Winners, losers from baseball’s offseason
The end of the 99-day MLB lockout brought on an unprecedented free agency, which began much later than normal and occurred as teams were beginning spring training. Here’s a look at offseason winners and losers in free agency and trades ahead of MLB Opening Day on April 7.
Winners
Twins. Signed all-star Carlos Correa to three-year, $105.3 million contract (the biggest deal Minnesota’s ever given to a free agent) and also added right-hander Sonny Gray (via trade with the Reds), third baseman Gio Urshela and catcher/dh Gary Sanchez (both via trade with the Yankees). After finishing last in the AL Central in 2021, Minnesota re-loaded.
Rockies. No, the Rockies likely won’t compete within the competitive NL West this year. But GM Bill Schmidt is making moves on the open market, most notably a seven-year, $182 million deal for new face of the franchise Kris Bryant. The World Series champion with the Cubs will play left field and provide power to the middle of the lineup. Schmidt also added arms (starter Chad Kuhl, reliever Alex Colome) and a shortstop, although Jose Iglesias is no Trevor Story.
Rangers. Texas scooped up several high-profile free agents in shortstop Corey Seager (10 years/ $325 million), middle infielder Marcus Semien (seven years/$175 million) and right-handed starter Jon Gray (four years/$56 million).
After finishing in the cellar of the AL West for two years running, the Rangers significantly bolstered their roster, though they still need more pitching.
Dodgers. With an already-potent roster, Los Angeles didn’t need to do much to remain an NL frontrunner. But the Dodgers took a huge swing anyways by landing MVP first baseman Freddie Freeman on a six-year, $162 million deal. Los Angeles also brought back free agent outfielder Chris Taylor (four years/$60 million) and future Hall of Fame southpaw Clayton Kershaw (one year/$17 million).
Cubs. Chicago added righthander Marcus Stroman on a three-year, $71 million deal, and also gave catcher Yan Gomes a two-year, $13 million contract to serve as depth behind starter Wilson Contreras. But Chicago’s big catch was Japanese star Seiya Suzuki, who signed a five-year, $85 million deal. The slugging outfielder hit 182 homers in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Losers
Yankees. New York’s front office has been quiet this season aside from its one significant move of signing first baseman Anthony Rizzo to a two-year, $32 million deal. The Yankees were supposed to be in contention to land one of the premier shortstops in Seager, Correa or Story, but that never materialized.
Diamondbacks. For a team that’s finished last in the NL West two years running, not a lot of improvement has been made.
Arizona’s most notable signing is veteran closer Mark Melancon, a Golden High School graduate who inked a two-year, $14 million deal after coming off an all-star season with the Padres last year.
Pirates. Pittsburgh is typically one of the lowest spenders in baseball and that’s again holding true this offseason. The Pirates finished last in the NL Central the past three years, but the biggest contract they’ve handed out is a one-year, $5 million deal to catcher Roberto Perez. Last year with Cleveland, Perez batted .149 with seven homers in 44 games.
Angels. Los Angeles gave a one-year, $21 million deal to righthander Noah Syndergaard, who has started two games over the past two years due to injuries. The Angels also signed closer Raisel Iglesias to a four-year, $58 million deal. But more moves were needed in the lineup to complement superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout.
White Sox. After Chicago won the AL West last year, the White Sox beefed up their bullpen by adding right-handers Joe Kelly (two years/$17 million) and Kendall Graveman (three years/$24 million). They also handed out a three-year, $16.5 million contract to utilityman Leury Garcia. But what’s missing in an underwhelming offseason is the addition of a power bat (or two) to help take the team to the next level.