MLB Offseason Report Card Grades 1 Month from Spring Training
There is still at least one big chip to fall this offseason in free agent James Shields, but after the signings of Max Scherzer, Colby Rasmus and Nori Aoki over the past few days, the remainder of the offseason is expected to be fairly quiet.
Now that could obviously change if the Philadelphia Phillies pull the trigger on trading Cole Hamels or the Washington Nationals decide to move one of their starters following the Scherzer signing.
For now, though, we can get a pretty good gauge on how all 30 MLB teams' offseason activity looks and whether they've come away a better team after a busy winter.
With that in mind, what follows is an offseason report card for each team.
The following factors went into grading each club's offseason:
- Talent Lost vs. Talent Gained: The easiest place to start is to simply look at the cumulative effect of the players added this offseason compared to the players lost.
- Payroll Factors: For some teams, it's not simply a matter of re-signing their top talent and filling roster holes with big signings. It's often about minimizing their losses and filling holes by signing cheaper replacements.
- Prospect Talent Added: Rebuilding is an inevitable part of the game, and for teams not in a position to contend in 2015, improving the farm system becomes the No. 1 priority. So, did a team get the most out of the assets it moved?
- Remaining Needs: A simple question of how well each team addressed its areas of need this offseason.
Note: The number in parenthesis following each prospect addition reflects where the player currently ranks among the organization's top 20 prospects, according to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com's Prospect Watch.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 3B Yasmany Tomas, SP Jeremy Hellickson, SP Allen Webster, SP Rubby De La Rosa, C Oscar Hernandez
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Yoan Lopez (6), SP Robbie Ray (8), IF Domingo Leyba (10), SP Jeferson Mejia (16)
Notable Losses: C Miguel Montero, SP Wade Miley, SS Didi Gregorius, SP Michael Bolsinger, SP Charles Brewer, RP Will Harris, RP Zeke Spruill, RP Eury De La Rosa, 3B Eric Chavez, SS Andrew Velazquez, OF Justin Williams
Offseason Review
Coming off of a disappointing 64-98 finish, and with the new front office tandem of Dave Stewart and Tony La Russa in place, it was fairly obvious chance was coming for the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason.
Shipping off veterans Miguel Montero and Wade Miley saved the team a decent amount of money and netted some solid pitching prospects in return. The middle infield logjam was also sorted out, with Didi Gregorius going to the New York Yankees in a three-team trade.
The big story, though, has been the team's activity on the international market. Slugger Yasmany Tomas was signed to a six-year, $68.5 million deal, while hard-throwing Yoan Lopez received a record $8.27 million bonus.
The starting rotation is still up in the air, with as many as 11 guys competing for rotation spots, and the catcher position is a huge question mark, with Tuffy Gosewisch and Rule 5 pick Oscar Hernandez looking like the leading candidates at this point.
Still, with a good young core of hitters already in place and an influx of pitching talent, this team looks to be better positioned for the long haul.
Grade: B+
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: RF Nick Markakis, SP Shelby Miller, C A.J. Pierzynski, 2B Alberto Callaspo, OF Zoilo Almonte, IF Jace Peterson, RP Jason Grilli, RP Jim Johnson, RP Josh Outman
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Mike Foltynewicz (2), SP Max Fried (4), 3B Rio Ruiz (6), RP Arodys Vizcaino (7), SP Tyrell Jenkins (11), SP Manny Banuelos (12), SP Ricardo Sanchez (15), 3B Dustin Peterson (17), CF Mallex Smith (NR)
Notable Losses: RF Jason Heyward, LF Justin Upton, C/OF Evan Gattis, SP Ervin Santana, SP Aaron Harang, SP Kris Medlen, SP Brandon Beachy, RP Jordan Walden, RP David Carpenter, RP Chasen Shreve, RP Anthony Varvaro, 2B Tommy La Stella, IF Ramiro Pena, SP J.R. Graham, SP Aaron Northcraft, 3B Kyle Kubitza
Offseason Review
The Atlanta Braves were clearly headed for a shakeup after collapsing down the stretch last season and with free agency around the corner for a pair of key pieces in Jason Heyward and Justin Upton.
There is no ignoring the amount of young talent the Braves have added this offseason, and flipping Heyward for Shelby Miller was about as good of a return as the team could have hoped for.
However, the Braves seemingly settled for less than they were originally asking for Upton, with Max Fried as the centerpiece of their deal with the San Diego Padres. They were also unable to package B.J. Upton or Chris Johnson in either trade, something that looked like a goal to begin the offseason.
The Evan Gattis deal netted some quality talent in Mike Foltynewicz and Rio Ruiz, but they also moved him with four years of team control remaining and left a gaping hole in the middle of the lineup behind Freddie Freeman.
Then there is the questionable signing of Nick Markakis to a four-year, $44 million deal. Why invest so much in a mid-level veteran piece if the team is heading for a rebuilding period?
At any rate, this team looks to be headed for a long 2015 season, though it may be better positioned for the 2017 season, when it opens new SunTrust Park.
Grade: C-
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: RP Wesley Wright, RP Jason Garcia, OF Alex Hassan, OF Delmon Young (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Logan Verrett (15)
Notable Losses: DH Nelson Cruz, RF Nick Markakis, RP Andrew Miller, C Nick Hundley, IF Kelly Johnson, SP Joe Saunders, OF Quintin Berry
Offseason Review
Resting on your laurels in the AL East is a risky move, but after winning the division title by 12 games last season, that's exactly what the Baltimore Orioles have done this winter.
Despite mutual interest in extensions with both Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis, the team was unable to come to terms with either player, leaving the O's with a hole in the leadoff spot and in the middle of the order.
The argument can obviously be made that the returns of Manny Machado and Matt Wieters, as well as some sort of rebound from Chris Davis, could go a long way in offsetting the production they lost. However, it's hard to watch teams like the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays make significant additions and not think the Orioles are losing ground in the division.
They've had a nice run of success of late, but it's hard to sell an offseason where Wesley Wright is their biggest acquisition, especially given the talent they've lost.
Grade: F
Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: LF Hanley Ramirez, 3B Pablo Sandoval, SP Rick Porcello, SP Wade Miley, SP Justin Masterson, RP Anthony Varvaro, C Ryan Hanigan, RP Koji Uehara (re-signed), RP Craig Breslow (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: RP Zeke Spruill (NR)
Notable Losses: LF Yoenis Cespedes, SP Allen Webster, SP Rubby De La Rosa, C David Ross, RP Burke Badenhop, RP Alex Wilson, IF Raymel Flores, C Dan Butler
Offseason Review
The Boston Red Sox did well to unload a number of veteran pieces at the trade deadline last year, freeing up a ton of money for them to make a run at another worst-to-first turnaround in 2015.
