MLB Free Agency: Team-by-Team Report Cards at the Start of 2017
There is roughly one month remaining before pitchers and catchers begin reporting to spring training, but there are still a number of impact options on the free-agent market.
Mark Trumbo, Jose Bautista, Matt Wieters, Mike Napoli and Michael Saunders headline the remaining available position players; Jason Hammel and injury returnee Tyson Ross are the top starting pitchers still looking for a new home; and Neftali Feliz, Jerry Blevins, Boone Logan, Joe Blanton and Greg Holland represent impact relief options.
Where those remaining free agents wind up landing can still change the complexion of the offseason heading into spring training.
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 2017, 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 parentheses following each prospect addition reflects where the player currently ranks among the organization's top 30 prospects, according to MLB.com's Prospect Watch.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Taijuan Walker, RP Fernando Rodney, SS Ketel Marte, C Jeff Mathis, OF Jeremy Hazelbaker, OF Oswaldo Arcia, RP Tyler Jones (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: SS Jean Segura, C Welington Castillo, RP Daniel Hudson, SP Rubby De La Rosa, C Tuffy Gosewisch, OF Rickie Weeks, OF Mitch Haniger, OF Peter O'Brien, 1B/OF Kyle Jensen, OF Gabriel Guerrero
Offseason Review
The Arizona Diamondbacks went all-in last winter with the signing of Zack Greinke and blockbuster trade to acquire Shelby Miller.
The result: A wildly disappointing 93-loss season.
That's led to a more calculated approach this offseason as the team will be counting instead on bounce-back seasons from those pitchers, among others, and healthy performances from the likes of A.J. Pollock and David Peralta.
That's not to say they've been inactive, as they shipped standout infielder Jean Segura to the Seattle Mariners for a pair of high-upside players in right-hander Taijuan Walker and shortstop Ketel Marte in one of the bigger trades of the offseason.
There's also been a shakeup at the catcher position after Welington Castillo was surprisingly non-tendered, with veteran Jeff Mathis added to back up Chris Herrmann.
That move saved them a nice chunk of change, as did the decision to go with veteran Fernando Rodney as the team's closer on a one-year, $2.75 million deal that includes $4 million in incentives.
Walker and Rodney are nice additions, but after finishing last in the majors with a 5.09 ERA a year ago, they're relying heavily on better performances across the board from their in-house arms.
While a winning record is not out of the question, it's hard to see this team making a serious run at the postseason.
Grade: B-
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Bartolo Colon, SP R.A. Dickey, SP Jaime Garcia, UT Sean Rodriguez, C Tuffy Gosewisch, SP John Danks, RP Jordan Walden, RP Armando Rivero (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: OF Alex Jackson (13), RP Luke Jackson (23)
Notable Losses: C A.J. Pierzynski, RP Chris Withrow, SP Williams Perez, SP Rob Whalen, SP Max Povse, SP John Gant, SP Chris Ellis, 2B Luke Dykstra
Offseason Review
The Atlanta Braves entered the offseason looking to improve in the short term while still keeping their focus on the future and continued rebuilding efforts.
That meant short-term deals for veterans that would keep them from blocking any top prospects or bogging down the payroll once they are ready to contend.
Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey both fit that description perfectly in the team's search for starting pitching help, and they should serve as valuable mentors to the team's stable of young arms while eating up innings.
Meanwhile, Jaime Garcia will join those two in the rotation as an intriguing bounce-back candidate after a healthy but somewhat disappointing 2016 season. He could become a valuable trade chip by July.
The buy-low move to acquire outfield prospect Alex Jackson—the No. 6 pick in the 2014 draft—from the Seattle Mariners is one that could be looked back on as a stroke of genius by the front office, and it came with little risk.
Sean Rodriguez is a great addition to the bench given his versatility and right-handed bat on a largely left-handed roster.
It's unlikely the Braves will usher in their new stadium with a contending team, but they did a nice job staying the course this offseason as they continue to build toward something big.
Grade: A
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: C Welington Castillo, SP/RP Logan Verrett, SP Tomo Ohka, RP Logan Ondrusek (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: OF Anthony Santander (15), OF Adam Brett Walker (19), OF Aneury Tavarez (30)
Notable Losses: RF Mark Trumbo, C Matt Wieters, DH Pedro Alvarez, UT Steve Pearce, OF Michael Bourn, OF Nolan Reimold, RP Brian Duensing, RP Tommy Hunter, RP Vance Worley
Offseason Review
Aside from bringing aboard Welington Castillo to replace longtime catcher Matt Wieters, it's been a quiet offseason for the Baltimore Orioles.
Castillo was signed to a one-year, $6 million deal that includes a $7 million player option for 2018, so he provides the team with a short-term option behind the dish that won't block prospect Chance Sisco once he's ready to take over.
The only other real additions of note have come in the form of slugger Adam Brett Walker being claimed off waivers and a pair of outfielders in Anthony Santander and Aneury Tavarez being selected in the Rule 5 draft.
That means no significant additions to the starting rotation—a clear weakness for the team last season when the staff ranked 24th in the majors with a 4.72 ERA—and they'll be banking on the continued development of Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy to make a difference.
On the offensive side of things, the team stands to lose 69 home runs with Mark Trumbo and Pedro Alvarez both reaching free agency, though both players are still candidates to be re-signed.
For the time being, Joey Rickard and Trey Mancini are the leading in-house options to replace those two sluggers and that's less than ideal for a team that relies on offensive firepower.
The O's exceeded expectations last season to claim a wild-card berth, and it looks like they'll have to do the same in 2017 if they hope to make a return trip to the postseason.
