catcher J.T. Realmuto, shortstop Didi Gregorius, utility man Brad Miller, and relievers Archie Bradley, Matt Moore, and Chase Anderson.
Royals: Kansas City spent what for their franchise is big money by signing first baseman Carlos Santana (two years, $17.5 million) and lefthander Mike Minor (two years, $18 million), and filled in some gaps with reliever Greg Holland and outfielder Michael Taylor before trading for Andrew Benintendi.
Cardinals: They stole Nolan Arenado from the Rockies and retained veteran pillars Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright. While the rest of the National League Central largely snoozed, St. Louis acted.
Braves: GM Alex Anthopoulos waited out Marcell Ozuna then signed him for $65 million over four years. Veterans Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly should improve the rotation and if not, they were only signed for one year.
Losers
Marlins: Miami overcame an outbreak of COVID-19 to finish 31-29 and make the playoffs for the first time since 2003. They followed that up by … doing almost nothing? The Marlins spent only $10.8 million in free agency, most of it on outfielder Adam Duvall and reliever Anthony Bass.
Reds: Like the Marlins, the Reds made the playoffs last season and decided that was enough for now. They were never going to keep Trevor Bauer, but trading closer Raisel Iglesias and non-tendering Bradley didn’t seem necessary.
Rockies: The Rockies traded Arenado, didn’t get much back, and paid $51 million for the privilege.
Toss-ups
Dodgers: A creative deal for Bauer was the talk of the industry and maybe he’ll make what was a powerful rotation unstoppable. Or maybe his me-first attitude will be a stink bomb in the clubhouse. It made sense to bring back Justin Turner. But two years and $34 million for a 36-yearold could backfire.
White Sox: Signing closer Liam Hendriks and trading for starter Lance Lynn improved the pitching staff and adding outfielder Adam Eaton balanced out the lineup.