MLB: Notable Offseason News and Notes

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credit: Getty Images

New York Mets Sign Michael Cuddyer To Two-Year Deal

Who did not see this coming? The New York Mets made their first big transaction of the offseason, signing veteran outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million dollar deal. Cuddyer, 35, has put together his best seasons in the past few years. He made the All-Star team in 2013 and had an injury-riddled season last year. He batted .332 with 10 home runs and 15 doubles in 49 games. Cuddyer will join Juan Lagares and Curtis Granderson in the Mets outfield and, if he can stay healthy, he may be the push the Mets need to make the playoffs.

Giancarlo Stanton Signs Historic Contract

The Miami Marlins have locked up superstar outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, as the two parties agreed on a 13-year, $325 million dollar deal. The deal is the largest in sports history. The deal is strategically smart for the Marlins, as Stanton will be given only $30 million dollars over the first three years. It also includes an opt out after the sixth season, which is huge for Stanton because at that time he will still be just 29 years old and able to re-enter free agency in his prime and possibly land an even bigger deal. The Marlins have been rebuilding and are gradually putting together a solid team (that could even be a playoff team soon enough). Signing Stanton will help the offense greatly and give the Marlins the opportunity to build around him and Jose Fernandez.

Russell Martin Signs With Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have added catcher Russell Martin with a five-year, $82 million dollar deal. Martin left Pittsburgh, where he was a very consistent hitter. Last year, he batted .290 with 20 doubles and 11 home runs in 111 games. Also importantly, new advanced metrics that measure “pitch-framing” ranked Martin the best at it in all of baseball last season. The Blue Jays traded away JP Arencibia and had been playing Dioner Navarro to fill-in until they added the 31-year-old catcher.

Cardinals Trade Shelby Miller To The Braves For Jason Heyward

Arguably the biggest news this offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals have traded promising pitcher Shelby Miller and prospect Tyrell Jenkins for outfielder Jason Heyward and dominant set-up man Jordan Walden. It seemed as though Heyward would remain in Atlanta for the foreseeable future, as he was a fan-favorite there. The left-hander batted .271  with 11 home runs and 58 RBI in 2014. Walden, who is also heading to St. Louis, finished last year with a 2.88 ERA and 20 holds. He also posted an astounding 11.16 strikeout per nine rate. Atlanta will receive Miller, who was an inconsistent starter last year. There is no doubt he has potential and maybe a new change of scenery will unlock that potential that was seen in bits and pieces in his young career.

Billy Butler Signs Three-Year Deal With Athletics

The Oakland Athletics have added veteran bat Billy Butler to their offense, signing him to a three-year, $30 million dollar deal. Butler is a solid designated hitter, as he batted .271 with 32 doubles last year. The ex-Royal’s contract was bought out – instead of being given the $12.5 million dollar option – thus making him a free agent and soon enough, an Oakland A.