2018 MLB Transactions
Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Updated Daily.
December 13, 2018
Cleveland Indians: Trade for Carlos Santana DH A+ Grade
The Cleveland Indians will probably move Carlos Santana to the DH role that Edwin Encarnacion played since they got Yonder Alonso at first base now. Awesome job by Cleveland landing a player who is familiar with the team who is younger then Edwin Encarnacion.
Seattle Mariners: Trade for Edwin Encarnacion DH C+ Grade
I like Edwin Encarnacion. He peaked last year though. I feel like he's bound to decline now though.
Tampa Bay Rays: Trade for Yandy Diaz 3B C- Grade
The Tampa Bay Rays turned nothing into something. Even though they got the short-end of the stick on this trade, I still feel like Yandy Diaz could be a solid contributor in their lineup.
New York Mets: Sign Jeurys Familia CL to 3-year $30-million A+ Grade
The Mets re-signed their closer who they dealt at the 2018 MLB Trade Deadline. This is an excellent deal for Familia who stepped up for the Oakland Athletics in the set up role down the stretch.
December 11, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies: Sign Andrew McCutchen RF to 3-year $50-million C Grade
The Phillies have a lot of young veteran batters prepared to come up from the minors. Andrew McCutchen is getting a similar deal to Carlos Santana last year who got 3-years and $60-million. McCutchen can still contribute at a high level at times, but $50-million for a guy who is now on his third team since being traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates is a little too steep for my liking. With Carlos Santana gone, the Phillies now get a C grade.
Chicago White Sox: Trade for Ivan Nova SP D+ Grade
The Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates made a trade that was horrible for both teams. Ivan Nova had an ERA of 4.14 in 2018. Jordan Lyles has an ERA of over 9.00, but Yordi Rosario could be a nice future piece for the Pirates from the Dominican Repubic.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Trade for Jordan Lyles MR D- Grade
The Pittsburgh Pirates made another horrible trade. It is almost like Bob Nutting and Neal Huntington listen to Oops I did it again by Britney Spears every time the Pirates make a horrible trade. Jordan Lyles has a 9.39 ERA despite being a major league prospect that can fill a middle reliever void for the Pirates and Yordi Rosario is a Arizona Fall League prospect from the Dominican Repubic with a 2.57 ERA.
December 4, 2018
St. Louis Cardinals: Trade for Paul Goldschmidt 1B A+ Grade
The St. Louis Cardinals got the Arizona Diamondbacks best batter in hopes of leveling the playing field in the NL Central with the Milwuakee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs. The Cardinals gave up a pitcher with a 4.50 ERA, a batter with a .114 batting average, and a AA prospect who hit 21 home runs while posting a .289 batting average. Arizona got hustled big time in this trade and the St. Louis Cardinals front office deserves a lot of credit for that. Goldschmidt averaged 30 home runs the past six seasons.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Trade for Paul Goldschmidt 1B D Grade
The Arizona Diamondbacks got a compensation pick in the first two rounds. They may get even more draft capital for the 2019 MLB Draft. That's the only reason why the Diamondbacks evaded an F grade after getting jipped so badly by the St. Louis Cardinals.
August 31, 2018
Cleveland Indians: Trade for Josh Donaldson 3B A+ Grade
The Indians got an extra batter for their playoff run. Donaldson is injured, but he's a former MVP from 2015.
Milwaukee Brewers: Trade for Gio Gonzalez SP A+ Grade
Gio Gonzalez gives the Brewers insurance in their starting rotation. He struggled with the Nationals and needs to do better in September with a change of scenery. Jimmy Nelson, the ace pitcher on the Brewers may not pitch this season so Gio Gonzalez comes in as insurance hoping to save Milwaukee's season.
Milwaukee Brewers: Trade for Curtis Granderson LF A+ Grade
Curtis Granderson gives the Brewers a nice utility player for depth in their outfield behind Christian Yellich, Lorenzo Cain, and Ryan Braun.
