2014-2015 MLB Offseason 'Recruiting' Updates for All 30 Teams
Let's pretend for a moment that each MLB team's offseason was evaluated in a way similar to that of a college football or basketball program. Free-agent signings and trade additions would be assigned a rating from 1-5 on the "star" scale, and the complete class of new additions would be graded from there.
Rather than assessing how well needs were filled or how much money was spent by each team, the focus would solely be on how much overall talent was added to the roster.
First, we need to decide what constitutes a 5-star player, 4-star player and so on. Here is my take on who belongs in each category.
- 5-Star (10 points): A superstar-caliber position player, ace-caliber starting pitcher or premier closer.
- 4-Star (7 points): An above-average everyday position player, middle-of-the-rotation starting pitcher or late-inning reliever.
- 3-Star (4 points): An average everyday position player or reserve likely to see extended playing time, No. 5 starting pitcher/swingman or above-average middle reliever. High-upside bounce-back candidates can be found here.
- 2-Star (1 point): Solid organizational depth likely to be on the big league roster at some point, if not on Opening Day. Rule 5 draft picks can be found here.
- 1-Star (N/A): Everyone else. Players signed to minor league deals and unlikely to make any sort of impact at the big league level this coming season. Not included here; don't count toward a team's overall offseason rating.
From there, points were awarded to each recruit as listed above, and each team's total recruit point total was determined. Players were graded based solely on their expected contributions during the 2015 season, so prospects were based on the upcoming season and not their overall ceiling.
Teams were then ordered from worst to first based on the overall level of talent they've added so far this winter.
As with college rosters, returning players are not considered recruits, so anyone re-signing with the team he played for last year was not considered for this.
The end goal here was simply to put a different and fun spin on evaluating what each MLB team has done so far this offseason. So take this for what it is, and enjoy.
San Francisco Giants
1 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (0):
2-Star (0):
Total: 0 points
Offseason Overview
During one of the busiest offseasons in recent memory, the reigning champion San Francisco Giants have yet to make a significant move of any sort this winter.
They made a serious run at signing Jon Lester, but wound up losing out to the Chicago Cubs, and the starting rotation remains a major question mark behind ace Madison Bumgarner.
Meanwhile, they have yet to do anything to address an offense that lost Pablo Sandoval and Michael Morse in free agency. The hole at third base is a particularly significant issue, as they have no real in-house option to step into the job.
Washington Nationals
2 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (0):
2-Star (0):
Total: 0 points
Offseason Overview
The Washington Nationals entered the offseason with as complete a roster as any in baseball, and despite another early postseason exit, they look to be in good shape heading into the 2015 season.
While they do have a hole to fill at second base, the big decision of the offseason for them revolves around what to do with their upcoming crop of free agents.
Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister and Ian Desmond are all set to hit the open market next offseason, and the team appears to be at least kicking around the idea of moving one of them this winter for the right price.
Philadelphia Phillies
3 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (0):
2-Star (2): OF Odubel Herrera, RP Andy Oliver
Total: 2 points
Offseason Overview
The Philadelphia Phillies have finally set the wheels in motion on a long overdue rebuild this past week at the winter meetings, shipping out shortstop Jimmy Rollins and reliever Antonio Bastardo.
It remains to be seen just how many more pieces they will be able to move, but the big one is obviously ace Cole Hamels, and if they do wind up moving him he'll undoubtedly bring a huge return.
As for the small pieces they have added, outfielder Odubel Herrera (.321/.373/.402, 22 XBH in Double-A) and left-hander Andy Oliver (48 G, 2.53 ERA, 12.0 K/9 in Triple-A) were both taken in the Rule 5 draft and will have every chance of sticking.
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Colorado Rockies
4 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (0):
2-Star (2): IF Daniel Descalso, RP Jairo Diaz
Total: 2 points
Offseason Overview
The big story of the offseason for the Colorado Rockies so far was when Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that the team was willing to listen to offers for stars Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.
Nothing has happened on that front to this point, and given their asking price it's unlikely either player winds up moved, but what the team should be focusing on is improving a pitching staff that ranked last in the majors with a 4.84 team ERA.
So far, their only additions have been utility infielder Daniel Descalso on a two-year, $3.6 million deal and right-handed reliever Jairo Diaz (56 G, 3.48 ERA, 11.8 K/9 in minors), who was acquired in a trade with the Angels.
Milwaukee Brewers
5 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (1): 1B Adam Lind
2-Star (0):
Total: 4 points
Offseason Overview
After employing a low-cost platoon of Mark Reynolds and Lyle Overbay at first base last season, and getting a .207/.287/.356 line with 19 home runs and 61 RBI out of the position, the Milwaukee Brewers moved quickly to shore up the position this offseason.
