Weekly MLB Update - 1/20/21
Do you feel that? The offseason is heating up! The last week has seen a few big name free agents sign contracts as we get closer to the 2021 season. Which by the way, will probably have fans at games if things go according to plan. Let’s get into the latest around MLB!
Three top free agents signed long-term contacts with teams. The first was relief pitcher Liam Hendriks who signed a 3-year $54 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. Hendriks, formerly of the Oakland Athletics, was considered the top free agent relief pitcher available this offseason. Over the last two seasons, Hendriks has posted a 1.79 ERA, recorded 39 Saves and has struck out 161 batters while only walking 24. The White Sox upgraded an already solid bullpen and this move puts them in a head-to-head battle with the Minnesota Twins for top dog in the AL Central Division.
The second big name to come off the free agent list was infielder and MVP runner up DJ LeMahieu who signed a 6-year $90 million contract with the New York Yankees. LeMahieu finished the 2020 season hitting .336 with 36 home runs and has been a top 10 hitter in baseball for years now. The Yankees had every intention of bringing this guy back long term and they did exactly that. LeMahieu, who turns 33 in July, played 3 different infield positions for the Yankees last season. The Yankees continue to be World Series favorites entering the season and inking DJ only adds to their chances.
The third big name to sign is outfielder George Springer who signed a 6-year $150 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. The former cheater, sorry I mean, Houston Astro, has been one of MLB’s best hitters since he debuted in 2015. Toronto bolstered their lineup adding a hitter like Springer as well as an above average defender. His veteran leadership will add to this young, up-and-coming Blue Jays roster loaded with talent. Is it enough to compete with the Yankees in the AL East? Probably not, but look to the Blue Jays to keep trending upward and hunt for a wild card spot.
I want to also mention a few other notable free agent signings - The Yankees signed veteran pitcher and former Cy Young winner Corey Kluber to a 1-year $11 million deal. The right hander is getting old and his 2020 campaign was evidence of that but the Yankees add some needed depth to their rotation. The Washington Nationals signed another veteran pitcher, left hander John Lester to a 1-year $5 million deal. Lester is not what he once was but the Nationals don’t need him to be. If healthy, Lester is a reliable fourth or fifth starter to an already great rotation in Washington. The Blue Jays also added closer Kirby Yates with a 1-year $5.5 million deal. Finally, the Los Angeles Angels actually did something to help their pitching staff, signing former Cubs right hander Jose Quintana to a 1-year $8 million deal. If healthy, both Yates and Quintana can help their clubs tremendously.
The Padres keep making moves to their pitching staff. Last week, San Diego acquired Pittsburgh Pirates right hander Joe Musgrove in a 3 team deal along with the New York Mets, who acquired Joey Lucchesi. Musgrove is an up-and-coming arm who had one of the top swing-and-miss rates in the majors last season, only trailing Cy Young winner Shane Beiber. The Padres rotation is absolutely loaded and will go out and say it - they have the best starting pitching rotation in baseball.
The MLB hot stove is as hot as ever right now. Keep looking out for more updates right here at TLDR!
Tyler