The Offseason of Major Moves and Hidden Gems
The winter of 2024-2025 in Major League Baseball will be remembered for the extraordinary movements of Juan Soto, with the Mets securing the deal of the century over the Yankees for the sport’s most expensive player, and the Dodgers shattering spending records on the opposite coast. Top free-agent pitchers like Blake Snell, Corbin Burnes, and Max Fried found new homes, and the Astros made a significant trade by sending Kyle Tucker away. However, beyond these high-profile moves, several under-the-radar signings and trades could prove pivotal, even if they haven’t garnered as much attention.
Yandy Paredes: A Perfect Fit for Houston
While the Astros are undoubtedly missing Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, Yandy Paredes presents a compelling case for a productive addition. Paredes, a right-handed hitter with a significant pull-side power, has struggled to find the seats in less favorable ballparks like Wrigley Field, which extends 355 feet to left. However, Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park) is a much friendlier venue for Paredes, with the Crawford Boxes in left field being a mere 315 feet away. Over the past three years, no qualified right-handed hitter has pulled the ball more often than Paredes, and he ranked second in pulling fly balls over the past two years, just behind Marcus Semien. Paredes’ ability to hit home runs, combined with his excellent plate discipline, could make him a valuable asset for the Astros in 2025. The ballpark dimensions and his high launch angle could lead to a resurgence in his power numbers, potentially hitting more home runs than his 19 last season.
Randal Grichuk: Stepping Up in Arizona
The Arizona Diamondbacks secured a significant bargain by re-signing outfielder and designated hitter Randal Grichuk for one year at $5 million, plus a mutual option for 2026 that includes a $3 million buyout and $500,000 in incentives. Grichuk’s performance last season, particularly after returning from right ankle surgery, was impressive. He played both corner outfield spots and platooned with Joc Pederson at DH, posting the highest wRC+ and the lowest strikeout rate of his career, hitting 39% better than league average. His .875 OPS in 279 plate appearances was his best showing since 2018 in Toronto. For a team that lost key players Christian Walker and Pederson, Grichuk’s addition is a smart move to balance the outfield and provide depth at DH. His presence could be crucial in ensuring the D-backs remain competitive and aim for a return to the postseason.
Trea Luzardo: A Sneaky Addition for Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Phillies’ acquisition of Trea Luzardo from the Oakland Athletics for two lower-level prospects has flown under the radar, but it could be a significant coup. Luzardo, who has a strikeout rate that ranked 12th among all starters over the past two seasons, is just 27 years old and won’t be a free agent until 2027. His $6 million salary for 2025 is a steal compared to the average annual value (AAV) of elite pitchers like Fried, Burnes, and Snell, which ranged from $27 to $33 million. Luzardo’s recent injury history, including a stress reaction in his back and elbow issues, may have lowered his perceived value, but a healthy Luzardo could be a formidable addition to the Phillies’ rotation. With depth around him and the upcoming emergence of top prospect Andrew Painter, the Phillies are well-positioned to compete in a loaded division.
Gleyber Torres: A Right-Handed Spark for Detroit
The Detroit Tigers signed Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million deal, a move that could yield substantial returns. Torres, a two-time All-Star by the age of 22, had a disappointing 2024 season with the Yankees, hitting around league average and committing a series of defensive and baserunning errors. However, his strong second half, especially after being moved to the leadoff spot in late August, indicates a return to form. The lower-stress environment in Detroit, combined with the team’s need for a right-handed bat to balance their young, lefty-heavy lineup, could be just what Torres needs to flourish. Even if he doesn’t replicate his early-career home run totals, his plate discipline and contact rate will be invaluable for an offense that struggled last year. The deal represents a significant bargain, especially when compared to the contracts of veteran pitchers like Justin Verlander, Charlie Morton, and Alex Cobb, who signed for the same price but are older and less reliable.
Shane Bieber: A Guarded Bet for the Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians managed to re-sign ace Shane Bieber to a two-year, $26 million deal, including an opt-out clause. Bieber, a two-time All-Star, had an impressive start to the 2024 season, striking out 20 batters in 12 scoreless innings over his first two starts. However, his season was cut short due to Tommy John surgery in April, a brutal setback for a pitcher preparing for free agency. The Guardians, who have historically been cautious with payroll, are paying Bieber just $10 million for the 2025 season, with a $16 million player option for 2026 and a $4 million buyout. This structure provides both player and team with flexibility, making it a low-risk, high-reward deal. Bieber, who turns 30 in May, has the potential to regain his form from 2020, when he won the Cy Young Award. If he can return to his peak performance, the Guardians will have secured a dominant starter at a fraction of the cost, significantly boosting their rotation.
The Hidden Value in MLB’s Smaller Moves
While the offseason has been dominated by the blockbuster deals and splashy signings, it’s the smaller, more nuanced moves that often make or break a team’s season. The Astros, Diamondbacks, Phillies, Tigers, and Guardians have all made under-the-radar acquisitions that could have a substantial impact on their 2025 campaigns. These moves reflect the strategic depth that teams must exhibit to remain competitive in an era where top talent commands astronomical salaries. By focusing on players who bring specific strengths to their lineups and rotations, these teams are positioning themselves to capitalize on opportunities and exceed expectations. As the 2025 season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how these lesser-publicized moves contribute to their overall success.
