MLB Hot Stove: Grading team activity during the Winter Meetings

The AL East was another mixed bag of signings. And, it did get a bit exhausting repeatedly hearing about the Yankees and their non-interest in Bryce Harper.

Unexpectedly, the most active team in this division was the Tampa Bay Rays who were involved in a last-minute three-team trade.

Blue Jays

The Jays didn’t do much, other than release Troy Tulowitzki. Yes, the shortstop is incredibly fragile and hasn’t play much since moving to Canada. But, the team is still on the hook for over $38 million, and they got nothing for him.

Grade: F

Red Sox

Rumors are that they tried to get Joe Kelly back, but were outbid by the Dodgers. That’s too bad, because Boston fans loved his hard work in the World Series.

Grade: F

Orioles

The Orioles have so many needs and got so little done. All they did was claim Rio Ruiz off of waivers. They were so inactive that they even saved the announcement of the new manager until after the Winter Meetings were finished. Like Marlins fans, Orioles fans are going to need a reason to watch their team.

Grade: F

Yankees

The Yankees have a pretty good team and they made it a little bit better by re-signing J.A. Happ. He joined the Yankees at the July trade deadline and pitched well for them. In 11 games, he had an ERA of 2.83. He was also a first-time All-Star in 2018 after 12 years in the league.

Grade: B+

Rays

The Rays showed other teams how to get things done. They signed one of the best pitchers on the free agent market, inking Charlie Morton to a two-year contract worth $30 million. They also were involved in the unusual, last-minute trade that landed them Yandy Diaz and Cole Sulser, while trading away Jake Bauers.

Grade: A