There are obvious long-term questions about both Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval, but they undoubtedly make the team better for the upcoming season, and the team should again have one of the more potent offensive attacks in the league.
The big question lies atop the starting rotation, as the team turned its strategy to depth as opposed to high-end talent after missing out on re-signing Jon Lester.
A rotation of Rick Porcello, Wade Miley, Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson and Joe Kelly has a chance to be rock solid top to bottom, but who do you match up against someone like David Price or Felix Hernandez in a postseason series and feel confident in?
The outfield logjam also remains, with Ramirez, Rusney Castillo and Mookie Betts slated to start, and Shane Victorino, Daniel Nava, Allen Craig and Jackie Bradley all vying for roster spots.
There's still time for the Red Sox to make a play for an ace, but if they enter the season with their rotation as is, it's hard to get overly excited about their chances of legitimately contending for a title.
Grade: B-
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Jon Lester, C Miguel Montero, CF Dexter Fowler, SP Jason Hammel, RP Jason Motte, 2B Tommy La Stella, C David Ross, OF Chris Denorfia
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: 3B Luis Valbuena, RF Justin Ruggiano, SP Dan Straily, RP Arodys Vizcaino, RP Wesley Wright, RP Carlos Villanueva, C John Baker, SP Jeferson Mejia, RP Zack Godley, RP Andrew McKirahan
Offseason Review
Outside of missing out on catcher Russell Martin at the beginning of the offseason, this winter could not have gone better for the Chicago Cubs.
They got their guy to lead the rotation in Jon Lester, signing the ace to a six-year, $155 million deal during the winter meetings. He not only gives the Cubs a bona fide stud atop the rotation, but immediately brings legitimacy to their rebuilding efforts.
In taking on the remaining $40 million owed to Miguel Montero, they were able to land the two-time All-Star catcher from the Arizona Diamondbacks for a pair of low-level minor leaguers. They also nabbed David Ross, who has been Lester's personal catcher the past two years.
Low-cost moves to sign Jason Hammel (two years, $20 million) and Jason Motte (one year, $4.5 million) only further solidify a pitching staff that has a chance to be really good, though it would have been nice to find a way to unload Edwin Jackson.
The recent trade to acquire Dexter Fowler from the Houston Astros gives the Cubs a legitimate leadoff hitter to set the table for their young lineup, and they managed to get him for a pair of expendable pieces in Luis Valbuena and Dan Straily.
There's going to be some growing pains with their young lineup, but the sky is the limit for this team in terms of potential, and there's no reason it can't contend for a wild-card spot in 2015.
Grade: A+
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Jeff Samardzija, LF Melky Cabrera, 1B Adam LaRoche, RP David Robertson, RP Zach Duke, RP Dan Jennings, UT Emilio Bonifacio, OF J.B. Shuck, C Rob Brantley
Notable Prospect Additions: RP Onelki Garcia (19), RP Michael Ynoa (NR)
Notable Losses: SS Marcus Semien, SP Andre Rienzo, SP Chris Bassitt, C Josh Phegley, 1B Rangel Ravelo, 1B Paul Konerko, RP Matt Lindstrom, SP Felipe Paulino, OF Jordan Danks
Offseason Review
A quick look at the talent the Chicago White Sox have added this winter, compared to what they have given up to acquire it, and it's hard not to think they're one of the big winners of the offseason.
Their five big free-agent signings of David Robertson, Melky Cabrera, Adam LaRoche, Zach Duke and Emilio Bonifacio came for a combined price of $132 million, a very reasonable total given the amount of talent added there.
They gave up some good young pieces to land Jeff Samardzija, but none of the four players they sent to the Oakland Athletics were considered to be among their top prospects, and if they can come to terms on an extension with the big right-hander, it would be a huge win.
Finding protection for Jose Abreu in the form of LaRoche, and improving a bullpen that ranked 28th in the league last year with a 4.38 ERA and converted just 36 of 57 save chances, should be enough in itself to give this team a legitimate shot at contending.
The trio of Chis Sale, Samardzija and Jose Quintana atop the rotation is as good as any in the AL and could be a serious weapon if the team can make its way into the postseason.
Grade: A+
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: LF Marlon Byrd, SS Eugenio Suarez, SP Matt Magill
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Anthony DeSclafani (5), SP Jonathon Crawford (6), C Chad Wallach (20), SP Keyvius Sampson (NR)
Notable Losses: SP Mat Latos, SP Alfredo Simon, OF Chris Heisey, OF Ryan Ludwick, IF Ramon Santiago, 3B Jack Hannahan, SP Ben Lively
Offseason Review
Regardless of what the rest of their offseason plans entailed, it was fairly obvious the Cincinnati Reds were going to have to trade one or more of their starting pitchers this offseason, with four of their five starters from last year headed for free agency at the end of 2015.
Turning Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon into a pair of high-end pitching prospects in Anthony DeSclafani and Jonathon Crawford sets the team up well for the future, and picking up a viable starting shortstop option in Eugenio Suarez only makes the haul that much better.
Landing those two pitching prospects also made it easier to swallow trading Ben Lively to the Philadelphia Phillies for Marlon Byrd, a necessary move if the team hoped to contend in 2015, as there was a glaring hole in left field.
The window is undoubtedly starting to close on this team's chances of contending, but if it can get bounce-back seasons from Joey Votto and Jay Bruce, and a similar performance from All-Stars Todd Frazier and Devin Mesoraco, there is still enough talent here to make the playoffs.
The X-factor could be the back of the rotation, where Tony Cingrani and DeSclafani look to be the leading candidates to fill the two vacated slots.
Grade: B
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 1B/OF Brandon Moss, SP Gavin Floyd, SP Charles Brewer
Notable Prospect Additions: OF Destin Hood (NR)
Notable Losses: 2B Joe Wendle, DH Jason Giambi, OF J.B. Shuck, RP Scott Barnes
Offseason Review
For a team that was right on the fringe of contention last season, the Cleveland Indians have not done much to improve this offseason, and in the meantime, there have been a number of AL teams around them who have seemingly passed them by.
With the Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox all looking like significantly better teams, it's not going to be any easier for the Indians to sneak into the playoffs.
