New Year’s Day isn’t technically the halfway point of baseball’s offseason, but with business on a slight pause as the calendar heads into 2023, how teams have handled some of the most pressing items. Sounds like a good time to find out. do the list. Baseball How the American League’s 15 teams look to fix the maximum positions needed, along with cap tips for his bWAR breakdown on each club’s performance by position in 2022 for his reference. Let’s find out how much.
Angel (1st Base, -1.0 bWAR): Top Heavy Angels are known for being superstars Shohei Ohtani When Mike Troutbut the club also had sub-exchange production at a whopping five positions. Jared Walsh I struggled with a tough season that was cut short by surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.Walsh is expected to be ready for spring training, but Halo got some depth and insurance by getting Geo Urscera From the Twins and the autograph session Brandon Drurywhen not playing elsewhere around the diamond, both could see the action at first base.
Astros (Catcher, -0.8 bWAR): Unsurprisingly, the World Series champions have been very strong overall, aside from their sub-changes at catcher and first base (-0.4 bWAR).Signature of Jose Abreu I instantly updated the first base, Martin Maldonado and outlook corey lee It remains the top option behind the plate. Houston was reportedly interested in free agents and trade targets such as: Wilson Contreras, Sean Murphy, Tucker Barnhartand an old friend Christian Vasquezand all of these players have found new homes, but it feels like the Astros will have at least one new catcher on board by spring training.
Athletics (Third Base, -1.2 bWAR. after Matt Chapman Traded to the Blue Jays in the final offseason, third base became the weakest of the Athletics’ many weaknesses. Vimael Machin When Sheldon News Gained a lot of playing time in Hot Corners in 2022, but both are now off the roster and leaving Kevin Smith and newly signed utility man Jace Peterson When Alreadmis Diaz Helps stabilize things at third base.
Blue Jays (pinch hitter, 1.4 bWAR): With a fairly right-handed starting lineup, the Jays filled the bench with left-handed hitters such as; Lymel Tapia, Bradley ZimmerWhen Jackie Bradley Jr. Everyone struggled with their plates.This lack of depth was evident whenever a regular starter was injured or the Blue Jays needed a bat off the bench for a crucial late at-bat. Whit Merrifield Like Merrifield’s at least two, depth should help. Santiago Espinal, Cavern Visioor Kevin Kiermeier Also Dalton Bajo Must be available from the bench. However, it seems likely that Toronto will look for at least one more veteran backup of his type this winter.In terms of daily positions, Jays left fielder he had the lowest with 2.1 bWAR — Toronto dealt with this area by adding Varsho and trading him for a former regular left fielder. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to the Diamondbacks as part of that swap.
Guardian (Catcher, -0.1 bWAR): Austin Hedges When Luke Maile For the Guardian team, which has long prioritized defense from the backstop, this was not a major concern. but, Bo Naylor He made his MLB debut last season. The Guards hope this prospect can provide both excellent glove work and catches pop from his spot.With both Hedges and Maile leaving in free agency, Cleveland added Mike Zuninoanother good defender who has been inconsistent at the plate but has delivered some big power numbers in the past.
Mariners (Second base, 0.4 bWAR): Seattle preferred Corten Wong Keystone Gap Can Be Closed After Earning Won On Trades Submitted By Mariners Jesse Winker When Abraham Toro to the Brewers. Wong’s defensive year in 2022 was an unusually poor one, but he still produced his 3.1 bWAR, a significant improvement on what the Mariners got from last year’s position. As Seattle’s biggest need, second baseman is slightly ahead of left fielder (0.5 bWAR), and the latter’s position remains a bit of a question mark.blinker and Kyle Lewis both Teoscar Hernandez Although acquired to handle Wright, the Mariners will still try to improve their current combination. Jared Kelenic, Taylor Trammelland utility man Dylan Moore When Sam Hagerty.
Orioles (Second base, 0.1 bWAR): One team’s drifters were another team’s upgrade, and the Mariners tried to improve Adam Fraser, Baltimore signed him to a one-year, $8 million contract. Frazier brings a veteran presence to his Orioles infield, young and still unstable. Gunnar Henderson Deployed as a regular third baseman or shortstop. Ramon Urias, Terrin Vavra, Jorge Mateo, and a wealth of other up-and-coming prospects also affect the infield situation. Frazier had a rough attacking year in his 2022, but he brought more than that to the table. gritty smellits clubhouse leadership could not make up for -0.4 bWAR.