New York Yankees: Trade for Andrew McCutchen RF A+ Grade
The Yankees got insurance for their outfield. Aaron Judge is injured, and the Yankees wanted more outfield depth in case an injury occurred during the 2018 MLB Playoffs. They sent two mediocre prospects to the San Francisco Giants.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Trade for Ryan Madson SU A+ Grade
Ryan Madson had three years of experience as the set up pitcher on the Washington Nationals. The Dodgers did a smart thing by getting him for insurance in the bullpen despite his shaky ERA this season. If Madson can put it together and have the kind of impact Brenden Morrow did down the stretch, then maybe the Dodgers can salvage their chances at winning the NL West.
August 21, 2018
Chicago Cubs: Trade for Daniel Murphy 2B A+ Grade
The Cubs got Daniel Murphy as insurance with Addison Russell on the DL. This was a fantastic late season addition by the Chicago Cubs that warrants an A+ grade.
July 31, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers: Trade for Brian Dozier 2B A+ Grade
The Dodgers sent Logan Forsythe, and two AA prospects on their AA team to the Chatanooga Lookouts for Brian Dozier. This is a great haul for the Dodgers. Dozier and Manny Machado make this infield once of the deadliest in the National League. If the Dodgers do not make the 2018 World Series it will be due ot a lack of chemistry.
Minnesota Twins: Trade for Logan Forsyth 2B C Grade
The Twins got something for Brian Dozier. That's why this is a solid move for them.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Trade for Chris Archer SP A+ Grade
The Pirates got Chris Archer until 2022. This was actually a great trade for both teams. The Rays got Pittsburgh's top two prospects in return.
Tampa Bay Rays: Trade for Austin Meadows CF A Grade
The Rays got the Pirates top two prospects Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow. This was a great deal by both teams.
Milwaukee Brewers: Trade for Jonathan Schoop 2B A+ Grade
Jonathan Schoop hit 15 home runs or more in each season dating back to 2013 in the MLB. This is a nice acquisition and addition for the Brewers.
Boston Red Sox: Trade for Ian Kinsler 2B A+ Grade
Ian Kinsler helps the Boston Red Sox out. They got a lot of batters and Kinsler is someone who can contribute to the Red Sox right away.
Atlanta Braves: Trade for Kevin Gausman SP A+ Grade
Kevin Gausman has a bad ERA this year. He's a reliable and effective addition to the Atlanta Braves rotation. Atlanta needed someone like Gausman to make a potential run this year.
Texas Rangers: Sign Chris Tillman SP A+ Grade
Texas signed Chris Tillman to a minor league deal. They can keep him in the minor leagues since their season is done. Tillman is one of the better starters and he's an MLB comeback candidate for 2019.
July 30, 2018
Houston Astros: Trade for Roberto Asuna CL F Grade
The Astros traded their closer during the 2017 World Series to Toronto for Roberto Asuna who was involved in a domestic violence dispute. Verlander is a huge advocate against domestic violence. What is even worse is that Asuna said he's not remorseful for his actions. A trade like this lowers the Houston Astros team chemistry and it makes Houston's bullpen a huge liability now moving forward.
Toronto Blue Jays: Trade for Ken Giles CL C Grade
Ken Giles dominated in 2017. He's had a rough year in 2018 though with 12 saves and a 4.99 ERA compared to his 34 saves. The thing is Osuna is younger then Giles. Osuna is 23-years-old while Giles is 27-years-old. Both playhers are Free Agents in 2021.
New York Yankees: Trade for Lance Lynn SP C+ Grade
The Yankees moved Sonny Gray to the bullpen thanks to this trade. Lynn moves into the starting rotation and Gray moves to long reliever.
July 28, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers: Trade for Mike Moustakas 3B A+ Grade
The Brewers are trying to do whatever it takes to make a World Series run. If Jimmy Nelson is back by October and they have these batters, the Brewers have a shot to surprise some people and perhaps even go on a run.
July 27, 2018
Chicago Cubs: Trade for Cole Hamels SP B Grade
Tyler Chatwood was the only weak link in the Cubs starting rotation. Cole Hamels threw a no hitter against the Cubs before the Phillies moved him to Texas and that no hitter came against the Chicago Cubs before they finally put everything together. Hamels ERA is high right now, but that may dip if he pitches well on the Chicago Cubs down the stretch. Remember Justin Verlander started sloppy with the Tigers before dominating witht he Astros down the stretch.