Grade: D
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Chris Sale, RP Tyler Thornburg, 1B Mitch Moreland, IF Matt Dominguez, OF Junior Lake, IF Josh Rutledge (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: DH David Ortiz, 2B Yoan Moncada, SP Michael Kopech, OF Luis Alexander Basabe, SP Clay Buchholz, RP Brad Ziegler, RP Koji Uehara, RP Junichi Tazawa, C Ryan Hanigan, IF Aaron Hill
Offseason Review
It's not often a player of Chris Sale's caliber is available, and the Boston Red Sox made the most of the rare opportunity with a winter-meetings blockbuster to acquire the Chicago White Sox ace.
He didn't come cheap—with top prospect Yoan Moncada and high-ceiling righty Michael Kopech headlining the prospect package sent to the White Sox—but it's a move that immediately makes the Red Sox one of the World Series favorites.
That deal also gave the team an abundance of starting pitching options, and Clay Buchholz was eventually shipped to the Philadelphia Phillies in what was essentially a salary dump.
Drew Pomeranz, Steven Wright and Eduardo Rodriguez are now left to compete for the two open rotation spots behind Sale, David Price and Rick Porcello.
Replacing David Ortiz was No. 1 on the to-do list at the start of the offseason and the team did that with the addition of Mitch Moreland, who will push incumbent first baseman Hanley Ramirez into the DH role.
Moreland was not the most exciting addition after names like Edwin Encarnacion and Carlos Beltran were floated as potential Ortiz replacements, but he's more than capable of a 20-homer, 75-RBI season and should be a significant upgrade over HanRam defensively.
The other big to-do-list item was shoring up the bullpen after Brad Ziegler, Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa all departed in free agency, and the team landed one of the most underrated late-inning arms in the game to fill that void when they acquired Tyler Thornburg from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Thornburg, 28, had a 2.15 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 12.1 K/9 with 13 saves and 20 holds in 67 appearances a year ago and he's controlled through the 2019 season.
It's probably not the offseason most Red Sox fans envisioned, but it's been a wildly successful one nonetheless.
Grade: A+
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: RP Wade Davis, OF Jon Jay, RP Koji Uehara, RP Brian Duensing, UT Jemile Weeks, RP David Rollins, RP Fernando Rodriguez, RP Caleb Smith (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: CF Dexter Fowler, RP Aroldis Chapman, SP Jason Hammel, OF Jorge Soler, C David Ross, UT Chris Coghlan, RP Travis Wood, RP Trevor Cahill, RP Joe Smith, RP Spencer Patton
Offseason Review
Even with Aroldis Chapman, Dexter Fowler, Jason Hammel and Travis Wood all leaving in free agency, the Chicago Cubs would have boasted the most talented roster in baseball without making any significant moves this offseason.
That hasn't stopped them from being busy, though.
Jon Jay was signed to a one-year deal to provide some support to Albert Almora Jr. in replacing Fowler in center field, which, coupled with the return of Kyle Schwarber, left the Cubs with an abundance of outfield options.
Despite his significant upside, Jorge Soler profiled as the odd man out, and the team capitalized on his value by flipping him to the Kansas City Royals for closer Wade Davis.
Davis made a pair of trips to the DL with forearm strains last season and is in the final year of his contract. He's one of the best relievers in the game if healthy, though, and he filled arguably the biggest hole on the roster.
Veteran Koji Uehara was also brought in on a one-year, $6 million deal to provide another proven late-inning arm, as he'll join Hector Rondon, Carl Edwards Jr. and Pedro Strop in bridging the gap to Davis.
Assuming no other starting pitching additions are made, Mike Montgomery will move into the rotation, which leaves the team in need of a quality lefty option in the bullpen and more starting pitching depth.
That said, this still looks like the team to beat.
Grade: B+
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Derek Holland, OF Rymer Liriano, RP Giovanni Soto
Notable Prospect Additions: 2B Yoan Moncada (1), SP Lucas Giolito (2), SP Michael Kopech (3), SP Reynaldo Lopez (4), OF Luis Alexander Basabe (9), SP Dane Dunning (10), RP Dylan Covey (28)
Notable Losses: SP Chris Sale, RF Adam Eaton, CF Austin Jackson, 1B Justin Morneau, C Alex Avila, RP Matt Albers, RP Daniel Webb, SP Anthony Ranaudo
Offseason Review
The Chicago White Sox finally pulled the trigger on a long-overdue rebuild and did it in spectacular fashion during the winter meetings.
Flipping ace Chris Sale and right fielder Adam Eaton brought the team six prospects that now rank among the top 10 in their organization, per MLB.com, including arguably the best position-player prospect (Yoan Moncada) and pitching prospect (Lucas Giolito) in the game.
There are still plenty of attractive trade chips on the roster, too.
With four years and $36.85 million left on his contract, left-hander Jose Quintana should fetch an equally impressive prospect haul if and when he's dealt.
First baseman Jose Abreu, third baseman Todd Frazier, closer David Robertson and left fielder Melky Cabrera will all be of interest to contenders as well.
Signing Derek Holland gives the team a veteran capable of stepping into Sale's spot in the rotation and one who could be flipped at the deadline if he stays healthy and productive.
Similar low-cost additions could still be made late in the offseason to fill out the MLB roster, but the focus the rest of the way will be on gauging the trade market for those aforementioned trade candidates.
There's going to be some lean years ahead for the White Sox. The franchise finally has a direction, though, and the eventual arrival of some of the best young talent in the game will give fans plenty to be excited about.
Grade: A+
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: UT Arismendy Alcantara, 1B/OF Richie Shaffer, OF Gabriel Guerrero, SP Tyrell Jenkins, C Stuart Turner (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: SP Alfredo Simon, RP Ross Ohlendorf, RP Keyvius Sampson, SP John Lamb, SP Josh Smith
Offseason Review
To be blunt, the Cincinnati Reds haven't done anything this offseason.
