Early offseason grades for all 30 MLB teams
The offseason has reached the unofficial mid-way point as pitchers and catchers begin to report to their spring training homes in a little less than seven weeks.
While the bulk of the top free agents remain on the market, there's still been a flurry of activity across the offseason's first two months. Here's how all 30 teams have fared, with grades being assessed relative to each team's offseason goals.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Notable transactions: Acquired RP Brad Boxberger from Rays for SP Curtis Taylor; Signed RP Yoshihisa Hirano (2 years, $6M)
Parting ways with Fernando Rodney - who's as streaky as closers come - is likely a positive for the Diamondbacks, especially with Archie Bradley as the presumptive closer heading into 2018. Instead of spending $4.5 million on re-signing the 40-year-old Rodney - the amount he got with the Twins - Arizona invested in arbitration-eligible depth reliever Boxberger in a trade with the Rays, and added international free-agent setup man Hirano. They probably still need to add a bat, and J.D. Martinez might be an option, but Chris Iannetta heading to the division-rival Rockies could hurt as well. Addressing the offensive needs would push their grade up a letter.
Grade: B
Atlanta Braves
Notable transactions: Acquired 1B Adrian Gonzalez (later released), SP Scott Kazmir, SP Brandon McCarthy, IF Charlie Culberson from Dodgers for OF Matt Kemp; Acquired OF Preston Tucker from Astros for PTBNL; Traded Jim Johnson to Angels for RP Justin Kelly; Claimed RP Chase Whitley off waivers
The Braves were in a tricky spot heading into the offseason. Mired in a huge scandal that left them without a general manager, Alex Anthopoulos inherited a farm system that lost 14 prospects as well as a draft pick. However, some savvy moves, in conjunction with Anthopoulos' previous employer, have propelled the Braves in the right direction. The remainder of the winter, as well as the ensuing season, will help dictate if Atlanta is truly trending upward.
Grade: B-
Baltimore Orioles
Notable transactions: Acquired OF Jaycob Brugman from Athletics for RP Jake Bray
The Orioles continue to be stuck in the middle. After flirting with the idea of trading star third baseman Manny Machado, the team opted to take him off the market, only for closer Zach Britton to tear his Achilles, sidelining him for the first half of the season. Baltimore is desperate for starting pitching, but the only notable move the team has made has been landing outfield depth in Brugman. There's still plenty of pitching on the free-agent market, but the Orioles aren't likely to get the type of young, controllable arms they desire without dealing Machado or reliever Brad Brach.
Grade: C
Boston Red Sox
Notable transactions: Signed 1B Mitch Moreland (2 years, $13M)
The Red Sox appeared to take themselves out of the Eric Hosmer market by re-signing Moreland. While Moreland isn't as good as Hosmer, he still provides solid offensive production at a fraction of the cost. Dave Dombrowski has yet to land his highly coveted big bat, but J.D. Martinez is still on the market, and his list of suitors is dwindling. That patience could pay off big for the Red Sox, who are unlikely to give Martinez anywhere near the $200-million payday his agent Scott Boras desires. Until Martinez signs, it's too early to make much of a judgment on the reigning AL East champs.
Grade: B
Chicago Cubs
Notable transactions: Signed SP Tyler Chatwood (3 years, $38M); RP Brandon Morrow (2 years, $18M); RP Steve Cishek (2 years, $13M); SP Drew Smyly (2 years, $10M deal)
One of the few teams to have bitten into the starting pitching market, the Cubs made some quietly great moves without committing the huge financials it likely would've taken to re-sign Jake Arrieta. Even further, adding both Morrow and Cishek for the next two years for a combined $31 million helped eliminate the need to re-sign Wade Davis. With top free agents still on the board, it'll be interesting to see whether the Cubs make an investment if those price tags end up coming down. Either way, Chicago should already have their tickets to October punched.
