So much for the slow start to the MLB off-season. The trades, signings and rumours reached a frenzied pace worthy of the Winter Meetings Tuesday, six days before the annual get-together officially begins.
Jacoby Ellsbury left the Boston Red Sox for the New York Yankees on a day when the Miami Marlins signed Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the Houston Astros traded for Dexter Fowler, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired and extended Ryan Hanigan, the Detroit Tigers agreed to terms with Joe Nathan, the Colorado Rockies added Justin Morneau, the Red Sox signed A.J. Pierzynski and the Oakland Athletics made two trades. Mix in the flurry of activity on Monday’s non-tender deadline and you’ve got a couple of crazy days.
Every American League East team has made meaningful changes to its roster this week, including the Toronto Blue Jays. Here’s what each American League East club has done and an assessment of their needs entering the Winter Meetings:
Baltimore Orioles
Recent moves:
- Traded RHP Jim Johnson to Oakland Athletics for 2B Jemile Weeks
- Non-tendered RHP Eddie Gamboa and OF Jason Pridie
Remaining needs: While the Johnson trade doesn’t address Baltimore’s most pressing needs, it frees up approximately $10 million in payroll for executive VP of baseball operations Dan Duquette. Upgrading the starting rotation appears to be the Orioles’ top priority, and they’re also expected to pursue a closer and consider upgrades at designated hitter. Even after adding Weeks, they could consider adding second base depth and now that Nate McLouth’s a free agent they have a need in left field.
Boston Red Sox
Recent moves:
- Agreed to sign C A.J. Pierzynski to one-year, $8.25 million contract
- Non-tendered RHP Andrew Bailey and OF Ryan Kalish
- Former Red Sox C Jarrod Saltalamacchia and CF Jacoby Ellsbury signed elsewhere
Remaining needs: The Red Sox are expected to add an outfielder and/or a first baseman to help make up for the departure of Ellsbury and, potentially, Mike Napoli. They have the flexibility to move Shane Victorino to centre field or rely on prospect Jackie Bradley Jr., and Daniel Nava could play first if necessary. GM Ben Cherington must also decide how aggressively to pursue shortstop Stephen Drew and weigh trade offers for his starting pitchers.
New York Yankees
Recent moves:
- Agreed to sign CF Jacoby Ellsbury to seven-year, $153 million contract
- Officially signed C Brian McCann to five-year, $85 million contract
- Officially signed SS Brendan Ryan to a two-year, $5 million contract
- Nearing one-year contract in $3 million range with Kelly Johnson
- Traded C Chris Stewart to Pittsburgh Pirates for player to be named
- Non-tendered IF David Adams, RHP Matt Daley and IF Jayson Nix
Remaining needs: Even after adding McCann and Ellsbury – two of the top five free agents available – the Yankees have a long list of needs. They’re apparently still in on Shin-Soo Choo and they must add at least one starting pitcher and consider relief upgrades. Then there’s the biggest question of all: will the Yankees offer Robinson Cano the lucrative contract he seeks? All of a sudden the Yankees’ goal of evading the $189 million luxury tax threshold is starting to look much more challenging. But make no mistake, they’re spending like the Yankees again.
Tampa Bay Rays
Recent moves:
- Acquired C Ryan Hanigan and RHP Heath Bell in three-team trade, sending RHP Justin Choate to Arizona Diamondbacks
- Extended C Ryan Hanigan with three-year, $10.75 million contract
- Officially signed C Jose Molina to two-year, $4.5 million contract
- Non-tendered OF Sam Fuld and LHP Wesley Wright
Remaining needs: Unlike their division rivals, the Rays often do their best free agent work later on in the off-season once the top players have signed and bargains start to emerge. This year they’re in the market for a first baseman and will presumably seek more relief help while considering free agent infield depth. Yet the future of David Price will define their off-season. Now two seasons removed from free agency, Price will be one of the most highly-coveted trade chips of the winter.
Toronto Blue Jays
Recent moves:
- Signed C Dioner Navarro to two-year, $8 million contract.
- Non-tendered C J.P. Arencibia
- Acquired C Erik Kratz and LHP Rob Rasmussen for RHP Brad Lincoln
Remaining needs: The Blue Jays must add starting pitching after their rotation struggled during a dismal 2013 season. GM Alex Anthopoulos will seek at least one starting pitcher at the Winter Meetings in Orlando. While rookie Ryan Goins looked good on defence, Toronto may seek more certainty at second base heading into the 2014 season. The Blue Jays could part with relievers in trades to address their many needs, and others could be moved to free up salary. With financial commitments well in excess of $100 million already in place, they can’t afford to spend wildly.