The MLB offseason always brings a mix of expected moves and shocking transactions that reshape the league. While some signings and trades follow predictable patterns, others leave fans and analysts scrambling for answers. This winter has been no exception, with several headline-grabbing deals that few saw coming. What better way to recap the offseason that was than to hone in on the biggest surprises we’ve seen on the transaction wire in recent months.
Breaking Down the Biggest Surprises of the MLB Offseason
Aggression Shown by Two American League West Teams
It’s no shock that the New York Mets landed Juan Soto on one of the richest contracts in sports. However, a major surprise saw the Los Angeles Angels and Athletics splurge in the free agent market.
The Angels finished 36 games under .500 last season. They have the longest active postseason drought in baseball and struggled to keep Mike Trout on the field. Nevertheless, they’re going for it this year- trading for slugger Jorge Soler and infielder Scott Kingery. They signed left-hander Yusei Kikuchi to an unexpectedly robust three-year, $63 million deal and also added catcher Travis d’Arnaud, right-hander Kyle Hendricks and infielders Yoán Moncada and Kevin Newman in free agency. Recently, they added reliever Kenley Jansen to a one-year deal.
As for the A’s, they’re slated to spend the next three summers in Sacramento before the move to Las Vegas. That’s not stopping them from making an earnest effort to contend. The A’s signed Luis Severino to be the ace of their staff to the largest contract in franchise history. They also signed third baseman Gio Urshela and reliever José Leclerc while also re-signing T.J. McFarland. They made a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire Jeffrey Springs and extended designated hitter Brent Rooker. In the international free agent signing, they landed two-way player Shotaro Morii.
All told, the A’s have invested in $150 million in talent this offseason, putting them in the top 10 for money spent this winter.
The Diamondbacks Splurge for Corbin Burnes
No one saw this coming, not even the Arizona Diamondbacks themselves. They weren’t in on Burnes market until Burnes’ camp reached out to the Diamondbacks before Christmas to express how much the 2021 National Cy Young Award winner would like to pitch close to home. The six-year, $210 million deal came together quickly and now the DBacks, who are expected to and still might trade veteran starter Jordan Montgomery.
Arizona enters spring training with one of the most stacked rotations across the league. Burnes’ addition makes this team a serious force to be reckoned with. If it weren’t for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the DBacks would be the clear favorite for the NL West.
Astros Didn’t Want to Trade Kyle Tucker Until They Did
The trade market has once again delivered its share of surprises. Few expected the Houston Astros to move right fielder Kyle Tucker—until they did. Now, Tucker is set to anchor the Chicago Cubs lineup while Houston reshapes its offense. The 27-year-old All-Star has earned that honor in each of the past three seasons and is projected to make around $16 million in arbitration before hitting free agency after 2025. While a long-term deal remains uncertain, the Cubs have him for at least this season. With their revamped bullpen and improved rotation, Chicago could be in a position to make its first full-season playoff appearance since 2018.
Guardians Trade Away the Right Side of Their Infield
The Cleveland Guardians, who are coming off a surprise ALCS appearance, kept the surprises coming by overhauling a key part of their roster. In a bold series of moves, they traded away their entire right side of the infield, sending first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks and second baseman Andrés Giménez to the Toronto Blue Jays. Both players were key contributors to Cleveland’s success, making their departures a significant shake-up for the lineup.
However, the Guardians ensured they didn’t part with all of their core talent, re-signing ace Shane Bieber to anchor their rotation. Keeping Bieber provides stability to a pitching staff that will need to step up as the offense adjusts to its new-look infield. While Cleveland’s moves may have raised eyebrows, they appear to be balancing long-term planning with a desire to remain competitive in the AL Central.
Main Photo: © Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
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