MLB Free Agents: Each Team's Best Free-Agent Acquisition in Its History
Year in and year out, the baseball world becomes littered with free agents in a selection pool. All of these athletes, now unemployed, are looking for new commitments. Over the years, we've seen the New York Yankees, in particular, stock up on their share of talent in the winter. Their surplus in money always makes them a constant player in the free-agent market.
All must recognize that without Curt Flood in 1969, this wouldn't be possible. Today, there is a "Flood" of available players testing the waters annually. It has become the biggest frenzy of the baseball offseason, with constant movement and interaction. You can all thank Mr. Flood, without him this article isn't even written.
The cash flow here is puzzling. With so many great players available every year, there also comes many poor pickups, too. Some deals are good because of the money and number of years involved, still many others are bad for the same exact reasons.
Throughout the years, in some way, each and every MLB team has made its splash in the free-agency period. Here is a list of each team's best offseason pickup.
New York Mets: Robin Ventura
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This list leads off with an unsung hero in Robin Ventura with the New York Mets.
Ventura came in as a bargain for the Mets in terms of production. The Mets were able to snag Ventura for four years and a little over $30 million. In sweeping him up from the Chicago White Sox, the Mets took a Sox lifer out and nearly carried the momentum to a World Series.
In many ways, Ventura, as well as other Mets of the late 1990s, helped form a Mets renaissance of sorts. In that time frame, the Mets went to a World Series in 2000 (the "Subway Series") and enjoyed much success. Ventura was one of the more productive players of this era for the Mets and helped solidify the lineup, along with Mike Piazza.
Florida Marlins: Moises Alou
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Moises Alou has forever been one of the game's most consistent and precise hitters. Although Alou was only with the Marlins for one year (1997), it ended up being the year that they won their first World Series title. Alou, who put up productive numbers at .292-23-115, was a major catalyst of that title team.
While still in his prime and at a $4.5 million tilt, Alou proved to be just what the Marlins needed in 1997. His efforts, along with a complete team game in Florida orchestrated by manager Jim Leyland, helped the Marlins to a title.
The Marlins have never been big spenders at the free-agency level, yet here, it didn't take much to lure Alou and a title to Miami. After a thrilling seven-game series with the Cleveland Indians, Florida, a relatively new team, was on top of the baseball world.
Atlanta Braves: Greg Maddux
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Greg Maddux, one of the most underrated pitchers of all time, helped form one of the game's most feared rotations while in Atlanta. After accepting virtually the same contract from Atlanta as he was offered to stay in Chicago, Maddux went ahead and won a World Series and formed an Atlanta dynasty in the 1990s.
Maddux proved to be one of the game's top pitchers for years while in Atlanta, not to mention one of the more durable ones, too. Maddux would continue his dominance, carrying it from Chicago and building a more complete team with Bobby Cox down South. The legacy of Greg Maddux was already solid coming off a Cy Young Award at age 25 in Chicago, but he became an elite pitcher in Atlanta.
Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals: Tim Raines
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The Montreal Expos really made out well in signing Tim Raines. For the Expos, a team not known for spending a whole lot of money on marquee names, Raines came at a decent price tag. This undersized outfielder was one of the all-time Expos greats, and their ability to maintain him in 1986 was a key move for the organization.
Although they've never won anything, keeping Raines helped the organization in the long run, as he was still in his prime. He would remain an Expo for a few years into that contract before being bounced around to a plethora of teams. Raines' ferocious base-stealing abilities provided just the spark that the Expos needed then and they had to keep him.
Philadelphia Phillies: Pete Rose
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Pete Rose's fiery personality was perfect for the city of Philadelphia. Even at age 38 when he signed, Rose still clearly had "it." He was and always will be a fan favorite in Philadelphia no matter what. Rose led the 1980 Phillies to glory. Their first World Series title was marvelous and it couldn't have happened without him.
Rose made big play after big play for the Phillies and was the ultimate team leader for them during their "Glory Days" of old. When the Phillies signed Rose to a four-year, $3.2 million contract, he became the highest-paid player in baseball. This was well worth it for the Carpenter family at the time, and was perhaps the greatest investment in Phillies history.
Chicago Cubs: Andre Dawson
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Andre Dawson has to be recognized as one of the most underrated players in baseball history. He finally received a long overdue call to the Hall this past season and gave a memorable speech to boot.