Adam Lind was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays on Nov. 1 for right-hander Marco Estrada, after posting an .860 OPS with 24 doubles and six home runs in 290 at-bats last season.
The 31-year-old is a career .293/.349/.510 hitter against right-handed pitching, compared to just .212/.257/.331 against lefties, so the team will likely need to use him as a platoon player. Still, after seeing the contracts handed out to Adam LaRoche, Billy Butler and others this offseason, it was a steal.
Baltimore Orioles
6 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (1): RP Wesley Wright
2-Star (2): RP Jason Garcia, RP Logan Verrett
Total: 6 points
Offseason Overview
It's hard not to think the Baltimore Orioles have taken a step back in the AL East, with Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis signing elsewhere this offseason, and no significant additions made to replace them.
Lefty reliever Wesley Wright (58 G, 3.17 ERA, 1.386 WHIP) has been their only significant offseason addition to this point, as he gives them a second southpaw in the pen to replace the departed Andrew Miller.
The also grabbed a pair of right-handers in the Rule 5 draft, and both guys will get a long look this spring.
Jason Garcia (56.1 IP, 3.67 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9.4 K/9 in Single-A) is a hard-throwing reliever coming back from elbow surgery but has been clocked in the high 90s this fall.
Logan Verrett (162.0 IP, 4.33 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 6.6 K/9 in Triple-A) worked primarily as a starter in the minors, but should play in the bullpen with a solid fastball/slider combination and plus control.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (1): SP Anthony DeSclafani
2-Star (2): SS Eugenio Suarez, OF Brennan Boesch
Total: 6 points
Offseason Overview
The Cincinnati Reds have done far more subtracting than adding this offseason at the major league level, as they moved starters Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon during the winter meetings, and it will be interesting to see how they approach the remainder of the offseason.
They landed a pair of top pitching prospects in those trades in Anthony DeSclafani and Jonathon Crawford. While Crawford is still a year or so away, DeSclafani could step into the rotation immediately after going 6-7 with a 3.78 ERA, 1.212 WHIP and 97 strikeouts in 102.1 innings of work between Double-A and Triple-A last year.
Shortstop Eugenio Suarez was also acquired in the Simon deal, and he could push incumbent shortstop Zack Cozart, who is coming off of a rough season at the plate.
Texas Rangers
8 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (1): SP Ross Detwiler
2-Star (3): OF Kyle Blanks, OF Delino DeShields, RP Kyuji Fujikawa
Total: 7 points
Offseason Overview
The Texas Rangers could still use a solid No. 3 starter to slot behind Yu Darvish and Derek Holland in the starting rotation, but picking up Ross Detwiler in a trade with the Washington Nationals was a nice buy-low move.
Detwiler was relegated to the bullpen for the Nationals last season with the emergence of Tanner Roark, but he pitched to a 3.46 ERA (3.99 FIP) and 1.293 WHIP from 2011-13 while being used primarily as a starter.
The team also signed reliever Kyuji Fujikawa to a one-year, $1 million deal after an injury-plagued two season with the Chicago Cubs. He had a 4.85 ERA and 11.8 K/9 in 15 appearances last season.
Kyle Blanks should have a real chance of making the team on a minor league deal as a power bat off the bench, and the same goes for Rule 5 pick Delino DeShields Jr., who has 241 stolen bases and a .362 on-base percentage in parts of five minor league seasons.
Cleveland Indians
9 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): 1B/OF Brandon Moss
3-Star (0):
2-Star (1): SP Gavin Floyd
Total: 8 points
Offseason Overview
The Cleveland Indians have yet to find the proven No. 2 starter they are missing to slot behind Corey Kluber in the starting rotation, but they did add some pop when they acquired Brandon Moss from the Oakland Athletics.
Moss, who is projected to earn $7.1 million in his final year of arbitration, had a .772 OPS with 23 doubles and 25 home runs and was an All-Star for the first time last season. His 76 home runs since the start of 2012 are the 18th-highest total in the American League.
The team also signed right-hander Gavin Floyd to a one-year, $4 million deal that could be worth up to $10 million in incentives, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation.
Floyd pitched to a 2.65 ERA in nine starts last season while coming off of Tommy John surgery, before his season was again cut short by an arm injury. He still has solid middle-of-the-rotation potential, though, and it's a nice buy-low risk.
Tampa Bay Rays
10 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): RP Kevin Jepsen
3-Star (0):
2-Star (2): RP Ernesto Frieri, RP Jose Dominguez
Total: 9 points
Offseason Overview
The Tampa Bay Rays begun the offseason by trimming payroll, as they traded Jeremy Hellickson, Sean Rodriguez and Joel Peralta to save roughly $8.3 million for the upcoming season. They have yet to do much of anything with that money, though, as a trio of bullpen arms are the extent of what they have added.
