Japanese 1B/3B Munetaka Murakami signs with White Sox 2yr/34mil
Grade: A- Murakami had competition for his services as a 25yr old power hitter expected to start at 1B where the Sox have a big need. It is believed that his high strikeout rate might have scared some teams away, but this is a young team expecting him to grow with the team.
1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn signs with Pirates 2yr/29mil
Grade: B+ The Pirates have been on the search for bats and O’Hearn is a solid veteran with good power, versatility, and consistency in different locations.
2B/OF Jeff McNeil and cash traded to Athletics for P Yordan Rodriguez (prospect) to Mets
A’s Grade: B- The A’s needed an upgrade at 2B after another down season by Zack Gelof. McNeil has good defense and some power to his bat. He does have the versatility to play OF, but that shouldn’t be needed.
Mets Grade: C+ Rodriguez is a solid young 17/18yr old Cuban prospect with potential. The Mets get to save money and free up the logjam at 2B.
1B/DH Willson Contreras and cash traded to Red Sox for P Hunter Dobbins, P Yhoiker Fajardo (prospect), and P Blake Aita (prospect)
Red Sox Grade: B The Red Sox had a rotation at 1B after the injury to Tristan Casas and Contreras is a solid veteran coming off a good season with some power to his bat.
Cardinals Grade: C+ The Cardinals get back a #4/5 starter or bullpen pitcher in Dobbins who still has potential and two younger prospects who could also develop. They have inhouse replacements for Contreras so moving his contract is a plus.
2B Brandon Lowe, RP Mason Montgomery and OF Jake Mangum to the Pirates for OF Jacob Melton (prospect), P Anderson Brito (prospect) to Rays and P Mike Burrows to Astros
Pirates Grade: A As mentioned the Pirates were looking for bats and Lowe is a major upgrade to the team. Mangum who is a late developer at 29 proved he could play last season when healthy. Montgomery is a young reliever with potential to improve.
Rays Grade: C The Rays pull off another cost cutting trade while bringing in two prospects. Melton is viewed as almost MLB ready with good potential and a younger replacement for Mangum. Brito is believed to be good enough to join the bullpen rotation at some point.
Astros Grade: C- The Astros gave up two of their highly ranked prospects for a young relief pitcher in Burrows who has played well so far.
