Orioles B+
The Orioles made the big splash move spending big money to bring in Pete Alonso from the Mets which should pay off well as he has been healthy and a big homerun bat giving them a true cleanup bat. The trade for OF Taylor Ward gives them another healthy consistent bat with power. The team re-signed P Zach Eflin who has been effective when healthy, traded for P Shane Baz who has been a good #3, and P Chris Bassitt who has also been a good #3 giving the team a new mix. Relief pitchers Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge add to the bullpen, especially Helsley with the uncertain closer situation. SS/3B Blaze Alexander and OF Leody Taveras add depth.
Yankees C-
The Yankees chose to mostly re-sign their own including outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham both coming off very good seasons. The team re-signed 1B Paul Goldschmidt and SS/2B Amed Rosario while adding veteran SS/3B Paul DeJong to the mix who still has power left in his bat. The Yankees re-signed P Paul Blackburn, P Ryan Yarbrough, and added P Ryan Weathers via trade giving them good starting depth. The team loss a lot of relief pitching including closer Devin Williams who was considered the best in the game before joining the Yankees.
Red Sox B-
The Red Sox didn’t spend the money as promised, but made some smart low risk moves. The team was able to trade for P Sonny Gray who was an ace for the Cardinals and 1B Willson Contreras with the Cardinals taking on most of the salaries. The team also signed P Ranger Suarez who has been a solid #2/3 pitcher getting off to good starts with a history of performing in the post season and traded for P Johan Oviedo who still has good potential. The trade for 3B/2B Caleb Durbin and utility player Andruw Monasterio from the Brewers and signing utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa coming off a run with the Blue Jays gives them good infield versatility. The team parted with some prospects, but the main loss was 3B Alex Bregman who brought a veteran presence and consistent bat. The main free agent left is P Lucas Giolito who rebounded nicely while healthy last year, but he may not be needed with the additions.
Blue Jays C+
Coming off a World Series run, the Blue Jays stayed aggressive signing #2 pitcher Dylan Cease who has been very consistent over the years. The team also added P Cody Ponce to the mix who was able to go to Korea and rebuild his value, so he should be a back-end starter. The team added Japanese power hitter 3B/OF Kazuma Okamoto who should be in his prime and known to make good contact. The trade for OF Jesus Sanchez gives them another consistent left-handed bat with good power. The team signed P Tyler Rogers who should be in the mix as a closer and traded for relief pitcher Chase Lee. The team loss SS Bo Bichette who will be missed, P Chris Bassitt who was a good piece, but the team is deep with starters, and utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa who came up big in the postseason as a late addition. The team is waiting to see if P Max Scherzer retires who was another important piece, but signing Cease helps offset, and 1B Ty France will likely be allowed to walk.
Rays C-
The Rays have another offseason of doing what they do best in moving off contracts and adding prospects as a mid-market team. The team moved off their top two bats in 2B Brandon Lowe and OF Josh Lowe, along with late bloomers outfielders Jake Mangum and Kameron Misner to add prospects. Pitchers Shane Baz and Mason Montgomery were also traded for prospects. The team signed P Steven Matz coming off a solid season in the bullpen but can also start and P Nick Martinez who also has similar versatility. The team signed veteran OF Cedric Mullins who should add good defense and OF Jake Fraley who is coming off a down year but has been a consistent bat. The team traded for 2B/IOF Gavin Lux to help offset the loss of Lowe. The team loss P Adrian Houser who had a good season and allowed power bat 3B Christopher Morel to walk.