Kevin Jepsen was acquired from the Angels for outfielder Matt Joyce, and he had as good a season as any setup man in baseball in 2014. The 30-year-old made 74 appearances, recording 22 holds and posting a 2.63 ERA, 1.046 WHIP and 10.4 K/9.
Ernesto Frieri saved a combined 60 games with a 3.07 ERA in 2012 and 2013, but he struggled mightily last season with a 7.34 ERA and 10.2 H/9 over 48 appearances. The Rays have a long track record of successful bullpen reclamation projects, and on a one-year, $800,000 deal he could be a nice bargain.
Jose Dominguez, 24, can reach 100 with his fastball and has a solid minor league track record, so he will likely get a long look this spring despite having just 14 big league appearances under his belt.
New York Mets
11 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): RF Michael Cuddyer
3-Star (0):
2-Star (2): 1B/OF John Mayberry, RP Sean Gilmartin
Total: 9 points
Offseason Overview
Finding a right-handed-hitting run producer capable of playing corner outfield was No. 1 on the New York Mets' offseason to-do list, and they moved quickly to sign their top target Michael Cuddyer.
Cuddyer, a good friend of third baseman David Wright, was limited to just 49 games last season while battling hamstring and shoulder injuries, but he hit .332/.376/.579 when he was on the field. He'll need to stay healthy to live up to his two-year, $21 million contract, especially considering it also cost a draft to sign him.
John Mayberry gives the team a decent right-handed bat off the bench and a solid fourth outfielder, while Rule 5 pick Sean Gilmartin has a chance to stick alongside Josh Edgin as the second left-hander in the bullpen.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): RF Alex Rios
3-Star (1): DH Kendrys Morales
2-Star (1): SP Brian Flynn
Total: 12 points
Offseason Overview
With ace James Shields, designated hitter Billy Butler and right fielder Nori Aoki departing in free agency, the Kansas City Royals had three significant holes to plug this offseason, and they have addressed two those so far.
Alex Rios was signed to a one-year, $11 million deal on Monday, according to ESPN, to fill the right field void. The 33-year-old hit a solid .280/.311/.398 for the Texas Rangers last season, but he managed just four long balls in 492 at-bats, thanks to an abnormally low 2.9 percent HR/FB rate (via FanGraphs).
Kendrys Morales certainly has the potential to be a four-star player, but after sitting in qualifying offer limbo for the first half of last season he hit just .218/.274/.338 in 367 at-bats, so he falls with the bounce-back candidates.
The team is still searching for another proven starter, but did pick up a talented young lefty in Brian Flynn from the Miami Marlins in exchange for reliever Aaron Crow. The 24-year-old was 8-10 with a 4.06 ERA in 25 starts at the Triple-A level last year.
Pittsburgh Pirates
13 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (3): IF Sean Rodriguez, SP A.J. Burnett, RP Antonio Bastardo
2-Star (1): C Francisco Cervelli
Total: 13 points
Offseason Overview
Losing Russell Martin is no doubt a blow to the Pittsburgh Pirates roster as a whole, but they were able to re-sign ace Francisco Liriano, and are still working toward a potential reunion with Edinson Volquez as well.
As for the pieces they have added, veteran right-hander A.J. Burnett is back after a disastrous one-year stint in Philadelphia where he went 8-18 with a 4.59 ERA and 1.409 WHIP. He could still be a four-star guy, but he could also be a huge flop.
Antonio Bastardo replaces Justin Wilson as the second lefty in the pen, while Sean Rodriguez replaces Clint Barmes as the utility infielder after posting a .701 OPS with 12 home runs and 41 RBI last season.
It looks like Francisco Cervelli will get the first crack at starting catching duties. While he hit .301/.370/.432 last season, he has never seen more than 266 at-bats in a season and has to be graded as a backup until he proves otherwise.
Minnesota Twins
14 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (2): RF Torii Hunter, SP Ervin Santana
3-Star (0):
2-Star (1): RP J.R. Graham
Total: 15 points
Offseason Overview
The Minnesota Twins handed out what were the two largest free-agent contracts in team history last offseason when they added Ricky Nolasco (four years, $49 million) and Phil Hughes (three years, $24 million), but those deals were eclipsed by this year's signing of Ervin Santana (four years, $55 million).
Santana, 32, has pitched at least 190 innings with an ERA under 4.00 in four of the past five seasons, and he was terrific for the Atlanta Braves last year at 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA (3.39 FIP), despite signing late.
The team also reunited with veteran outfielder Torii Hunter, who was a first-round pick by the team back in 1993 and spent the first 11 seasons with the team. Entering his age-39 season, Hunter is still producing, as he hit .286/.319/.446 with 33 doubles, 17 home runs and 83 RBI last year.
