MLB 2022-2023 Offseason in Review
By MLB Correspondent Mia Barahona
After a dramatic and fascinating offseason, MLB’s Spring Training has finally arrived. While some familiar faces might be in new places, some faces got their expected extensions to last for many years to come.
Notable Free Agent signings
- NYM Edwin Diaz: 5 years for $102 million with team option in 2028 worth $20 million
- HOU Jose Abreu: 3 years for $58.5 million
- TEX Jacob deGrom: 5 years for $185 million
One of the most entertaining pitchers to have watched in the past years in Queens, deGrom finds a new place in a shocking move to Arlington. If deGrom can stay healthy, as he hasn’t been able to in years, he can be a difference maker in the AL West.
- PHI Trea Turner: 11 years for $300 million
- CHC Cody Bellinger: 1 year for $17.5 million
- NYM Justin Verlander: 2 years for $86 million (2025 vesting option worth $35 million)
As if Justin Verlander hadn’t won the World Series or AL CY Young award within the past year, he also got paid for his worth. At age 39, he shows no signs of slowing down and will continue to be performing at his very best.
- BOS Kenley Jansen: 2 years for $32 million
- STL Wilson Contreras: 5 years for $87.5 million
- NYY Aaron Judge: 9 years for $360 million
The most sought after free agent this past offseason was none other than the reigning AL MVP. With rumors of Judge returning to his hometown San Francisco Giants as “Arson Judge,” he will stay in the Bronx with the title as captain; becoming the first Yankees captain since Derek Jeter.
- SD Xander Bogaerts: 11 years for $280 million
- NYY Carlos Rodon: 6 years for $162 million
- CHC Dansby Swanson: 7 years for $177 million
To say Swanson is leaving his hometown Atlanta Braves, where he has won a World Series, is shocking. Although, it’s not shocking if you think about Swanson’s wife, World Cup champion and professional soccer player Mallory Swanson, who plays in Chicago for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL.
- CWS Andrew Benintendi: 5 years for $75 million
- BOS Justin Turner: 2 years for $21.7 million with a opt-out after 2023
- LAD JD Martinez: 1 year for $10 million
In Los Angeles, Martinez will reunite with former Red Sox teammate Mookie Betts and hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc, who helped rebuild Martinez’s career in 2013 after a disappointing career in Houston from 2011 to 2013. Already an established hitter, Martinez should have no problem hitting home runs at Dodger Stadium considering that he hit 4 home runs in a single game there as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017.
- TEX Nathan Eovaldi: 2 years for $34 million with a player option in 2025
- MIN Christian Vazquez: 3 years for $30 million
- MIN Carlos Correa: 6 years for $200 million with vesting options from 2029-2032
Originally Correa had signed with the San Francisco Giants, but when an apparent medical dispute occurred, he moved on to sign with the New York Mets. Again, the apparent medical issue came up again, he moved on to sign with the Minnesota Twins where he had recently opted out of his contract earlier in the offseason.
Notable Trades
- LAD & MIA: Dodgers receive Miguel Rojas and Marlins receive Jacob Amaya
- MIL & SEA: Brewers receive Abraham Toro and Jesse Winker while Mariners receive Kolten Wong
- OAK & ATL & MIL: Athletics receive Manny Pina, Braves receive Sean Murphy, and Brewers receive William Contreras
Contract Extensions
- BOS Rafael Devers: 11 years for $331 million
One of the brightest young talents currently, Devers has already won a World Series in 2018 and will continue to hopefully win more. Devers will have to step up to be the leader that Boston currently needs.
- NYM Jeff McNeil: 4 years for $50 million
- HOU Cristian Javier: 5 years for $64 million
- SD Yu Darvish: 6 years for $108 million
Top 5 Most Improved Teams
- New York Mets
- San Diego Padres
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Chicago Cubs
- Texas Rangers
Top 5 Least Improved Teams
- Atlanta Braves
- New York Yankees
- Boston Red Sox
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Tampa Bay Rays
The Shoemaker Bugle 