Three waiver claims and a Rule 5 selection are the only additions to the 40-man roster so far this winter, as they have yet to make an MLB-level signing of any sort.
No veteran bullpen help. No low-cost starting pitching depth. Nothing.
Meanwhile, second baseman Brandon Phillips and shortstop Zack Cozart are both still around despite a clear need to move at least one them to free up playing time for Jose Peraza.
Moving Phillips is easier said than done given his 10-and-5 rights, and once the Seattle Mariners acquired Jean Segura the most likely landing spot for Cozart disappeared.
Still, solving that middle-infield logjam was perhaps the biggest item on the offseason to-do list and it hasn't been accomplished.
If the Reds finish anywhere other than the NL Central cellar in 2017, it will be a surprise.
Grade: F
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 1B Edwin Encarnacion, C Erik Kratz, 1B/OF Chris Colabello, RP Edwin Escobar, RP Nick Goody, SP Tim Cooney, RP Hoby Milner (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: 1B Mike Napoli, OF Rajai Davis, RP Jeff Manship, OF Coco Crisp, OF Marlon Byrd
Offseason Review
Entering the offseason, the largest free-agent deal in Cleveland Indians history belonged to Nick Swisher, who inked a four-year, $56 million deal prior to the 2013 season.
That distinction now belongs to Edwin Encarnacion.
When the market for the former Toronto Blue Jays slugger failed to develop as expected, the Indians swooped in and signed him to a three-year, $60 million deal to replace Mike Napoli in the middle of the lineup.
That's been the only notable addition to the roster, but a return to health from Michael Brantley—as well as starters Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar, who were both non-factors during the postseason—leaves the Indians looking like a significantly improved team than the one we saw in October.
And that's a scary proposition for the rest of the league.
Grade: A
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 1B/OF Ian Desmond, RP Mike Dunn, UT Alexi Amarista, IF Daniel Castro, RP C.C. Lee
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: RP Boone Logan, C Nick Hundley, SP Jorge De La Rosa, 1B Mark Reynolds, UT Daniel Descalso, OF Ryan Raburn
Offseason Review
It's been roughly a month since the Colorado Rockies signed Ian Desmond to a five-year, $70 million deal and it still doesn't make a bit of sense.
Even if the signing served as a precursor to flipping someone like Charlie Blackmon for pitching help—which at this point doesn't appear to be the case—it still would have represented a massive overpay.
On the surface, Desmond had a nice bounce-back season on a one-year deal with the Rangers, posting a .782 OPS and recording the fourth 20-20 season of his career while making a relatively smooth transition to the outfield.
However, his bat fell off dramatically in the second half (.630 OPS, 15 XBH), and while he was a capable outfielder he was by no means a defensive standout (minus-4 DRS, minus-1.8 UZR/150). Now he's set to move to first base, where his offense carries far less value.
The only thing that saves the Rockies from an "F" grade is the addition of lefty reliever Mike Dunn.
The relief corps ranked last in the majors with a 5.13 ERA last season, so adding three or four more quality bullpen arms would be ideal. Dunn is a nice start, though, and a suitable replacement for free agent Boone Logan.
Grade: D-
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: C Alex Avila, IF Omar Infante, IF Brendan Ryan, RP Edward Mujica, RP William Cuevas, RP Daniel Stumpf (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Victor Alcantara (23)
Notable Losses: C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, SS Erick Aybar, IF Casey McGehee
Offseason Review
In the early days of the offseason, it looked like the Detroit Tigers might be one of the busiest teams in the league this winter as they were reportedly willing to entertain offers for everyone on the roster, per Buster Olney of ESPN.
The idea was to trim some payroll and add young talent to one of the thinnest farm systems in baseball, but to this point the only notable player to move has been outfielder Cameron Maybin.
Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera were always going to be tough to deal given the remaining money they're owed, and Ian Kinsler has a no-trade clause, but there are still plenty of movable parts on the roster.
J.D. Martinez is tops on that list as he gets set to enter his final year of team control, while shortstop Jose Iglesias and relievers Francisco Rodriguez and Justin Wilson also have clear value.
Instead, the Tigers appear ready to stand pat.
That leaves them in that dreaded limbo between contending and rebuilding, and they have no one to blame but themselves for lacking a clear plan or direction heading into the offseason.
Grade: F
Houston Astros
11 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: DH Carlos Beltran, C Brian McCann, RF Josh Reddick, SP Charlie Morton, OF Nori Aoki, RP Ashur Tolliver, RP C.J. Riefenhauser
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Cionel Perez (15)
Notable Losses: C Jason Castro, 3B Luis Valbuena, OF Colby Rasmus, SP Doug Fister, RP Pat Neshek, SP Albert Abreu, SP Jorge Guzman, IF Nolan Fontana
Offseason Review
Before the winter meetings even arrived, the Houston Astros had already added the likes of Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Josh Reddick to the roster.
Since the meetings, they've been relatively quiet.
The missing piece of the puzzle appears to be a front-line starter to anchor the rotation, and Jose Quintana, Jake Odorizzi, Chris Archer, Danny Duffy and Yordano Ventura have all been identified as potential targets, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
They have the prospect talent to pull off a major trade; it's just a matter of whether they're willing to pay the steep price it will take to get a deal done in this market.
Adding a left-handed reliever also looks like a need after a disappointing season from Tony Sipp, who is currently the top southpaw option on the roster.
C.J. Riefenhauser and Ashur Tolliver will both be in camp competing for jobs, though someone like Jerry Blevins or Boone Logan would be a welcome addition in free agency.
