"This year’s MLB free agency has been something to pay attention to. We’ve had unexpected signings, unexpected free agencies, and a very sad death. And, with free agency coming to a halt, it would probably be a good time to discuss it." - Donovan harris- 8th grade
This year’s MLB free agency has been something to pay attention to. We’ve had unexpected signings, unexpected free agencies, and a very sad death. And, with free agency coming to a halt, it would probably be a good time to discuss it. From the top 5 free agents, trending news, and rumors, to those who we probably won’t see on a field again—we’re going to cover as much as we can here.
Biggest MLB Names who are with new teams:
(Free Agent Signings)
(Free Agent Signings)
Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals.
This one is not going to Make Colorado Rockies fans happy. Nolan Arenado—a 5-time All-star, 8x Gold Glover, and 4x Silver Slugger—along with 50 Million dollars were sent to the Cardinals in exchange for a handful of minor leaguers. The Rockies honestly lost a lot in this deal, literally. Not great in my opinion.
This one is not going to Make Colorado Rockies fans happy. Nolan Arenado—a 5-time All-star, 8x Gold Glover, and 4x Silver Slugger—along with 50 Million dollars were sent to the Cardinals in exchange for a handful of minor leaguers. The Rockies honestly lost a lot in this deal, literally. Not great in my opinion.
Francisco Lindor and James McCann to the Mets.
The New York Mets got everyone this year. On December 15th, the New York Mets reached a 4-year, $40.6 million deal with all-star catcher James McCann. McCann previously played with the Tigers and White Sox and has a .249 batting average. But the Mets weren’t done, oh no. On January 7, 2021, the Mets picked Up All-Star Shortstop Francisco Lindor, along with starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez, and two minor league Prospects. Francisco Lindor is a 4x All-Star, 2x Gold Glover, and 2x Silver Slugger. He also played a big part in the Indians World Series run in 2016, before losing to the Chicago Cubs. And, Carlos Carrasco is a veteran starter and AL Comeback Player of the year in 2019. All of the players the Indians got are still pretty young so we will have to wait and see on this trade.
The New York Mets got everyone this year. On December 15th, the New York Mets reached a 4-year, $40.6 million deal with all-star catcher James McCann. McCann previously played with the Tigers and White Sox and has a .249 batting average. But the Mets weren’t done, oh no. On January 7, 2021, the Mets picked Up All-Star Shortstop Francisco Lindor, along with starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez, and two minor league Prospects. Francisco Lindor is a 4x All-Star, 2x Gold Glover, and 2x Silver Slugger. He also played a big part in the Indians World Series run in 2016, before losing to the Chicago Cubs. And, Carlos Carrasco is a veteran starter and AL Comeback Player of the year in 2019. All of the players the Indians got are still pretty young so we will have to wait and see on this trade.
Trevor Bauer to the Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were pretty quiet this offseason. Until they signed National League Cy Young Winner, and all-star pitcher Trevor Bauer to a 3-year, $102 million deal. The Dodgers already have a really good pitching rotation, but with rumors about Clayton Kershaw retiring after 2021, this is another one where we will have to wait and see.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were pretty quiet this offseason. Until they signed National League Cy Young Winner, and all-star pitcher Trevor Bauer to a 3-year, $102 million deal. The Dodgers already have a really good pitching rotation, but with rumors about Clayton Kershaw retiring after 2021, this is another one where we will have to wait and see.
Yu Darvish, Blake Snell, and Joe Musgrove to the Padres.
Where do I even begin with this one? The San Diego Padres went ballistic this offseason. It all started on December 29, 2020, when the Tampa Bay Rays traded all-star Southpaw Blake Snell to the Padres in exchange for a handful of prospects, and catcher Francisco Mejia. The same day, they announced they had signed all-star starting pitcher Yu Darvish and catcher Victor Caratini from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for pitcher Zach Davies and four prospects. But, when the Padres announced that starter Mike Clevinger would miss the entire 2021 season due to undergoing Tommy John Surgery, they knew they had to do more. So, on January 19th, the Padres picked up pitcher Joe Musgrove from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-team deal which involved 5 Padres prospects to the Pirates, and San Diego pitcher Joey Lucchesi to the New York Mets. Musgrove won a World Series Championship in 2017 with the Houston Astros, and we’ll have to give the prospects some time, of course.
Where do I even begin with this one? The San Diego Padres went ballistic this offseason. It all started on December 29, 2020, when the Tampa Bay Rays traded all-star Southpaw Blake Snell to the Padres in exchange for a handful of prospects, and catcher Francisco Mejia. The same day, they announced they had signed all-star starting pitcher Yu Darvish and catcher Victor Caratini from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for pitcher Zach Davies and four prospects. But, when the Padres announced that starter Mike Clevinger would miss the entire 2021 season due to undergoing Tommy John Surgery, they knew they had to do more. So, on January 19th, the Padres picked up pitcher Joe Musgrove from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-team deal which involved 5 Padres prospects to the Pirates, and San Diego pitcher Joey Lucchesi to the New York Mets. Musgrove won a World Series Championship in 2017 with the Houston Astros, and we’ll have to give the prospects some time, of course.