New York Yankees: Trade for J.A. Happ SP C+ Grade
The Yankees moved Sonny Gray to the bullpen thanks to this trade. Lynn moves into the starting rotation and Gray moves to long reliever. They can move another starter to long reliever if Happ comes back in October. With that many arms the Yankees will be one of the favorites to win the AL Pennant.
July 24, 2018
New York Yankees: Trade for Zach Britton MR A Grade
The Yankees get Baltimore's best reliever and closer Zach Britton. The Yankees have David Robertson in the set up role and Aroldis Chapman as the closer. Middle reliever Tommy Khalne is on the 40-day DL so Britton can slowly ease his way back into the bullpen and eventually replace Khalne. He can act as a middle reliever in the seventh inning before Robertson and Chapman come in.
Baltimore Orioles: Trade for Dillon Tate SP B Grade
The Orioles got the Texas Rangers fourth overall pick who the Yankees got from a trade that sent Adrian Beltre to Texas. He's 5-2 with a 3.38 ERA with the Trenton Thunder in AA. The Orioles also got Josh Rogers who is 6-8 with a 3.95 ERA and 83 strikeouts in AAA and Cody Carroll a reliever in AAA with a 2.38 ERA and 9 saves. The Orioles got a much better return from the Yankees then what they got from the Dodgers in the Manny Machado trade. That's why I'm giving the Orioles a B grade here.
July 22, 2018
Oakland Athletics: Trade for Jeurys Familia SU A+ Grade
The Athletics bolstered their bullpen with this one move. They have a good closer in Blake Treinen who has 24 saves and an amazing ERA. Familia was a set up pitcher with the Mets in 2014 before being promoted to closer where he excelled. So now, Familia is a set up pitcher once again which means Yusmeiro Petit will move frm set up pitcher to middle reliever giving Oakland a really strong bullpen thanks to this trade with depth at long reliever, middle reliever, set up pitcher, and closer.
July 17, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers: Trade for Manny Machado SS A+ Grade
The Dodgers sent five prospects for Manny Machado who will fill in for Corey Seager who is injured this season. They maanged to keep their Vanderbilt first round picks Walker Buehler and Jeren Kendall. That makes this an automatic A+ grade for the Dodgers while the Orioles just deserve an F grade for dealing him to the Dodgers without getting Beuhler or Kendall in return to boost their farm system.
Cleveland Indians: Trade for Brad Hand CL A+ Grade
The Indians two best relievers Andrew Miller and Cody Allen were in contract years. Now they can make Hand the closer. Move Allen to a set up role until Andrew Miller gets back and then put Allen in that middle reliever role where Bryan Shaw played.
February 17, 2018
San Diego Padres: Sign Eric Hosmer 1B to 8-year $144-million B Grade
I would have gave Hosmer an A grade for signing with any other team. Wil Myers has to make the transition from first base to outfield now plus the Padres won't be competitive until they get more pieces around Hosmer by building through the MLB Draft as well as Free Agency. While the Padres didn't fill a need they did get Hosmer to an excellent deal and avoided paying him $20-million a year which sort of amazes me so this is a C grade from a talent standpoint, but an A grade from a business standpoint rounding out to a B grade for the Padres.
Minnesota Twins: Sign Anibal Sanchez SP to 1-year 2.5 deal B+ Grade
Anibal Sanchez had one good rookie season and another solid season in 2009. Sanchez hasn't accomplished much since he turned 30-years-old and has been on a steady decline the last two seasons.
San Francisco Giants: Sign Tony Watson SU to 2-year deal A+ Grade
Tony Watson can be a middle reliever, set up pitcher, or closer. He played under Mark Melancon in Pittsburgh as a set up pitcher and the Dodgers got a lot out of Watson during their 2017 World Series run last year.
February 10, 2018
Chicago Cubs: Sign Yu Darvish SP to 6-year $126-million B+ Grade
Yu Darvish has moments where he can allow 0-2 runs and flashes brilliance. He also has injury history as well as games where he will alow 4 runs a game. Darvish and Arrieta are both 31-years-old. Arrieta has been way more consistent and reliable then Darvish. Arrieta wanted $150-$200-million. Chicago didn't want to pay that which is the main reason they got Darvish. Sure Darvish handed the Astros last years World Series in game 7, but he's capable of being a number one starter that can pitch a no hitter.