Trading for Brandon Moss gives the Indians some added power, but he's also a redundant piece now that the team was unable to move veteran Nick Swisher. The offense would benefit greatly from a bounce-back season out of Jason Kipnis and some consistency out of Lonnie Chisenhall.
On the pitching side of things, the team has to love the way Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco finished the season last year, enough so that the Indians appear set to count on those guys to anchor the rotation behind AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber.
Maybe it wasn't in the budget, but this team would look an awful lot better with a proven arm in the No. 2 slot in the rotation.
Can Cleveland contend for a playoff spot? Sure, but the field of AL contenders looks to have gotten deeper this winter, and the Indians haven't improved much at all over the team that won 85 games last year.
Grade: C
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: C Nick Hundley, IF Daniel Descalso, RP Jairo Diaz, RP Jorge Rondon
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: 1B/OF Michael Cuddyer, SP Brett Anderson, RP Matt Belisle, RP Franklin Morales, RP Nick Masset, 2B Josh Rutledge, RP Rob Scahill
Offseason Review
The Colorado Rockies front office, led by general manager Jeff Bridich and owner Dick Monfort, is starting to make a serious run at unseating the Philadelphia Phillies brass for the title of worst front office in baseball.
After losing 96 games last season and ranking last in the majors with a 4.84 ERA, the team's big free-agent additions have been a backup catcher (Nick Hundley) and a utility infielder (Daniel Descalso).
Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez once again saw their names come up in trade rumors, and maybe a splash move of one or both guys is exactly what this franchise needs. Don't hold your breath on that happening, though.
A more reasonable move would seem to be flipping someone like Wilin Rosario, Charlie Blackmon or Justin Morneau for pitching, but instead, the team appears ready to employ the "maybe we can score more runs than them" strategy once again this year.
This is a franchise without a direction right now, and unless top pitching prospects Jon Gray and Eddie Butler burst onto the scene as front-line starters, it's hard to see the Rockies finishing anywhere but the cellar once again.
Grade: F
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: LF Yoenis Cespedes, SP Alfredo Simon, SP Shane Greene, RP Tom Gorzelanny, RP Alex Wilson, CF Anthony Gose, DH Victor Martinez (re-signed), RP Joel Hanrahan (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Gabe Speier (NR)
Notable Losses: SP Max Scherzer, SP Rick Porcello, RF Torii Hunter, RP Joba Chamberlain, RP Phil Coke, OF Ezequiel Carrera, 2B Devon Travis, SP Jonathon Crawford, SS Eugenio Suarez, SP Robbie Ray, IF Domingo Leyba
Offseason Review
Let me preface this by saying that the Detroit Tigers still look like the team to beat in the AL Central at this point, but there is little doubt the gap has been closed between them and the rest of the division as they pursue their fifth straight title.
Losing Max Scherzer was inevitable, despite some hope they would make a run at re-signing him when the market was slow to develop. That's not the reason their offseason grades out so low.
Instead, let's look first at the Rick Porcello trade.
There is some logic in flipping Porcello before he hits free agency next offseason, but not when you trade him for another upcoming free agent in Yoenis Cespedes, who is not the star-caliber player he's made out to be. He's got plus power and a cannon arm but zero on-base skills and below-average defense as a whole.
Why not just hold onto Porcello and sign someone like Colby Rasmus, especially when the rotation is already losing Scherzer?
Then there's the disaster of a trade that was shipping Jonathon Crawford and Eugenio Suarez to the Cincinnati Reds for obvious regression candidate Alfredo Simon. Worst move of the offseason, in my opinion.
All of that said, the Tigers defense should be better with the return of Jose Iglesias and addition of Anthony Gose, and it's hard to imagine their bullpen being any worse than it was last year.
If Shane Greene can build off of a solid rookie season and Justin Verlander can bounce back, the rotation still has a chance to be solid, and this team can still be one of the best teams in the AL.
GM Dave Dombrowski is one of the best in the business, but it's not been a great offseason on paper for the Tigers.
Grade: D
Houston Astros
11 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: LF Evan Gattis, CF Colby Rasmus, SS Jed Lowrie, 3B Luis Valbuena, SP Dan Straily, RP Luke Gregerson, RP Pat Neshek, RP Will Harris, C Hank Conger
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: CF Dexter Fowler, SP Mike Foltynewicz, SP Nick Tropeano, 3B Rio Ruiz, SP Andrew Thurman, C Carlos Perez, 1B/OF Marc Krauss, RP Matt Albers, RP Jose Veras, RP Jesse Crain, RP David Rollins, SP Jandel Gustave, OF Delino DeShields
Offseason Review
Finally in a position to spend some money after a significant 19-win improvement last season, the Houston Astros are ready to reap the rewards of what has been one of the most wide-scale rebuilds in sports history.
They shelled out significant money to sign two of the top setup arms on the market in Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek, and with those two joining Josh Fields and Chad Qualls, the bullpen has a chance to be a strength.
The left side of the Astros infield was a black hole offensively last season, and replacing Jonathan Villar and Matt Dominguez with Jed Lowrie and Luis Valbuena should help bridge the gap to top prospects Carlos Correa and Colin Moran.
Trading for Evan Gattis gives the Astros a power bat with four years of team control left, and they did well to sign Colby Rasmus to a low-cost deal shortly after trading upcoming free agent Dexter Fowler to the Chicago Cubs.
This team is still probably a year or two from legitimately contending, but a run at a .500 record this coming season is not out of the question if its young guys take another step forward and the back of the rotation holds up.
Grade: B
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Edinson Volquez, RF Alex Rios, DH Kendrys Morales, SP Kris Medlen, RP Luke Hochevar (re-signed), RP Jason Frasor (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Brian Flynn (12), OF Reymond Fuentes (14), RP Jandel Gustave (NR)
Notable Losses: SP James Shields, DH Billy Butler, RF Nori Aoki, RP Aaron Crow, OF Josh Willingham, OF Raul Ibanez, 2B Johnny Giavotella, RP Kyle Bartsch
Offseason Review
All things considered, it's been a productive offseason for the Kansas City Royals, as they managed to do a nice job minimizing the damage of losing a trio of key pieces to free agency.
Replacing James Shields, Billy Butler and Nori Aoki with free-agent signings Edinson Volquez, Kendrys Morales and Alex Rios keeps them from having any glaring roster holes, as the Royals will again rely on defense, speed and relief pitching to shoulder the load.
The starting rotation will no doubt miss Shields, but the Royals look to have a budding ace in Yordano Ventura, and if he can step into the No. 1 spot and Volquez can avoid regressing too far, their staff has a chance to be rock solid once again.