J.R. Graham was once a top prospect in the Atlanta Braves system before injuries derailed him, and he'll get a chance to stick in the bullpen as a Rule 5 selection.
Seattle Mariners
15 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (1): DH Nelson Cruz
4-Star (0):
3-Star (1): SP J.A. Happ
2-Star (1): RP David Rollins
Total: 15 points
Offseason Overview
After opting against signing Nelson Cruz last offseason in favor of bounce-back candidate Corey Hart, the Seattle Mariners avoided making that same mistake twice, inking the slugger to a four-year, $57 million deal this time around.
Cruz, who posted an .859 OPS with 40 home runs and 108 RBI for the Baltimore Orioles last season, gives the Mariners the right-handed power bat they have been seeking to slot between Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager in the lineup.
J.A. Happ quietly had a solid season in 2014, going 11-11 with a 4.22 ERA and 1.335 WHIP, and he will compete with Roenis Elias for the No. 5 starter job while giving the team a veteran replacement for Chris Young.
Left-hander David Rollins (27 G, 3.81 ERA, 8.9 K/9 in Double-A) could replace free agent Joe Beimel as the second lefty in the bullpen alongside Charlie Furbush, after being selected in the Rule 5 draft.
Los Angeles Angels
16 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (3): DH Matt Joyce, SP Andrew Heaney, RP Cesar Ramos
2-Star (4): C Drew Butera, 2B Josh Rutledge, IF Taylor Featherston, SP Nick Tropeano
Total: 16 points
Offseason Overview
Despite the fact that they had very few areas of need entering the offseason, the Los Angeles Angels have been busy this winter, moving second baseman Howie Kendrick and adding to the overall depth of the roster.
Former All-Star Matt Joyce gives them a left-handed DH option and fourth outfielder, while swingman Cesar Ramos gives them a lefty in the bullpen and some rotation depth. He made seven starts and 36 relief appearances last season, pitching to a 3.70 ERA overall.
Andrew Heaney, acquired in the Kendrick deal, was ranked as the No. 30 prospect in baseball last season by Baseball America. He was 9-6 with a 3.28 ERA and 143 strikeouts in 137.1 innings in the minors, and should get every chance to be the No. 5 starter out of camp.
Drew Butera and Rule 5 pick Taylor Featherston will both be in the running for bench jobs, Josh Rutledge will compete with a handful of guys to replace Kendrick at second and Nick Tropeano gives them another young arm with some upside for rotational depth.
San Diego Padres
17 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (1): RF Matt Kemp
4-Star (0):
3-Star (1): SP Brandon Morrow
2-Star (2): C Tim Federowicz, IF Clint Barmes
Total: 16 points
Offseason Overview
An argument can certainly be made for Matt Kemp belonging in the four-star tier, but after hitting .309/.365/.606 with an MLB-best 17 home runs and 54 RBI in the second half last year, he again looks like a five-star talent.
For a San Diego Padres team that was by far the worst offense in baseball last year, he gives them a much-needed run producer and brings some star power to a franchise that was without a real identity.
Brandon Morrow was signed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal that could be worth another $5 million if he starts and $1 million if he is a reliever, according to ESPN. Injuries have sidetracked him, but he's as intriguing as any buy-low candidate, and somewhere in there he is still the guy who struck out 17 hitters in a dominant one-hit shutout back in 2010.
Tim Federowicz hit .328/.383/.555 with 26 doubles and 14 home runs in Triple-A last year and he replaces Yasmani Grandal on the roster, while Clint Barmes will compete with Alexi Amarista for the shortstop job this spring.
Arizona Diamondbacks
18 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): 3B Yasmany Tomas
3-Star (2): SP Jeremy Hellickson, SP Allen Webster
2-Star (2): C Oscar Hernandez, SP Rubby De La Rosa
Total: 17 points
Offseason Overview
Until he proves himself at the big league level, Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas gets a four-star grade. However, it's worth nothing that Jose Abreu also received a four-star grade last offseason, and that worked out pretty well for the Chicago White Sox.
Jeremy Hellickson has had an up-and-down career since winning AL Rookie of the Year honors back in 2011, but he could certainly benefit from a change of scenery and a move to the National League.
Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa were both acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the Wade Miley deal. While Webster has the higher ceiling, both guys will be in the running for rotation spots this spring.
Perhaps the most intriguing pickup is catcher Oscar Hernandez, who was the No. 1 pick in the Rule 5 draft. Despite never playing above Double-A, where he hit just .249/.301/.401 last year, the plus defender has a real chance to make the team after Miguel Montero was traded to the Chicago Cubs.
