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As we gear up for the 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, it’s time to revisit the Power Rankings and review the best offseason move of every team. With several exciting new signings, trades, and key acquisitions, it’s clear that some teams have worked smarter than others during the offseason. There has been a lot of buzz around teams making bold moves to improve their chances of success this season. In this article, we will take you through the major moves that every team has made and rank them based on impact and effectiveness.
Arizona Diamondbacks:
The Arizona Diamondbacks had a decent offseason, but the highlight has to be the signing of outfielder Kole Calhoun to a two-year, $16 million deal. Calhoun was a power-hitting right fielder for the Angels that racked up 33 home runs in 2019. With his addition to the Diamondbacks, the team will gain much-needed depth in the outfield position and provide an excellent bat in the lineup.
Atlanta Braves:
The Atlanta Braves have recently signed outfielder Marcell Ozuna to a four-year, $65 million contract. The 2020 National League (NL) home run leader had an excellent season in 2020 with a resounding 18 homers in 60 games. The move solidifies the Braves’ outfield lineup and adds another power bat to their already impressive lineup.
Baltimore Orioles:
The Baltimore Orioles have made a smart move in signing shortstop Freddy Galvis to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Galvis is an excellent defender and will help the Orioles with their pitching staff. Additionally, he had a decent season with the Cincinnati Reds in 2020.
Boston Red Sox:
The Boston Red Sox have had a rather quiet offseason, but the smart move has to be re-signing left-handed pitcher Martin Perez. Perez had a decent 2020 season, with a 4.50 ERA and 6.5 strikeouts per nine innings. With this signing, the Red Sox now have a reliable left-handed starter in their rotation, providing them with pitching depth.
Chicago Cubs:
The Chicago Cubs made a forward-thinking move when they traded Yu Darvish and Victor Caratini to the San Diego Padres for Zach Davies and four young prospects. The deal has allowed the Cubs to dump Darvish’s contract, providing financial flexibility while still acquiring young talent for their rebuild.
Chicago White Sox:
The Chicago White Sox signed veteran outfielder Adam Eaton to a one-year, $7 million contract. While it’s a short-term deal, the move solidifies their outfield depth and provides them with a reliable veteran that knows the team and the organization.
Cincinnati Reds:
The Reds pulled off a smart trade, sending closer Raisel Iglesias to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for right-handed pitcher Noe Ramirez and a player to be named later. The trade clears a massive chunk of payroll for the Reds, allowing them to make other moves and acquire talent.
Cleveland Indians:
The Cleveland Indians had a quiet offseason, but the smart move was signing Eddie Rosario to a one-year, $8 million contract. Rosario has been an exceptional hitter, and his signing adds depth to their outfield hierarchy.
Colorado Rockies:
The Colorado Rockies had a disappointing offseason, but the one bright spot was the signing of left-handed pitcher Austin Gomber, who was part of the Nolan Arenado trade. Gomber had a decent 2020 season with a 1.86 ERA in 14.1 innings.
Detroit Tigers:
The Detroit Tigers made a smart move in signing veteran outfielder Robbie Grossman to a two-year, $10 million contract. The move provides the young Tigers with a reliable veteran bat in the lineup and adds depth to their outfield.
Houston Astros:
The Houston Astros did not have a great offseason, but the smart move was re-signing outfielder Michael Brantley to a two-year, $32 million contract. Brantley is a reliable hitter with surprising pop in his bat, and the signing ensures the Astros have depth in their outfield.
Kansas City Royals:
The Kansas City Royals had a busy offseason, but the smart move was trading for outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Boston Red Sox. Benintendi is a power-hitting outfielder that is sure to add depth to the Royals’ lineup.
Los Angeles Angels:
The Los Angeles Angels had a forward-thinking move when they traded for closer Raisel Iglesias from the Cincinnati Reds. Iglesias had an excellent 2020 season and will provide the Angels with much-needed relief pitching. The Angels now have one of the best bullpens in the league.
Los Angeles Dodgers:
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been busy this offseason, but the smart move has to be re-signing right-handed pitcher Blake Treinen. Treinen was excellent in 2020 and was instrumental in securing the Dodgers’ World Series win. The move ensures pitching depth for the Dodgers.
