MLB Offseason: Ranking the Most Impactful Moves Thus Far
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10. San Francisco Giants Sign Mark Melancon
I wrestled with putting Aroldis Chapman in this spot over Mark Melancon, but in the end I think that the team acquiring Melancon allows the former Pittsburgh Pirate to make more of an impact, even though Chapman is the superior closer. While Melancon did not get the hype of Chapman or Kenley Jansen on the free agent market, he’s been one of the most consistent closers in MLB. He does not have the strikeout numbers of a normal All-Star reliever, but he throws a full arsenal of pitches and will thrive in the ninth inning for the Giants. San Francisco was never really a true World Series contender last season because of its bullpen. But the addition of Melancon fills that hole and drastically changes the dynamics in the National League West.
9. Washington Nationals Trade for Adam Eaton
In one of the more surprising moves of the offseason, Nationals general manager, Mike Rizzo, decided to trade away three of his top pitching prospects in Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning. Granted he does get a highly talented and effective outfielder in Adam Eaton, who can play all outfield spots, but the Nationals weren’t expected to deal all three of these farmhands. However, even though there is a lot to criticize about the actual trade, Eaton does improve Dusty Baker‘s lineup dramatically. Presumably, the 28-year-old will play center field in 2017, which will shift Trea Turner back to his natural position of shortstop. Washington was very close to advancing to the NLCS, and adding a player the caliber of Eaton at the top of the lineup will allow for more RBI opportunities for Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper. The price to acquire Eaton was extremely high, but when an All-Star caliber player is added to a contender like the Nationals, it’s going to make a big impact on MLB.
8. Chicago Cubs Acquire Wade Davis
After breaking the longest championship drought in the United States, it looks like Theo Epstein is serious about a repeat. When the Cubs traded for Aroldis Chapman in the summer, they knew that he had a strong possibility of walking in free agency after the season. However, not only did Cubs management fill this void, they added one of the few relievers of similar caliber. When looking at Chicago’s roster, the only major hole this offseason resided in the ninth inning. It would’ve been cost efficient to let the likes of Carl Edwards Jr. and Hector Rondon duke it out for the closing. But by adding a pitcher like Wade Davis, the Cubs will return a team that is extremely similar to the one that broke the curse. This trade solidifies Chicago’s hold of MLB’s top spot.
7. Houston Astros Add Josh Reddick and Carlos Beltran
No, I’m not leaving out Brian McCann, I just don’t think he makes as big of an impact than Josh Reddick and Carlos Beltran. Both sluggers were traded during the 2016 season and did not cost Houston a draft pick. The Astros were unable to return to the playoffs last season after their surprising run two years ago. Much of this was due to a regression of the starting rotation and a lack of power offensively. While the Astros have not addressed its pitching staff this winter, the team did add two middle of the order hitters. Beltran is simply an ageless wonder. He will be 40 years old for much of this coming season, but his production has not really dropped. He brings both a solid batting average and power to a lineup that already includes game breakers like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman. Reddick has been a premier power hitter with the Athletics, but struggled to find his form with the Dodgers. He’s now in a great situation with all the offensive talent around him, so I expect improvement in 2017. Beltran and Reddick make Houston’s lineup one of the best in MLB, and for that, they rank in the top ten.
6. Ian Desmond Signs with the Colorado Rockies
This was the most shocking development of the offseason thus far. We all knew that the Rockies had holes in the bullpen, rotation and at first base, so why would they sign a former shortstop and current outfielder in Ian Desmond? Apparently, the Rockies expect Desmond to be their starting first baseman in 2017. The impact from this signing is not solely based upon Desmond’s expected contributions, but how it affects MLB in general. By adding Desmond, the Rockies have may be willing to trade an upper-tier outfielder like Charlie Blackmon or Carlos Gonzalez. This would drastically shift the outfield market, and throws a wrench into what teams expected to occur this offseason. Desmond’s free agent decision adds some drama to a market that seemed set, which is why his move to Colorado ranks this high. Plus, the 31-year-old is coming off a very solid season as well.