New York Yankees
19 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (1): RP Andrew Miller
4-Star (0):
3-Star (2): SS Didi Gregorius, RP Justin Wilson
2-Star (0):
Total: 18 points
Offseason Overview
He may not be a closer, but Andrew Miller received closer money this offseason when the New York Yankees signed the left-hander to a four-year, $36 million deal.
The 29-year-old posted a 2.02 ERA and 0.802 WHIP over 73 appearances last season, striking out an impressive 103 batters in just 62.1 innings of work.
Didi Gregorius, a guy that former Arizona Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers once said reminded him of Derek Jeter, will now have the unenviable task of replacing the legendary shortstop. He is a three-star guy for the time being, but the upside is there for him to be a plus shortstop on both sides of the ball.
After unloading Matt Thornton last August, the team acquired Justin Wilson from the Pittsburgh Pirates to serve as the second left-hander in the bullpen. The 27-year-old had a 4.20 ERA in 70 games last season, after posting a 2.08 ERA in 58 games as a rookie in 2013.
Detroit Tigers
20 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): LF Yoenis Cespedes
3-Star (3): CF Anthony Gose, SP Alfredo Simon, SP Shane Greene
2-Star (1): RP Alex Wilson
Total: 20 points
Offseason Overview
Yoenis Cespedes undoubtedly adds another element to the Detroit Tigers lineup with his power, but a .301 on-base percentage last year and .316 mark for his career keeps him from being a five-star talent.
Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene are undoubtedly major downgrades from Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello in the rotation, but both guys are capable of being solid back-of-the-rotation arms. If Anibal Sanchez can stay healthy and Justin Verlander can bounce back, that may be all they need out of those guys.
Anthony Gose, once a top prospect in the Toronto Blue Jays system, has never really gotten a shot at everyday playing time. His big league numbers are not great, but he could potentially break out with regular at-bats, and if nothing else he's a plus defender with good speed.
Alex Wilson had a 1.91 ERA in 18 games for the Boston Red Sox last year, and he should get a chance to stick in the bullpen this spring. That said, the fact that he's the only notable addition to the bullpen should be a serious concern for Tigers fans.
Atlanta Braves
21 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (2): SP Shelby Miller, RF Nick Markakis
3-Star (1): IF Alberto Callaspo
2-Star (3): OF Zoilo Almonte, RP Jim Johnson, RP Arodys Vizcaino
Total: 21 points
Offseason Overview
After a dismal 7-18 month of September effectively eliminated them from the playoff picture, it was clear that something needed to be done to shake up the Atlanta Braves roster for the upcoming season.
The first big move came when they shipped Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals, landing a good, controllable arm in Shelby Miller and a high-upside prospect in Tyrell Jenkins. Miller joins Julio Teheran and Alex Wood to form a terrific young trio atop the rotation.
Veteran Nick Markakis was signed to a four-year, $44 million deal to replace Heyward in right field, and his plus on-base skills will be a welcome addition to a team that has piled up the strikeouts over the past few seasons.
Albert Callaspo gives the team a stopgap at second base until top prospect Jose Peraza is ready to take over, Zoilo Almonte is the front-runner for the fourth outfielder job and both Jim Johnson and Arodys Vizcaino could wind up with bullpen jobs to open the season.
St. Louis Cardinals
22 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (2): RF Jason Heyward, RP Jordan Walden
3-Star (2): 1B Mark Reynolds, RP Matt Belisle
2-Star (0):
Total: 22 points
Offseason Overview
The St. Louis Cardinals' list of offseason needs was to upgrade in right field, shore up late-inning relief and add a right-handed bat that could platoon with Matt Adams at first base.
Check, check and check.
Jason Heyward joins Matt Carpenter atop the lineup to form a dynamic on-base duo ahead of the team's run producers, and he also brings elite-level defense in right field and plenty of overall offensive upside. Locking him up long term should be a priority before spring training rolls around.
Jordan Walden replaces Pat Neshek in the eighth inning role, and he is coming off of a terrific season in which he recorded 20 holds with a 2.88 ERA, 1.200 WHIP and 11.2 K/9 over 58 appearances.
Matt Belisle gives them a workhorse middle reliever, as he has appeared in at least 66 games in each of the past five seasons, and his 368 appearances over that span are the second-most in all of baseball. The 34-year-old has a 3.70 ERA (3.06 FIP) over that span.
Finally, Mark Reynolds gives them some pop off the bench and a potential platoon partner for Adams. He has a career .809 OPS and .351 on-base percentage against left-handed pitching, and while he strikes out a ton, he should wind up being a bargain on a one-year, $2 million deal.
