Call to the pen
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Grading the 2019 MLB season free agent signings

By Bill Felber

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 2: John Middleton, Philadelphia Phillies managing parter, shakes hands with Bryce Harper as general manager Matt Klentak looks on during the press conference introducing Harper as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday March 2, 2019 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB via Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 2: John Middleton, Philadelphia Phillies managing parter, shakes hands with Bryce Harper as general manager Matt Klentak looks on during the press conference introducing Harper as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday March 2, 2019 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

Grading the 2019 MLB season free agent signings

American League Central

The Cleveland Indians took a very conservative approach to free agency and milked that approach for as much as could have been hoped. They got relievers Tyler Clippard on a minor league deal and Oliver Perez for a relatively modest $2.5 million and shored up their pen. At just  1.1 cumulative WAA, it was not a great free-agent season. But at just a $5 million outlay, it was an extremely cost-efficient one.

The Twins signed 10 free agents, the biggest name being Nelson Cruz. At $14.3 million, he returned 2.0 WAA, making Cruz the division’s most productive free-agent pickup. The signings of Marwin Gonzalez to a $12 million deal and Jonathan Schoop for $7.5 million were less useful.

Nobody else in the division did much of anything. The White Sox signed seven free agents, notably Kelvin Herrera, but he has not delivered the hope-for bullpen boost. Catcher James McCann, who cost $2.5 million, has delivered a 1.7 WAA, making him the division’s second most productive free agent.

The Royals contented themselves with signing second-tier free agents of the stripe of Billy Hamilton and Jake Diekman, none of whom produced more in value than Martin Maldonado’s 0.4 WAA.

Detroit’s two biggest signings were infielder Jordy  Mercer and pitcher Tyson Ross, neither of whom has netted positive value.

Grades

  • Cleveland — Net ROI: A+; Gross ROI: B-; GPA: B+
  • Minnesota – Net ROI: D; Gross ROI: B-; GPA: C
  • Chicago — Net ROI: C; gross ROI: C; GPA: C
  • Kansas City—Net ROI: C; Gross ROI: C; GPA: C
  • Detroit – Net ROI: D; Gross ROI: D-; GPA: D
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