Taking a chance on Kris Medlen with a two-year, $8.5 million deal was a nice investment, and re-signing Luke Hochevar allowed them to flip former All-Star Aaron Crow to the Miami Marlins for some much-needed rotation depth in the form of Brian Flynn.
Kansas City's run to the World Series last year was about as improbable as they come, but there is no reason this team can't at least contend for a playoff spot again in 2015.
Grade: B
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: DH Matt Joyce, RP Cesar Ramos, 2B Josh Rutledge, C Drew Butera, IF Johnny Giavotella, 1B/OF Marc Krauss, OF Dan Robertson
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Andrew Heaney (1), IF Roberto Baldoquin (3), SP Nick Tropeano (6), 3B Kyle Kubitza (7), C Carlos Perez (12), IF Taylor Featherston (18), SP Scott Snodgrass (20)
Notable Losses: 2B Howie Kendrick, RP Kevin Jepsen, RP Jason Grilli, RP Joe Thatcher, RP Jairo Diaz, C Hank Conger, SP Mark Sappington, IF Gordon Beckham, IF John McDonald, SP Ricardo Sanchez
Offseason Review
Despite having arguably the most complete roster in the AL heading into the offseason, the Los Angeles Angels have been busy this winter as they look to improve on a team that won an MLB-best 98 games last season but was bumped from the postseason in the American League Division Series.
Starting pitching depth was the Angels' biggest area of need, and they landed one of the best pitching prospects in baseball in Andrew Heaney, who should have a chance to step into the rotation to open the season, with Garrett Richards expected to be sidelined.
The Angels also picked up prospect Nick Tropeano and swingman Cesar Ramos, who gives them a much-needed quality left-hander out of the bullpen.
Acquiring Heaney didn't come cheap, as it cost the team longtime second baseman Howie Kendrick. He was entering the final year of his contract, so flipping him for a terrific prospect was a great move, but Los Angeles will feel his loss nonetheless.
Matt Joyce gives the team a left-handed DH option and some insurance for Josh Hamilton in left field, while Josh Rutledge is someone who may benefit greatly from a change of scenery and a chance at an everyday job at second base.
At this point, the Angels look like the team to beat in the American League, and they've added some quality depth to the roster this offseason without making any flashy moves.
Grade: A-
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 2B Howie Kendrick, SS Jimmy Rollins, SP Brandon McCarthy, SP Brett Anderson, C Yasmani Grandal, RP Joel Peralta, RP Chris Hatcher, RP Juan Nicasio, RP Adam Liberatore, SP Mike Bolsinger, OF Chris Heisey, OF Kyle Jensen
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Joe Wieland (14), C/2B Austin Barnes (18), IF Enrique Hernandez (NR)
Notable Losses: RF Matt Kemp, SS Hanley Ramirez, 2B Dee Gordon, SP Josh Beckett, SP Dan Haren, SP Matt Magill, SP Chad Billingsley, SP Roberto Hernandez, SP Kevin Correia, SP Paul Maholm, RP Jamey Wright, RP Brian Wilson, RP Chris Perez, C Tim Federowicz, IF Miguel Rojas, SP Tom Windle, SP Greg Harris, RP Jose Dominguez, RP Onelki Garcia
Offseason Review
It's hard to know exactly what to make of the Los Angeles Dodgers' offseason at this point, but new president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has certainly not been shy about shaking up a roster that has fallen short the past two seasons.
The new middle infield of Howie Kendrick and Jimmy Rollins could conceivably outproduce Dee Gordon and Hanley Ramirez, and coming from an organization in the Tampa Bay Rays that valued on-base percentage, it was no surprise to see Friedman sell high on Gordon.
With Matt Kemp traded, the team will be relying heavily on Yasiel Puig to find some consistency at the plate offensively and on highly touted prospect Joc Pederson to live up to the hype in his first crack at regular playing time.
The rotation has a chance to be special, as newcomers Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson are both capable of being front-line arms out of the No. 4 and 5 starter spots. However, they are also more than capable of spending extended periods of time on the disabled list, and there's not much depth behind them.
Replacing Brian Wilson and Chris Perez in the bullpen with Joel Peralta and Chris Hatcher looks like an upgrade, but the team will be counting on hard-throwing Pedro Baez to fill a significant role.
This team still has as much talent as anyone in the NL, and after bowing out of the postseason to the St. Louis Cardinals in consecutive years, perhaps this kind of shakeup is exactly what it needed.
Grade: B
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Mat Latos, 2B Dee Gordon, 1B Michael Morse, 3B Martin Prado, SP Dan Haren, RP Aaron Crow, RP David Phelps, IF Miguel Rojas, SP Andre Rienzo
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Kendry Flores (16)
Notable Losses: SP Nathan Eovaldi, SP Andrew Heaney, SP Anthony DeSclafani, 3B Casey McGehee, 1B Garrett Jones, RP Dan Jennings, RP Chris Hatcher, SP Brad Penny, RP Kevin Gregg, RP Edgar Olmos, 1B/OF Mark Canha, C Chad Wallach, OF Kyle Jensen, C Rob Brantley, IF Enrique Hernandez, SP Domingo German, OF Reed Johnson, IF Rafael Furcal
Offseason Review
Grading the Miami Marlins' offseason, you have to start with the $325 million extension they handed slugger Giancarlo Stanton back in November. It's a ton of money, but it's also a clear commitment from the front office to build a long-term winner.
The Marlins gave up some quality young pitching in Nathan Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney and Anthony DeSclafani to improve the roster in the short term, and they have enough pitching that those moves made sense for a team looking to take the next step toward contention.
A new-look infield of Michael Morse, Dee Gordon and Martin Prado, alongside incumbent shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, should be a significant improvement offensively. Gordon gives the Marlins the legitimate leadoff hitter they needed, Morse provides protection for Stanton and Prado gives them one of the most versatile players in the game.
Trading for Mat Latos was a bit of a surprise, but they now have a starting rotation with the potential to be one of the best in the National League once Jose Fernandez returns from Tommy John surgery.
The Washington Nationals are still the cream of the crop in the NL East, but this Marlins team is one to watch and has to be considered a legitimate wild-card candidate.
