As we eagerly anticipate the start of the new Major League Baseball season, let’s take a moment to review the biggest offseason moves in the league. Below are the top 10 players who changed teams during the offseason, either through free agency or trades.
Starting off with Soto, who signed a record-breaking contract with the Mets, we’ll dive into the impact these players will have on their new teams. Burnes, Tucker, Crochet, and Bregman are among the notable names that will be making a difference for their respective clubs this season.
Additionally, Snell and Fried are two left-handed pitchers who have found new homes with the Dodgers and Yankees, respectively. Their track record of success and unique pitching styles make them valuable assets to their teams.
Finally, Adames rounds out the list as a dynamic player who brings power and speed to the Giants’ lineup. While there are some concerns about his strikeout rate, his offensive abilities make him a key addition to San Francisco’s roster.
Another important factor to keep an eye on is the uncertainty surrounding the defensive abilities of the player. There are conflicting opinions on how strong his glove currently is.
During the offseason, the Yankees had an excess of starting pitchers and were in need of late-inning relief help. They smartly used this surplus to address their needs by trading Nestor Cortes (along with a prospect) for Williams. Williams has been a top reliever in the league when healthy, with an impressive career average of over 14 strikeouts per nine innings, largely due to his effective “Airbender” changeup. As he enters the final year of his contract, a strong performance this season could potentially lead to a lucrative deal, possibly rivaling Josh Hader’s record-breaking contract.
Cortes was the key piece sent to the Yankees in exchange for Williams. He has consistently posted an ERA+ of 105 or better in three of the last four seasons, making him a valuable addition to the Brewers’ rotation. Like Williams, Cortes is also entering his final year before free agency, adding extra motivation for him to perform well this season.
Overall, the trade between the Yankees and Brewers has the potential to benefit both teams, with Williams and Cortes having the opportunity to showcase their skills in a new environment and potentially secure their futures with strong performances.