MLB Free Agency: Biggest Losers of the Offseason So Far
Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
The MLB Offseason rolls on, and it seems to have hit its peak. While some teams fire on all cylinders, others remain stagnant while failing to capitalize.
Christmas time is here, and the MLB offseason is rolling on. Over the past several weeks, the offseason has seemed to have reached a very high point. Free agent deals have been flying out of the front office. We’ve seen trades that have been beneficial, questionable, and just flat-out terrible. With two and a half months remaining, most big free agents have already been signed, while a few remain on the market. Other big names that are already on a roster await their fates as their trade value rises. While the offseason has already been eventful, the remaining two and a half months leave a feeling of wonder for all MLB fans.
Now, we look back at what has transpired. Some teams have already addressed their needs, while others missed their opportunities. Some players thought they were going in one direction, while winding up going in a completely different route. A month and a half into the offseason, and some teams are already fully prepared for the upcoming 2017 season. Then, there are the other teams, who missed their chance of acquiring the big name they need. These teams have made questionable moves, bad moves, or no moves at all in an effort to improve their staff going into 2017. The offseason has definitely had its winners. It has also had its losers.
Here are the three biggest losers of the MLB Offseason so far:
Sep 28, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) connects for a base hit during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
New York Mets
The bond between Yoenis Cespedes and the fans of the New York Mets is undeniable. Cespedes has openly expressed his love of the city of New York, as well as the Mets organization and fanbase. Mets fans certainly welcomed Cespedes with open arms when he was acquired in July of 2015, but were fearful the past two offseasons about the possibility of Cespedes leaving. Cespedes and the Mets proved the fans wrong both times, and now the slugger is set to remain in Queens for the next four years.
Cespedes brings a leader to the Mets lineup. However, the Mets do have other needs to address, and their signing of Cespedes leaves them limited the rest of the way. The Mets have weaknesses at catcher and in the bullpen, yet seem uninterested in making any big changes. There is also no guarantee that Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz, and more importantly Zack Wheeler (who has not pitched in a Major League game since 2014) will make a strong, productive comebacks. As a result, it is probable that this Mets team will be in the exact same spot they were last season: barely squeaking into a one-game playoff loss. Unless the Mets make a move to improve their weakness, expect the team to be in the same spot in 2017.
Sep 5, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales (25) hits a three run home run during the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays
Over the past two seasons, the Toronto Blue Jays have clicked well together as a team. With a power offense and an underrated pitching staff, the Blue Jays were a team to watch in 2015 and 2016. As a result of their success, the Blue Jays have gotten an increase in attendance numbers. This season, Toronto led the American League in game attendance, trailing only the Dodgers and Cardinals for the Major League lead. The Blue Jays are going into the 2017 season perhaps without two of the reasons behind this success: Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. While a signing of at least one of them is still somewhat possible, the Jays seem ready to move forward without them.
Toronto recently signed Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce, with the thought that these two would replace Encarnacion and Bautista in the lineup. Morales is an experienced veteran, and Pearce provides depth throughout the field. However, these two do not match up to Bautista and Encarnacion, both offensively and in a leadership role. With Troy Tulowitzki losing his sparkle, that only leaves Josh Donaldson, and while he is certainly good enough to take on a bigger leadership role, he can’t do it all. Toronto still has holes to fill, but their acquisitions so far are not enough.
Aug 29, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton (1) in the dugout prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals seemed to have it all in 2016: A stellar lineup, a stellar rotation, rejuvenated fan support, and an experienced manager with playoff experience. However, the Nationals wound up getting eliminated from the playoffs in the first round for the third time in five years. The Nationals entered the offseason with hopes to improve, and the team had two big chances to do so. The Nationals were extremely close to acquiring star pitcher Chris Sale two weeks ago, but at the last minute, the trade fell apart. Former MVP Andrew McCutchen was also considered, but trade talks also disintegrated. The Nationals did wind up making a key move, acquiring Adam Eaton from the Chicago White Sox to fill the hole in center field.
Yes, acquiring Adam Eaton was necessary. However, the trade itself was very questionable. The Nationals ended up giving up a lot for a little. While Eaton is certainly an above average outfielder, some may argue that the pieces given up to get him were a bit excessive.
The Nationals are now without Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez, who are two of the top prospects in all of baseball. Now, the Nationals are in a position where if they wanted to trade away prospects in an effort to fill their holes, they are very limited with what they have. Acquiring Eaton gives Trea Turner an opportunity to play at his normal position of shortstop. However, the Nationals gave up too much for too little, and now have limited options going forward.
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