Rangers (Left Field, -1.0 bWAR): Texas has focused on pitching, as during retention Martin Perez Add Through Qualifying Offers Jacob deGrom, Nathan Evaldi, Andrew HeaneyWhen Jake Odrizzithe Rangers have done a lot to improve their starting mix, which ranked 25th out of 30 teams in the rotation bWAR. • The next item on Young’s checklist. Michael Conforto When Mitch Haniger Both outfielders had names on the Rangers’ radar before signing with the Giants. Young will continue to consider adding a veteran bat to replace or complement the Rangers’ young option in left field.
Raise (Catcher, 0.2 bWAR): As usual, the Rays have been pretty solid at all positions, but catchers remain a continuing concern for the organization. Christian Besancourt When Francisco Mejia is incumbent and Tampa Bay at least considered a major upgrade when checking out the trading market for Sean Murphy. The Rays may once again face a second tier addition.
Red Sox (1st base, -0.5 bWAR): Top Prospects Triston Casas The hope for Boston, who made his MLB debut last season, is that Casas will realize his potential soon.A breakout like this also got the Red Sox to ease the pressure on Casas Justin Turner Looking to give veterans time at first base and DH. on paper, Rafael Devers If Turner makes a replacement at third base, he may also get first-base time.As for other first base options, the Sox have already parted ways Eric HosmerWhen Bobby Dalbec Bought in trade negotiations.
Royals (Short stop, 0.2 bWAR): Bobby Witt After having a solid rookie season and starting the year as Kansas City’s third baseman, he had near-daily duties at shortstop.Witt’s glovework at both positions was pretty rough, but the Royals did well enough to provide at least passable defense in the short stops, even if Witt’s long-term position was still an issue. , hoping their young cornerstone can improve. Nicky Lopez and (if healthy) Adalberto Mondesi. Estimated Michael Garcia He’ll make his MLB debut in 2022, which could affect backup photos as well.
Tigers (1st base, -1.3 bWAR): Another case where the team hopes for the blossoming of the youth. Spencer Torkelson After a mediocre rookie season. 203/. 285/. 319 in his first 404 Major League PAs, and was temporarily demoted to Triple-A mid-season. With the Tigers appearing to be taking a step back after his 2022 disappointment for the entire team, Torkelson could still get plenty of playing time and yet he’s unlikely to write off the 23-year-old rookie. It’s too early.Tigers are linked Brian Anderson When Edwin Riostwo free agents who could be a part-time option at first base when they’re not in the hot corner.
twins (Catcher, 1.0 bWAR): Christian Vazquez has signed a three-year, $30MM deal. Ryan Jeffers I still have plenty of time to play. Vazquez brings experience, a solid bat, and quality defense, so his acquisition should instantly fix him one of the holes in Minnesota’s roster.
White Sox (Catcher, right field, -0.4 bWAR each): The Pale Hose were another team interested in trading Murphy. Yasmani Grandal. gavin seat Even prospects like to play right field oscar chorus The White Sox have improved their overall outfield mix with signings, but they’re ready. Andrew Benintendi for left field and movement Andrew Vaughan From the corner spot to first base. Sheets isn’t a strong defender either, but limiting his erratic glovework to his one outfield position is White’s step up in his Sox.
Yankees (Left field, pinch hitter, 2.0 bWAR each): New York leads all American League teams with a total bWAR of 54.7, so their “weak spot” remains pretty solid. Benintendi, Joey Gallo, Miguel Andujar, Merwin GonzalezWhen Matt Carpenter All removed from the revolving door that was left fielder at Yankee Stadium, leaving an interesting newcomer Oswald Cabrerahard working veteran Aaron Hicksand slugger Giancarlo Stanton (if Stanton is not in the primary DH role) as the top option.former top prospect Esteban floral You can also look for more playtime. That said, the Yankees also seem to want more help, with Benintendi, Confort, Brandon Nemo. Willie Calhoun When billy mckinney also just signed a deal in the minors, but with the free-agent market drying up, New York will probably have to look to trade routes for a more substantial addition in left field.