Oakland Athletics
23 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (2): 3B Brett Lawrie, DH Billy Butler
3-Star (2): 1B Ike Davis, SS Marcus Semien
2-Star (4): SP Chris Bassitt, SP Kendall Graveman, SP Sean Nolin, 1B/OF Mark Canha
Total: 26 points
Offseason Overview
Keep in mind, we are strictly looking at the caliber of talent that has been added to the roster this offseason. This does not take into account the cumulative effect of departing talent, as the Oakland Athletics have said goodbye to Jeff Samardzija, Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss since the offseason began.
The Donaldson traded landed them an immediate replacement in Brett Lawrie. While the 24-year-old has dealt with injuries the past two seasons, he still has tremendous potential and is controllable through the 2017 season.
From there, the team is counting on a bounce-back season from Billy Butler and a change of scenery spike from Ike Davis to boost the offense. Marcus Semien will replace Jed Lowrie at shortstop after coming over in the Samardzija deal, and he has some intriguing upside as well.
Pitchers Chris Bassitt, Kendall Graveman and Sean Nolin will all compete for a rotation spot this spring and give the team some solid pitching depth.
Rule 5 pick Mark Canha (.889 OPS, 28 2B, 20 HR in Triple-A) can play first base and corner outfield, and he could win a roster spot thanks to his pop and versatility.
Houston Astros
24 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (3): SS Jed Lowrie, RP Luke Gregerson, RP Pat Neshek
3-Star (2): C Hank Conger, RP Will Harris
2-Star (0):
Total: 29 points
Offseason Overview
After taking a big step forward in the rebuilding process this past season with a 19-win improvement, the Houston Astros are finally willing to spend some money this offseason, and improving the bullpen has been their primary focus.
Veterans Luke Gregerson (three years, $18 million) and Pat Neshek (two years, $12.5 million) were both signed to multiyear deals, and deservedly so as they were two of the better setup options on the market. They join incumbent closer Chad Qualls, and interestingly enough all three players were teammates once before on the 2011 San Diego Padres.
Will Harris may not seem like a big addition based on his 4.34 ERA in 29 appearances last season, but his 3.20 FIP paints a better picture of the kind of pitcher he is, and he posted a 2.91 ERA in 61 appearances back in 2013.
Jed Lowrie returns after a two-year stint in Oakland, and he will serve as the stopgap to top prospect Carlos Correa at shortstop. Catcher Hank Conger could push Jason Castro for starting catcher duties if Castro struggles again, and either way Castro could become a trade chip.
Miami Marlins
25 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (3): 2B Dee Gordon, 1B Michael Morse, SP Mat Latos
3-Star (1): RP Aaron Crow
2-Star (2): IF Miguel Rojas, RP Andrew McKirahan
Total: 27 points
Offseason Overview
After locking up star Giancarlo Stanton at the beginning of the offseason, the Miami Marlins have made it clear they intend to build a winner around him, as they have added some terrific pieces to the mix already this offseason.
Dee Gordon fills a big hole at second base and atop the lineup, giving the team the disruptive leadoff hitter they have lacked since the days of Juan Pierre and Luis Castillo.
Michael Morse should help protect Stanton in the middle of the lineup, alongside Casey McGehee, and he could be an absolute steal on a two-year, $16 million deal that was reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports on Tuesday.
Mat Latos joins a rotation that already features Henderson Alvarez, Jarred Cosart, Nathan Eovaldi and Tom Koehler, and should have ace Jose Fernandez back by midseason. That has the potential to be one of the best rotations in all of baseball if everyone stays healthy.
Aaron Crow and Rule 5 pick Andrew McKirahan (44 G, 2.08 ERA, 1.092 WHIP in minors) should both win bullpen jobs, while Miguel Rojas gives them a slick-fielding utility infielder.
Chicago Cubs
26 of 34
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (1): SP Jon Lester
4-Star (2): C Miguel Montero, SP Jason Hammel
3-Star (1): RP Jason Motte
2-Star (2): 2B Tommy La Stella
Total: 29 points
Offseason Overview
It was no secret that left-hander Jon Lester was the Chicago Cubs' top target this offseason, and had been for some time now. Despite strong pushes from the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants, they got their man at the winter meetings, signing him to a six-year, $155 million deal.
Jason Hammel was also brought back on a two-year, $20 million deal to solidify the rotation, as those two signees will join Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and someone from the group of Travis Wood, Edwin Jackson, Tsuyoshi Wada and Jacob Turner.
After missing out on signing Russell Martin, the team turned their attention to two-time All-Star Miguel Montero, and he was acquired at the winter meetings as well for a pair of low-level pitchers. He could make incumbent Welington Castillo a trade chip, or the two could form a solid platoon, as Castillo hit .301/.350/.505 against left-handers last year.