Grade: A-
Chicago White Sox
Notable transactions: Signed C Welington Castillo (2 years, $14.5M); Acquired RP Thyago Vieira from Mariners for international bonus money
The White Sox have collected a number of intriguing prospects during their rebuild, so it's unlikely they'll be major players in free agency. That said, they did land Castillo on a nice two-year deal, and the veteran backstop should help with a young pitching staff. Chicago could stand to add a couple more veterans, and with the slow-moving free-agent market, they might be able to find more value as the winter months progress.
Grade: B+
Cincinnati Reds
Notable transactions: Signed RP Jared Hughes (2 years, $4.5M)
Fixing the Reds is no easy task, due in large part to their roster construction based on the sub-optimal hauls they got for Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce, and Aroldis Chapman. While Billy Hamilton has been linked to the Giants in trade rumors, San Francisco might not have much to offer after acquiring Evan Longoria for their top prospect. Cincinnati is in a tough spot, but an offseason like this was likely to be expected.
Grade: C+
Cleveland Indians
Notable transactions: Signed 1B Yonder Alonso (2 years, $15M); Claimed IF Rob Refsnyder off waivers; Traded RP Shawn Armstrong to Mariners for international bonus money
The Indians lowball offer to Carlos Santana was blown away by the Phillies, who outbid Cleveland by a reported $14 million. Cleveland pivoted to Alonso - a move that's fine, but represents a significant decline from what Santana brought both on the field and in the clubhouse. The Indians also lost relievers Joe Smith and Bryan Shaw, which isn't insignificant considering the two combined for more than 90 innings last season. Without much room left in the budget, the front office will have to get creative to add another reliever.
Grade: C+
Colorado Rockies
Notable transactions: Signed RP Wade Davis (3 years, $52M); RP Bryan Shaw (3 years, $25M); RP Jake McGee (3 years, $25M); C Chris Iannetta (2 years, $7.75M)
After surprisingly making the postseason out of the notoriously tough NL West - even if it was just for one game - the Rockies have focused their offseason efforts on putting together a super bullpen. Re-calibrating after the loss of Greg Holland, Colorado brought back McGee, added a workhorse setup man in Shaw, and an elite closer in Davis. Not only that, but the bullpen has a new batterymate in Iannetta, who they took from the division-rival Diamondbacks, as opposed to re-signing Lucroy, who's been in sharp decline since leaving the Brewers. It's been a promising winter in Denver.
Grade: A
Detroit Tigers
Notable transactions: Signed SP Mike Fiers (1 year, $6M); OF Leonys Martin (1 year, $1.75M); Traded 2B Ian Kinsler to Angels for OF Troy Montgomery, SP Wilkel Hernandez
The Tigers are in complete rebuild mode after trading a number of veterans over the past six months. While the team received little in the way of impact prospects, they were able to shed some salary and will remain under the luxury tax in 2018. Fiers and Martin are on one-year deals and could be flipped at the deadline should they perform beyond expectations. But even if they remain with the club for the full season, Fiers will give the Tigers some much-needed innings, while Martin provides solid defense in center field.
Grade: B
Houston Astros
Notable transactions: Signed RP Joe Smith (2 years, $15M); RP Hector Rondon (2 years, $8.5M); Traded OF Preston Tucker to Braves for PTBNL
The reigning World Series champions didn't have to do much this offseason, as the only free-agent losses they suffered were players who had minimal impact on their postseason run. The Astros were in need of a bullpen arm, though, and they found a good one in Smith. The right-hander posted a 3.33 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 54 innings last season, and, considering the reliever market this winter, is good value for $15 million. After not spending big on a free agent, the Astros are in a good financial position to extend some of their core players.
