Offseason Recruiting Updates for All 30 MLB 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, how much money was spent by each team or how much cumulative talent was added compared to who was lost in free agency and trades, 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 their expected big league contributions for 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. That means no Victor Martinez, Francisco Liriano, Chase Headley, Jake Peavy, Sergio Romo and Jason Frasor, among others.
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.
Washington Nationals
1 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (0):
2-Star (3): 2B Dan Uggla, RP Heath Bell, RP Eric Fornataro
Total: 3 points
Offseason Overview
The talk of the offseason for the Washington Nationals has revolved around the future of upcoming free agents Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister and Ian Desmond, and while none of those players has been traded yet, the possibility remains that one or more could be on the move.
There is still a hole to fill at second base, unless the team feels that some combination of Danny Espinosa and non-roster invite Dan Uggla is capable of holding down the position. With Ben Zobrist off the market, signing Rickie Weeks may be their best move.
Reclamation project Heath Bell will also get a look alongside Uggla this spring as a non-roster player in camp, as the 37-year-old looks to prove he has something left in the tank.
San Francisco Giants
2 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): 3B Casey McGehee
3-Star (0):
2-Star (0):
Total: 7 points
Offseason Overview
It's been a quiet offseason for the reigning champions, as their only significant moves have been re-signing veterans Jake Peavy and Sergio Romo, and acquiring third baseman Casey McGehee to replace the departed Pablo Sandoval at third base.
McGehee, 32, returned to the majors last season after a year in Japan and turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the year. He hit .287/.355/.357 with 76 RBI for the Miami Marlins, earning NL Comeback Player of the Year honors.
He cost the Giants a solid pitching prospect in Kendry Flores, but he should help shore up the position in the short term, and he comes significantly cheaper than Sandoval or fellow free agent Chase Headley.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (1): RP Wesley Wright
2-Star (3): OF Alex Hassan, RP Jason Garcia, RP Logan Verrett
Total: 7 points
Offseason Overview
The Baltimore Orioles have undoubtedly subtracted more than they've added this offseason, with Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis and Andrew Miller signing elsewhere in free agency.
There is still a hole to fill either in right field or at the designated hitter spot, depending on where Steve Pearce and Chris Davis wind up playing, and waiver pickup Alex Hassan could get a look this spring if no one else is signed.
The 26-year-old was claimed from the Boston Red Sox organization after hitting .287/.378/.426 in a full season at the Triple-A level last year. With a .396 on-base percentage over parts of six minor league seasons, his on-base skills could be enough to win him a job.
Wesley Wright, who was non-tendered by the Chicago Cubs, was signed to a one-year, $1.7 million deal to replace Miller as the second left-hander out of the bullpen. His non-tender was a bit of a surprise after he posted a 3.17 ERA with nine holds over 58 appearances last season.
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Texas Rangers
4 of 30
'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
Getting a healthy season out of guys like Prince Fielder, Shin-Soo Choo, Derek Holland and Jurickson Profar will be a far more significant boost for the Texas Rangers than anyone they have added to the mix this offseason.
That being said, they will be counting on Ross Detwiler to hold down a rotation spot after picking up the left-hander in a trade with the Washington Nationals. He was relegated to bullpen duty last season with the emergence of Tanner Roark, but he has been a solid starter in the past.
Kyle Blanks is one of the more intriguing non-roster players around the league, as a clean bill of health and a move to hitter-friendly Arlington could make the hulking slugger a cheap power source.
Speedy Delino DeShields will have a chance to win a bench job after being taken in the Rule 5 draft, while reliever Kyuji Fujikawa will look to put an injury-plagued two-year stretch with the Chicago Cubs behind him as a potential setup option.
Philadelphia Phillies
5 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (1): SP Aaron Harang
2-Star (3): OF Jeff Francoeur, OF Odubel Herrera, RP Andy Oliver
Total: 7 points
Offseason Overview
The Philadelphia Phillies have finally started selling off some of their veteran pieces this offseason, and as a result they have added a trio of promising young arms in Zach Eflin, Tom Windle and Ben Lively to what was one of the thinner farm systems in the league.
Those guys don't make the cut here, as none of them figures to see big league action in 2015, but they are undoubtedly the key acquisitions of the offseason for the Phillies.
As for players that will make an impact during the upcoming season, veteran starter Aaron Harang was signed to a one-year, $5 million deal after a surprisingly good season with the Atlanta Braves last season. He'll provide the team with a cheap source of innings if nothing else, and could be a decent trade chip come July.
Jeff Francoeur and Rule 5 pick Odubel Herrera will both be in the mix for bench spots, while lefty Andy Oliver will look to prove his past control issues are behind him in pursuit of a bullpen job.