"The Hawk" enjoyed several MVP-worthy seasons throughout his career and eventually won one in his first year with the Cubs. The price for Dawson wasn't all that steep, either, and they knew what they had in him from the beginning. This guy had already been terrorizing NL pitchers.
Dawson was very consistent over a long period of time and, deservedly, his plaque rests in Cooperstown forever.
Milwaukee Brewers: Paul Molitor
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Paul Molitor was such a good signing that he makes this list twice, once here with the Brew Crew, then again with the Toronto Blue Jays. While in Milwaukee, Molitor was a force. His stay in Milwaukee spanned over three decades, and their maintaining him in 1988 was key to their success.
Later on, Molitor would go North to the Toronto Blue Jays and dominant postseason play, winning a World Series. The legacy of Molitor with the Brewers saw little success on the team's end, but still an amazing run for this versatile hitter.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Willie Stargell
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Technically, the Pittsburgh Pirates, in their Golden Age, signed Willie Stargell as an amateur free agent in 1958. This was the most significant move in Pirates history and produced possibly their greatest player ever.
Stargell's sensational power was astonishing to Steel City natives. Stargell nearly hit the 500 mark with 475 HRs and was a staple in Pittsburgh for the better part of three decades. He and Terry Bradshaw, pictured above, were the most significant players to ever come through this city and became overnight heroes.
This was their greatest investment, bar none. The signing of Stargell in his late teens paid off for a very long time.
Houston Astros: Roger Clemens
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In their first time signing Roger Clemens in 2004, this move paid off in spades. While the second time was unsuccessful as Clemens commanded far too much money, his first year in Houston was one of his very best.
"The Rocket" signed for only $5 million and put up an extraordinary year in Houston. This move would put the 'Stros over the top that season. Later in his Houston tenure, his price tag just became ridiculous considering his age—yet they still paid him. That $22 million deal was one of the worst moves in baseball history.
St. Louis Cardinals: David Eckstein
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"The Little Engine That Could." That's David Eckstein. This durable shortstop put up great numbers with the Cardinals during the three years that he was there. His World Series MVP performance in 2006 was impressive as he won his second World Series title.
Eckstein, still in his prime when he arrived in St. Louis, came at a relatively cheap price for the Cards. He was often forgotten on that title team, compared to the marquee names like Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen. But in the end, he was recognized as MVP for his efforts. Eckstein would hit .364 in the World Series and establish himself as the team leader out of the leadoff spot.
Cincinnati Reds: Tony Perez
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Tony Perez signed with the Reds as an amateur free agent in 1960. This would go on to be the best pickup in team history as Perez was a catalyst of "The Big Red Machine." Perez was one of several Red greats to come out of this era and helped Cincinnati to consecutive World Series titles in 1975-76.
Perez, along with the likes of Pete Rose and Johnny Bench, helped form a significant dynasty. Who would've ever thought when he was signed that Perez would remain a staple in the organization for 16 years?
San Francisco Giants: Barry Bonds
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Barry Bonds became one of the biggest free-agent pickups of all time when the San Francisco Giants signed him back in the winter of 1992. What they didn't know then was the ride that Bonds would take the organization on during his time there. Though this journey never culminated in a World Series, Bonds' presence there was enjoyable to say the least.
Bonds made over $175 million during his time as a Giant and he was well worth it. Even through the Steroid Era, which he created, or at least made famous, Bonds was one of the best players of this generation. You either love him or hate him, but you can't deny his talent on the diamond.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Kirk Gibson
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At three years, $4.5 million, Kirk Gibson was a great signing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His 1988 World Series HR is still among the greatest moments in baseball history. On two injured legs and fighting a stomach virus, Gibson became an overnight hero in Tinsel Town. He even won the 1988 NL MVP.
It's fair to say that 1988 was a banner year for Gibson and the Dodgers organization as a whole. While Gibson would later be limited by injuries during his Dodgers career, he certainly made his contract well worth it in 1988 alone.
Colorado Rockies: Ubaldo Jimenez
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The Colorado Rockies aren't big offseason spenders, so this was a very difficult and limited choice. Ubaldo Jimenez, their ace pitcher and one of the best in the game, was an amateur free-agent signing for Colorado. He has already delivered and proved that he's about ready to take off. At 26, he still has a lot of time to do so.