Grade: A-
Kansas City Royals
Notable transactions: Signed SP Wily Peralta (1 year, $1.5M)
This was always going to be a tough winter for the Royals. Two years removed from winning the World Series, the entire franchise core hit free agency. Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain, and Alcides Escobar are on the market, and while a reunion with at least one is possible, the Royals have three compensation picks coming their way should they sign elsewhere. The Royals made a minor signing with Peralta, and it's likely the front office won't do any real work until later in the winter, adding veterans on short-term deals.
Grade: C
Los Angeles Angels
Notable transactions: Signed OF Justin Upton (5 years, $106M); SP/DH Shohei Ohtani (minor-league deal); 3B Zack Cozart (3 years, $38M); Acquired 2B Ian Kinsler from Tigers for OF Troy Montgomery, SP Wilkel Hernandez; Acquired RP Jim Johnson from Braves for RP Justin Kelly
Excuse Billy Eppler if he goes a little crazy during his New Year's Eve celebration because he certainly ended 2017 with a bang. The Angels' GM finally gave superstar Mike Trout a supporting cast, extending Upton, while also adding Kinsler and Cozart to the infield, who combined for 46 homers and 59 doubles last season. If that wasn't enough, Eppler landed arguably the most talented international free agent in baseball history in Ohtani. For the first time since 2014, Trout might actually get a sniff of the postseason.
Grade: A+
Los Angeles Dodgers
Notable transactions: Acquired OF Matt Kemp from Braves for 1B Adrian Gonzalez, SP Scott Kazmir, SP Brandon McCarthy, IF Charlie Culberson; Signed RP Tom Koehler (1 year, $2M)
Cody Bellinger's amazing rookie campaign helped relegate Gonzalez to bench duties, though the Dodgers ridding themselves of the aging star's contract was thought to be a tricky maneuver. Enter: the Braves and Kemp. By swapping bad contracts, the Dodgers removed a heavy financial burden from their luxury tax, which likely puts the club in a great spot with sights set on the tantalizing 2018 free-agent crop. Los Angeles does have some issues to address this winter, though, like who fills Brandon Morrow's role? Or has Austin Barnes' breakout made Yasmani Grandal obsolete?
Grade: C
Miami Marlins
Notable transactions: Traded 2B Dee Gordon, international bonus money to Mariners for SP Nick Neidert, SS Chris Torres, SP Robert Dugger; Traded OF Giancarlo Stanton, cash to Yankees for 2B Starlin Castro, SP Jorge Guzman, SS Jose Devers; Traded OF Marcell Ozuna to Cardinals for SP Sandy Alcantara, OF Magneuris Sierra, SP Zac Gallen, SP Daniel Castano; Released SP Edinson Volquez
If prospective buyers of a sports franchise are in search of advice about what not to do, look no further than the Marlins. Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter were so focused on cutting payroll that they sent Stanton and $30 million to the Yankees, while getting very little in the way of prospects for the reigning NL MVP. Even further, Alcantara and Sierra - two prospects outside the top 100 - is really all they have to show for trading Ozuna and Gordon. It all hit a crescendo, though, when Jeter met with Marlins season-ticket holders in a good faith move and got roasted. The fact is, the Marlins might be in a better spot financially - no longer hemorrhaging money - but attendance will likely be an issue for the foreseeable future and the club is clearly in a worse spot than before in terms of the on-field product.
Grade: F
Milwaukee Brewers
Notable transactions: Signed SP Jhoulys Chacin (2 years, $15.5M); SP Yovani Gallardo (1 year, $2M)
After finishing one game out of a playoff spot, there's no need for the rebuilding Brewers to mortgage their future for immediate contention. However, making an investment to increase their league-low $63-million payroll wouldn't hurt. Perhaps Jimmy Nelson's injury is more troubling toward Milwaukee's 2018 chances than previously thought, though Chacin and Gallardo are hardly the names Brewers fans were hoping for this winter. There's still plenty of offseason left, but it's been a disappointing showing early.