This signing warrants a C grade from a talent standpoint. It warrants an A grade from a business standpoint when you consider the Cubs didn't want to pay Arrieta $150-$200-million even though I feel they should just pay Arrieta after losing Wade Davis. If the Cubs don't want to overpay Arrieta you have to respect this signing so I'll meet the C grade and A grade halfway and hand Chicago a B grade for a good signing.
I'm moving this up to a B+ grade. It turns out Jake Arrieta got offered this exact same deal and turned it down. That's why I'm bumping this signing up from a B grade to a B+ grade.
February 5, 2018
New York Mets: Sign Todd Frazier 3B to 2-year $17-million C Grade
Todd Frazier deserves more than $17-million. I also gave the Mets a bad grade since they got a third baseman in David Wright. Now the Mets have a third base controversy. This would have been an A+ grade if Frazier re-signed with the Yankees.
January 26, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers: Sign Lorenzo Cain CF to 5-year $80-million A Grade
The 31-year old Lorenzo Cain brings a veteran presence that compliments 34-year-old right fielder Ryan Braun real well. Cain also was part of the Kansas City Royals team that won the 2015 World Series. The 23-year old Corey Ray hasn't made the jump to AA since being Milwaukee's 2016 first round pick out of Louisville. Adding Cain to compliment Braun allows you to keep Ray in the minors plus he gives Braun a calm veteran that's won a championship who can tame Braun's ruthless demeanor at the plate. Braun will still blast it, but he will be a lot more calculated with his swings now that Cain is his teammate. If Cain was 30 instead of 31-years-old, this would be an A+ grade for me because I love this signing and $16-million a year is exactly what Lorenzo Cain deserves.
Milwaukee Brewers: Trade for Christian Yellich LF A+ Grade
Milwaukee made an excellent move to get Yellich from the Marlins. Milwaukee now has one of the best outfields in Major Leeague Baseball with Yellich, Cain, and Braun. Plus the scary thing is Ray their 2016 first round pick has all the time in the world to develop and get better in the minor leagues. Fantastic job by the Brewers.
Miami Marlins: Trading Christian Yellich LF Le Be Tard Grade
Derek Jeter is cleaning house to clear up cap space. I'm literally asking myself if Dan Le Be Tard is helping Jeter sabotage this team. Le Be Tard got so pissed that he verbally abused the commissioner of MLB on his own talk show on ESPN. There's no question that Manfred is like the greedy savages that took our land from Native Americans who discovered America when it comes to the Chief Wahoo logo. I hate Manfred for that too. You still can't verbally abuse him on a talk show. Like if we interview Manfred on our podcast we have to ask why they got rid of the logo and why they told Cleveland's ownership it was racist. We can't yell or cuss at him. We'd have to speak in a clear vocal tonality.
New York Mets: Re-sign Jose Reyes SS 1-year deal B Grade
This is a solid re-signing for the Mets. I'll give it a B grade.
January 26, 2018
Oakland Athletics: Trade for Brandon Moss 1B B Grade
Oakland gave up cash considerations for a reliable starting first baseman who was a backup to Eric Hosmer in Kansas City down the stretch. I think they made a good trade here.
Kansas City Royals: Trading Brandon Moss 1B C Grade
Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas their two corner infielders on their 2015 World Series team are both Free Agents. Kansas City strictly made this trade to give themselves enough cap space to outbid the Padres for Eric Hosmer. If both of those infielders leave the Royals then I'll adjust Oakland's grade to an A and Kansas City's to a C.
January 15, 2018
Pittsburgh Pirates: Re-sign Filipe Vasquez CL 4-year $22.5-million B Grade
Pittsburgh absolutely had to do this. The reason I'm not giving the Pirates an A+ grade was because they traded Gerritt Cole and Andrew McCutchen in consecutive days while pissing off their fanbase prior to the Steelers playoff loss to Jacksonvile.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Trade for Kyle Crook SP and Bryan Reynolds LF B+ Grade
Kyle Crook was a 2011 first round pick that finally made it past the minor leagues in 2017. The 25-year old Crook may be due for a breakout season in 2018. I was also high on Bryan Reynolds coming out of Vanderbilt as I had him going sixteenth overall to the Angels in the first round of my 2016 MLB Mock Draft. In fact I'll re-post that writeup right now.