Colorado Rockies
6 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (1): C Nick Hundley
2-Star (3): IF Daniel Descalso, RP Jairo Diaz, RP Jorge Rondon
Total: 7 points
Offseason Overview
Despite some early offseason rumors that the team was willing to listen to trade offers on both Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, it's been another quiet winter for the Colorado Rockies, as they look to have their work cut out for them in an improving NL West.
The big move to this point has been signing veteran catcher Nick Hundley to a two-year, $6.25 million deal, and time will tell if that leads to a trade of incumbent backstop Wilin Rosario.
Keep an eye on hard-throwing reliever Jairo Diaz this spring, as he has the power stuff to make an impact as a late-inning reliever. The 23-year-old was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels for infielder Josh Rutledge during the winter meetings.
Milwaukee Brewers
7 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): 1B Adam Lind
3-Star (0):
2-Star (1): IF Luis Jimenez
Total: 8 points
Offseason Overview
While the platoon of Mark Reynolds and Lyle Overbay provided adequate production given the price tag, first base was a clear area of need for the Milwaukee Brewers heading into the offseason, and they moved quickly to address the issue.
Adam Lind was acquired in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for starter/reliever Marco Estrada, and as long as he can stay healthy he has the potential to hit over .300 with 20-plus home runs.
The team will need to settle on a right-handed platoon option for him, though, as he has hit just .212/.257/.331 for his career against left-handed pitching.
One guy that could see time in that role is Luis Jimenez, who was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. The 26-year-old posted an .826 OPS with 34 doubles and 21 home runs in Triple-A last season.
New York Mets
8 of 30
'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
The New York Mets entered the offseason in need of a right-handed hitting corner outfield with some power, and they wasted little time finding their guy, signing Michael Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million deal after the veteran turned down a qualifying offer.
Health is a concern, after a hamstring and shoulder injuries limited the 35-year-old to just 49 games last season, but if he can stay on the field he, longtime friend David Wright and Lucas Duda should do some of the heavy lifting in the middle of the order.
Sean Gilmartin should have a good chance of winning the second lefty spot in the bullpen alongside Josh Edgin after being scooped up in the Rule 5 draft, while John Mayberry is a potentially cheap source of power off the bench.
Cleveland Indians
9 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): 1B/OF Brandon Moss
3-Star (0):
2-Star (3): SP Charles Brewer, SP Gavin Floyd, OF Destin Hood
Total: 10 points
Offseason Overview
The Cleveland Indians' decision to trade for Brandon Moss is still something of a head-scratcher unless they can find a way to unload Nick Swisher, but he does add some needed pop to the lineup and came at a relatively low price.
Second base prospect Joe Wendle was shipped to Oakland in the deal, and with Jason Kipnis signed long term he was blocked for the foreseeable future in Cleveland.
Charles Brewers and Gavin Floyd should provide some rotational depth, but the team is still lacking a proven No. 2 starter, and it appears they will be counting on Carlos Carrasco or Danny Salazar to fill that role.
Keep an eye on former Washington Nationals prospect Destin Hood this spring as a non-roster invitee. He never really had a chance to break through in Washington, and could play his way into a bench job, especially considering how left-handed the Indians outfield currently is.
Cincinnati Reds
10 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): LF Marlon Byrd
3-Star (1): SP Anthony DeSclafani
2-Star (2): SS Eugenio Suarez, RP Jose Mijares
Total: 13 points
Offseason Overview
The Cincinnati Reds subtracted a couple of key arms during the winter meetings when they traded upcoming free agents Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon, but that was more of a necessity than a step toward rebuilding, as it appears they will again be looking to contend in 2015.
Tony Cingrani will fill one of the vacated rotation spots, while the prize of the Latos deal, Anthony DeSclafani, is in the mix for the No. 5 starter job this spring.
Those two along with top prospect Robert Stephenson and Jonathon Crawford, who was acquired in the Simon trade, give the Reds some solid young pitching on the cusp of making a significant big league impact.
Marlon Byrd was acquired to fill the hole in left field that was vacated by the departures of Ryan Ludwick and Chris Heisey, and similar numbers to the .757 OPS and 25 home runs the 37-year-old put up last season would be a nice boost offensively over what the position has produced in recent years.
Eugenio Suarez, also acquired in the Simon deal, has some upside both offensively and defensively, and he could push incumbent shortstop Zack Cozart if his significant offensive struggles continue.
Los Angeles Angels
11 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (3): DH Matt Joyce, SP Andrew Heaney, RP Cesar Ramos
2-Star (5): C Drew Butera, 2B Josh Rutledge, IF Taylor Featherston, SP Nick Tropeano, RP Jeremy McBryde
Total: 17 points
Offseason Overview
Moving longtime second baseman Howie Kendrick was a significant subtraction for the Los Angeles Angels this offseason. However, flipping him in the final year of his contract for one of the best left-handed pitching prospects in the game in Andrew Heaney could wind up being one of the best moves of the winter.