Grade: C-
Minnesota Twins
Notable transactions: Signed SP Michael Pineda (2 years, $10M); RP Fernando Rodney (1 year, $4.25M); RP Zach Duke (1 year, $2M)
The Twins are big game hunting this offseason, but they've yet to land the top-of-the rotation arm they covet. Instead, the front office has done a nice job adding some potential high-end pieces on team-friendly deals. Pineda is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, while Duke returned from the procedure late last season. Rodney is coming off an up-and-down season, but he gives the Twins a much needed veteran arm at the back end of the bullpen who can close out games. The Twins still have work to do, but should be in the thick of the wild-card race once again in 2018.
Grade: B
New York Mets
Notable transactions: Signed RP Anthony Swarzak (2 years, $14M)
These letter grades are supposed to be assigned relative to what the team's expectations should be, but projecting the Mets' expectations is the epitome of a fool's errand. Should they be gearing up for contention? The pitching staff, if healthy, is still among MLB's most fearsome, while Michael Conforto is one of baseball's rising stars. Or should they rebuild? Trading for AJ Ramos and signing Swarzak to bolster the bullpen seems a little odd then. The fact is, ownership seems vehemently opposed to any further investment into the roster following Yoenis Cespedes' deal last winter. So, while it's been a disappointing winter in Flushing, disappointment has long been the expectation for Mets fans. Hey, at least there's the hiring of Mickey Callaway to root for.
Grade: D+
New York Yankees
Notable transactions: Acquired OF Giancarlo Stanton, cash from Marlins for 2B Starlin Castro, SP Jorge Guzman, SS Jose Devers; Traded 3B Chase Headley, SP Bryan Mitchell, cash to Padres for OF Jabari Blash; Signed SP CC Sabathia (1 year, $10M)
GM Brian Cashman continues to do a brilliant job in New York. Not only did he acquire the reigning NL MVP in Stanton without parting with any of his high-end prospects, but he also cleared Headley's salary, allowing his club to allocate that money to a reunion with Sabathia, who at 37 was one of the best left-handed starters in baseball last season. The work isn't done, either, as the Yankees are trying to land another starter - potentially Gerrit Cole - but even if they are finished, it's still been a remarkable winter for the Evil Empire. Hope Yankee fans like home runs, 'cause they'll be seeing plenty in 2018.
Grade: A+
Oakland Athletics
Notable transactions: Acquired OF Stephen Piscotty from Cardinals for SS Yairo Munoz, 2B Max Schrock; Signed RP Yusmeiro Petit (2 years, $9M); Traded 1B Ryon Healy to Mariners for SS Alexander Campos, RP Emilio Pagan; Traded 2B Joe Wendle to Rays for PTBNL
The Athletics are the worst team in the division as they continue to rebuild, but there are some really nice pieces coming through the minor-league system. Until then, the club will continue to tinker with the big-league club, and the addition of Piscotty - while not a major move - could prove to be a nice find. The 26-year-old had a solid season with the Cardinals in 2016, but struggled last year, which could've been in part to being away from his ailing mother. Now that he's closer to his family in Oakland, Piscotty is a bounce-back candidate.
Grade: B
Philadelphia Phillies
Notable transactions: Signed 1B Carlos Santana (3 years, $60M); RP Pat Neshek (2 years, $15.25M); RP Tommy Hunter (2 years, $18M); Traded SS Freddy Galvis to Padres for SP Enyel De Los Santos
It's been a bit of an odd offseason for the Phillies, but if you're a fan of the team, the investments can't possibly be thought of as bad. Admittedly, shifting Rhys Hoskins full time into the outfield to make room for Santana - who didn't come cheap - seems sub-optimal. And spending more on Hunter than the Mets spent on Swarzak or the Cubs spent on Cishek is a bit puzzling. These moves are likely part of a bigger picture that hasn't come into view yet, but assuming the signings alone will make the Phillies competitive next season would be dangerous.