Signing Jason Motte to a one-year, $4.5 million deal with $2.5 million in incentives is a bit of a head-scratcher after he pitched to a 4.68 ERA (6.49 FIP) last year, but he does have closer experience and is a year removed from elbow surgery, so he could bounce back.
Toronto Blue Jays
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'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (2): C Russell Martin, 3B Josh Donaldson
4-Star (0):
3-Star (2): LF Michael Saunders, RP Marco Estrada
2-Star (2): 1B Justin Smoak, 2B Devon Travis
Total: 30 points
Offseason Overview
With the reigning AL East champion Baltimore Orioles losing significant pieces this offseason and the rest of the division taking a step back last year, the Toronto Blue Jays are apparently all-in on the upcoming season.
Russell Martin was signed to a five-year, $82 million deal, and the Canadian-born backstop should help the pitching staff as a whole. He posted a terrific .290/.402/.430 line last season, but his ability to handle a staff may be his most valuable attribute.
All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson was also acquired in a trade with the Oakland Athletics, and those two additions should more than make up for the loss of Melky Cabrera in free agency. A middle of the order of Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Donaldson could produce 100 home runs and 300 RBI by themselves if they stay healthy.
Michael Saunders replaces Cabrera in left field, Marco Estrada gives the team a useful swingman in the bullpen and Justin Smoak will compete for a bench spot.
Devon Travis is the future at second base. After hitting .298/.358/.460 in a full season at Double-A last year, he could very well take over the job at some point in 2015.
Boston Red Sox
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'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (2): 3B Pablo Sandoval, LF Hanley Ramirez
4-Star (2): SP Rick Porcello, SP Wade Miley
3-Star (1): SP Justin Masterson
2-Star (0):
Total: 38 points
Offseason Overview
After focusing on the offense in the early parts of the offseason, the Boston Red Sox added a trio of starting pitchers to the mix at the winter meetings, and they look ready for another big bounce-back season as a team.
The team is still lacking a legitimate ace, but Rick Porcello and Wade Miley are both rock solid No. 2/No. 3 starter types, and they join Clay Buchholz and Joe Kelly to form a solid foursome.
The X-factor here is Justin Masterson, who signed a one-year, $9.5 million deal after posting a 5.88 ERA last season. He was a stud in 2013, going 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA and 195 strikeouts in 193 innings. If he can regain that form he'd give the staff a huge boost.
Offensively, the team moved quickly to sign two of the top bats on the market in Pablo Sandoval (five years, $95 million) and Hanley Ramirez (four years, $88 million).
How well Sandoval ages and how quickly Ramirez takes to playing the outfield remains to be seen, but on the surface it looks like the Red Sox should again have one of the most potent offenses in all of baseball.
Los Angeles Dodgers
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'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (3): 2B Howie Kendrick, SS Jimmy Rollins, SP Brandon McCarthy
3-Star (4): C Yasmani Grandal, SP Brett Anderson, RP Chris Hatcher, RP Joel Peralta
2-Star (3): OF Chris Heisey, OF Kyle Jensen, SP Joe Wieland, RP Juan Nicasio
Total: 41 points
Offseason Overview
Similar to the Oakland Athletics, it has to be mentioned that the Los Angeles Dodgers also parted with a lot of talent this offseason with Hanley Ramirez leaving in free agency and both Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon traded at the winter meetings.
That said, the new middle infield duo of Howie Kendrick and Jimmy Rollins should be terrific, and Yasmani Grandal, who was acquired in the Kemp trade, represents a significant offensive upgrade over incumbent catcher A.J. Ellis.
Brandon McCarthy will be the best No. 4 starter in baseball if he stays healthy, though a four-year deal given his injury history was a risky move.
Brett Anderson has not made more than 19 starts in a season since his rookie year in 2009, but the 26-year-old has shown flashes when healthy. In eight starts for the Colorado Rockies last year he had a 2.91 ERA (2.99 FIP) over 43.1 innings. If anyone could take a $10 million risk on him staying healthy, it's the Dodgers.
Chris Hatcher (52 G, 3.38 ERA, 9.6 K/9) and Joel Peralta are both solid additions to the bullpen, while Chris Heisey and Kyle Jensen will compete for a bench job and both Joe Wieland and Juan Nicasio will provide pitching depth.
Chicago White Sox
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'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (2): SP Jeff Samardzija, RP David Robertson
4-Star (2): 1B Adam LaRoche, LF Melky Cabrera, RP Zach Duke
3-Star (1): RP Dan Jennings
2-Star (3): C Rob Brantly, SP Brad Penny
Total: 47 points
Offseason Overview
No team has added more talent this offseason than the Chicago White Sox, and they have done it without giving up much outside of the package of players they sent to the Oakland Athletics in the Jeff Samardzija trade.
