Boston Red Sox
Trevor Story: The Red Sox upgraded their infield defensively by signing Trevor Story to a six year deal. At this point, it seems a certainty at this point that Xander Boegarts will opt out of his contract at the end of the season and enter the free agent market. Story is the superior shortstop, defensively speaking, at his position and can provide solid numbers offensively. Offense is not something that Boston lacks and upgrading defensively was imperative this offseason. To put in into perspective Boegarts has -55 defensive runs saved in his career to Story’s 69. The old adage that defense wins championships and exists for a reason.
New York Yankees
Josh Donaldson: This acquisition makes sense to me. It’s clear that for whatever reason that Gary Sanchez was not the player the Yankees expected him to be. I am hopeful that he can finally live up to his potential without the huge media spotlight of New York City. Gio Urshela was an incredibly undervalued player on both sides of the ball for the Yankees over the last three seasons. I imagine he will bring the same value to the Twins but I will miss my favorite Yankee.
The Yanks did need an upgrade on both sides of the ball if they wanted to seriously contend and Donaldson is just that. My concern is his ability to stay on the field for a full season due to his injury history and age.
Anthony Rizzo: Yankees fans were disappointed that Brian Cashman and company were unable to trade for Matt Olson or sign Freddie Freeman this offseason. Many feel as though the Yankees have departed from the ways of George Steinbrenner. Despite disappointment, fans shouldn’t be sticking their noses up at Rizzo’s return. He brings Gold Glove defense at first base which further upgrades the infield from last season. He is another lefty bat in a righty heavy lineup and will be a dependable and consistent hitter, something they lacked in 2021.
Toronto Blue Jays
Kevin Gausman: Signing Kevin Gausman further bolsters their rotation after adding Jose Berrios at the trade deadline in 2021. He spearheaded the Giants rotation last year, helping them to be the biggest surprise in all of baseball and will continue his dominance in the Great White North.
Yusei Kikuchi: Kikuchi has improved each year since coming to America from the NPB (Japan’s Professional Baseball League). He will round out the otherwise stellar pitching staff north of the border for the next three seasons. I anticipate his statistics will improve again this year continuing his progression, which will be helped significantly by the strength of the lineup.
Matt Chapman: The Blue Jays upgraded defensively this offseason by adding the best defensive third baseman in the American League and arguably all of baseball (Nolan Arenado). Chapman is another power bat in Toronto that will make even the best pitchers sweat with their unrelenting prowess at the plate.
Going into the 2021 season, I was nervous about the lack of depth the Blue Jays had in their rotation. They have addressed those needs and bolstered their defense to complement an already potent lineup. The Jays are my pick to run away with the AL East this year. The Toronto Blue Jays have become baseball’s super team.
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