Grade: C+
Pittsburgh Pirates
Notable transactions: Claimed RP Nik Turley off waivers; Claimed SS Engelb Vielma
Among all MLB teams, the Pirates may have the busiest remaining itinerary. With Andrew McCutchen entering the final season of his contract, and both Gerrit Cole and Josh Harrison generating plenty of trade interest, Pittsburgh is on the precipice of blowing it all up. Based on what the Tigers got for J.D. Martinez and the Marlins' returns for their stars, it seems like a buyer's market at the moment. Even further, there are plenty of free-agent options on the board. Perhaps it ends up being the wrong time for the Pirates to rebuild, but pretending the club is close to contention also likely wouldn't be productive. Either way, the new era around budding ace Jameson Taillon and slugger Josh Bell seems promising.
Grade: C
San Diego Padres
Notable transactions: Acquired 3B Chase Headley, SP Bryan Mitchell, cash from Yankees for OF Jabari Blash; Acquired SS Freddy Galvis from Phillies for SP Enyel De Los Santos; Signed SP Jordan Lyles (1 year, $1M); Traded IF Ryan Schimpf to Rays for SS Deion Tansel; Released SP Travis Wood
Whether the Padres actually come away with Eric Hosmer this winter will say a lot about their offseason, and it won't necessarily be positive if they do. With how long the free-agent dance has taken, there's a chance Hosmer's contract ends up being a valuable deal - much the same way Edwin Encarnacion's did last year. However, do the Padres actually believe they're Hosmer away from contending? And does shifting Wil Myers to the outfield full time make sense for the future of the franchise? Perhaps A.J. Preller and the rest of the Padres' front office have more up their sleeves, but the last time they tried to turn their club into a contender in one offseason, it blew up in their faces magnificently.
Grade: C
San Francisco Giants
Notable transactions: Acquired 3B Evan Longoria, cash from Rays for OF Denard Span, IF Christian Arroyo, SP Matt Krook, SP Stephen Woods; Signed C Nick Hundley (1 year, $2.5M); Traded SP Matt Moore, international bonus money to Rangers for RP Sam Wolff, RP Israel Cruz
Last year, two teams finished with 98 losses. One has sold off all their assets except for Miguel Cabrera, and the other is the Giants, who are somewhat inexplicably acting like contenders. Despite running into some injury troubles and losing their ace for the majority of the season, San Francisco had the worst outfield in baseball last year and has done nothing to address that gaping chasm. Fact is, the Giants still feel like they have pieces to build around in Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey. It's just that, in actuality, they probably don't.
Grade: D+
Seattle Mariners
Notable transactions: Signed RP Juan Nicasio (2 years, $17M); Acquired OF Dee Gordon, international bonus money from Marlins for SP Nick Neidert, SS Chris Torres, SP Robert Dugger; Acquired 1B Ryon Healy from Athletics for SS Alexander Campos, RP Emilio Pagan; Acquired RP Nick Rumbelow from Yankees for RP JP Sears, SP Juan Then; Acquired RP Shawn Armstrong from Indians for international bonus money; Claimed IF Andrew Romine, OF Cam Perkins, RP Mike Morin off waivers; Traded RP Thyago Vieira to White Sox for international bonus money
No matter how the rest of the offseason shakes out for the Mariners, you know Jerry Dipoto will continue to lament the failed pursuit of Shohei Ohtani. Seattle made an aggressive pitch for the two-way star, only to watch him land with a division rival, and Dipoto's former team. While Ohtani stings, the Mariners have still had a strong winter. Gordon is a nice offensive addition to an already solid lineup, though how he adjusts to life in center field will be interesting. Healy is coming off a 25-homer season, giving the Mariners five players who hit at least 20 home runs in 2017. Nicasio is a nice under-the-radar pickup. The right-hander struck out a batter per inning last season while boasting a 1.08 WHIP across 76 appearances.
