3B Alex Bregman 5/175mil to Cubs
Grade: C+ The Cubs overpaid to upgrade the 3B spot outbidding the Red Sox. Bregman had a good start to the season looking like his typical form, but a midseason injury stopped his production. The team is clearly hoping that at 31/32 years old, he still has 2-3 years big years in the tank.
3B Nolen Arenado & cash traded to Diamondbacks for P Jack Martinez (prospect) to Cardinals
Diamondbacks Grade: A
The Diamondbacks wanted to upgrade the 3B position after struggling to find consistent production after trading Eugenio Suarez midseason. Arenado still has something left in the tank and good defense, but limited power at this age. He should be a consistent veteran presence/bat and most of his contract (31 mil) will be paid for by the Cardinals over 2 years.
Cardinals Grade: F
The Cardinals are paying for a 3rd contract this offseason for a veteran to move on so they can rebuild. Martinez is a very raw relief pitcher who may not see time anytime soon. While the Cardinals are opening spots, the younger bats haven’t produced.
P Edward Cabrera to Cubs for OF Owen Cassie, SS Cristian Hernandez, and IF Edgardo De Leon (prospects) to Marlins
Cubs Grade: B+
The Cubs were looking to upgrade their starter rotation and Cabrera gives them a #2 starter with ace potential. Cabrera was forced into a #1 role last season and played very well until injury slowed him down. At 28 years old, his best could still be ahead, health pending.
Marlins Grade: C+
The Marlins chose to not sell high on Cabrera last season with him playing well as the ace, but still get the Cubs #1 prospect in Cassie who is expected to start immediately at RF. Hernandez has a good bat and the ability to steal bases but needs more work. De Leon is only 18, can play multiple positions, and contribute in many ways but he is still raw.
3B Kazuma Okamoto 4yr/60mil to Blue Jays
Grade: B
The Blue Jays get a Japanese power bat in the 29/30yr old who gives them 3B/1B versatility, but the plan is to use him as a utility player as he can even play some OF. He has shown a good eye to contact the ball consistently and top-level power, so he is expected to produce immediately.
P Tatsuya Imai 3yr/54 mil to Astros
Grade: B+
The Astros get a seasoned Japanese pitcher 27/28yrs old with 8yrs of experience coming off his best season with a 1.92 ERA. Like recent foreign pitchers, he seems to have a pitch that is hard to hit and a unique pitching style. He offers them a #3 starter with #2 starter potential.