Grade: A-
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 1B Adam Lind, IF Luis Sardinas, IF Luis Jimenez
Notable Prospect Additions: RP Corey Knebel (8), OF Kyle Wren (13), SP Marcos Diplan (17), RP Jarrett Martin (20)
Notable Losses: SP Yovani Gallardo, 1B Mark Reynolds, 1B Lyle Overbay, RP Francisco Rodriguez, RP Zach Duke, RP Tom Gorzelanny, 2B Rickie Weeks, RP Marco Estrada, RP Miguel De Los Santos, 1B Hunter Morris, SP Zach Quintana
Offseason Review
After leading the NL Central standings for most of the 2014 season, only to collapse down the stretch, the Milwaukee Brewers didn't lose much in the way of impact free agents.
The first base platoon of Mark Reynolds and Lyle Overbay are both gone after holding their own on bargain deals, and the team moved quickly to shore up that position, acquiring Adam Lind from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Lind can't hit a lick against left-handed pitching, but he's a quality bat against righties and should hit around .300 with 20-plus home runs if he stays healthy. The team gave up an expendable piece in Marco Estrada to get him in one of the better trades of the offseason.
The only other significant move the Brewers made was trading Yovani Gallardo, who was set to hit free agency at the end of the offseason.
They got a solid haul of talent in exchange, and moving Gallardo opens up a spot in the rotation for highly regarded prospect Jimmy Nelson, so as long as he seizes the opportunity, it looks like the Brewers did well to get max value out of their former ace.
The Chicago Cubs are significantly improved, and the Cincinnati Reds probably won't be as bad as they were last year, so things haven't gotten any easier in the NL Central, but the Brewers have the talent to be in the mix once again.
Grade: B+
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Ervin Santana, RF Torii Hunter, RP Tim Stauffer
Notable Prospect Additions: RP J.R. Graham (17)
Notable Losses: 1B/OF Chris Colabello, RP Sean Gilmartin, RP Jared Burton
Offseason Review
After handing out the two largest free-agent deals in team history to Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes last offseason in an effort to improve what was the worst starting pitching in the league, the Minnesota Twins were at it again this offseason.
A new bar has been set with the four-year, $55 million deal they gave Ervin Santana, and after the team again finished last in the league with a 5.06 starter's ERA, it looks like a solid investment.
A rotation fronted by Santana and Hughes has potential, and with top pitching prospects Trevor May, Alex Meyer and Jose Berrios all ready to make an impact soon, and Tommy Milone a potential steal after being acquired at the deadline last year, things are looking up in the rotation.
Veteran outfielder Torii Hunter has also returned to the Twins on a one-year, 10.5 million deal. He was the team's first-round pick back in 1993, and he spent the first 11 seasons of his big league career in Minnesota.
He should help provide some leadership for what is a very young team and one that is only going to get younger once top prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano break through. Expect Hunter to take Buxton under his wing this spring.
It remains a waiting game for the Twins, as they are loaded with young talent, but much of it is still at the minor league level. They should at least be competitive in 2015, and they could really make some noise in the next couple years.
Grade: B+
New York Mets
18 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: RF Michael Cuddyer, RP Sean Gilmartin, 1B/OF John Mayberry
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: OF Eric Young Jr., SP Logan Verrett, RP Gonzalez Germen, RP Daisuke Matsuzaka, OF Bobby Abreu
Offseason Review
The New York Mets entered the offseason with a right-handed corner outfield bat atop their wish list, and they moved quickly to fill that hole, signing Michael Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million deal.
Their interest in Cuddyer made sense, especially considering his friendship with David Wright, but the signing is undoubtedly a risk. While he's hit .331/.385/.543 over the past two seasons, he was also limited to just 49 games last year while battling hamstring and shoulder injuries. If he can't stay healthy, the offense could be in trouble.
This is a team built on its pitching staff, though, as the return of Matt Harvey and continued progression of prospects Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero and Steven Matz gives the Mets a bevy of starting rotation options.
There's still a good chance someone from the veteran trio of Jon Niese, Bartolo Colon and Dillon Gee is moved before Opening Day, with Gee looking like the most likely trade candidate.
There are plenty of questions with this team. Can Wilmer Flores handle the shortstop position? Can Juan Lagares be a viable leadoff option? Will Lucas Duda repeat his breakout season? Can David Wright bounce back?
Still, it's hard not to like the Mets starting rotation, and if a few things break right for them offensively, they have a chance to contend.
Grade: C+
New York Yankees
19 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: RP Andrew Miller, SP Nathan Eovaldi, SS Didi Gregorius, 1B Garrett Jones, RP Justin Wilson, RP David Carpenter, RP Chasen Shreve, 2B Stephen Drew (re-signed), 3B Chase Headley (re-signed), SP Chris Capuano (re-signed), OF Chris Young (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Domingo German (7), RP Johnny Barbato (NR)
Notable Losses: RP David Robertson, SS Derek Jeter, 3B Martin Prado, SP Brandon McCarthy, SP Hiroki Kuroda, SP Shane Greene, RP David Phelps, RP Shawn Kelley, RP Preston Claiborne, RP Rich Hill, OF Ichiro Suzuki, C Francisco Cervelli, SP Manny Banuelos
Offseason Review
It's been a busy offseason for the New York Yankees, albeit a far cry from last winter when they threw down roughly half a billion dollars on what wound up being a failed roster overhaul.
They've added some nice young pieces to the mix this offseason in shortstop Didi Gregorius, starter Nathan Eovaldi and relievers Chasen Shreve, David Carpenter and Justin Wilson. However, they're still an old team with the majority of their core players on the wrong side of their primes, and injuries are going to be an unavoidable part of their season.
The starting rotation looks like the biggest question mark, as Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda and CC Sabathia all have significant injury concerns, while Chris Capuano is 36 and Eovaldi is still more potential than production.
The Yankees bullpen should be a weapon, even with David Robertson walking in free agency, but the team is lacking in rotational depth should one of the aforementioned starters hit the disabled list. Top prospect Luis Severino could be pushed if the Yankees need a starter for an extended period of time.
If guys like Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and Mark Teixeira can find a way to earn their paychecks, the rotation can stay healthy, Dellin Betances can duplicate his breakout performance in the closer's role and the return of Alex Rodriguez can avoid being too big of a distraction, this team has a chance.
That's an awful lot of ifs, though.
