With January coming to an end and the start of Spring Training inching closer, I think now is a perfect time to recap the MLB offseason. All of the big free agents have finally been signed (I’m looking at you Carlos Correa), and it’s unlikely any more big deals will be signed before the start of the 2023 season.
Aaron Judge re-signs with the Yankees:
One of the biggest questions of the offseason was whether 2022 MVP Aaron Judge, who had been a Yankee his entire career and was beloved by the entire fanbase, would return for 2023 and beyond. It looked bleak when the two sides attempted to make a deal before the 2022 season and could not come to an agreement on the terms of a contract extension. As Judge became a free agent after the season, rumors swirled linking Judge to teams such as the Mets and Dodgers, but especially the Giants. Just one day before Judge eventually signed with the Yankees, it looked like Judge would sign with the Giants after MLB analyst Jon Heyman tweeted that this was the case, However, this news was false, and Judge re-signed with the Yankees for 9 years and $360 million. Judge was eventually named the Captain of the team, a prestigious honor in this historic franchise.
Carlos Correa’s wild journey to a deal with Twins
It’s been a wild ride for Carlos Correa over the past month. In November, Correa opted out of his contract with the Twins, seeking more money in free agency. A month later, he agreed to a massive 13 year, $350 million contract with the Giants. However, the Giants saw problems with his physical evaluation, having concerns about his surgically repaired right leg which could cause problems in the future. The Giants backed out of the deal, and the Mets scooped him up soon after with a similar contract agreement. The same problems with Correa’s physical again arose, causing the Mets to follow in the Giants’ footsteps. Then, on January 10, Correa agreed to a 6 year, $200 million contract with the same Twins that he opted out of a contract with three months prior.
Rangers sign another superstar in Jacob deGrom
Regarded as the best pitcher in the league by many, Jacob deGrom, formerly of the New York Mets, signed a 5 year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers this offseason. The 2-time Cy Young award winner has pitched well for the Mets when he has been healthy, but injuries have derailed his last few seasons. In addition, deGrom hopes that the Rangers can provide the run support that he never really had in New York, after a few big acquisitions greatly improved their lineup last season.
Mets bolster their starting rotation by adding Justin Verlander
The Mets needed a replacement for Jacob deGrom and they got one. Justin Verlander, the American League Cy Young Award winner last season, looks to be a great fit for the Mets. Verlander’s only concern is his age, as he will turn 40 years old before the start of the 2023 season. However, this has not seemed to prevent Verlander from turning in incredible seasons in the past. Verlander pairs up with a former teammate, and feared pitcher, Max Scherzer to top one of the best rotations in the league.
Cubs make a splash with Dansby Swanson signing
After having a breakout season with the Braves in 2022, the former #1 pick became one of the best shortstops on the free-agent market. The Braves desperately tried to sign Swanson to a multi-year deal, but it was not enough to outbid the Cubs, who are looking to be a contender for the first time in a few years. Chicago gave him a 7 year, $177 million contract, which is the second biggest contract in Cubs history, only behind outfielder Jason Heyward.
Trea Turner signs massive deal with the Phillies
The defending National League champions made a splash in the offseason by picking up arguably the best shortstop in the league for a massive 11-year, $300 million contract. Turner, who spent last season with the Dodgers after being traded there from the Nationals in 2021, had an incredible year. He won the National League Silver Slugger, and this production is sure to continue while playing in the hitters park that is Citizens Bank Park. Look for Turner to have a similar season playing for a potent Phillies lineup.
Xander Bogaerts says goodbye to Boston, and hello to San Diego
A key piece of the Red Sox lineup for the past ten years, Boston let Bogaerts walk this offseason. They instead extended young third baseman Rafael Devers, and Bogaerts signed with the San Diego Padres for 11 years, $280 million instead. Although he is getting up there in age and is sure to regress in the coming seasons, Xander Bogaerts should still be very productive for the Padres due to switching to a much more hitter-friendly park. He will not have to deal with the Green Monster striking down hard-line drives and turning them into measly singles anymore.
The Yankees add one final piece- Carlos Rodon
The last great pitcher left on the table, the former San Francisco Giant Carlos Rodon signed with the Yankees for 6 years, $162 million. The hard-throwing left-hander adds to an already strong rotation, consisting of All-Stars Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes, as well as Luis Severino and Frankie Montas, putting it near the top in the league. There may be a bit of regression for Rodon as he gets used to going from one of the most pitcher-friendly ballparks to one of the most hitter friendly, but he is likely to produce similar numbers to last season as he settles into his new home.
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