Sports fans today often care more about team-building than actual games. With MLB at its halfway mark, it’s a good time to review last offseason’s trades and signings.
We’ve sorted the deals into three groups: big moves that worked, smaller moves that worked, and those that haven’t yet panned out. We couldn’t cover every transaction but did our best to highlight the notable ones.
Now, let’s dive in!
Larger Moves That Have Worked Out:
The Dodgers have proven that winning in the offseason can lead to regular-season success if you add top-tier players. Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow (who’s averaging over six innings per game), and Teoscar Hernández have all been stellar additions. Jason Heyward also deserves mention. Five of their ten most productive players this season came from winter acquisitions or re-signings. If they stay healthy, they could be as formidable as they looked on paper back in February.
Juan Soto’s incredible start with the Yankees shows how adding elite players can make a huge impact. Pairing him with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton has helped keep the Yankees near the top of the American League in runs scored despite some underperforming infielders.
The Braves’ pitching staff has thrived even without ace Spencer Strider thanks to smart offseason pickups like Chris Sale and Reynaldo López. Aaron Bummer’s addition also looks wise despite costing them four depth pieces who haven’t excelled for the White Sox.
The Orioles-Brewers trade involving Corbin Burnes has benefited both teams. Burnes has been a workhorse for Baltimore while Joey Ortiz has exceeded expectations for Milwaukee .
NL Central aces Sonny Gray (Cardinals) and Shota Imanaga (Cubs) were somewhat overlooked during winter but have delivered strong performances this season.
Smaller Moves That Have Worked Out:
David Stearns’ first winter with the Mets saw value additions like Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, Harrison Bader, J.D. Martinez, and some relievers who could help during the season or be traded if needed later on.
In the AL Central, Seth Lugo (Royals), Jack Flaherty (Tigers), and Erick Fedde (White Sox) have all performed well enough to potentially receive Cy Young Award consideration if the season ended now.
Former Cardinals players Jordan Hicks (Giants), Tyler O’Neill (Red Sox), and Paul DeJong (White Sox) have found new success elsewhere this year after being gambles by their new teams .
Joc Pederson’s signing by Arizona has paid off as he returns to his 2022 All-Star form despite injuries affecting other Diamondbacks acquisitions.
Boston’s Rule 5 reliever Justin Slaten deserves recognition for his effective performance this season thanks to his three-pitch mix heavy on cutters and sweepers .
Moves That Haven’t Yet Worked Out:
Blake Snell hasn’t settled into a rhythm due to delayed signing affecting his spring training preparation while Jordan Montgomery faces similar struggles .
Eduardo RodrÃguez (Diamondbacks) and Lucas Giolito’s (Red Sox) seasons have been marred by injuries preventing them from making any MLB appearances so far.
Mariners’ offseason additions Jorge Polanco, Mitch Garver, Mitch Haniger along with Luis UrÃas & Seby Zavala haven’t met expectations which may affect their division title chances.
Kevin Kiermaier hasn’t lived up to high expectations leading Blue Jays giving Daulton Varsho more opportunities in center field.
Astros’ former relievers Phil Maton & Héctor Neris faced troubles after signing one-year deals highlighting how even smart bets on relievers can quickly go wrong
What do you think about these moves? Do you agree with our assessment?