Big picture, even if the Astros fail to make another significant addition before the offseason is over, they've undoubtedly improved and should be ready to give the Texas Rangers a run for their money in the AL West.
Grade: B+
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: OF Jorge Soler, RP Bobby Parnell, C Drew Butera (re-signed)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: RP Wade Davis, DH Kendrys Morales, SP Edinson Volquez, SP Kris Medlen, RP Luke Hochevar, RP Brooks Pounders, C Tony Cruz
Offseason Review
The Kansas City Royals cashed in one trade chip when they flipped closer Wade Davis to the Chicago Cubs for outfielder Jorge Soler.
Soler gives the Royals a controllable, MLB-ready bat who can make an immediate impact and still has the 30-homer potential that made him one of the top prospects in baseball during his time in Chicago.
What's next for the Royals is still unclear.
Danny Duffy, Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas, Alcides Escobar and Jarrod Dyson are all headed for free agency after the 2017 season and the team simply can't afford to retain all of them.
That will likely mean trading at least a few more core pieces between now and the July non-waiver deadline, though keeping the roster intact for now in hopes of one last run in 2017 makes sense.
While the starting rotation could use another arm or two and the same goes for the bullpen after Davis was moved, the team doesn't have the money to make any significant additions, and that will likely make contending tough.
Big changes are coming in Kansas City as it appears their window to contend has slammed closed.
Grade: C+
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 2B Danny Espinosa, OF Cameron Maybin, OF Ben Revere, SP Jesse Chavez, RP Andrew Bailey (re-signed), C Martin Maldonado, RP Kirby Yates, SP John Lamb, IF Nolan Fontana, OF Ryan LaMarre
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Vicente Campos (9), RP Brooks Pounders (13), RP Abel De Los Santos (24)
Notable Losses: SP Jered Weaver, SP C.J. Wilson, SP Jhoulys Chacin, C Jett Bandy, IF Gregorio Petit, SP Tim Lincecum, RP Blake Parker, RP Ashur Tolliver, SP Victor Alcantara, SP Kyle McGowin, RP Austin Adams
Offseason Review
The Los Angeles Angels have undoubtedly improved this offseason, shoring up massive holes at second base and in left field with the additions of Danny Espinosa, Cameron Maybin and Ben Revere.
They will also have a healthy Garrett Richards back to lead the starting rotation and Huston Street back to anchor the relief corps, while swingman Jesse Chavez was a nice under-the-radar addition who provides the pitching staff with some flexibility.
Will that be enough for them to contend?
The AL West is going to be tough with the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners all looking like legitimate contenders.
The Angels' lineup is still too right-handed, the starting rotation is somewhat lacking in depth and the bullpen could use another setup option alongside Cam Bedrosian and Andrew Bailey.
All things considered, though, they've addressed their biggest areas of need and look like a better team heading into 2017.
Grade: B
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: RP Kenley Jansen (re-signed), 3B Justin Turner (re-signed), SP Rich Hill (re-signed), 1B/OF Darin Ruf, RP Vidal Nuno, OF Tyler Holt, UT Darnell Sweeney
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: RF Josh Reddick, IF/OF Howie Kendrick, 2B Chase Utley, RP Joe Blanton, C Carlos Ruiz, SP Brett Anderson, RP J.P. Howell, SP/RP Jesse Chavez
Offseason Review
The extent of the Los Angeles Dodgers' activity so far this offseason has been taking care of their own, as they re-signed closer Kenley Jansen, third baseman Justin Turner and starter Rich Hill.
The only other significant move has been shipping an unhappy Howie Kendrick to the Philadelphia Phillies for lefty-masher Darin Ruf, who will compete for a spot on the bench.
Another step forward from Julio Urias and healthy seasons from Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir would go a long way in bolstering the starting rotation, while Yasiel Puig is a clear X-factor for the offense after a strong September.
There is still a major hole to fill at second base and a setup arm or two would be nice as well.
Minnesota Twins slugger Brian Dozier looks like the team's top target at second, per Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, while a reunion with Chase Utley could be plan B.
A reunion with Joe Blanton to fill the need for a setup man is also still a possibility, per Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com.
Retaining those three key free agents was always the team's No. 1 focus this winter and they accomplished that. Now it's simply a matter of filling out the roster with complementary parts as they eye another NL West title.
Grade: B
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: RP Brad Ziegler, RP Junichi Tazawa, SP Edinson Volquez, SP Jeff Locke, C A.J. Ellis, RP Dustin McGowan (re-signed), SP/RP Kyle Lobstein, OF Matt den Dekker, RP Javy Guerra
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: RP Mike Dunn, SP Andrew Cashner, C Jeff Mathis, 1B/3B Chris Johnson, OF Jeff Francoeur, RP Fernando Rodney
Offseason Review
The Miami Marlins may have whiffed on top target Kenley Jansen, but they did a nice job sticking to their plan of bolstering the bullpen in hopes it can prop up a questionable starting rotation.
Brad Ziegler and Junichi Tazawa were added after Jansen re-upped with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and those two will join A.J. Ramos, Kyle Barraclough, David Phelps and Dustin McGowan to form what should be one of the best bullpens in the National League.
Jeff Locke and Edinson Volquez were signed to low-cost deals to round out the starting rotation and both former All-Stars offer some decent upside and inning-eating ability.
The addition of A.J. Ellis will also greatly benefit both the pitching staff and the development of young catcher J.T. Realmuto, who is coming off a breakout season.
The Marlins haven't had the flashiest offseason, but they've done a terrific job executing the plan they felt would give them the best chance to contend in 2017.