Samardzija gives the team the front-line right-handed starter they were looking for to slot between lefties Chris Sale and Jose Quintana at the top of the rotation. Locking him up long term would make the trade look even better, and set up the rotation for the long term.
David Robertson gives them the proven closer they were lacking a year ago, while Zach Duke and little-known Dan Jennings (47 G, 1.34 ERA, 8.5 K/9) give them two quality left-handers to help get the ball to the ninth.
Adam LaRoche replaces Adam Dunn as the left-handed power bat and cleanup hitter behind Jose Abreu, while new left fielder Melky Cabrera should be an upgrade over Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza in every aspect of the game.
Rob Brantly is a former top prospect and looks like the front-runner for backup catcher duties, while Brad Penny is attempting another comeback and gives the team starting pitching depth if nothing else.
With the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals both losing significant pieces this offseason, the White Sox have a legitimate chance to contend for a division title in 2015 thanks to the above haul of talent.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.
5-Star List
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(10 points): A superstar-caliber position player, ace-caliber starting pitcher or premier closer.
Hitters
C Russell Martin
3B Josh Donaldson
3B Pablo Sandoval
LF Hanley Ramirez
RF Matt Kemp
DH Nelson Cruz
Pitchers
SP Jon Lester
SP Jeff Samardzija
RP Andrew Miller
RP David Robertson
4-Star List
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(7 points): An above-average everyday position player, middle-of-the-rotation starting pitcher or late-inning reliever.
Hitters
C Miguel Montero
1B Adam LaRoche
1B/OF Brandon Moss
2B Dee Gordon
2B Howie Kendrick
3B Brett Lawrie
3B Yasmany Tomas
SS Jimmy Rollins
LF Melky Cabrera
LF Yoenis Cespedes
LF Michael Morse
RF Michael Cuddyer
RF Jason Heyward
RF Torii Hunter
RF Nick Markakis
RF Alex Rios
DH Billy Butler
Pitchers
SP Jason Hammel
SP Mat Latos
SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Wade Miley
SP Shelby Miller
SP Rick Porcello
SP Ervin Santana
RP Zach Duke
RP Luke Gregerson
RP Kevin Jepsen
RP Pat Neshek
RP Jordan Walden
3-Star List
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(4 points): An average everyday position player or reserve likely to see extended playing time, No. 5 starting pitcher/swingman or above-average middle reliever. High-upside bounce-back candidates can be found here.
Hitters
C Yasmani Grandal
1B Ike Davis
1B Adam Lind
1B Mark Reynolds
SS Didi Gregorius
SS Marcus Semien
IF Alberto Callaspo
IF Sean Rodriguez
LF Michael Saunders
CF Anthony Gose
DH Matt Joyce
DH Kendrys Morales
Pitchers
SP Brett Anderson
SP A.J. Burnett
SP Anthony DeSclafani
SP Ross Detwiler
SP Shane Greene
SP J.A. Happ
SP Andrew Heaney
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Justin Masterson
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Alfredo Simon
SP Allen Webster
RP Antonio Bastardo
RP Matt Belisle
RP Aaron Crow
RP Marco Estrada
RP Will Harris
RP Chris Hatcher
RP Dan Jennings
RP Jason Motte
RP Joel Peralta
RP Cesar Ramos
RP Justin Wilson
RP Wesley Wright
2-Star List
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(1 point): Solid organizational depth likely to be on the big league roster at some point, if not on Opening Day. Rule 5 draft picks can be found here.
Hitters
C Rob Brantly
C Francisco Cervelli
C Tim Federowicz
C Oscar Hernandez
2B Tommy La Stella
2B Josh Rutledge
SS Eugenio Suarez
IF Clint Barmes
IF Daniel Descalso
IF Miguel Rojas
OF Zoilo Almonte
OF Kyle Blanks
OF Brennan Boesch
OF Delino DeShields
OF Chris Heisey
OF Odubel Herrera
OF Kyle Jensen
1B/OF Mark Canha
1B/OF John Mayberry
Pitchers
SP Chris Bassitt
SP Rubby De La Rosa
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Brian Flynn
SP Kendall Graveman
SP Sean Nolin
SP Brad Penny
SP Nick Tropeano
SP Joe Wieland
RP Jairo Diaz
RP Jose Dominguez
RP Ernesto Frieri
RP Kyuji Fujikawa
RP Jason Garcia
RP Sean Gilmartin
RP J.R. Graham
RP Jim Johnson
RP Andrew McKirahan
RP Juan Nicasio
RP Andy Oliver
RP David Rollins
RP Logan Verrett
RP Arodys Vizcaino
RP Alex Wilson
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