Jenfrin Rodriguez
Sports Editor
With the lockout over, there will officially be an MLB season beginning in Spring. As is the case with every offseason tons of players exercise their rights and wind up playing on another team. Whether it be by choice and signing with another franchise, or being a part of trade the result is still the same. Fan bases get excited on possible what if scenarios and also envision how the roster will come together with new players. This offseason saw a lot of movement taking place in the span of a couple of weeks due to everything being put on hold with the lockout.
The biggest name came off the board with Carlos Correa signing a three year deal with the Minnesota Twins for $105 million, with an opt out clause after the first and second season. This move puts the Twins in the conversation for potentially winning the AL Central division after getting a top two shortstop in the whole league.
Another big marquee name that all teams would like to have joined them is Freddie Freeman. After winning a World Series and finally capturing a championship, he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on a six year deal. The move makes them heavy favorites to win it all next season.
Kris Bryant was a big name that was floating around in free agency. After being traded during the deadline to the San Francisco Giants from the Chicago Cubs he opted to test free agency. The unlikeliest of teams being the Colorado Rockies managed to lock him down for the next seven years while also giving him a no trade clause.
Nick Castellanos boosts the Philadelphia Phillies outfield drastically by being paired up with a former NL MVP in Bryce Harper. Harper was crucial in his recruitment of Castellanos which factored into his decision to sign with the club.
In terms of pitchers, many will be wearing new jerseys in the upcoming season. For starters, Carlos Rodon has agreed to a two year deal with the San Francisco Giants and changed leagues to now be in the National League. Yusei Kikuchi will play for the Toronto Blue Jays on a three year deal in a number of moves by the Jays making them must watch. After a very productive season Sonny Gray was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Minnesota Twins to help a depleted rotation. The Atlanta Braves look to repeat as champions this year and acquired closing pitcher Kenley Jansen to help aid them.
As far as trades are concerned, many blockbuster ones have been made. The most notable one being the Atlanta Braves getting Matt Olson from the Oakland Athletics and then re-signing him to an eight year deal. The New York Yankees got themselves a big bat in the name of third baseman Josh Donaldson in a move with the Minnesota Twins. The Toronto Blue Jays solidified their infield with a Gold Glove defender in Matt Chapman in a trade with the Oakland Athletics.
While the offseason has seen ample moves being made, there is still more to come. Trevor Story is the biggest name still not on a roster yet. Other free agents can contribute to a team and are just flying under the radar so far. Trades can not always be anticipated until they happen, so some deals can happen without any prior indication. The April 7, 2022 season opener will surely see more changes for players.