Grade: A-
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: 1B Eric Thames, 3B Travis Shaw, C Jett Bandy, RP Tommy Milone, IF Eric Sogard, IF Ivan De Jesus Jr., RP Ryan Webb, RP Steven Geltz
Notable Prospect Additions: SS Mauricio Dubon (9)
Notable Losses: RP Tyler Thornburg, 1B Chris Carter, C Martin Maldonado, RP Blaine Boyer, RP Chris Capuano
Offseason Review
The Milwaukee Brewers are still a year or two away from making any significant additions on the free-agent market, but they've been active nonetheless as they gear up for another season of building for the future.
Eric Thames was one of the biggest wild cards of the free-agent class as he makes his way back stateside following an impressive run in the KBO.
His three-year, $16 million deal was a great low-risk, high-reward move and a sound alternative to paying Chris Carter.
They also cashed in on the reliever market by shipping Tyler Thornburg to the Boston Red Sox for a starting third baseman in Travis Shaw, who is under control through the 2021 season, and a quality prospect in Mauricio Dubon.
Ideally, the team could find a taker for Ryan Braun, though it doesn't make sense to move him for anything less than top dollar after he turned in a terrific 2016 season.
Keep an eye on the Brewers as a potential landing spot for one of a handful of former closers still sitting on the free-agent market, as they have no clear-cut ninth-inning option after dealing Thornburg.
Grade: B
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: C Jason Castro, 1B Ben Paulsen, OF J.B. Shuck, RP Justin Haley (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: C Kurt Suzuki, 3B Trevor Plouffe, OF Adam Brett Walker
Offseason Review
Finding a suitable replacement for Kurt Suzuki to take over as starting catcher and help in the development of some quality young arms was the clear No. 1 priority for the Minnesota Twins this offseason, and it became clear early on that Jason Castro was their top target.
They eventually signed the 29-year-old to a three-year, $24.5 million deal as he'll bring a mix of power, pitch-framing ability and leadership to the roster.
Cutting ties with third baseman Trevor Plouffe has been the other significant move of the offseason.
After an injury-plagued 2016 season and with a projected arbitration salary of $8.2 million, he was an obvious non-tender candidate. That will allow Miguel Sano to settle in at his natural position after an ill-conceived experiment with right field.
One of the biggest missed opportunities of the offseason appears to be the Twins' unwillingness to shop Ervin Santana.
The 34-year-old was the team's best pitcher last season and projects to be the Opening Day starter, but with three years left on his contract, it's unlikely he'll be a part of the next contending Twins team.
His $27 million price tag over the next two years and the flexibility of a $14 million option for 2019 makes him an attractive trade target in a market lacking consistent veteran arms, and he would likely fetch a solid return.
That decision bumps down their grade in an otherwise solid offseason for a rebuilding club expected to once again reside in last place.
Grade: C-
New York Mets
18 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: LF Yoenis Cespedes (re-signed), 2B Neil Walker (re-signed), RP Ben Rowen
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: SP Bartolo Colon, RP Jerry Blevins, RP Fernando Salas, UT Kelly Johnson, 1B James Loney, OF Alejandro De Aza, SP Jon Niese, SP/RP Logan Verrett
Offseason Review
Retaining slugger Yoenis Cespedes was obviously the most important item on the agenda for the New York Met this offseason and they got it done with a shiny, new four-year, $110 million deal.
However, that has created a logjam in the outfield after Jay Bruce had his $13 million option exercised as an insurance policy should Cespedes have signed elsewhere.
Cespedes, Bruce, Curtis Granderson, Juan Lagares, Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo are all viable options to see time in the outfield, and the Mets have been unable to find a suitable taker for Bruce or Granderson.
Aside from sorting out that situation, shoring up the bullpen is the biggest remaining item on the to-do list.
Bringing back Jerry Blevins looks like an obvious move, though given the current market for left-handed relievers, he's headed for a significant raise over the one-year, $4 million deal he signed last offseason.
If he signs elsewhere, the bullpen will be sans a proven lefty, and with Jeurys Familia likely to be suspended for the start of the season, the relief corps as a whole would be limping into the season.
The return of Cespedes and a healthy starting rotation makes them clear contenders. There's still work to be done before the start of spring training, though.
Grade: B-
New York Yankees
19 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: RP Aroldis Chapman, DH Matt Holliday, IF Ruben Tejada
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Albert Abreu (10)
Notable Losses: C Brian McCann, 1B Mark Teixeira, RP Nick Goody, SP Nathan Eovaldi, DH Billy Butler, IF/OF Dustin Ackley, RP Jacob Lindgren
Offseason Review
Signing Matt Holliday to a one-year, $13 million deal to take over as the primary DH made a lot of sense for a New York Yankees team in a transition period of sorts.
Signing Aroldis Chapman to a record-setting five-year, $86 million deal made considerably less sense.
A Yankees team that is unlikely to seriously contend in 2017 has little use for a high-priced closer, and given his whip-like delivery and reliance on elite velocity, it stands to reason that Chapman might not age particularly well.
Is a 33-year-old Chapman really going to be worth $17.2 million?
Meanwhile, the starting rotation has yet to be addressed as the team gets set to enter the year with Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda and CC Sabathia fronting a staff full of question marks.
Flipping an expendable Brian McCann and his salary for a nice prospect return was a terrific move, and doing the same with Brett Gardner would be ideal.
The future is incredibly bright for the Yankees and Chapman will make them better in 2017, no doubt.
It's just a move that doesn't line up with what they've been building toward over the past year, and in the end it hurt their offseason grade.