Heaney should be able to step right into the No. 5 starter spot to open the season, and he'll have a chance to prove he belongs before Garrett Richards returns to the mix. Nick Tropeano, coming off a breakout season in the Houston Astros organization, also has some upside and could be in the running for the No. 5 spot as well.
Cesar Ramos was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, and he fills a need both as a left-handed reliever and a swingman capable of providing depth to the starting rotation.
Josh Rutledge is one of a handful of candidates in the running to replace Kendrick at second base, and the team did a nice job buying low on him. Rule 5 pick Taylor Featherston is also in the mix.
Matt Joyce gives the team a left-handed DH option and some insurance for Josh Hamilton in left field should he make an extended trip to the disabled list once again.
Arizona Diamondbacks
12 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): 3B Yasmany Tomas
3-Star (2): SP Jeremy Hellickson, SP Allen Webster
2-Star (3): C Oscar Hernandez, IF Nick Punto, SP Rubby De La Rosa
Total: 18 points
Offseason Overview
Despite consistent predictions that his price tag would climb north of $100 million, the Arizona Diamondbacks were able to land Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas with a six-year, $68.5 million deal.
While most viewed him as a corner outfielder, the Diamondbacks appear ready to give him every chance to win the third base job this spring. His power is legit, and if he can made a smooth transition to the MLB game, he'll be the perfect compliment to Paul Goldschmidt in the middle of the lineup.
"A right-handed-hitting corner outfielder, Tomas can hit towering home runs, thanks to the strength from his thickly built 6'1", 230-pound frame. Tomas has 70 raw power on the 20-80 scale," wrote Ben Badler of Baseball America.
Buying low on Jeremy Hellickson could wind up paying huge dividends, as the former AL Rookie of the Year is still just 27 years old.
Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa, both acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the Wade Miley trade, will be in the running for rotation spots alongside Hellickson and a number of other candidates this spring.
The catcher position is thin after the team moved Miguel Montero and the $40 million remaining on his contract to the Chicago Cubs.
Last year's backup, Tuffy Gosewisch, and Rule 5 selection Oscar Hernandez are the two leading candidates for the job as the roster currently stands. Gosewisch had an OPS of just .553 in 129 at-bats last year and the 21-year-old Hernandez has yet to play above Single-A.
Minnesota Twins
13 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (2): RF Torii Hunter, SP Ervin Santana
3-Star (1): RP Tim Stauffer
2-Star (1): RP J.R. Graham
Total: 19 points
Offseason Overview
The Minnesota Twins handed out the two largest free-agent contracts in team history last offseason when they signed Ricky Nolasco (four years and $49 million) and Phil Hughes (three years and $24 million) in an attempt to improve what was the league's worst starting rotation.
While Hughes was terrific, the rotation still ranked last in the majors with a 5.06 ERA, and that led to the team again handing out a record contract to land Ervin Santana. The right-hander received a four-year, $55 million deal, and he'll open the season alongside Hughes at the top of the rotation.
The Twins also reunited with veteran outfielder Torii Hunter, who was taken by the team with the No. 20 pick in the 1993 draft. The 39-year-old spent the first 11 years of his career in Minnesota, and while he is still a productive bat, his veteran presence may be the biggest thing he brings to the club.
Tim Stauffer gives the team a solid middle reliever who is also capable of starting if needed, while J.R. Graham offers some upside as a Rule 5 selection. The former Atlanta Braves top prospect has been sidetracked by injury, but could prove to be a solid addition to the bullpen.
Pittsburgh Pirates
14 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (0):
3-Star (4): 1B Corey Hart, IF Jung-ho Kang, SP A.J. Burnett, RP Antonio Bastardo
2-Star (4: C Francisco Cervelli, IF Pedro Florimon, IF Sean Rodriguez, RP Radhames Liz
Total: 20 points
Offseason Overview
Bringing back ace Francisco Liriano on a three-year, $39 million deal ranks as the biggest move of the offseason for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but there will be a number of interesting newcomers to watch this spring.
Korean shortstop Jung-ho Kang is easily the most intriguing of the new additions, as the team won the bidding rights for the 27-year-old with a $5 million bid and inked him to a four-year, $16 million deal, according to ESPN.
There are legitimate questions as to how well his game will translate to MLB, but he absolute dominated the hitter-friendly KBO last year. Kang wrapped up the season with a 1.198 OPS, 36 doubles, 40 home runs and 117 RBI.
