Free agency this past season has been fast and furious in 2023. There have been moves that will greatly impact the landscape of the MLB this upcoming season. In this piece, I will focus on which free agents will have the biggest impact on their new team. Aaron Judge’s resignation is a big deal, but I want to focus on players that moved to a different team and how it will impact both teams in the coming. Five impactful moves that have happened so far this offseason will have the most impact on their new team.
5. Dansby Swanson to the Cubs
Dansby Swanson is our fist top free agent signing, going to the Cubs will make an immediate impact on this young Chicago team. The projected starting infield includes Eric Hosmer, Nico Hoerner, and Christopher Morel. Swanson will be that veteran presence up the middle to help mentor the young Hoerner.
Offensively the Cubs gained someone who could do it all. He has improved drastically this off-season number last season and will impact how the Cubs will play next year.
4. Jacob DeGrom to the Rangers
The next top free agent signing, Jacob DeGrom leaving the Mets was one of the most shocking moves of the offseason so far. He has been a legend with the Mets with a career 2.52 earned run average with 1600 strikeouts. His most impressive year was in 2021 with a 1.08 earned run average and 146 strikeouts.
He will be added to a rotation with Andrew Heaney, Jon Gray, Nathan Eovaldi, and Martin Perez. DeGrom will lead the staff to try and make a difference to this team.
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This signing gives the Rangers the star-starting pitcher they needed. After adding Marcus Semien and Corey Seager last season and adding DeGrom this season the Rangers are going to try and make the playoffs. DeGrom’s injury concern will be an issue for the 34-year-old, but if he can stay healthy he is the best pitcher in the MLB.
3. Carlos Rodon to the Yankees
Carlos Rodon was one of the most sought-after starting pitchers this offseason. He had a terrific season with the Giants last season and was their ace last year. For the past two years, he has had an earned run average under three with over 400 strikeouts. He will be added to a great starting rotation with Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, and Luis Severino.
This deal ranks as the third biggest top free agent singning because for the Yankees adds to a strength that they already have. There were moves they could have made that could have benefited their lineup. Some of the holes they are still looking to fill are left field, shortstop, and third base. However, adding Rodon will make this starting rotation one of the best in major league baseball.
2. Trea Turner to the Phillies
Trea Turner going to the Phillies was one many reporters and insiders thought this was going to happen. Turner slides in perfectly to an already high-powered offense with J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins, and Bryce Harper. Last year with the Dodgers Turner hit .298 with 100 runs batted in. He will solidify the middle infield for the Phillies and make this an even better team as they make a run at another World Series.
This move is really good for the Phillies however they should try to land another starting pitcher. Their projected fifth starter, Bailey Falter, does not have a lot of starting pitching experience and will have a lot to prove. However, adding Turner gives the Phillies the opportunity to outhit a lot of their opponents.
1. Justin Verlander to the Mets
The best free agent signing so far this offseason is Justin Verlander going to the Mets. Did Steve Cohen overpay the 39-year-old? Probably yes, but now the Mets have the best starting one-two punch in Major League Baseball. After coming off an injury in 2021, Verlander 2022 went 18-4 with a 1.75 earned run average with 185 strikeouts. Verlander and Max Scherzer will be a formidable duo that will be able to take over the MLB.
Analysts could say the Mets could have gone after more offensive pieces because that’s what their downfall was in the playoffs. A piece like Trea Turner may have been a more impactful signing. However, by adding Verlander he will add championship pedigree to the team and push this team to a World Series.
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