Grade: C
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: OF Matt Joyce, 1B/OF Chris Parmelee, OF Jaff Decker, SP Josh Smith
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Norge Ruiz (12), SP Paul Blackburn (20)
Notable Losses: IF/OF Danny Valencia, RP Ross Detwiler, OF Sam Fuld
Offseason Review
The Oakland Athletics managed to find a taker for Danny Valencia, who was a potential non-tender candidate after being pushed out at third base by Ryon Healy and with more young corner-infield talent on the way.
Then they signed platoon standout Matt Joyce to a two-year, $11 million deal after he made good as a non-roster invitee with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season and posted an .866 OPS with 13 home runs and 42 RBI in 293 plate appearances.
That's about it for the A's so far this offseason.
Ho-hum.
Grade: C
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Jeremy Hellickson (re-signed), IF/OF Howie Kendrick, SP Clay Buchholz, RP Joaquin Benoit, RP Pat Neshek, IF Andres Blanco (re-signed), C Bryan Holaday, OF Daniel Nava, IF Pedro Florimon, RP Sean Burnett
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: SP Charlie Morton, RP David Hernandez, 1B/OF Darin Ruf, SP Matt Harrison, 1B Ryan Howard, C A.J. Ellis, OF Peter Bourjos, OF Cody Asche, RP Elvis Araujo, SP David Buchanan
Offseason Review
The Philadelphia Phillies probably didn't want Jeremy Hellickson to accept that qualifying offer.
After no one was willing to meet their steep asking price for the right-hander at the trade deadline, they opted to hold on to him and take the draft-pick compensation that would come with extending him a qualifying offer.
Instead, he'll be back on a one-year, $17.2 million deal as he looks to prove the best season of his career was no fluke.
Looking to hit on another buy-low veteran arm this offseason, the Phillies acquired Clay Buchholz in what amounted to a cash dump by the Boston Red Sox.
While his overall numbers didn't look great last season, Buchholz finished on a roll with a 3.22 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 58.2 innings after the All-Star break. That included a terrific final month in which he returned to the rotation and went 3-0 with a 3.14 ERA and four quality starts in five games.
Joaquin Benoit and Pat Neshek will bring a needed veteran presence to the bullpen, Howie Kendrick will do the same for the lineup and non-roster invitee Daniel Nava should have a legitimate chance to win a roster spot.
A splashy signing of someone like Jose Bautista on a short-term deal still looks like the perfect cherry on top of what has been a solid offseason.
At some point the Phillies are going to start spending again, and when they do they'll have a ton of money to work with.
Grade: B
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Ivan Nova (re-signed), RP Daniel Hudson, RP Lisalverto Bonilla, RP Nefi Ogando, RP Tyler Webb (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: UT Sean Rodriguez, OF Matt Joyce, RP Neftali Feliz, SP Jeff Locke, SP Ryan Vogelsong, C Eric Fryer
Offseason Review
The Pittsburgh Pirates would have walked away with a resounding "F" a few weeks ago after trying and failing to trade the face of the franchise in Andrew McCutchen and doing little else of note.
However, signing Daniel Hudson and re-signing Ivan Nova has elevated that grade considerably.
Hudson gives the team a right-handed setup man to replace Neftali Feliz, as well as a potential option to close games should Tony Watson find himself on the trade block at some point.
The 29-year-old should benefit greatly from getting out of the desert, and his two-year, $11 million deal could prove to be one of the better bargains of the offseason.
Speaking of bargains, bringing back Nova on a three-year, $26 million deal was nothing short of a coup.
Nova was 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 52-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 11 starts with the Pirates after coming over at the trade deadline. As one of the top starters on the market, MLB Trade Rumors predicted a four-year, $52 million deal for Nova.
The McCutchen situation was messy and the Pirates still look like a clear No. 3 in the NL Central.
The moves they have made have been terrific ones, though, as they continue to deal with small-market pitfalls.
Grade: B-
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SP Jhoulys Chacin, SP Clayton Richard (re-signed), SP Zach Lee, RP Craig Stammen, C Hector Sanchez (re-signed), OF Rafael Ortega
Notable Prospect Additions: SS Allen Cordoba (21), RP Miguel Diaz (22), C Luis Torrens (23)
Notable Losses: SP Tyson Ross, C Derek Norris, UT Adam Rosales, OF Jon Jay, IF Jose Pirela, UT Alexi Amarista, OF Oswaldo Arcia, SP Edwin Jackson, SP Erik Johnson, RP Jon Edwards, RP Brandon Morrow
Offseason Review
If you desperately need to improve the starting rotation but are unwilling to spend any real money, you could do a lot worse than Jhoulys Chacin and Clayton Richard.
Those two now profile as the Nos. 1 and 2 starters for the San Diego Padres, joining a staff that also includes former Rule 5 pick Luis Perdomo and scrapheap salvages Christian Friedrich and Paul Clemens.
They may not be finished adding to the rotation, as they've been linked to veterans Jered Weaver and Jake Peavy, per Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. As it stands, the staff looks like the worst in baseball, though.
Cutting ties with Tyson Ross and dumping Derek Norris on the Washington Nationals saves a nice chunk of money, and the latter move also opens the door for Austin Hedges to take over as the primary catcher.
As far as other additions, the team traded for a pair of Rule 5 picks in right-hander Miguel Diaz and catcher Luis Torrens, as well as taking a player of their own in infielder Allen Cordoba.
All three should have a real shot at winning a roster spot given the team's 2017 outlook—which is not particularly bright.
This is about what was expected from the Friars this winter, though.