The team also signed veteran Corey Hart to a one-year, $2.5 million deal to platoon with Pedro Alvarez at first base, and if he can stay healthy, that could be a nice bargain move.
Francisco Cervelli will be the primary catcher after the team was unable to re-sign Russell Martin, A.J. Burnett was brought back after a disastrous one-year stint in Philadelphia and reliever Antonio Bastardo was acquired to replace Justin Wilson as the second lefty out of the bullpen.
Seattle Mariners
15 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (1): DH Nelson Cruz
4-Star (0):
3-Star (2): RF Seth Smith, SP J.A. Happ
2-Star (3): OF Justin Ruggiano, RP Edgar Olmos, RP David Rollins
Total: 21 points
Offseason Overview
Forced to settle for a one-year, $8 million contract last offseason, Nelson Cruz wound up leading all of baseball with 40 home runs, as any questions about his production post-suspension were put to rest.
After missing out on signing Cruz last winter, the Seattle Mariners didn't make the same mistake twice, signing the slugger to a four-year, $57 million deal to join Robinson Cano in the middle of the lineup.
With Cruz slated for everyday DH duties, there was still a hole to fill in right field after the team flipped Michael Saunders to the Toronto Blue Jays for left-hander J.A. Happ.
Trades for Seth Smith (.815 OPS vs. RHP in 2014) and Justin Ruggiano (.846 OPS vs. LHP in 2014) give the team the makings of a very productive platoon in right field, and a relatively low-cost one to boot.
Rule 5 selection David Rollins looks like the front-runner to replace Joe Beimel as the second left-hander in the bullpen, though he'll have to beat out Lucas Luetge, Edgar Olmos and whoever else the team adds before the offseason is over.
Detroit Tigers
16 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): LF Yoenis Cespedes
3-Star (4): CF Anthony Gose, SP Alfredo Simon, SP Shane Greene, RP Tom Gorzelanny
2-Star (1): RP Alex Wilson
Total: 24 points
Offseason Overview
There is still a chance the Detroit Tigers could re-sign Max Scherzer, but as things currently stand they have replaced Scherzer and Rick Porcello in the rotation with Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene.
No matter how you slice it that's a step backward, and if that does wind up being the trade-off, the team will be counting on a healthy season from Anibal Sanchez and a return to form from Justin Verlander if they hope to maintain AL Central supremacy.
They did add slugger Yoenis Cespedes to the mix, as he was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Porcello. With him alongside Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez in the middle of the lineup, the Tigers should score plenty of runs.
Anthony Gose is a top-flight defender with terrific speed in the field and on the bases, but he never really got a chance to establish himself offensively with the Toronto Blue Jays. He could win the center field job outright this spring, and if he does he's a potential breakout candidate.
Tom Gorzelanny and Alex Wilson are the only notable additions to what was one of the worst bullpens in baseball last year, as the team is banking on a full season of Joakim Soria and a healthy Bruce Rondon to help turn things around.
Tampa Bay Rays
17 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (1): RP Kevin Jepsen
3-Star (4): C John Jaso, C Rene Rivera, SS Asdrubal Cabrera, OF Steven Souza
2-Star (3): 1B Allan Dykstra, RP Ernesto Frieri, RP Jose Dominguez
Total: 26 points
Offseason Overview
The Tampa Bay Rays still have arguably the best rotation in the AL East, but trading Ben Zobrist and Wil Myers leaves them in a rough position offensively, and Evan Longoria could see very little to hit with no one to protect him in the lineup.
That's not to say the team has not made notable additions on the offensive side of things, as Rene Rivera, Asdrubal Cabrera and John Jaso should all be upgrades over Ryan Hanigan, Yunel Escobar and David DeJesus, respectively.
Kevin Jepsen gives the team one of the better setup men in the game, while flame-throwing Jose Dominguez has tremendous upside and Ernesto Frieri looks like the latest reclamation project.
Steven Souza will be given every chance to replace Myers in the outfield, as he was the marquee piece of that trade. He does not have the same ceiling as Myers, but he could turn into a solid big league regular in his own right.
Non-roster invitee Allan Dykstra will be one to watch this spring, as he has a real chance at winning a roster spot. The former first-round pick hit .280/.426/.504 in Triple-A last season, and he has a .406 career on-base percentage in seven minor league seasons.
Kansas City Royals
18 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (2): RF Alex Rios, SP Edinson Volquez
3-Star (2): DH Kendrys Morales, SP Kris Medlen
2-Star (4): SP Brian Flynn, OF Reymond Fuentes, RP Jandel Gustave, RP Yohan Pino
Total: 26 points
Offseason Overview
The Kansas City Royals had three major holes to fill this offseason as they looked to replace James Shields, Billy Butler and Nori Aoki from the team that made a surprising run to the World Series last season.
