The past couple weeks in the major leagues has been crazy. Between big name free agents making surprise choices, small market teams going big, and bids on impending international free agents, the hot stove has definitely been burning.
Striking first in the big free agent market were the newly named Miami Marlins. The Marlins stated early in he offseason that Jose Reyes would be their top target once free agency began. They didn’t hesitate. At 12:01 AM, on the opening of free agency, the Marlins met with Reyes and offered him a 6-year deal. Details on the offer weren’t known until the deal was signed and Reyes was happy to get his 6-year, $106 million deal.
The Marlins didn’t stop with Reyes. Soon after visiting Reyes, they also courted Albert Pujols, Mark Buehrle and C.J. Wilson. Although the Fish didn’t stay in the running for Pujols very long, they did make an offer. Just hours after signing and announcing the deal with Jose Reyes, the Marlins came to an agreement with Mark Buehrle. Buerhle’s deal is 4 years and worth $58 million.
Along with Reyes and Beuhrle, the Marlins also locked up closer Heath Bell to a three year deal to replace the closer formerly known as Leo Nunez.
After making two huge free agent signing and undoubtedly shaking off the “small market” label, the Marlins are showing that along with a new stadium, they’re ready to do what it takes to compete and win in the tightly contested NL East.
Another team who always seemed to fly under the radar until this offseason, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, joined the Marlins in going big. Easily the biggest offseason in my opinion, the Angels picked up both Pujols and Wilson. L.A. is the best fit for Pujols. As good as he is in the field, he is already 32 and was demanding a 10-year contract. Very few players can stay in the field into their 40s, even if you’re a first basemen. By going to an AL team, Pujols will probably continue his high production later on in the contract by having the availability to DH when needed.
C.J. Wilson joins an already great pitching staff in L.A. While the Angels are paying him ace-like money, he’s still only the 3rd best pitcher on the staff, and probably has second to worst stuff. Both Dan Haren and Jered Weaver have proven to be better pitchers. Ervin Santana has some of the best stuff in he league, and if he could get his control figured out, and be more consistent, he would be a force to be reckoned with.
With these additions, the Angels and Rangers are definitely going to have to battle it out down the stretch to take home the AL West title.
With the Rangers losing C.J. Wilson, rather than looking to replace him with another top starter, it appears they’re attempting to catch lightning in a bottle twice. With the first hand experience of converting a late inning reliever into a starter with Wilson, the Rangers appear to be set up to move Neftali Feliz to a starter role with their signing of Joe Nathan. Although with pitching coach Mike Maddux leaving Texas for Chicago, this task might be tougher than with Wilson.
The Marlins weren’t the only NL team to make some big moves this offseason. The Brewers have also made some big signings in Alex Gonzalez and Aramis Ramirez. Ramirez was the biggest available 3B free agent.
The last big name free agent still available is Prince Fielder. Though the Cardinals lost their slugger in Pujols, they have stated they will not bid on Fielder. While there only seems to be a few teams who can afford the 1B, my prediction is that the Cubs will be the team paying Fielder for the next few years.
While the Tigers have been relatively quiet so far this offseason, expect things to start to heat up. While the bidding for the Japanese star, Yu Darvish has come to and end, and the Tigs haven’t been named as one of the teams to make a serious bid, it seems as though the Blue Jays and Rangers have made the highest bids and winner should be known soon.
The final big international posting to come is Yoenis Cespedes. The Tigers have been mentioned as possible suitors for the Cuban star and we’ll find out soon how serious they are when he is posted as a free agent.
Some moves the Tigers did make were to bring back Ramon Santiago and former Tigers Gerald Laird. Detroit also added Octavio Dotel to the back end of the bullpen, all but eliminating the likelihood of Zumaya returning to the motor city.
Be sure to comment with any opinions or suggestions!
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