Grade: C
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: RP Mark Melancon, C Tim Federowicz, 1B/OF Mike Morse, IF Jimmy Rollins, OF Justin Ruggiano, SP Josh Johnson, RP Bryan Morris, RP Jose Dominguez, RP Neil Ramirez
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: OF Angel Pagan, RP Sergio Romo, RP Santiago Casilla, RP Javier Lopez, SP Chris Heston, SP Jake Peavy, IF Gordon Beckham
Offseason Review
Finding a top-tier closer to anchor a leaky bullpen was the San Francisco Giants' top priority this winter and they got their guy when they signed Mark Melancon to a four-year, $62 million deal.
That's obviously a big investment on a bullpen arm, though it pales in comparison to the five-year contracts signed by Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen and it was a necessary expenditure after the bullpen cost the Giants big a year ago.
Melancon will likely wind up being the only significant addition of the offseason as the team is tapped out financially, per John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle.
That means left field will likely be manned by a platoon of Jarrett Parker and Mac Williamson.
While there have been no other notable 40-man roster additions outside of Melancon, the Giants have easily the most intriguing collection of non-roster invitees assembled so far this offseason.
Shortstop Jimmy Rollins, outfielders Justin Ruggiano and Michael Morse, reclamation project starter Josh Johnson and relievers Bryan Morris and Neil Ramirez will all be looking to impress this spring.
Grade: A
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: SS Jean Segura, IF/OF Danny Valencia, C Carlos Ruiz, RP Marc Rzepczynski, RP Casey Fien, SP Chris Heston, RP Zac Curtis, RP Ryan Weber, OF Taylor Motter
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Max Povse (10), SP Rob Whalen (14), OF Mitch Haniger (15), RP James Pazos (27)
Notable Losses: SP Taijuan Walker, SS Ketel Marte, 1B Adam Lind, OF Nori Aoki, RP Vidal Nuno, RP Tom Wilhelmsen, OF Stefen Romero, SP Zach Lee, RP Arquimedes Caminero, RP David Rollins, SP Paul Blackburn, OF Alex Jackson
Offseason Review
Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto has never been one to shy away from making a trade or six, and this offseason has been no different.
That big move came early when the team shipped inconsistent but supremely talented starter Taijuan Walker and infielder Ketel Marte to the Arizona Diamondbacks for shortstop Jean Segura.
The 26-year-old led the NL with 203 hits last season while batting .319/.368/.499 with 41 doubles, 20 home runs, 64 RBI, 102 runs scored and 33 stolen bases.
He'll now be setting the table for a lineup that featured a trio of 30-homer players in Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager.
That trade also brought outfield prospect Mitch Haniger to the M's, and he should have a shot at winning the starting left field job this spring.
Danny Valencia and Carlos Ruiz bolster the bench, while Marc Rzepczynski gives the team a much-needed lefty reliever and Casey Fien should join him as a new addition to the relief corps.
There's still a glaring need for another starting pitcher after dealing Walker, and that keeps them from landing an "A" grade at the moment.
Once the rotation is sorted out, this will have been a very successful offseason for a Mariners team still searching for its first playoff appearance since 2001.
Grade: B+
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: CF Dexter Fowler, RP Brett Cecil, C Eric Fryer, OF Todd Cunningham, RP Jordan Schafer
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Chris Ellis (23), SP John Gant (26), SP Kendry Flores (29)
Notable Losses: OF Matt Holliday, SP Jaime Garcia, 1B/OF Brandon Moss, RP Jordan Walden, RP Seth Maness, RP Jerome Williams, C Brayan Pena, OF Jeremy Hazelbaker, SP Tim Cooney, RP Dean Kiekhefer
Offseason Review
A center fielder and a left-handed setup man were the two obvious needs for the St. Louis Cardinals when the offseason began.
Fast forward two months and they've signed arguably the top lefty setup man on the market and a true difference-maker to man center field and sit atop the lineup.
Brett Cecil was the first addition on a four-year, $30.5 million deal as he was signed to fill the void left behind when Zach Duke was lost for the season to Tommy John surgery.
Cecil struggled early in 2016, but he has a long track record of late-inning success and he finished the year strong so there's no reason to think he won't be worth the significant investment.
Then shortly after the winter meetings concluded, they inked Dexter Fowler to a five-year, $82.5 million deal, exacting some revenge on the Chicago Cubs after they watched Jason Heyward and John Lackey head the other way last winter.
He'll give the team a different dynamic out of the leadoff spot and the outfield defense as a whole should be significantly improved with Randal Grichuk now sliding over to left field.
The only other addition of note has been catcher Eric Fryer, who will presumably serve as the backup to Yadier Molina, allowing Carson Kelly more time to develop in the minors.
They still have work to do bridging the gap to the rival Cubs, and an extension for Carlos Martinez would be awfully nice, but the Cardinals have done what they needed to this offseason.
Grade: A+
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: C Wilson Ramos, OF Shane Peterson, RP Kevin Gadea (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: SP Dylan Thompson (30)
Notable Losses: 1B Logan Morrison, SS Alexei Ramirez, RP Kevin Jepsen, RP Steven Geltz, 1B/OF Richie Shaffer, OF Taylor Motter
Offseason Review
The Tampa Bay Rays picked up one of the biggest wins of the offseason when they got Wilson Ramos to agree to the second year of a two-year, $12.5 million deal.
Ramos will likely be sidelined until sometime around June or July, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered in September. That injury may limit him to DH duties upon returning, but the plan is still for him to return to the crouch once he's ready.
Provided he returns to his pre-injury form, that gives the Rays a year-and-a-half of top-tier production at the catcher position for about a third of what he might have earned had he not suffered that injury.
That's been the only major move of the offseason for the Rays, though, and if spring training rolls around without them moving a starting pitcher, it will have been a huge missed opportunity.
Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi are undoubtedly the two most valuable trade chips on the staff, though it appears unlikely either will be moved.
