Winner: Texas Rangers
The Rangers came into the offseason with a clear need at starting pitching, and they did just about everything they could to improve at that position. Texas signed the best pitcher on the market in Jacob deGrom, giving them the best starting pitcher they’ve had in their rotation since Nolan Ryan. Southpaw Andrew Heaney was a nice addition too. The lefty is coming off his best season in Los Angeles, posting a 3.10 ERA off 72.2 innings pitched. Hopefully the lefty can have another strong season in the Lone Star State.
Extending starting pitcher Martin Perez a qualifying offer was another victory from this front office. The durable lefty is coming off a career season, and will be able to eat innings for a somewhat injury-prone starting rotation.
I still think the Rangers need another quality bat and bullpen help to seriously contend, but this offseason was an awesome step in the right direction. Well done, Rangers!
Winner: New York Yankees
What if I told you coming into this offseason that the Yankees would resign Aaron Judge, and then add another huge piece? Well, they did just that, resigning their captain and then adding the best lefty pitcher on the market, former Giants ace Carlos Rodon. The Yankees now have a truly formidable 1-2-3 playoff punch in Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Nestor Cortes Jr. Watch out, AL East!
The only real hole now is shortstop, which they have plenty of options to fill with. Top prospects Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza could certainly fill the void. Former Phillies shortstop Jean Segura is another potential option too. Regardless, this offseason was a huge victory for Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees organization as a whole. Now can they back it up with a championship?