Jimenez may already be the Rockies' best pitcher of all time, which is impressive considering that he hasn't even hit his prime yet. The pitching talent, or lack of it in Colorado, can can be attributed to Coors Field and its offense-first approach.
San Diego Padres: Brian Giles
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Brian Giles became one of the most underrated signings of the 2000s as his leadership helped put the Padres on the mark. Though the Padres didn't go anywhere in the playoffs, Giles was the gutsy leader they needed.
Giles may have come at a high cost for the Padres, but they knew of the production that they'd be getting in return. Giles helped the Padres become relevant again in leading them to the playoffs in consecutive seasons.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Randy Johnson
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The flame-throwing lefty, Randy Johnson, became a hero in Arizona. Along with Curt Schilling, Johnson brought a World Series to Arizona in 2001. In a triumphant, shocking seven-game victory over the New York Yankees, Johnson was able to cement his legacy. This epic series saw Schilling and Johnson each take home World Series Co-MVP honors.
As dominant as "The Big Unit" had been in the past, his greatest accomplishments came in 'Zona. It was there where he would win four consecutive NL Cy Young Awards. Though Johnson came at a high cost for the D'Backs, he was worth every penny.
New York Yankees: Reggie Jackson
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Reggie Jackson, the original "Mr. October," goes down as the New York Yankees' greatest free-agent signing. This was a difficult one as the Yankees are always spending big in the winter and getting top talent. Jackson's signing came when free agency was still relatively new and this was seen as a landmark signing.
Jackson's power was unquestionable. His famous three HRs on consecutive swings in the 1977 will be forever engraved in baseball and Yankees history. While in the prime of his professional career, Jackson came as low-risk, high-reward for George Steinbrenner, regardless of the cost.
Boston Red Sox: David Ortiz
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David Ortiz has been the one mainstay for the Boston Red Sox over the past decade. Behind Ortiz and several others, the Red Sox have achieved unimaginable heights and become a champion again. They broke the curse in 2004, and would later win another World Series in 2007.
With the Red Sox again a dynasty, it's clear that Ortiz has been a major contributor. Gambling on Ortiz was a move that the Red Sox are happy to have made as this investment has paid off. "Big Papi's" best days may be behind him, but he's still a Red Sox legend. He's helped orchestrate a renaissance in Red Sox baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: Paul Molitor
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Paul Molitor is the only man to make this list twice, and rightfully so. The Toronto Blue Jays, much like the Brewers, made Molitor a major player in their history. Only the Jays, though, were able to win a World Series behind Molitor. He would essentially be named MVP of the 1993 World Series despite Joe Carter being the "talk of the Series."
Molitor enjoyed a few good seasons in Toronto before finishing his career as a Minnesota Twin. Molitor hit .500 against the Phillies in the World Series and ran away with the award, he also nearly won the AL MVP that season. Moltior, a quiet player, was a very significant pickup for the Jays in their stellar run of the early 1990s.
Tampa Bay Rays: Greg Vaughn
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The Tampa Bay Rays/Devil Rays have never been known to acquire big talent at any point. They'd rather develop their youth. But their acquiring Greg Vaughn was a very good pickup for this expansion team. The Rays were able to call on Vaughn as a leader to help them through the early stages of their organization.
Vaughn was the "right" move for a young, inexperienced team like Tampa. Although his production dipped from his days in San Diego and Milwaukee, he was a durable hitter for them. He came at a mighty high price, but this was the type of guy they needed.
Baltimore Orioles: B.J. Surhoff
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B.J. Surhoff came pretty cheap for the Orioles in 1996. The Orioles were in much better shape as they still had fans coming out to the ballpark in those days. Cal Ripken Jr. was still the man then and his streak was marvelous. A lot has changed in Baltimore since.
Surhoff put up big numbers for the O's over a few years. His bat was good protection for Ripken Jr. and the Orioles were AL East Champs in 1997. Wow! Surhoff was a low-key guy and an underrated player who let his game do the talking.
Minnesota Twins: Jack Morris
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Jack Morris was a key contributor in the Minnesota Twins' 1991 World Series title run. He was dominant in the Series with two wins and a 1.17 ERA. Throughout his career, he was a very special and consistent pitcher for various teams. The Twins, though, learned this in 1991 when they picked him up for a one-year flier.
