The AL West has Jerry Dipoto who seems like he’d be really fun to go shopping with at Target. But, he wasn’t the only GM who did a little wheeling and dealing in Vegas.
Athletics
With Jonathan Lucroy a free agent, the A’s needed a catcher. They got one by signing Chris Herrmann. He only played 36 games in 2018 when he was with the Mariners. He hit .237/.322/.421 with two home runs.
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Grade: C
Mariners
It’s a good guess that Dipoto isn’t done. He began the event by claiming Kaleb Cowart off of waviers from the Angels. His big move of the Winter Meetings was accomplished from a hospital in Vegas. He added Edwin Encarnacion and traded Carlos Santana in a three-way trade that involved the Indians and Rays. Dipoto kept Santana on the roster for 10 days. Wonder how long Encarnacion will be on it?
Grade: B
Rangers
The Rangers GM, Jon Daniels, was also busy. He signed free agent pitcher Lance Lynn who will most likely appreciate having a real Spring Training this season. He also traded Claudio to the Brewers and added a competitive balance pick. Daniels also claimed a player off of waivers, adding infielder Carlos Asuaje from the Padres. He also added 26-year-old corner infielder Patrick Wisdom, shipping Drew Robinson to the Cardinals.
Grade: B
Astros
Nothing.
Grade: F
Angels
The team needs pitching, so they signed first-baseman Justin Bour, instead. Yup. Makes no sense. But, he can help Albert Pujols at first, and he can DH.
Grade: C-
The team that won the Winter Meetings was the Dodgers who signed Joe Kelly – outbiding the Red Sox. After the World Series, it had to feel good and they got an outstanding pitcher. The Rays and Indians did well, too. The team that lost the Winter Meetings was the Blue Jays, simply because of the bill they’re left with after releasing Tulo. The Red Sox were close, especially considering that Dave Dombrowski got outplayed.