Top 5 Free Agents:
Jackie Bradley Jr.-
The former all-star Red Sox and gold glover bats .239 with 98 home runs, and 376 RBI’s. A huge rumor went around saying he went to the Astros, but this was later disproved. On March 4th, Bradley signed a 2- year, $24 Million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. It’s hard to pinpoint where the Mets are in negotiations with Jackie Bradley Jr., right now, but he has been seeking a significant contract, “perhaps beyond four years,” says Mets Author Mike Puma.
The former all-star Red Sox and gold glover bats .239 with 98 home runs, and 376 RBI’s. A huge rumor went around saying he went to the Astros, but this was later disproved. On March 4th, Bradley signed a 2- year, $24 Million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. It’s hard to pinpoint where the Mets are in negotiations with Jackie Bradley Jr., right now, but he has been seeking a significant contract, “perhaps beyond four years,” says Mets Author Mike Puma.
Jake Odorizzi-
The former all-star twins and Rays starting pitcher is on the Verge of 1,000 strikeouts, with a 62-56 record, and a 1.24 WHIP (Walks and Hits per Inning). The Phillies have recently been showing interest in him. However, on March 6, the Houston Astros reportedly Reached a Two Year deal with him. Phillies are among new teams to check in on Jake Odorizzi as just said on MLB Network they’ve already had a very good winter and this would be a big boost to their rotation. The Angels have been in all along.
The former all-star twins and Rays starting pitcher is on the Verge of 1,000 strikeouts, with a 62-56 record, and a 1.24 WHIP (Walks and Hits per Inning). The Phillies have recently been showing interest in him. However, on March 6, the Houston Astros reportedly Reached a Two Year deal with him. Phillies are among new teams to check in on Jake Odorizzi as just said on MLB Network they’ve already had a very good winter and this would be a big boost to their rotation. The Angels have been in all along.
Cole Hamels-
The veteran left-hander was an Atlanta Brave in 2020 before becoming a free agent in 2020. He is reportedly drawing interest from several teams. The 4-time All-Star has a 163-122 record with 2,560 strikeouts and a 1.200 WHIP. “We could use some more balance in our rotation, I think we’re targeting some left-handed starters out there and we’re hopeful that we might be able to push one across the finish line in the coming weeks, but we like what we have right now there’s a lot of upside in our starting rotation and we’re going to continue to try and add to it as the winter unfolds,” said San Francisco Giants General Manager Scott Harris.
The veteran left-hander was an Atlanta Brave in 2020 before becoming a free agent in 2020. He is reportedly drawing interest from several teams. The 4-time All-Star has a 163-122 record with 2,560 strikeouts and a 1.200 WHIP. “We could use some more balance in our rotation, I think we’re targeting some left-handed starters out there and we’re hopeful that we might be able to push one across the finish line in the coming weeks, but we like what we have right now there’s a lot of upside in our starting rotation and we’re going to continue to try and add to it as the winter unfolds,” said San Francisco Giants General Manager Scott Harris.
Rick Porcello-
The veteran righty performed rather poorly with the Mets in 2020, but is still decent to have in the rotation with a 150-125 record, with 1,561 strikeouts, and 1.316 WHIP. He is being rumored to join the Detroit Tigers. “At least one more starter would be ideal,” said Tigers General Manager Al Avila.
The veteran righty performed rather poorly with the Mets in 2020, but is still decent to have in the rotation with a 150-125 record, with 1,561 strikeouts, and 1.316 WHIP. He is being rumored to join the Detroit Tigers. “At least one more starter would be ideal,” said Tigers General Manager Al Avila.
Shane Greene-
This solid 7 season reliever, who is a 2019 all star, has not been taken into consideration by any teams after becoming a free agent from the Braves. He holds a 23-28 record with 413 strikeouts, and a 1.32 WHIP.
This solid 7 season reliever, who is a 2019 all star, has not been taken into consideration by any teams after becoming a free agent from the Braves. He holds a 23-28 record with 413 strikeouts, and a 1.32 WHIP.
Top 3 Retirements:
Dustin Pedroia-
Pedroia has a few things in common with Gordon, they both played 14 seasons, all with one franchise, both in the American League. Pedroia is a Boston Red Sox legend. The second baseman won two World Series titles with the team in 2007 and 2013. He is a 4x All-Star, 4x Gold Glover, 2008 Silver Slugger, and 2008 AL MVP. However, Pedroia suffered a knee Injury in late 2016, which not only Required Surgery but severely damaged his stats. In the years after, he was optioned back to the minors and AAA in the years following which caused him to miss all of 2018, which was also the year the Red Sox won another World Series and almost all of 2019. After missing all of 2020, Pedroia retired on February 1, 2021, at the age of 37.