Grade: B-
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 2B Ben Zobrist, RP Tyler Clippard, 3B Brett Lawrie, DH Billy Butler, SS Marcus Semien, 1B Ike Davis, SP Jesse Hahn, C Josh Phegley, RP Eury De La Rosa
Notable Prospect Additions: SS Franklin Barreto (2), SP Sean Nolin (8), SP Kendall Graveman (9), 2B Joe Wendle (11), RP R.J. Alvarez (16), SP Chris Bassitt (17), 1B Rangel Ravelo (19), 1B/OF Mark Canha (NR)
Notable Losses: 3B Josh Donaldson, SP Jon Lester, SP Jeff Samardzija, SP Jason Hammel, 1B/OF Brandon Moss, C Derek Norris, RP Luke Gregerson, SS Jed Lowrie, IF Alberto Callaspo, OF Jonny Gomes, DH Adam Dunn, C Geovany Soto, IF Nick Punto, OF Kyle Blanks, SS Daniel Robertson, RP Michael Ynoa, SP Seth Streich, OF Boog Powell
Offseason Review
Josh Donaldson, Jon Lester, Jeff Samardzija, Brandon Moss and Derek Norris. All members of the AL All-Star team in 2015, and all gone from the Oakland Athletics roster for the upcoming season.
In fact, just 12 players remain from last year's Opening Day roster, and just 13 are still around from the group that took the field for the AL Wild Card Game.
GM Billy Beane always has a plan, though, and he's complete retooled the roster with an eye on contending again in 2015, not on rebuilding.
That's not to say he hasn't added a wealth of young talent to the minor league system, though, headlined by shortstop Franklin Barreto and a pair of quality starters in Sean Nolin and Kendall Graveman.
The success of the offense is resting on a handful players with serious question marks, namely Brett Lawrie, Ike Davis and Billy Butler. The addition of Ben Zobrist should help, but the A's gave up a great prospect in Daniel Robertson to get what will likely be one year of Zobrist.
Beane has had success with these roster overhauls before, but not quite on this drastic a level, and no matter how you slice it, this looks to be a worse team that the one that dominated at times in 2014 but came up short down the stretch.
For now, we'll give the A's a "C" grade, simply because there are so many moving parts, and even if they're not better at the big league level, they have added a good deal of young talent. Call it a cop-out, because I still really don't know what to make of their offseason at this point.
Grade: C
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Aaron Harang, RP Andy Oliver, OF Odubel Herrera, OF Jeff Francoeur, SP Jerome Williams (re-signed), RF Grady Sizemore (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Zach Eflin (5), SP Tom Windle (6), SP Ben Lively (8)
Notable Losses: SS Jimmy Rollins, LF Marlon Byrd, SP A.J. Burnett, RP Antonio Bastardo, SP Kyle Kendrick, RP Mike Adams, C Wil Nieves
Offseason Review
The Philadelphia Phillies have backed themselves into a corner with all of the terrible contracts they have on the books, and the rebuilding process is going to be a slow one, but they have finally started to take some steps in that direction this winter.
Jimmy Rollins, Marlon Byrd and Antonio Bastardo were all moved, and the Phillies landed a trio of quality pitching prospects in return, all of whom should rank among their top 10 prospects for the upcoming season.
It would be nice if they could find a way to unload Ryan Howard, but that's easier said than done with $60 million left on his deal. Jonathan Papelbon also looks to be immovable, despite a strong season in 2014—though it's likely more about his attitude than anything else.
The Phillies' only significant addition was Aaron Harang on a one-year, $5 million deal—a solid signing, as he should be able to eat some innings and could be a useful trade chip come July if he matches his 2014 production.
There is a lot of work to be done still, but Ruben Amaro finally appears to have accepted what seemingly everyone else has known for years now, and that's a huge first step.
Grade: B+
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP A.J. Burnett, IF Jung-ho Kang, C Francisco Cervelli, 1B Corey Hart, RP Antonio Bastardo, UT Sean Rodriguez, SP Francisco Liriano (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: C Russell Martin, SP Edinson Volquez, RP Justin Wilson, 1B Ike Davis, 1B Gaby Sanchez, RP Joely Rodriguez
Offseason Review
There is no question that losing Russell Martin is going to hurt the Pittsburgh Pirates, as he was not only one of the most productive offensive backstops in the game, but also a great handler of the pitching staff.
That being said, the team did manage to bring back its other key free agent in Francisco Liriano, and the three-year, $39 million deal he received looks like a steal when you consider what guys like Brandon McCarthy (four years, $48 million) and Ervin Santana (four years, $55 million) received.
Bringing back A.J. Burnett helps offset the loss of Edinson Volquez, who cashed in on his bounce-back season with a two-year, $20 million deal from the Kansas City Royals.
Francisco Cervelli assumes primary catching duties after being acquired from the New York Yankees in exchange for reliever Justin Wilson. The 28-year-old has always been a solid defensive backstop, and he hit .301/.370/.432 in 146 at-bats last year.
All eyes will be on Korean infielder Jung-ho Kang this spring, as he's still perhaps the biggest wild card of the offseason. After he posted a 1.198 OPS with 40 home runs in the extremely hitter-friendly KBO last year, no one is sure exactly how his game will translate, but he could wind up being an absolute steal on a four-year, $11 million deal.
Corey Hart is another one to watch in the preseason, as he was unable to bounce back in another injury-plagued season last year but is still a talented hitter and will only be asked to platoon with Pedro Alvarez at first base.
Even after losing Martin, this looks like a team poised to make a third straight postseason appearance.
Grade: B
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: LF Justin Upton, RF Matt Kemp, CF Wil Myers, C Derek Norris, SP Brandon Morrow, C Tim Federowicz, SS Clint Barmes, RP Shawn Kelley, RP Brandon Maurer, SP Josh Johnson (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Seth Streich (12), SP Aaron Northcraft (NR), RP Kyle Bartsch (NR)
Notable Losses: RF Seth Smith, C Yasmani Grandal, SS Everth Cabrera, RP Tim Stauffer, C Rene Rivera, SP Jesse Hahn, SP Max Fried, SP Zach Eflin, SP Joe Ross, SP Joe Wieland, SP Burch Smith, SP Keyvius Sampson, RP R.J. Alvarez, OF Mallex Smith, SS Jace Peterson, 3B Dustin Peterson, SS Trea Turner
Offseason Review
The San Diego Padres squandered what was the league's fourth-best pitching staff (3.27 ERA) last season with an offense that was not only the worst in baseball, but one of the worst in recent memory.
With that in mind, new GM A.J. Preller set to work this offseason overhauling the lineup, cashing in what was a wealth of pitching talent in the minor leagues to pull off a trio of blockbuster deals.
Those trades gave the team a completely new outfield of Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Matt Kemp, and those three will be asked to anchor an offense that also picked up All-Star catcher Derek Norris and bounce-back candidate Will Middlebrooks.
The Padres gave up some quality talent to land those players, including six young pitchers who all have the potential to be significant contributors at the big league level, but they managed to keep their top-end talent intact.