Bryan Reynolds had a .338 batting average and 14 stolen bases as a 6-2 210 lb batter in 2014. Reynolds continued to dominate with a .318 batting average as a sophomore in 2015. Reynolds has a .330 batting average, 13 home runs, and 57 RBI's in 2016.
Reynolds is a pretty complete prospect. His weak arm strength in the outfield when firing balls to force outs will force him into a left field role where he'll have less responsibilities than someone at center field or right field.
I think Pittsburgh actually won this trade from a long-term standpoint. Crook can start in Pittsburgh's rotation and emerge into a number one starter potentially. Austin Meadows still needs one more year before he can make the jump to MLB and if Meadows can't make the Pirates by 2020 then its time to move on with Reynolds.
San Francisco Giants: Trade for Andrew McCutchen OF B Grade
Andrew McCutchen played center fielder two years ago and moved to left field in his final season with the Pirates. Now he's making another transition to right fielder with the Giants. McCutchen is a difference maker plus a plug-in-play outfielder. He was the face of the Pirates batting lineup for years so San Francisco should get something out of him right now.
January 14, 2018
Pittsburgh Pirates: Trade for Colin Moran 3B Argh Grade
Pittsburgh traded their number one overall pick and number one starting pitcher and got nothing in return outside of Moran. This is easily gets an Argh grade which is my F grade for the Pirates.
Bryan Reynolds had a .338 batting average and 14 stolen bases as a 6-2 210 lb batter in 2014. Reynolds continued to dominate with a .318 batting average as a sophomore in 2015. Reynolds has a .330 batting average, 13 home runs, and 57 RBI's in 2016.
Reynolds is a pretty complete prospect. His weak arm strength in the outfield when firing balls to force outs will force him into a left field role where he'll have less responsibilities than someone at center field or right field.
I think Pittsburgh actually won this trade from a long-term standpoint. Crook can start in Pittsburgh's rotation and emerge into a number one starter potentially. Austin Meadows still needs one more year before he can make the jump to MLB and if Meadows can't make the Pirates by 2020 then its time to move on with Reynolds.
Houston Astros: Trade for Gerritt Cole SP A Grade
The Houston Astros obtained the top overall selection in the 2011 MLB Draft out of UCLA via trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates the team that drafted Cole that year. Gerritt Cole plays like a Number three or number four starter for most teams. He thrived in that role when he was with the Pirates early in his career.
In 2016 and 2017, Pittsburgh finally moved on from other starters like Charlie Morton, Francisco Lirano, J.A. Happ, and A.J. Burnett. Even then Cole still was able to beat those guys out when he posted his best season in 2015 at 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA. Cole had to earn the number one spot heading into 2015 with that core of veterans, and did even after the Pirates finally broke their playoff drought in 2014.
The problem is Cole has declined since those pitchers left and you're not going to get the most out of him unless you have other pitchers that can push him. Houston has that with Verlander and Keuchel who is in a contract year. In fact, I think Cole and Keuchel will both dominate next season while Verlander struggles after balling out with the Astros despite earning the number one starter role this season down the stretch for Houston.
The final point I'd like to make is that Cole was in a bad situation with Pittsburgh. Houston is a team that will play to his strengths and treat him like a premier number three starter that he is. Not only is this an excellent pickup by Houston to keep the former number one pick who was drafted in the late first round out of High School from going to the Yankees the same team that took him in the first round before he went to UCLA. This move also makes Houston the undisputed favorite to win the AL next season.
I'm a Cleveland Indians fan, and even I believe the Houston Astros now have a better overall starting rotation than the Tribe simply due to this one move. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm extremely I feel grim like during the 2016 World Series when it was Corey Kluber versus four quality starters on the Cubs in their prime. I wanted my team to win, but knew we didn't have a chance even though Cleveland pushed Chicago to the limit that year taking a 3-1 series lead in the 2016 World Series.
If I had to make a 2018 World Series Prediction at this point I'd go with the Houston Astros over the Washington Nationals. Largely due to this signing. David Washington will be the replacement to Dusty Baker that this team needs plus Bryce Harper is in a contract year.