All three holes have been plugged, with the signings of Edinson Volquez (two years, $20 million), Kendrys Morales (two years, $17 million) and Alex Rios (one year, $11 million).
Volquez is not the ace that Shields was, but with another step forward from Yordano Ventura the rotation could be just as good.
Rios also looks like a prime candidate for some positive regression, at least in the power department after he posted a 2.9 percent HR/FB rate, per FanGraphs, on his way to a career-low four home runs.
It's hard to know what to expect out of Kris Medlen as he tries to return from a second Tommy John surgery, but the two-year, $8.5 million deal he signed was a small investment that could end up paying off big.
Flipping reliever Aaron Crow for left-hander Brian Flynn might be the team's best move of the offseason, as Flynn gives them a big league ready pitching prospect and Crow was expendable with the return of Luke Hochevar and re-signing of Jason Frasor.
Houston Astros
19 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (2): RP Luke Gregerson, RP Pat Neshek
3-Star (3): C Hank Conger, SS Jed Lowrie, RP Will Harris
2-Star (0):
Total: 26 points
Offseason Overview
After improving their win total by an impressive 19 this past season, the Houston Astros finally appear to be headed out of the rebuilding stage, as it is not just a matter of their young talent continuing to develop.
As a result, they have become spenders on the free-agent market for the first time in years, and their focus has been on improving the bullpen.
Pat Neshek (two years, $12.5 million) and Luke Gregerson (three years, $18.5 million) were signed during the winter meetings, as the team added perhaps the two best right-handed setup men on the market to complement incumbent closer Chad Qualls.
Will Harris was also claimed off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Astros are hoping he can return to his 2013 form when he had a 2.91 ERA over 61 appearances.
They also brought back shortstop Jed Lowrie on a three-year, $23 million deal, as he will serve as a stopgap to top prospect Carlos Correa, and should be a significant offensive upgrade over Jonathan Villar.
Catcher Hank Conger was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels for pitching prospect Nick Tropeano, and he could push Jason Castro if the former All-Star struggles again this season. Conger is limited offensively, but he is one of the best pitch-framers in the game, according to StatCorner.
St. Louis Cardinals
20 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (1): RF Jason Heyward
4-Star (1): RP Jordan Walden
3-Star (2): 1B Mark Reynolds, RP Matt Belisle
2-Star (1): RP Marcus Hatley
Total: 26 points
Offseason Overview
The St. Louis Cardinals have once again had a busy offseason, despite reaching the playoffs for the 11th time in the last 15 years in 2014.
The big move came early, when they shipped Shelby Miller and pitching prospect Tyrell Jenkins to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden.
Heyward has yet to reach his full potential offensively, but his combination of on-base skills (.351 OBP), base-stealing ability (20 SB) and phenomenal defense in right field (32 DRS, 20.5 UZR/150 per FanGraphs) was good for 6.3 WAR last season.
The 25-year-old is a free agent at the end of the season, and the team would no doubt love to sign him to an extension before Opening Day. Walden was already extended for two years with an option for a third, as he will serve as the primary setup man to Trevor Rosenthal.
Matt Belisle has been a workhorse throughout his career, as he ranks second in all of baseball with 368 appearances since 2010, and was a nice low-cost replacement for Jason Motte on a one-year, $3.5 million contract.
Mark Reynolds could be the steal of the offseason on a one-year, $2 million deal. He'll strike out a ton, but he has seven straight seasons of 20-plus home runs and could thrive in a platoon role at first base and as the team's primary pinch hitter.
Atlanta Braves
21 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (2): SP Shelby Miller, RF Nick Markakis
3-Star (3): C A.J. Pierzynski, IF Alberto Callaspo, RP Jason Grilli
2-Star (5): OF Zoilo Almonte, SP Manny Banuelos, RP Jim Johnson, RP Josh Outman, RP Arodys Vizcaino
Total: 31 points
Offseason Overview
A pair of significant pieces have been subtracted this offseason with the trades of Justin Upton and Jason Heyward, but something had to be done to shake up the Atlanta Braves roster after the team went 7-18 over the final month of the season.
Shelby Miller was the big pickup in the Heyward deal, and he'll join Julio Teheran and Alex Wood atop the rotation to form one of the best young trios in all of baseball.
Nick Markakis was signed to a four-year, $44 million deal to replace Heyward in right field, while Evan Gattis will take over as the everyday left fielder, opening up the catcher spot for top prospect Christian Bethancourt. A.J. Pierzynski was brought aboard to provide a veteran insurance policy should Bethancourt struggle.
Jason Grilli, Jim Johnson, Josh Outman and Arodys Vizcaino will be in the running for bullpen jobs after the team traded away Jordan Walden, David Carpenter, Anthony Varvaro and Chasen Shreve from last year's pen.
