Dodgers B+
Even after winning again, the Dodgers haven’t slowed down in the offseason. The team signed top free agent OF Kyle Tucker using their deferment method making it a slight overpay, but good deal at a position of need without giving him the Juan Soto type contract he hoped for. The team had bullpen/closer issues and smartly signed one of the best closers in Mets’ fan favorite P Edwin Diaz who solidifies the position. 2B/OF Kike Hernandez was re-signed after a great postseason and always coming up in the clutch like previous stints with the team. SS Miguel Rojas was re-signed as another versatile infield depth piece. The team only loss veteran closer/reliever Kirby Yates with no major free agents.
Giants C+
The Giants signed starting pitchers Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser who are both coming off good seasons and should nicely fit in as the #3 and #4 starters. The team wanted to upgrade at 2B and signed 1B/2B Luis Arraez who is known for getting on base at an elite level. OF Harrison Bader was added giving them a good defensive option who can also get on base. The only big loss was veteran P Justin Verlander who was a good #3 pitcher and innings guy. The main free agent left is 1B/3B Wilmer Flores, but with the infield in place he might not be back despite coming off a good season.
Diamondbacks B
The Diamondbacks wanted to fix the pitching and went with the familiar bringing back #2 starter Merrill Kelly who they moved off at trade deadline and re-signing #1 P Zac Gallen who decided it was best to stay. P Michael Soroka was added to the mix as a good innings guy and a few quality relief pitchers to help the bullpen. The team was able to add veteran 3B Nolan Arenado with the Cardinals taking on most of the salary making it very low risk high reward situation. Veteran 1B Carlos Santana was a signed as a veteran presence who still can get on base when needed. C James McCann was re-signed as a good depth piece and hitter. The only losses were OF Jake McCarthy and Blaze Alexander who are more on base guys who struggled.
Padres C+
The Padres smartly re-signed their top pitcher in Michael King who almost made it back to the AL East. P Griffin Canning was signed coming off a rebound year with the Mets as a good #4 pitcher and innings guy. The Padres were able to pick up OF Nick Castellanos who the Phillies released giving them a consistent bat with power in the outfield for the minimum. The team was able to sign 3B Sung-Mun Song out of Korea who is more an on base guy. 3B/OF Miguel Andujar was signed coming off a very good season regaining his value. The team also added some relief pitching help for the bullpen. The team loss #2 pitcher Dylan Cease who will be missed along with closing P Robert Suarez. 1B/2B Luis Arraez and 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn have also signed with other teams. Free agents P Nestor Cortes, C Elias Diaz, and 2B/3B Jose Iglesias are still on the market with only Iglesias likely back after playing well.
Rockies D
With so many talented free agents sitting out there, Rockies fans wanted the team to take a chance in a hitter friendly park. The only bats brought in were OF/2B Willi Castro, OF Jake McCarthy, and 2B Edouard Julien who are all on base guys who struggled last season with low potential. The Rockies did better on the pitching side adding Jose Quintana who is coming off a good year, Tomoyuki Sugano who played well as an innings guy for the Orioles, and Michael Lorenzen who has been a good #3-4 starter. All three pitchers should help, but the park is very hitter friendly. The only loss is veteran P German Marquez who has been a long-time innings guy.