Grade: A-
St. Louis Cardinals
Notable transactions: Acquired OF Marcell Ozuna from Marlins for SP Sandy Alcantara, OF Magneuris Sierra, SP Zac Gallen, SP Daniel Castano; Signed SP Miles Mikolas (2 years, $15.5M); RP Luke Gregerson (2 years, $10M); Traded OF Stephen Piscotty to Athletics for SS Yairo Munoz, 2B Max Schrock; Traded SS Aledmys Diaz to Blue Jays for OF J.B. Woodman
A big factor as to why the Pirates might look to trade Gerrit Cole is the fact that the Cardinals and Cubs have continued their arms race at the top of the division. With the Brewers lying somewhat dormant as well, the Cardinals have assembled one of the most fearsome outfield corps in the game while keeping the majority of their prospect capital. St. Louis has quietly retooled their roster and look poised to make it back to October, though some starting pitching depth beyond Mikolas could be wise.
Grade: B+
Tampa Bay Rays
Notable transactions: Acquired 2B Joey Wendle from Athletics for PTBNL; Acquired IF Ryan Schimpf from Padres for SS Deoin Tansel; Traded 3B Evan Longoria, cash to Giants for OF Denard Span, IF Christian Arroyo, SP Matt Krook, SP Stephen Woods; Traded RP Brad Boxberger to Diamondbacks for SP Curtis Taylor
It appears the Rays are entering a new era. Franchise icon Longoria was traded after a decade in Tampa. While the loss of the All-Star third baseman hurts on the field - and in the community - the Rays were able to rid themselves of more than $60 million, while getting the intriguing Arroyo in return. More moves could be coming as the club is receiving calls on both Chris Archer and Alex Colome. Both are under team control for the next few years, so a deal isn't necessary, though they'd bring nice returns. It's unlikely that Tampa will compete for even a wild-card in 2018, so good on the front office for recognizing that and moving out some major salary.
Grade: B+
Texas Rangers
Notable transactions: Signed SP Mike Minor (3 years, $28M); SP Doug Fister (1 year, $4M); Acquired SP Matt Moore, international bonus money from Giants for SP Sam Wolff, RP Israel Cruz; Claimed C Juan Centeno off waivers
The Rangers have done a lot of work adding to the back of the rotation, but the current crop of starters leaves a lot to be desired. Minor had an excellent season in relief in 2017, but hasn't started a game since 2014. Both Fister and Moore showed flashes of brilliance last year, though each finished the year with ERAs well over 4.50. Texas has been in talks regarding a potential reunion with Yu Darvish, and that would go a long way in helping boost the rotation. There's still plenty of work to be done, especially in the now ultra-competitive AL West.
Grade: B-
Toronto Blue Jays
Notable transactions: Acquired IF Gift Ngoepe from Pirates for PTBNL; Acquired SS Aledmys Diaz from Cardinals for OF J.B. Woodman
As the Blue Jays' front office continues to fend off suitors for Josh Donaldson, they made a pair of minor moves to address the middle infield depth. Ngoepe is a fine defensive addition, but doesn't possess much of a bat, while Diaz offers plenty more intrigue. The 27-year-old is one year removed from an All-Star season, and could benefit from a change of scenery in Toronto. It's hard to fault the Blue Jays for their limited activity, as all their potential free-agent targets remain on the board. The front office has preached patience in the past, and given its track record, it's best not to rush to judgment.
Grade: B-
Washington Nationals
Notable transactions: Signed RP Brandon Kintzler (2 years, $10M); 1B Matt Adams (1 year, $4M)
The fact is, the Nationals could probably stay completely idle this winter and still cruise to their third consecutive division title. Instead of resting, though, Washington made a pair of low-risk moves by spending $14 million collectively toward a setup man and a bench bat. With Adam Eaton set to come back in 2018, the Nationals have no glaring needs, and the notoriously stingy front office and ownership have made investments to help make the club a World Series contender yet again.
Grade: A
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)