Morris was a workhorse pitcher in the AL for many years and helped all his teams improve along the way. His season with the Twins, though, was a great one. Although they paid $3.7 million to obtain Morris, the Twins saw how important this was to their title run in 1991. Morris was one of the highest-paid players in baseball that season.
Chicago White Sox: Carlton Fisk
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Carlton Fisk's career spanned over four decades. Although he was most memorable for his infamous HR with the Boston Red Sox and that stunning picture that was captured in his "fair" gesture, he was a member of the Chicago White Sox, too.
Fisk received a spike in pay when he arrived in Chicago. All in all, though he was more famous in Boston, he played for Chicago longer. The White Sox really rewarded Fisk with a good contract and maintained him for about 13 seasons.
Kansas City Royals: Mike Sweeney
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Mike Sweeney was the Captain of the Kansas City Royals and needed to be paid to stay in Royals blue. Their ability to hold onto their team leader was intricate, though the franchise didn't enjoy much success during that time.
Sweeney quietly became one of the game's top players for a short time back in the late 1990s, and was a staple in the Royals organization. The Royals have never been known for spending in the offseason, but rather, developing their talent through their farm system.
Detroit Tigers: Magglio Ordonez
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The Detroit Tigers swept up Magglio Ordonez from their divisional rivals, the Chicago White Sox. This was a great move for the Tigers as Ordonez's career has taken off since his arrival in Detroit. This was a key move in the retooling/rebuilding process for the Tigers as Ordonez became the focal point.
Since then, Ordonez has been one of the AL's top hitters and consistently is among the league leaders in batting average. He's been stopped by injuries lately, but is now looking to play out his contract and get healthy. This was still a "steal" for the Tigers, despite the high price tag. When he's healthy, of course.
Cleveland Indians: Juan Gonzalez
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Juan Gonzalez was an elite power hitter and helped the Cleveland Indians reach their pinnacle in 2001. Though they paid a lot of money for Gonzalez, they were compensated with great power production.
This Indians team was better than many people gave them credit for. They were a complete lineup that was very successful until they fell victim to the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS.
Seattle Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki
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Ichiro is easily one of the greatest free-agent pickups, ever. This Seattle Mariner won AL Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the same season, and has set torrid hitting paces ever since. Although Ichiro was 27 when he signed with Seattle, he clearly was still in his prime and, for that matter, still might be today. This guy has no quit in him and is the catalyst of the team, year in and year out.
The Mariners paid a hefty price to lure him out of Japan, but he's helped reshape the organization and make them fun to watch. No matter how good or bad the Mariners are, it's always a pleasure to watch Ichiro. He leads the league in hits annually and has won 10 Gold Gloves, one for every year he's been in the league. The Mariners have only made the playoffs once, though, and that was during his rookie year.
Oakland A's: Rickey Henderson
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Rickey Henderson was one of the most dynamic players in baseball history. His style and speed were enough to take over any game on a daily basis. His base-stealing abilities are legendary—he is "The Man of Steal."
Henderson was a great find for the A's, even though they did pay a lot for him. This Hall of Famer will go down in history as the greatest leadoff man of all time, without a doubt.
Los Angeles Angels: Vladimir Guerrero
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From the free swing to the bare hands, not to mention his cannon arm, Vladimir Guerrero has been a hot commodity in MLB since he came over from the Dominican Republic. While the Angels paid a great deal for him, Guerrero really delivered and lived up to his end once he arrived in LA.
Guerrero is one of the most complete hitters of this generation, and is also fun to watch on the diamond. The Angels paid about $14 million for Guerrero in the long run, but they were well compensated, to say the very least.
Texas Rangers: Nolan Ryan
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Even now, the Texas Rangers are still paying for Nolan Ryan and he's still returning the favor as the GM. Ryan was on the decline and in his 40s by the time the Rangers signed him, but he still had a little something left in the tank.
Ryan was one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1970s and 1980s, and now he was still a great hurler for Texas years later. Even at age 42, Ryan threw for 305 Ks in 1989. Texas paid a nice chunk for an aging Ryan, but this still beats the Alex Rodriguez deal in 2001.
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