December 29, 2017
Colorado Rockies: Sign Wade Davis CL to 3-year $52-million A+ Grade
Colorado has a lot of good batters. Their starting rotation finally did well last year until down the stretch. Now they got Wade Davis from the Cubs and Bryan Shaw from the Indians as their two aces in the bullpen. Jonathan Gray finally started to play like the highly touted pitcher people thought he would be. Colorado is gonna get to the NLDS in 2018. In fact, I think they can win a game unlike the Diamondbacks.
December 20, 2017
Cleveland Indians: Sign Yonder Alonso 1B to 2-year $16-million A+ Grade
Yonder Alonso hit 28 home runs and batted .265 in 2017. Carlos Santana hit 23 home runs and batted .259 in 2017. I gave the Phillies an A+ grade for stealing Santana since he brings a presence to any team he's selfless a team first guy. Cleveland got someone that did more than Santana in 2017 and they saved $20-million dollars by not re-signing Santana and adding Alonso so they deserve an A+ grade here.
San Francisco Giants: Trade for Evan Longoria 3B B Grade
The Giants made a good trade here. The reason they got a B grade is because they gave up a former first round shortstop in Christian Arroyo plus they traded Matt Krook out of Oregon who can be a great starter if he stays healthy and continues to develop.
Tampa Bay Rays: Trade for 4 prospecta B- Grade
The Rays got great prospects in this trade. They lost the heart and soul of their team, but they got great return on this trade to the point where I can't give them anything worse than a B- grade.
December 16, 2017
New York Yankees: Re-Sign C.C. Sabathia SP to 1-year $10-million B+ Grade
C.C. Sabathia has had a shaky regular season ERA for the past few years, but put everything together in 2017 going 14-5 with a 3.69 ERA. He also beat his former team in game 5 of the 2017 ALDS. He's earned this one year extension.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Trade for Matt Kemp OF C Grade
The Dodgers gave up 4 players and part of their payroll to the Braves for Matt Kemp. This gets a C grade because that's irresponsible management. One reason I won't bash this trade is because Kemp batted .276 with 64 RBI's and 19 home runs with Atlanta in 2017. Trading everyone gave the Dodgers more room to go after a Free Agent.
Atlanta Braves: Trade for 4 players and payroll C+ Grade
The Braves get a C+ grade. Atlanta certainly got a ton in return. They didn't exactly secure a kings ransom. Adrian Gonzalez is basically a depth player at this point in his career after being replaced by Cody Bellinger in 2017. Freddie Freeman dealt with injuries in 2017 and if that happens again Gonzalez may be an asset. Scott Kazmir was once a great #2 starter behind Sonny Gray in Oakland. He struggled with the Astros after being traded to Houston in the 2015 ALDS versus the Royals. He also struggled with the Dodgers in 2016 before missing the 2017 season. He provides a veteran presence, but I'm not sure he's the answer. McCarthy gives Atlanta a solid relief pitcher to bolster the bullpen. Charlie Culberson is a local from Rome, GA and he batted .154 last year despite being 28-years-old. The extra cash also helps. If Atlanta hits on just one of these four players this will be a great trade for them, but there is no question Kemp is the better player. Neither team blew me away and there is a chance all of these 4 players flop with the Braves so they get a C+ grade.
December 15, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies: Sign Carlos Santana 1B to 3-year $60-million A+ Grade
The Phillies have a lot of young veteran batters prepared to come up from the minors. Santana gives Philadelphia a veteran to rally around. Cleveland only offered $36-million before the signing deadline to keep Santana. Philadelphia deserves a lot of credit for raising the bar.
Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim: Sign Zack Cozart SS to 3-year $38-million A+ Grade
Zack Cozart was a stop in gap in Cincinnati until Nick Senzel developed. The Reds are happy with Senzel's progress and getting Zack Cozart at shortstop and pairing him with Ian Kinsler at second base makes the Angels so much more lethal.
San Diego Padres: Trade AA Pitcher for Freddy Galvis SS A+ Grade
The Padres deserve a lot of credit for hustling Philadelphia on this deal. I'm not criticizing the Phillies because 2013 first round pick J.P. Crawford is ready to be the full-time starter on the Phillies.
