Allie Wenskoski, Freshman
What makes a Major League Baseball team great? Not only what they do during the season, but also what they do in the offseason. Each offseason, there are some teams that do better than others. Players get signed here and there, but normally star players aren’t traded...however, that was not the case this winter. As preseason is almost over and the season is about to begin, let’s take a look at what MLB teams snagged the best deals:
Phillies Sign Harper
Here in Philly country, this story was all over the headlines. Bryce Harper, considered to be one of the best baseball players in the game, was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies on a 13-year, $330 million contract. Signing this deal did not merely mean a lot to the Phillies as Harper is an amazing right fielder, but it also made history as it became the largest free-agent contract in MLB history. But was it worth it? Though the contract includes a no-trade clause for Harper, there is no team or player opt-out, which is uncommon for contracts like this one. Will the Phillies come out on top in the 2019 season because of Harper? Maybe. Only time will tell if this huge commitment by the Phils was worth the high price tag.
San Diego Padres Snag Machado
Former Los Angeles Dodger Manny Machado has been signed by the San Diego Padres. The star shortstop agreed to a 10-year, $300 million contract, which was the largest free-agent signing before Harper signed with the Phillies. It was reported by Erik Greupner (the team’s president of business operations) that the Padres have already doubled their ticket sales for the coming season. The Padres have not made the playoffs since 2006 and they’re hoping that Machado could help break that streak this summer.
Cano and Diaz Traded to the New York Mets
The New York Mets made some select moves this offseason, trading Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, Gerson Bautista, Jarred Kelenic and Justin Dunn for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz. Trading five players to gain two is risky, but relatively new Mets General Manager Brodie Wagenen was confident in the deal. Robinson Cano has a five-year, $120 million contract left from the contract he signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2013, so the Mariners agreed to send the Mets some money towards this. In spite of this, the Mets are actually more excited for Edwin Diaz. He led the majors with fifty seven saves last season with a 1.96 ERA. This impressive number also tied Bobby Thigpen for the second-most saves in a single season.
Twins Get Cruz for 1-Year
Nelson Cruz signed with the Minnesota Twins for a one year, $14 million contract. Cruz, though thirty eight years old, has been one of the most consistent hitters in the league and is looking for a spot as the Twins’ designated hitter. He has 203 career homers, 37 of which were in 2018 and he has seen six All-Star games. Cruz now heads to Target Field in Minneapolis to help the Twins secure a playoff position this fall.
Obviously this season has been a key part of preparation for the 2019 MLB season, with just one week until Opening Day. Each team has been trying to make their team the best it can be on and off the field. This season should be exciting with some of the star players shuffled around. Who knows which team will win it all?
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