Instead, Drew Smyly, Alex Cobb and Erasmo Ramirez look to be the starters on the block as the Rays explore their options, according to Topkin.
In this market, all three would fetch a significant return.
The decision to designate Richie Shaffer was also a head-scratcher.
A first-round pick in 2012, the 25-year-old has shown useful pop if nothing else, and for a team in need of right-handed power and a potential platoon partner for Brad Miller at first base he was a cheap solution.
The Ramos signing was one of the best of the offseason, but the Rays' activity as a whole this winter—or lack thereof—has been disappointing.
Grade: C-
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: CF Carlos Gomez (re-signed), SP Andrew Cashner, IF Will Middlebrooks, OF Jared Hoying (re-signed), SP Allen Webster, SP Tyler Wagner, SP Adrian Sampson, RP Mike Hauschild (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: CF Ian Desmond, DH Carlos Beltran, 1B Mitch Moreland, SP Derek Holland, SP Colby Lewis
Offseason Review
Letting Ian Desmond walk was one of the best decisions of the offseason by the Texas Rangers.
They instead opted to bring back Carlos Gomez on a one-year, $11.5 million deal, while watching Desmond sign a five-year, $70 million pact with the Colorado Rockies.
Gomez hit .284/.362/.543 with eight home runs and 24 RBI in 33 games with the Rangers last season after joining the team in August, while Desmond posted a .630 OPS with 15 extra-base hits after the All-Star break.
The need for a middle-of-the-rotation starter was addressed with the addition of Andrew Cashner.
The 30-year-old has always had the talent, but he's struggled with health and consistency and never really put it all together for a full season.
His upside was well worth a one-year, $10 million roll of the dice, though another starting pitcher for the sake of depth would be ideal.
The need that has not been addressed is the first base/designated hitter situation.
With Prince Fielder forced into an early retirement and both Carlos Beltran and Mitch Moreland walking in free agency, some combination of Ryan Rua, Jurickson Profar and Joey Gallo profiles to fill those two spots in the lineup.
There's obvious upside with that group and significant question marks as well. Too many question marks at a pair of premium offensive position for a team looking to contend for a title.
A reunion with Mike Napoli would be a good start.
Grade: B
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: DH Kendrys Morales, UT Steve Pearce, SP Brett Oberholtzer, SP T.J. House, RP Leonel Campos, RP Dominic Leone, RP Jeff Beliveau, RP Glenn Sparkman (Rule 5)
Notable Prospect Additions: IF Lourdes Gurriel (N/R)
Notable Losses: 1B Edwin Encarnacion, RF Jose Bautista, LF Michael Saunders, SP R.A. Dickey, RP Joaquin Benoit, RP Brett Cecil, SP Scott Feldman, SP Gavin Floyd, 1B/OF Chris Colabello, C Dioner Navarro
Offseason Review
The entire complexion of the Toronto Blue Jays roster stands to change this offseason.
Edwin Encarnacion has already found a new home in free agency and both Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders are likely to follow him, leaving the offense searching for a way to replace that production.
Signing Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce was a nice start, but the team is still in serious need of at least one corner outfielder, and regardless of what they do the rest of the offseason, it's hard to see them not taking a step back offensively.
That being said, it's the starting rotation that was the strength of the team last season and there's no reason it shouldn't be among the best in the business once again.
However, shoring up the bullpen remains on the to-do list, as well, and the market is dwindling.
Jason Grilli will be back to set up closer Roberto Osuna, and Rule 5 pick Joe Biagini could step into a more prominent role, but the relief corps as a whole is weak after Brett Cecil and Joaquin Benoit signed elsewhere.
A patient approach to addressing some rather significant needs could come back to bite the Blue Jays when all is said and done.
Grade: D
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Notable MLB Additions: CF Adam Eaton, C Derek Norris, OF Chris Heisey (re-signed), IF Emmanuel Burriss, SP Jacob Turner, RP Austin Adams, RP Jimmy Cordero, RP Tim Collins
Notable Prospect Additions: None
Notable Losses: RP Mark Melancon, C Wilson Ramos, IF Danny Espinosa, OF Ben Revere, IF Stephen Drew, SP Mat Latos, RP Matt Belisle, RP Marc Rzepczynski, RP Sean Burnett, RP Yusmeiro Petit, SP Lucas Giolito, SP Reynaldo Lopez, SP Dane Dunning
Offseason Review
The Washington Nationals gave up an unfathomable amount of prospect talent to acquire a complementary—it's as simple as that.
Yes, Adam Eaton had a 6.2 WAR in 2016.
And yes, he has a very team-friendly contract that runs through the 2021 season.
And who knows, maybe Lucas Giolito will be a flop and Reynaldo Lopez will eventually move to the bullpen.
We won't truly know how this deal turns out until years from now, but right now, it looks like a desperate mistake by a Nationals team that just wanted to do something after missing out on Chris Sale.
And if the Eaton trade signals an all-in move by the Nationals to try to win in 2017, then why not go sign Matt Wieters to fill the hole at the catcher position?
Derek Norris is a clear downgrade from Wilson Ramos and a fringe starter in general if his production is anything like we've seen the past two seasons.
Then there's the closer spot, which the Nationals have failed to address following the departure of Mark Melancon.
Shawn Kelley has the stuff to step into the role and succeed, but again, if the team is set on winning, you need a proven arm in that spot.
They still look like one of the best teams in the National League, but it's been a puzzling offseason to say the least for the Nationals.
Grade: F
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and FanGraphs unless otherwise noted. Projected salaries courtesy of MLBTradeRumors. Contract information via Spotrac unless otherwise noted.
Some of this slideshow's analysis originally appeared in MLB Teams' Updated To-Do List.
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