City Slickers
With the splashy moves in the New York City and Los Angeles markets, the offseason has been a whirlwind of activity, reshaping the landscape of Major League Baseball. The Yankees, despite losing out on the marquee signing of Juan Soto to their cross-town rivals, the Mets, didn’t sit idly by. Instead, General Manager Brian Cashman made a series of strategic moves to strengthen the American League champions. One of the most significant was the addition of Max Fried, a left-handed starter signed to an eight-year, $218 million deal. This signing not only bolstered the Yankees’ rotation but also allowed Cashman the flexibility to trade Nestor Cortes to the Milwaukee Brewers for elite closer Devin Williams. Further enhancing the bullpen, Cashman brought in several reliable relievers and capped off his acquisitions by trading for Cody Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP, from the Chicago Cubs. Bellinger, who can play center field or first base, is expected to add depth and versatility to the Yankees’ lineup, potentially allowing Aaron Judge to return to his more natural position in right field.
The Bronx Bombers’ Smart Moves
The Yankees’ lineup received additional support with the signing of veteran slugger Paul Goldschmidt, who brings a wealth of experience and power to the team. Goldschmidt’s addition, along with that of Bellinger, gives the Yankees a formidable offensive core to complement their already stellar pitching staff. The Yankees’ ability to secure these players without breaking the bank is a testament to Cashman’s shrewd management. Meanwhile, the Mets, who successfully poached Soto, didn’t rest on their laurels. They followed up with the re-signing of All-Star Sean Manaea, who had a breakout season with a new sweeping pitch. The Mets also added veteran Frankie Montas to the rotation, Clay Holmes as a starting pitcher, and signed Pete Alonso to a two-year, $54 million deal, ensuring they maintain a strong defensive presence and offensive punch. The Mets’ moves have set them up to challenge the Dodgers and Yankees for supremacy in the upcoming season.
Chicago’s Diverse Strategies
In Chicago, the Cubs and the White Sox took different approaches to the offseason. The Cubs, often overshadowed by their more successful crosstown rivals, made a series of trades to acquire a supremely talented five-tool outfielder Kyle Tucker and experienced closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. They also brought in reliable relievers Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians and Ryan Brasier from the Dodgers. Free-agent signings of late-blooming starter Colin Rea and longtime Minnesota Twins reliever Caleb Thielbar further solidified the Cubs’ roster. On the other hand, the White Sox, who had one of the worst records in baseball last season, focused on acquiring highly touted prospects. By trading staff ace Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox, they received four promising players, including top catching prospect Kyle Teel and budding slugger Braden Montgomery. The White Sox’s strategy is a long-term play, aiming to rebuild from within and potentially turn their fortunes around in the coming years.
Los Angeles: The Dodgers’ Empire Strikes Back
The Dodgers, always a force to be reckoned with, were not left behind in the offseason arms race. They added two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell and the promising 23-year-old Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki to their rotation. To fortify their bullpen, they signed left-hander Tanner Scott and right-hander Kirby Yates. The outfield saw the addition of Michael Conforto, while the infield welcomed Korean import Hyeseong Kim. The Dodgers also re-signed Teoscar Hernández and Kiké Hernández, ensuring stability and depth across the board. Miguel Rojas, a clubhouse leader, had his $5 million option picked up, and Tommy Edman inked a five-year, $74 million extension. These moves, combined with their existing star-studded roster, make the Dodgers a formidable contender for back-to-back World Series titles, a feat last achieved by the New York Yankees in 2000.
Spinning Wheels: The Padres and Other Contenders
The San Diego Padres, who seemed poised to challenge the Dodgers, had a relatively quiet offseason until the surprise signing of Nick Pivetta to a four-year, $55 million deal. This move comes as the Padres have been embroiled in ownership disputes and budget constraints. In the American League, the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles were notably inactive. Both teams are strong playoff contenders but fell short of making the necessary upgrades. The Mariners, known for their solid starting rotation, only re-signed middle infielder Jorge Polanco and added utility infielder Donovan Solano. The Orioles, on the other hand, replaced key players with equal or lesser pieces. They signed 17-year veteran Charlie Morton and the 35-year-old Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano to bolster their rotation. However, their decision to sign the oft-injured outfielder Tyler O’Neill for $49.5 million over three years raised eyebrows, especially given the significant loss of Anthony Santander’s power and production.
Best Extension Candidates
Giving contract extensions to players still under team control can be a win-win for both the teams and the players, but it requires a delicate balance. Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, the AL Cy Young Award winner, is a prime candidate for an extension. Skubal, who is still in his arbitration years, could sign a five-year deal through 2030 for around $130 million. Garrett Crochet, a dominant left-handed starter for the Red Sox, is another slam dunk for an extension. Crochet, who is a bargain this season at $3.8 million, expressed interest in staying with Boston long-term. Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, a 21-year-old infielder with a powerful bat, is a young star worth extending. Francisco Alvarez, the Mets’ power-hitting catcher, is another potential candidate, though his inconsistent performance in 2024 might make the team hesitant. Other candidates include starting pitchers Michael King of the Padres and Logan Gilbert of the Mariners. The Colorado Rockies’ decision to extend Ezequiel Tovar for seven years and an option for 2031 has paid off, while Nolan Jones’s injuries have left the team relieved to have avoided a similar commitment. The Texas Rangers, winners of the 2023 World Series, wisely refrained from extending young stars Evan Carter and Josh Jung, who both struggled with injuries in 2024. As the new season approaches, these teams will need to navigate the complex landscape of player development and financial commitments to stay competitive.