Miami Marlins:
The Miami Marlins had a decent offseason, but the smart move was trading with the New York Yankees for pitcher Jameson Taillon. The move provides the Marlins with much-needed pitching stability, and Taillon has proven to be a reliable option for the Pirates.
Milwaukee Brewers:
The Milwaukee Brewers made a smart signing in shortstop Kolten Wong, who was coming off a Gold Glove season with the St. Louis Cardinals. He signed a two-year, $18 million deal with the Brewers. Wong is an excellent defender and will provide a much-needed upgrade to the Brewers’ middle infield.
Minnesota Twins:
The Minnesota Twins had a decent offseason, but the smart move was signing outfielder Andrelton Simmons to a one-year deal. Simmons is a great defender and will provide stability to the Twins’ middle infield.
New York Mets:
The New York Mets had a great offseason, but the smart move was trading Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians. Lindor is one of the best shortstops in the league, while Carrasco provides pitching depth. The move makes the Mets a contender in the NL East.
New York Yankees:
The New York Yankees had a decent offseason, but the smart move was re-signing outfielder Brett Gardner to a one-year, $5.15 million contract. Gardner is a reliable outfielder and provides depth for the Yankees.
Oakland Athletics:
The Oakland Athletics made a smart move by acquiring infielder Elvis Andrus from the Texas Rangers in exchange for designated hitter Khris Davis and two prospects. Andrus provides stability to the Athletics’ middle infield and a significant improvement in their defense.
Philadelphia Phillies:
The Philadelphia Phillies made a great signing in catcher J.T. Realmuto. The Phillies re-signed Realmuto to a five-year, $115.5 million deal, making him the highest-paid catcher in MLB history. Realmuto is an excellent all-around player and was one of the team’s top priorities this offseason.
Pittsburgh Pirates:
The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded away many veterans in recent years, but the smart move was acquiring catcher Michael Perez from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations. Perez provides the Pirates a reliable backup catcher.
San Diego Padres:
The San Diego Padres have had a busy offseason, but the smart move has to be trading with the Chicago Cubs for Yu Darvish and Victor Caratini. Darvish is a top-tier starting pitcher, and the move allows the Padres to add another reliable arm to their rotation.
San Francisco Giants:
The San Francisco Giants signed starting pitcher Alex Wood to a one-year, $3 million deal. Wood is a reliable starting pitcher and provides the Giants with a sturdy option on the mound.
Seattle Mariners:
The Seattle Mariners have made a smart move in signing veteran infielder/outfielder Sam Haggerty to a minor league contract. Haggerty could be a great asset to the Mariners’ bench and provides much-needed depth in the middle infield.
St. Louis Cardinals:
The St. Louis Cardinals made a great acquisition in trading for third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies. Arenado is a top-tier third baseman and provides the Cardinals with a significant addition to their lineup and defense.
Tampa Bay Rays:
The Tampa Bay Rays made a smart move by acquiring catcher Francisco Mejia from the San Diego Padres in exchange for left-handed pitching prospect Blake Hunt. Mejia is a talented young catcher, and the move provides the Rays with depth at the position.
Texas Rangers:
The Texas Rangers made a smart move in trading Elvis Andrus to the Oakland Athletics, acquiring designated hitter Khris Davis and two prospects in exchange. The deal allows the Rangers to dump Andrus’s contract and acquire young prospects for their rebuild.
Toronto Blue Jays:
The Toronto Blue Jays had a great offseason, but the smart move was signing outfielder George Springer to a six-year, $150 million contract. Springer had an excellent 2020 season and provides the Blue Jays with a reliable bat in their lineup. Additionally, the signing allows the Blue Jays to use Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in a hybrid outfield role.
Washington Nationals:
The Washington Nationals made a great signing in first baseman Josh Bell, trading two prospects for him. Bell had an excellent 2018 season, and the Nationals are hoping he can provide a power presence in their lineup. The move ensures depth for the Nationals at the first base position.
In summary, every team has made significant moves this offseason. While some are more impactful than others, each team’s move was made with the intention of improving their chances for success in the 2021 season. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the 2021 MLB season!