The second base job was opened up when the team traded Tommy La Stella to the Chicago Cubs for Vizcaino, and Alberto Callaspo was signed to bridge the gap to speedy prospect Jose Peraza, who should be up by midseason.
Toronto Blue Jays
22 of 30
'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 (6): 1B Justin Smoak, 1B/OF Chris Colabello, 2B Devon Travis, SP Liam Hendriks, RP Scott Barnes, RP Preston Guilmet
Total: 34 points
Offseason Overview
The Toronto Blue Jays were as aggressive as any team in baseball to begin the offseason, signing Russell Martin to a five-year, $82 million deal and pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire Josh Donaldson from the Oakland A's.
Those two will join Jose Reyes, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion to form what should be a potent offensive attack.
While they were unable to re-sign Melky Cabrera, they did find a decent replacement in Michael Saunders, who could benefit greatly from a change of scenery after falling out of favor in Seattle.
The bullpen still needs a late-inning arm or two, but they have added Marco Estrada, Preston Guilmet and Scott Barnes to the mix this offseason.
Depending on how long the team can stand some combination of Ryan Goins, Steve Tolleson and Maicer Izturis at second base, we could see prospect Devon Travis take over at the keystone in 2015. He was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Anthony Gose, and may finally be a long-term solution at the position.
New York Yankees
23 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (2): SP Nathan Eovaldi, RP Andrew Miller
3-Star (5): SS Didi Gregorius, 1B Garrett Jones, RP David Carpenter, RP Chasen Shreve, RP Justin Wilson
2-Star (1): RP Gonzalez Germen
Total: 35 points
Offseason Overview
After shelling out roughly half-a-billion dollars in free agency last offseason, the New York Yankees have been significantly quieter this winter, though they have made a few significant additions as they look to keep pace in the AL East.
The big signing was reliever Andrew Miller, who landed a record contract for a non-closer with a four-year, $36 million deal. The team opted to sign him rather than re-signing closer David Robertson, and that likely means 2014 breakout star Dellin Betances will be moving to the ninth-inning role.
Nathan Eovaldi was acquired from the Miami Marlins for a package built around Martin Prado, and the 24-year-old may just be scratching the surface of his potential after going 6-14 with a 4.37 ERA (3.37 FIP) and 142 strikeouts in 199.2 innings last year.
The big newcomer on the infield is shortstop Didi Gregorius. He'll have the unenviable task of replacing Derek Jeter, and while his offensive numbers have not been great to this point, the 24-year-old has significant upside and is already a plus defender.
Chasen Shreve, David Carpenter, Justin Wilson and Gonzalez Germen were all added via trade to help bolster the relief corps, while Garrett Jones was also picked up in the Eovaldi trade to provide a left-handed DH option and much-needed insurance for Mark Teixeira at first base.
Chicago Cubs
24 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (1): SP Jon Lester
4-Star (2): C Miguel Montero, SP Jason Hammel
3-Star (3): C David Ross, OF Chris Denorfia, RP Jason Motte
2-Star (1): 2B Tommy La Stella
Total: 37 points
Offseason Overview
The Chicago Cubs missed out on one of their top targets early in the offseason when Russell Martin signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, but they got their guy during the winter meetings when Jon Lester agreed to a six-year, $155 million deal.
Lester gives the team the ace they needed to add some legitimacy to their rebuilding efforts, and he could be enough to at least put them in the wild-card hunt in 2015.
Somewhat lost in the excitement that was the Lester signing was the team's decision to bring back Jason Hammel on a two-year, $20 million deal. The 32-year-old was 8-5 with a 2.98 ERA in 17 starts with the team last year, and he should help solidify the middle of the rotation.
Plan B for upgrading the catcher spot was Miguel Montero, and the team landed the Arizona Diamondbacks backstop for a pair of low-level minor league pitchers, agreeing to take on the $40 million he's owed over the next three years.
David Ross, who has been Lester's personal catcher in Boston the past two years, was signed to fill the same role and that likely means incumbent Welington Castillo will be gone before the season starts.
Chris Denorfia gives the team the right-handed hitting outfielder they were looking for, Jason Motte was a nice pickup as insurance for Hector Rondon in the ninth inning and Tommy La Stella should get a shot at a utility infield job.
Miami Marlins
25 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (0):
4-Star (4): SP Mat Latos, 1B Michael Morse, 2B Dee Gordon, 3B Martin Prado
3-Star (3): SP Dan Haren, RP Aaron Crow, RP David Phelps
2-Star (3): IF Miguel Rojas, SP Andre Rienzo, RP Andrew McKirahan
Total: 43 points
Offseason Overview
Surprise contenders in the final month of the season last year, the Miami Marlins began the offseason by handing a record extension to slugger Giancarlo Stanton, and they have set to work building a legitimate contender around him since.
