Recap of MLB Offseason Moves 11/17 – 11/30 (American League)

AL East

Boston Red Sox:

1. The Boston Red Sox signed SS/3B Hanley Ramirez to a four-year; $88 million deal with a $22 million vesting option. The move reunites Ramirez with his first team, and the Red Sox address a big offensive need with the acquisition of his bat this offseason. The Red Sox will likely play him in LF because of their other big signing of Pablo Sandoval.
2. The Red Sox signed 3B Pablo Sandoval to a five-year, $95 million deal with a sixth year club option. Sandoval immediately addresses the need for a third baseman and the need for lefty power in the right-handed dominant lineup of the Red Sox.

Toronto Blue Jays:

1. The Blue Jays signed C Russell Martin to a five-year, $82 million deal. The move signaled that the Blue Jays want to win now and that they want to make major upgrades. This could also mean that current catcher Dioner Navarro is on his way out of Toronto.
2. The Blue Jays acquired 3B Josh Donaldson from the Athletics for 3B Brett Lawrie, RP Kendall Graveman, RHP Sean Nolin and SS Franklin Baretto (Low A – Vancouver).

Tamp Bay Rays:

1. The Rays signed RP Ernesto Frieri to a one-year, $800,000 deal with incentives. Frieri had a horrific year for the Angels and Pirates but has seen success as recently as 2013. This could be an interesting buy low option for the low payroll Rays.

AL Central

Kansas City Royals:

1. The Royals re signed RP Jason Frasor to a 1 year, $1.25 million deal with a $2M mutual option. The move maintains the strength of the Royals bullpen, which is one of the best in the major’s. Frasor will contribute to set up the three-headed monster of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland.

Chicago White Sox:

1. The White Sox signed 1B Adam LaRoche to a two-year, $25 million deal. LaRoche will slide into the DH role, as they already have an established first baseman in Jose Abreu. The move does give this offense some much needed pop and will give the White Sox and nice combo in the middle of their order.
2. The White Sox signed RP Zach Duke to a three-year, $15 million deal. The move strengthens one of the worst bullpens in the majors and will really aid their budding young rotation.

AL West

Oakland Athletics:

1. The Athletics signed DH Billy Butler to a three-year, $30 million deal. The move is somewhat confusing but could be a buy low option for Billy Beane. It will give another bat to an offense that really struggled without Yoenis Cespedes.
2. The Athletics acquired 1B Ike Davis from the Pirates for international spending rights. After being designated for assignment by the Pirates, Davis finds a home with the A’s where he joins a very crowded group of players who can play either first base or designated hitter.

Seattle Mariners:

1. The Mariners reached a seven-year, $100 million extension with current 3B Kyle Seager. Seager has been one of the most impressive young third baseman in the majors and gets wrapped up long term for an increasingly dangerous Mariners team.