MLB Hot Stove

This MLB off season, we have seen many big moves made by multiple teams. There was a large pool of free agents going into free agency and many have found new clubs already. Here are what I believe to be the five most important signings thus far;

1) Robinson Cano (10 years, 240 million) Seattle Mariners

During the 2013 season, Cano signed with Jay-Z, so there were signs that Cano was hoping to make a big splash in the off season. He initially asked for over 300 million dollars which was way over budget for many clubs contending. It then became a two horse race between Seattle and New York. Seattle offered a place to start a new legacy and more money, while New York promised a flip-over in the roster and instant championship aspirations for much less money. Robinson Cano sided with the Mariners, a club with a lot of young talent and potential. What Seattle has lacked most in the past few years was consistency. They ranked 28th in batting average, 26th in on-base percentage, and 20th in runs. Cano (.314 batting average, 27 home runs and 107 RBIs) provides just what they need. He can hit any where from the 2 hole to the 5 hole and bolsters up any teams lineup. with a tough out like Robinson Cano in the lineup and a talented pitching staff, look for Seattle to improve drastically this season.


2) Jacoby Ellsbury (7 years, 153 million) New York Yankees

Last Year, the Yankees projected starting outfielders ( Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, and Ichiro Suzuki) averaged a .254 batting average, seven home runs and 34 RBIs. Jacoby Ellsbury, when healthy, can go above and beyond those numbers. last year batted at .298 had 9 home runs and 53 RBIs. He also stole 52 bases and played stellar defense. The leadoff and  two spot have been shaky ever since the 2009 championship season so to have a five tool player like Ellsbury for seven years is a hug plus for the Yankees.


3) Curtis Granderson (4 years, 60 million) New York Mets

Curtis Granderson was plagued with a string of injuries last year. He only played 61 games and totaled a lack luster .229 batting average and only 7 home runs and 15 RBIs. Despite these poor statistics, we have seen how good Granderson can be. He hit 108 home runs from 2010-2012, his first full three seasons with the Yankees. He also is an excellent outfielder and provides speed on the basepaths. The Mets lack offensive experience and talent, so Curtis Granderson is a big addition. The Mets ranked 25th in total home runs last year. Marlyn Byrd led the team with only 21 home runs and Daniel Murphy led the team with 78 RBIs. Granderson can easily surpass these numbers and make the Mets a legitimate threat. The Mets will not be much better next year, but we have seen in the past that NL East teams can quickly become contenders. Look for a young Mets team to rally around Granderson as well as Wright and Harvey for many years to come, and who knows... they could return to being a threat in the National League.    

4) Carlos Beltran (3 years, 45 million) New York Yankees

Beltran is not only a hall of famer in the future, but is a Yankee fan's dream right now. He is an every day, five tool player, who can switch hit and fit into any lineup. As previously noted, the Yankees outfield was very weak last season. Beltran on the other hand, destroyed national league pitching when he was a member of the Cardinals. He racked up 24 home runs and 84 RBIs and a .286 batting average. Beltran fits nicely into a reloaded Yankee lineup, and I could see him putting up big numbers against AL pitching in Yankee Stadium. The Yankees offensive numbers were not even close to what they produced in previous years, so I can't wait to see how Carlos Beltran improves a new-look Yankee squad.

5) Jared Saltalamacchia (3 years, 21 million) Miami Marlins 

While many believe there are other big signings this offseason that are more important, I believe the signing of Jared Saltalamacchia is an important one. It shows that the Miami Marlins are make strides towards a successful future. The Marlins learned quickly that some big name players just did not work out and shipped them off quickly. Last season was basically a tryout for prospects and players on brief contracts to see if they can fit some pieces together. They found some potential in players such as Giancarlo Stanton, Adeiny Hechaverria, and Justin Ruggiano, they still ranked last in every offensive category in the league. Saltalamacchia, (.273 average 14 home runs 73 RBIs) provides some consitency and experience to a young Marlins club. Coming off a huge world championship in Boston to Miami is a step down, but nevertheless, Jared Saltalamacchia can hep many different ways. he is a great defensive catcher and will produce effectively on offense and will build the foundation for a rebuilding Marlins franchise.

These are just a few big signings this off season. There are still some big names left out there for some building teams to sign, so things should get interesting. Stay tuned for more MLB Hot Stove, the NBA and also new content about the NFL and bowl season picks!

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