Michael Morse, Dee Gordon and Martin Prado will join incumbent shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria to form a new-look infield that figures to be far more productive offensively.
Dealing veteran Casey McGehee was a tough decision, as he was a terrific clubhouse guy, but the team picked up a terrific pitching prospect in Kendry Flores and quickly replaced him with Prado.
Adding Mat Latos to a rotation that already features Henderson Alvarez, Jarred Cosart, Tom Koehler and eventually Jose Fernandez once he returns from Tommy John surgery should give this team one of the better rotations in the National League.
The No. 5 starter job is up for grabs to open the season, unless Dan Haren decides he's willing to pitch for the Marlins. After being traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers, he was planning on retiring unless he was traded back to a West Coast team, but the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reports that he plans on at least reporting to spring training.
Los Angeles Dodgers
26 of 30
'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 (6): OF Chris Heisey, OF Kyle Jensen, SP Joe Wieland, SP Mike Bolsinger, RP Adam Liberatore, RP Juan Nicasio
Total: 43 points
Offseason Overview
The Los Angeles Dodgers offseason additions have come at a price, as a pair of key pieces from last year's offense in Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon were shipped out of town. Add in the departure of Hanley Ramirez in free agency, and the Dodgers have a significantly different look heading into 2015.
The new double-play combination of Howie Kendrick and Jimmy Rollins should be one of the most productive duos in all of baseball, while the team will be counting on top prospect Joc Pederson to live up to his potential and step into the role vacated by Kemp.
Brandon McCarthy (four years, $48 million) and Brett Anderson (one year, $10 million) were signed to be the No. 4 and No. 5 starters, and if they can stay healthy the Dodgers could have the best rotation in baseball by a sizable margin. That's far from a given, though, considering the length injury histories of both pitchers.
Joel Peralta and Chris Hatcher join a bullpen that cut loose Brian Wilson and Chris Perez this winter, though getting the ball to closer Kenley Jansen still looks like it could be an issue.
Catcher Yasmani Grandal was acquired in the Kemp deal, and the 26-year-old still has plenty of upside after posting a .728 OPS with 15 home runs in 377 at-bats last year. A.J. Ellis will return as the personal catcher for Clayton Kershaw, but his days as an everyday backstop are over.
Boston Red Sox
27 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (2): 3B Pablo Sandoval, LF Hanley Ramirez
4-Star (2): SP Rick Porcello, SP Wade Miley
3-Star (3): C Ryan Hanigan, SP Justin Masterson, RP Anthony Varvaro
2-Star (1): RP Zeke Spruill
Total: 47 points
Offseason Overview
After blowing things up at the trade deadline last year, the Boston Red Sox quickly went to work rebuilding the roster this offseason, as they look to gear up for another potential worst-to-first run in 2015.
They kicked things off by signing two of the top bats on the free-agent market in Hanley Ramirez (four years, $88 million) and Pablo Sandoval (five years, $95 million).
There are legitimate questions about how Ramirez will handle moving to left field and how well Sandoval will hold up over the length of his contract, but those two undoubtedly improve the offensive outlook for 2015.
The starting rotation was gutted last July, with Clay Buchholz and Joe Kelly the only two holdovers locked into spots heading into the offseason.
Rick Porcello and Wade Miley were added via trade, while Justin Masterson was signed to a one-year, $9.5 million deal in hopes that he can regain his 2013 All-Star form. The team is still lacking a legitimate ace, but the rotation is solid top to bottom if they go the remainder of the offseason without making another move.
"You never close your eyes to opportunities, but we’re not actively engaged in anything right now," GM Ben Cherington told reporters (via Ricky Doyle of NESN.com). "We’d feel very good if we opened the season with the guys we have."
Anthony Varvaro could find his way into a key bullpen role after posting a 2.74 ERA in 123 appearances over the past two seasons with the Atlanta Braves. Veteran backstop Ryan Hanigan should help with the development of Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart.
Oakland Athletics
28 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (1): LF Ben Zobrist
4-Star (2): 3B Brett Lawrie, DH Billy Butler
3-Star (4): 1B Ike Davis, 2B Marcus Semien, SS Yunel Escobar, SP Jesse Hahn
2-Star (8): C Josh Phegley, 1B/OF Mark Canha, SP Chris Bassitt, SP Kendall Graveman, SP Sean Nolin, RP R.J. Alvarez, RP Eury De La Rosa, RP Taylor Thompson
Total: 48 points
Offseason Overview
It has to be noted how much talent the Oakland Athletics have given up this offseason, including 2014 All-Stars Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss, Jeff Samardzija and Derek Norris, but general manager Billy Beane always has a plan.
