The MLB offseason has been fairly unpredictable thus far. Top free agents are not just still on the market but have yet to receive offers. Large market teams are acting like small market franchises while small market teams are spending.
Of course, spring training remains a few weeks away and games have yet to be played, but there have been clear winners and losers of this offseason. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers came up short once again in 2023, but they have done their best to ensure that will not happen in 2024. Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani signed a record-breaking $700 million contract to begin their spending spree. Starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow was acquired from the Rays and handed an extension. Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto received the largest contract given to a pitcher. Teoscar Hernandez and Manuel Margot were brought on board. Although their success will be measured in championships, Los Angeles has had one of the best offseasons in the majors.
2. Kansas City Royals
Since winning the World Series in 2015, the Royals have produced seven losing seasons, and are not known to spend big in free agency. That changed this year, however, as they drastically overhauled their pitching staff. Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Kyle Wright, Nick Anderson, Chris Stratton, and Will Smith were all brought on to fortify their rotation in 2024. A pair of hitters in Adam Frazier and Hunter Renfroe were also added to the roster. As the AL Central may be the weakest division in baseball, the Royals might have done enough to contend already.
3. Japanese pitchers
Japanese pitchers have already established themselves as valuable major league options. Yamamoto may have broken the bank for the next wave of prospects. As mentioned, his 12-year, $325 million deal is the largest contract given to a pitcher in both years and dollar amount. With impressive prospects such as Roki Sasaki, Shunpeita Yamashita, and Hiroto Takahashi on the horizon, Yamamoto’s contract could have set a new standard.
Losers
1. Blake Snell and Cody Bellinger
Snell and Bellinger were considered the top pitcher and position player, respectively, in free agency. Both were expected to receive significant long-term contracts, but instead are languishing together in free agency. Teams have been linked to both players but nothing has come to fruition. Snell, at least, has received a contract offer, but his market may not extend beyond the Yankees. Meanwhile, Bellinger has yet to receive a formal offer. The reigning Cy Young Award winner and former NL MVP may still be on the market when spring training begins, something that no one would have imagined back in November.