Houston Astros: Sign Hector Rondon RP to 2-year $8.5-million C+ Grade
The Astros got a pitcher with an ERA of over 4.00 last year. Rondon helped the Cubs win the 2016 World Series and he's getting hardly anything which is why Houston got a C+ grade.
Minnesota Twins: Sign Fernando Rodney RP to 1-year $4.5-million B- Grade
The Twins get Arizona's closer who had an ERA of over 4.00. Rodney also had 39 saves as the Diamondbacks closer in 2017.
December 14, 2017
Colorado Rockies: Trade two mediocre prospects for Stephen Piscotty RF A+ Grade
Oakland deserves a lot of credit for pulling off this trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Not only did they keep Khris Davis they got another outfielder in Piscotty who compliments him well.
December 13, 2017
Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim: Trade two mediocre prospects for Ian Kinsler 2B A+ Grade
First Ohtani and now Ian Kinsler. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are having an awesome offseason.
December 12, 2017
Colorado Rockies: Sign Bryan Shaw RP to 3-year $27-million A+ Grade
Bryan Shaw can play long reliever, middle reliever, set up pitcher, or closer. He can solve so many problems in the bullpen. I am a Cleveland Indians fan and I already miss this guy so yeah easily an A+ grade for the Rockies.
December 11, 2017
Chicago Cubs: Sign Brandon Morrow RP to 2-year $21-million A Grade
Brandon Morrow was awesome as a set up pitcher on the Dodgers. This is a great signing by the Cubs to secure the 33-year old reliever for the short-term. At the same time, if the Cubs plan on making him a closer and let Wade Davis walk this signing could backfire. If Davis comes back I'll bump this up to an A+ grade and if Davis walks and Morrow has to be the closer than I'll probably bump this down to an A- grade.
St. Louis Cardinals: Sign Luke Gregerson RP C Grade
Luke Gregerson was once an effective closer for the Athletics and Astros. Age caught up to him as he struggled on the Astros World Series team. St. Louis plans on using Grgerson as a middle reliever.
December 9, 2017
New York Yankees: Trade for Giancarlo Stanton LF and $30-million A+ Grade
The Yankees get an A+ grade for this. Giancarlo Stanton led the MLB with 59 home runs. That's 7 more home runs than Aaron Judge had. Only two players in the MLB hit over 50 home runs in 2017 and the Yankees have both with Stanton at 59 and Judge at 52 with those two batter alone providing 101 home runs in 2017. If either Stanton or Judge exceeds 50 home runs again, the Yankees have a chance to be a lethal force and this is excluding the 33 home runs their catcher Gary Sanchez hit since many consider Sanchez the top catcher in the MLB outside of Buster Posey.
Miami Marlins: Trade for Starlin Castro 2B and 2 minor league prospects F Grade
Derek Jeter buys the Marlins and trades the MLB's leading home run hitter to the Yankees. He got Starlin Castro and sure maybe this team will be good when Trevor Rodgers arrives. That doesn't change the fact that this was a completely irresponsible trade on his end.
December 8, 2017
Colorado Rockies: Sign Chris Iannetta C B Grade
The Rockies need an upgrade over their current starting catcher. Ianetta hit 17 home runs in 82 games. He's not an upgrade, but provides solid depth at catcher and enough to warrant a B grade.
Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim: Sign Shohei Ohtani SP A+ Grade
Shohei Ohtani is the first two way player from Japan that can both hit as a designated hitter and pitch since Babe Ruth. He's even called Japan's version of Babe Ruth. Ohtani can bat every day as a designated hitter and start out of the rotation giving the Angels a #1 starter that they desperately need. With Ohtani, this Angels team can win a 1-game wild card just by signing Ohtani. The Angels still need more arms, but this may end up being the best signing for the 2018 MLB Free Agent Signing period. His 2.52 career ERA with the Nippon Ham Fighters is phenomenal and now he will get the chance to be the ace for the Angeles. Easily an A+ grade love this signing as both a pitcher and batter since they only have to pay him $545,000 dollars this year as well as the Nippon Ham Fighters a $20-million dollar loan.
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Top 5 NL Teams heading Into 2018 Spring Training
The Utopia Of Sports