Prospects Austin Hedges, Hunter Renfroe, Matt Wisler and Rymer Liriano are all still with the team, as are big league starters Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy.
The only significant subtractions from last year's pitching staff are Jesse Hahn, Eric Stults and Tim Stauffer, so the Padres should have a chance to be among the game's best once again.
There are still holes, and simply throwing talent at a lineup does not necessarily make for a quality offensive attack, but there is no denying this is a vastly improved team.
They went all-in this offseason, and they managed to keep their best young pieces around in the process. Impressive stuff from a first-year GM—and enough to at least make the Pares wild-card contenders.
Grade: A+
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 3B Casey McGehee, LF Nori Aoki, SP Jake Peavy (re-signed), RP Sergio Romo (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: 3B Pablo Sandoval, LF Michael Morse, SP Ryan Vogelsong, SP Kendry Flores, RP Michael Kickham
Offseason Review
The San Francisco Giants were dealt a pair of blows this offseason when they were unable to re-sign Pablo Sandoval and then failed in their run at signing Jon Lester, and their roster looks to be downgraded from a year ago as a result.
Trading for Casey McGehee gives them a short-term replacement for Sandoval, but expecting the 32-year-old to duplicate his out-of-nowhere production of last year is wishful thinking, and he'll likely be a league-average option at best.
Giants fans have been quick to call losing Sandoval a positive, preferring the Red Sox be the team to shell out $95 million for him, but his loss is going to be felt both offensively and defensively.
The team did manage to re-sign Sergio Romo and Jake Peavy, but while Peavy was phenomenal down the stretch last season, he can't be expected to perform at that level over a full season. His 2.4 percent HR/FB mark during his time with the Giants simply is not sustainable, and at best he's a decent middle-of-the-rotation arm at this point in his career.
The recent signing of Nori Aoki to a one-year, $4.7 million deal was a nice move to shore up left field, and a full season of Joe Panik should help the offense as well. Healthy seasons from Angel Pagan and Brandon Belt would be a real game-changer, and the Giants will likely need the offense to step up, with the rotation looking like a weakness.
The Giants tend to outperform how they look on paper, but on paper, this looks like a team that is a fringe contender at best, and they certainly have an uphill battle ahead if they hope to defend their title.
Grade: C-
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: DH Nelson Cruz, RF Seth Smith, RF Justin Ruggiano, SP J.A. Happ, RP David Rollins
Notable Prospect Additions: RP Michael Kickham (19)
Notable Losses: SP Chris Young, RF Michael Saunders, RP Joe Beimel, RP Brandon Maurer, 1B Corey Hart, DH Kendrys Morales, OF Chris Denorfia, OF Endy Chavez, OF Franklin Gutierrez, C Humberto Quintero
Offseason Review
The Seattle Mariners took a big step forward last season, finishing one game out of the postseason picture, and they have set to work this offseason shoring up their remaining roster holes.
The big move was obviously signing Nelson Cruz to provide the right-handed power bat the team has been searching for to protect Robinson Cano.
It's hard to see Cruz duplicating his 40-homer performance with half of his games at Safeco Field, but there is no reason he can't tally another 30-plus long balls and drive in 100-plus runs hitting in the middle of a solid lineup.
The Mariners missed on their pursuit of Melky Cabrera to play right field but settled on a much cheaper option in what will be a platoon of Seth Smith (.815 OPS vs. RHP) and Justin Ruggiano (.846 OPS vs. LHP). They'll make a combined $8.505 million next year, and that could be a steal if they keep up their platoon splits.
Flipping outfielder Michael Saunders for left-hander J.A. Happ gives the M's a quality replacement for Chris Young in the rotation, and Rule 5 pick David Rollins looks like the leading candidate to take over for Joe Beimel as the second lefty out of the bullpen.
Throw in the seven-year, $100 million extension the team handed All-Star third baseman Kyle Seager, and it's been a very productive offseason for the Mariners—and one that looks to have put them squarely in the postseason picture for 2015.
Grade: A
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: RF Jason Heyward, 1B Mark Reynolds, RP Jordan Walden, RP Matt Belisle
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: SP Shelby Miller, RP Pat Neshek, RP Jason Motte, SP Justin Masterson, C A.J. Pierzynski, IF Daniel Descalso, OF Shane Robinson, 2B Mark Ellis, RP Jorge Rondon, RP Eric Fornataro, SP Tyrell Jenkins
Offseason Review
One of the few teams in the league that probably could have stood pat this offseason and still contended for a division title, the St. Louis Cardinals instead pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade and added some quality complementary pieces.
Looking to shore up the right field position, the team shipped young starter Shelby Miller and prospect Tyrell Jenkins to the Atlanta Braves for upcoming free agent Jason Heyward and setup man Jordan Walden.
Heyward has yet to deliver on his vast offensive potential, but he has nonetheless turned into one of the most valuable all-around players in the league thanks to his defense, on-base skills and base-running ability, posting a 6.3 WAR in 2014.
Still just 25 years old, Heyward is headed for a massive payday thanks to the fact that whoever signs him will be paying for his prime years. He's reportedly open to an extension with the Cardinals, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Walden replaces All-Star Pat Neshek in the eighth-inning role, while veteran workhorse Matt Belisle was signed to replace Jason Motte.
Add in perhaps the best bargain signing of the offseason in Mark Reynolds on a one-year, $2 million deal, and it's been another successful offseason for a Cardinals team that has to once again be viewed as the favorites in the NL Central.
Grade: A
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SS Asdrubal Cabrera, C Rene Rivera, C John Jaso, RP Kevin Jepsen, RP Ernesto Frieri, SP Burch Smith, RP Jose Dominguez
Notable Prospect Additions: SS Daniel Robertson (1), LF Steven Souza (6), OF Boog Powell (12), SS Andrew Velazquez (13), OF Justin Williams (14), 1B Jake Bauers (17), SP Burch Smith (19), SP Travis Ott (NR), SP Greg Harris (NR), SP Buddy Borden (NR)
Notable Losses: 2B Ben Zobrist, SS Yunel Escobar, RF Wil Myers, OF Matt Joyce, SP Jeremy Hellickson, RP Joel Peralta, RP Cesar Ramos, UT Sean Rodriguez, C Ryan Hanigan, C Jose Molina
Offseason Review
They're still one of the best pitching teams in baseball, even after trading David Price, but the problem for the Tampa Bay Rays over the past several years has been scoring runs. That won't be any easier this coming season after the team traded away Wil Myers, Ben Zobrist and Matt Joyce this winter.