Pedroia has a few things in common with Gordon, they both played 14 seasons, all with one franchise, both in the American League. Pedroia is a Boston Red Sox legend. The second baseman won two World Series titles with the team in 2007 and 2013. He is a 4x All-Star, 4x Gold Glover, 2008 Silver Slugger, and 2008 AL MVP. However, Pedroia suffered a knee Injury in late 2016, which not only Required Surgery but severely damaged his stats. In the years after, he was optioned back to the minors and AAA in the years following which caused him to miss all of 2018, which was also the year the Red Sox won another World Series and almost all of 2019. After missing all of 2020, Pedroia retired on February 1, 2021, at the age of 37.
Alex Gordon-
Gordon is without a doubt a legend for the Kansas City Royals. The All Star and Gold Glove left fielder enjoyed 14 seasons with the Royals as well as two World Series appearances, one ending In Victory. Being an outfielder can be an insane job, however, as Gordon has sustained injuries before, including missing a month in 2016, due to a broken wrist. After 14 seasons of that, as well as some amazing highlight plays, Gordon retired at the end of the 2020 Season.
Gordon is without a doubt a legend for the Kansas City Royals. The All Star and Gold Glove left fielder enjoyed 14 seasons with the Royals as well as two World Series appearances, one ending In Victory. Being an outfielder can be an insane job, however, as Gordon has sustained injuries before, including missing a month in 2016, due to a broken wrist. After 14 seasons of that, as well as some amazing highlight plays, Gordon retired at the end of the 2020 Season.
Daniel Murphy-
This 3x All-Star, and 2x Silver Slugger announced his retirement on January 29, 2021, at the age of 35. The infielder enjoyed 11 seasons with the New York Mets, Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, and Colorado Rockies. When he was with New York in 2015, he took home NLCS MVP, after sweeping the Chicago Cubs, before he and the Mets lost in the World Series to the Kansas City Royals. He won his first Silver Slugger the next season and continued to be a solid starter up until his retirement.
This 3x All-Star, and 2x Silver Slugger announced his retirement on January 29, 2021, at the age of 35. The infielder enjoyed 11 seasons with the New York Mets, Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, and Colorado Rockies. When he was with New York in 2015, he took home NLCS MVP, after sweeping the Chicago Cubs, before he and the Mets lost in the World Series to the Kansas City Royals. He won his first Silver Slugger the next season and continued to be a solid starter up until his retirement.
Tommy Lasorda’s Death:
On January 7, 2021, legendary Los Angeles Dodgers Manager and former Pitcher Tommy Lasorda passed away at the age of 93. He was extremely dedicated to baseball and devoted his life to the Dodgers winning two World Series. This news silenced the city of Los Angeles and was very pivotal for not only the Dodgers but all of the MLB.
On January 7, 2021, legendary Los Angeles Dodgers Manager and former Pitcher Tommy Lasorda passed away at the age of 93. He was extremely dedicated to baseball and devoted his life to the Dodgers winning two World Series. This news silenced the city of Los Angeles and was very pivotal for not only the Dodgers but all of the MLB.
Question Marks:
Odubel Herrera Return?
Odubel Herrera is getting recognized in Spring training and may make the active roster if he continues to perform well. Herrera Has been Out of baseball since 2019 due to a very serious incident. (https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/odubel-herrera-arrested-domestic-violence-incident-atlantic-city). But with Outfielder Adam Haseley out for 4 Weeks with a groin Injury, Herrera can get the active roster as a starter again.
Odubel Herrera is getting recognized in Spring training and may make the active roster if he continues to perform well. Herrera Has been Out of baseball since 2019 due to a very serious incident. (https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/odubel-herrera-arrested-domestic-violence-incident-atlantic-city). But with Outfielder Adam Haseley out for 4 Weeks with a groin Injury, Herrera can get the active roster as a starter again.
Cleveland…?
The Cleveland Indians have announced that this upcoming season will be their Last as “the Indians.” Controversy has surrounded the name for years because of its insensitive racial background. The team announced back in December that they would unveil their new moniker after the 2021 season.
No More Coliseum?
The Oakland Athletics have proposed plans for a new ballpark in the Jack London Square of Oakland. Photos of designs for the new Ballpark have been released. The new stadium is planned to be released in the spring, anywhere from 2023 to 2025. The new stadium will replace the Oakland Coliseum, where the franchise has played since 1968.
Outro
Well, that was a lot. In conclusion, this has been a wild ride in terms of free agency. These are just some of the biggest anchors that would most likely catch a baseball fan’s eye. This is the end of the road, and hopefully, we can enjoy an amazing 2021 season. Let’s walk it off.
The Cleveland Indians have announced that this upcoming season will be their Last as “the Indians.” Controversy has surrounded the name for years because of its insensitive racial background. The team announced back in December that they would unveil their new moniker after the 2021 season.
No More Coliseum?
The Oakland Athletics have proposed plans for a new ballpark in the Jack London Square of Oakland. Photos of designs for the new Ballpark have been released. The new stadium is planned to be released in the spring, anywhere from 2023 to 2025. The new stadium will replace the Oakland Coliseum, where the franchise has played since 1968.
Outro
Well, that was a lot. In conclusion, this has been a wild ride in terms of free agency. These are just some of the biggest anchors that would most likely catch a baseball fan’s eye. This is the end of the road, and hopefully, we can enjoy an amazing 2021 season. Let’s walk it off.
