MLB Offseason

It is safe to say that this MLB off-season lacked the same amount of excitement as years past. With minimal moves between teams and players, it proved to be one of the most underwhelming in a long time. In any case, there were a few big things that happened.

One of the first moves to start the off-season was the Japanese two-way star Shoeni Ohatani signing with the Angels. Ohatani is a pitching hitter out of Japan who was the number one overall prospect in the MLB. The star signed with the Los Angeles Angels for 2.315 million dollars with signing bonuses.

Possibly the biggest move of this year’s offseason was Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees. The power hitting right fielder led the league in home runs last season just edging out his new teammate Aaron Judge. The Yankees had to sacrifice a considerable amount for Stanton. The Yankees gave Miami cash, shortstop Starlin Castro, pitcher Jorge Guzman, and shortstop/second basemen Jose Devers. Despite these sacrifices, the Yankees benefited immensely from this trade. Stanton’s speed keeps him a threat on the bases and his power makes him able to hit productively anywhere in the lineup.

Eric Hosmer, the former Kansas City Royal, signed on an unrestricted free agency with the San Diego Padres for eight years with 20 million dollars guaranteed. This is the biggest contract in Padres history. Is this a good move for Hosmer? The short answer is no. Hosmer is a solid defensive player and a great bat in the middle of the lineup, the an asset that the Padres need, but Hosmer is far too talented to be playing for a struggling team who only won a measly 71 games last year.

The Chicago Cubs acquired Pitcher Yu Darvish, the right-hander went to the Cubs for six years and 126 million dollars. Darvish has solid command of his pitches with average velocity. Sadly, he failed to perform well in the postseason; despite being a member of the World Series runner up Los Angeles Dodgers. This could be a good move for the struggling Darvish, and a great pickup for the Cubs who just lost their former ace in Jake Arrieta.

A lesser known move this off season was Ichiro Suzuki returning to the Seattle Mariners. Suzuki signed back with Seattle for one year and 750,000 dollars. This acquisition is definitely a jump in the right direction but it is not a a change to get the Mariners to the World Series. One could think of this move as a band going on a farewell concert tour. This acquisition is more of a sentimental or a money making event for the team. The future Hall of Famer will put up decent to above average numbers this regular season.

Perhaps one of the biggest questions was where outfielder J.D. Martinez would sign. Martinez kept everybody on the edge of their seats with anticipation. Ultimately the power hitter signed with the Boston Red Sox for 5 years and 110 million dollars. This is a strong deal for the Red Sox. This is a team that needs to fill the void in their lineup since power hitter David Ortiz retired, but can he do it?  The sports world feels that he can.

Another change this off-season was Jake Arrieta moving to the Philadelphia Phillies for three years and 75 million dollars. Arrieta is a strong pitcher with average velocity and above average control. The pitcher struggled in 2017 but one year earlier, he was the most dominant in the league. Arrieta will flourish in Philadelphia; he may have a season that reflects 2016. Nevertheless, he probably won’t be in the spotlight because the Phillies have a slim chance of making the playoffs this season.

Aaron’s Postseason Predictions:

• The New York Yankees will win the AL East
• The Cleveland Indians will win the AL Central
• The Houston Astros will win the AL West
• The Boston Red Sox will win the AL Wildcard
• The Washington Nationals will win the NL East
• Chicago Cubs will win the NL Central
• The Los Angeles Dodgers will win the NL West
• The Arizona Diamondbacks will win the NL Wildcard
• The Houston Astros will repeat their World Series Championship over the Diamondbacks in 7 games
• Chris Sale will win the AL Cy Young award
• Max Scherzer will win the NL Cy Young award
• Mike Trout will win the AL MVP award
• Paul Goldschmit will win the NL MVP award