Rays fans have been quick to write off Myers as a strikeout-prone player who will never reach his full potential, but that's exactly what I would say too if my favorite team traded away such a promising young talent.
He's still the same guy who sparked the Rays offense in 2013 (they were 36-33 before he was called up, 56-38 after) and still the same guy who ran away with AL Rookie of the Year honors despite playing just 88 games.
And somehow, the Rays got a far better return on one year of Ben Zobrist than they did on five years of Wil Myers, as mid-level prospect Steven Souza will really need to shine to make that deal look like a good one.
The team has upgraded behind the plate with the addition of Rene Rivera, added a more productive DH option in John Jaso and upgraded at least offensively at shortstop in swapping out Yunel Escobar for Asdrubal Cabrera.
The Rays also picked up one of the best shortstop prospects in the game in Daniel Robertson and some solid all-around prospect depth.
However, this was a team that looked to have a legitimate shot at contending in 2015 if it just added a few offensive pieces. Instead, the Rays sold off three of their more productive bats and now look like an also-ran in an improved AL East.
Grade: C-
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Yovani Gallardo, SP Ross Detwiler, RP Kyuji Fujikawa, RP Gonzalez Germen, OF Kyle Blanks, SP Colby Lewis (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: OF Delino DeShields (8)
Notable Losses: RF Alex Rios, RP Alexi Ogando, IF Adam Rosales, OF Dan Robertson, SP Miles Mikolas, SS Luis Sardinas, RP Corey Knebel, SP Marco Diplan, RP Abel De Los Santos, OF Odubel Herrera
Offseason Review
Calling the 2014 season an injury-plagued one for the Texas Rangers does not quite do it justice, as their roster was absolutely decimated over the course of the season.
With that in mind, healthy seasons from Prince Fielder, Shin-Soo Choo and Derek Holland can almost be viewed as offseason additions, as those three key pieces provided next to nothing last year while missing significant time.
As for the additions the Rangers have made, the big move came Monday when the team acquired right-hander Yovani Gallardo from the Milwaukee Brewers for a trio of prospects. Gallardo is in the final year of his contract, but he gives the team a third quality starter to slot behind Yu Darvish and Holland, something it was sorely lacking prior to the trade.
The Rangers also made a nice move to buy low on Ross Detwiler, who was relegated to the bullpen for the Washington Nationals last year but had been a quality starter in years prior.
Left field is still something of a question mark after Alex Rios had his option declined, but with the market dried up, the team appears ready to go with some combination of Michael Choice, Jake Smolinski and Kyle Blanks at the position.
This team is nowhere near as bad as its 67-95 record from last year suggests, but Texas will have its work cut out for it in a deep and talented AL West division.
Grade: B
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 3B Josh Donaldson, C Russell Martin, RF Michael Saunders, RP Marco Estrada, 1B/OF Chris Colabello, OF Ezequiel Carrera, SP Liam Hendriks
Notable Prospect Additions: 2B Devon Travis (8)
Notable Losses: LF Melky Cabrera, SP J.A. Happ, 1B Adam Lind, 3B Brett Lawrie, SP Sean Nolin, SP Kendall Graveman, SS Franklin Barreto, 1B/OF John Mayberry
Offseason Review
The Toronto Blue Jays made it clear very early on this offseason that they were going to be aggressive, inking catcher Russell Martin to a five-year, $82 million deal after most pundits had him headed to the Chicago Cubs.
Shorty after that signing, the team pulled the trigger on the first big blockbuster trade of an offseason that has been full of them, acquiring All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson from the Oakland Athletics in a exchange for incumbent third baseman Brett Lawrie and a trio of prospects.
Those two newcomers, alongside Jose Reyes, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, should give the Blue Jays one of the most potent offensive attacks in all of baseball.
Replacing the departed Melky Cabrera in left field with Michael Saunders was a nice low-cost solution, and the center field job will go to top prospect Dalton Pompey after Colby Rasmus left in free agency and Anthony Gose was traded to the Detroit Tigers.
The Gose trade landed the team second base prospect Devon Travis, and while he likely won't get a call-up until the second half, he could finally be the answer to what has been a revolving door at second base.
The No. 5 spot in the rotation will likely go to either Aaron Sanchez or Daniel Norris, with the other serving a key role out of the bullpen.
And it's that bullpen that keeps the Blue Jays from receiving an "A" grade for the offseason, as they have done little to address what was a major weakness last year. With Casey Janssen gone, they have no proven closer option, as Sanchez or Brett Cecil looks like the leading candidates for the job.
The Blue Jays went all-in on the offseason two years ago and wound up well short of the playoffs, and there are question marks on the pitching side of things, but their outlook is still promising in a wide-open AL East.
Grade: B
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Max Scherzer, 2B Yunel Escobar, C Dan Butler, 1B Mike Carp, 2B Dan Uggla, RP Eric Fornataro
Notable Prospect Additions: SS Trea Turner (NR), SP Joe Ross (NR), 2B Chris Bostick (NR)
Notable Losses: 1B Adam LaRoche, RP Rafael Soriano, RP Tyler Clippard, OF Steven Souza, IF Asdrubal Cabrera, OF Nate Schierholtz, OF Scott Hairston, RP Abel De Los Santos, SP Travis Ott
Offseason Review
It's tough to grade the Washington Nationals offseason at this point, as so much could change between now and the start of spring training, but as things currently stand, it's hard to give them anything but an "A" grade.
With no key players departing in free agency, outside of Adam LaRoche, who had his option declined to open up first base for Ryan Zimmerman, the only real hole on the Nationals roster was second base.
That was fixed when the team shipped high-priced setup man Tyler Clippard, who is in the final year of his contract, to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for recently acquired Yunel Escobar.
However, the big move came Monday, when the team emerged seemingly out of nowhere to sign free agent Max Scherzer to a seven-year, $210 million deal.
While it was originally believed that a trade of either Jordan Zimmermann or Stephen Strasburg would follow the signing, nothing has happened on that front to this point, and it's looking more and more like the Nationals will enter the season with their super-rotation intact.
Throw in their theft of shortstop prospect Trea Turner in the Wil Myers three-team deal, and it's been an all-around great offseason for the Nationals.
Now, there are still some significant question marks in the long term, as Zimmermann, Doug Fister, Ian Desmond and Denard Span are all set to hit free agency next offseason, but this team has to be considered one of the favorites heading into the 2015 season.
Grade: A
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.