Ben Zobrist is a tremendous pickup for a team that values versatility perhaps more than any other organization in the league, though coughing up another high-ceiling shortstop prospect in Daniel Robertson is a steep price to pay if he bolts in free agency next offseason.
The key to the Donaldson trade will be whether Brett Lawrie can stay healthy and finally turn potential into production. He's still just 24 years old, and it's not out of the question to think he could be better than Donaldson over the next four years.
Billy Butler was the big free-agent signing on a three-year, $30 million deal, and a return to 2012 form would make that signing an absolute steal.
Ike Davis, Marcus Semien and Yunel Escobar make up the rest of the completely overhauled infield alongside Lawrie, and all three guys have varying levels of upside and risk for the upcoming season.
Jesse Hahn quietly went 7-4 with a 3.07 ERA (3.40 FIP) as a rookie for the Padres last season, and he should have a rotation spot locked up. Kendall Graveman, Chris Bassitt and Sean Nolin will all be in the mix for the No. 5 starter job.
Rule 5 pick Mark Canha has a real shot at making the team after hitting .303/.384/.505 with 28 doubles and 20 home runs in Triple-A last year, while Josh Phegley looks like he too could have a bench job following the trade of John Jaso.
Chicago White Sox
29 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (2): SP Jeff Samardzija, RP David Robertson
4-Star (3): 1B Adam LaRoche, LF Melky Cabrera, RP Zach Duke
3-Star (2): RP Dan Jennings, UT Emilio Bonifacio
2-Star (3): C Rob Brantly, OF J.B. Shuck, SP Brad Penny
Total: 52 points
Offseason Overview
With a solid core to build around of Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Jose Abreu, Adam Eaton and Avisail Garcia, the Chicago White Sox have been incredibly aggressive this offseason, and they look like bona fide contenders as a result.
Adam LaRoche was added to replace Adam Dunn at DH and hit cleanup behind Abreu, while Melky Cabrera represents a significant upgrade over Alejandro De Aza and Dayan Viciedo in left field and was a relative bargain on a three-year, $42 million deal.
Jeff Samardzija was acquired in a six-player trade with the Oakland A's, and while the White Sox undoubtedly gave up some good young talent, they paid nowhere near the price Oakland did to acquire him from the Chicago Cubs last July. He gives the White Sox the front-line right-hander they were seeking to slot between lefties Sale and Quintana.
The bullpen, arguably the biggest weakness for the team last year when they ranked 28th in the league with a 4.38 ERA and converted just 36-of-57 save chances, should be significantly improved as well. David Robertson gives them a proven closer, while Zach Duke and Dan Jennings are a pair of quality left-handers.
Even small-scale additions like Emilio Bonifacio and J.B. Shuck figure to make an impact off the bench, and while the AL Central figures to be a dogfight this year, the White Sox look to be in as good a position as any team in the division.
San Diego Padres
30 of 30
'Recruit' Breakdown
5-Star (2): RF Matt Kemp, LF Justin Upton
4-Star (2): C Derek Norris, CF Wil Myers
3-Star (4): SP Brandon Morrow, RP Shawn Kelley, RP Brandon Maurer, 3B Will Middlebrooks
2-Star (3): C Tim Federowicz, IF Clint Barmes, SP Aaron Northcraft
Total: 53 points
Offseason Overview
The San Diego Padres have improved what was a laughably bad offense last season by leaps and bounds, and they've done it without selling off any significant pieces from a pitching staff that ranked fourth in the league last season with a 3.27 ERA.
The new outfield of Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Matt Kemp will be the 3-4-5 hitters in a lineup whose best hitter last season was Seth Smith. That's not a knock on Smith, but it's clear that the trio of newcomers is a significant step up.
There is also a new catching tandem in place with Derek Norris and Tim Federowicz taking over for Rene Rivera and Yasmani Grandal.
It's worth noting that Rivera and Grandal both ranked among the top 10 in the league in pitch framing last season, per StatCorner, while Norris and Federowicz were both slightly below average, so that will be worth keeping an eye on to see how it affects the pitching staff.
Shawn Kelley and Brandon Maurer are both nice additions to the bullpen, while Will Middlebrooks was a terrific buy-low pickup in exchange for catcher Ryan Hanigan, who was acquired in the Myers trade. Yangervis Solarte will open the season as the third baseman, but Middlebrooks will have every chance to play his way into the job.
The Los Angeles Dodgers still look tough, and you can never count out the San Francisco Giants, but the Padres have taken the necessary steps to be considered legitimate contenders in the NL West.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com, unless otherwise noted.
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