January 23: Brewers sign first baseman Rhys Hoskins
Contract: 2 years, 34 million dollars, opt-out after first season
Grade: B+
The Brewer’s bats fell silent in a disappointing series against the Diamondbacks. They scored just 5 runs in the 2-game sweep. Their everyday first baseman, Rowdy Tellez, hit just .216 on the season. This leaves a gaping hole in the position. Rhys Hoskins is the best option in free agency. He is a tremendous middle-of-the-line-up power bat and could add 30 home run power to a lacking offense. This is an excellent signing for the team; however, his production has dipped over the past three seasons. His batting average has remained consistent; however, the power numbers are not promising. His home runs per game have dropped 24 percent since 2020; his slugging percentage dropped 68 points from 2021 to 2022. These numbers do come as a concern. However, the upside is there, and his floor is very high. Rhys Hoskins could turn into an excellent signing for the Milwaukee Brewers.
January 23: Nationals bring in outfielder Joey Gallo
Contract: 1 year, 5 million dollars
Grade: C-
This deal makes sense for Joey Gallo; however, it is a confusing move for the Nationals. They are a rebuilding team, and rather than give a young prospect a chance to make an impact in the bigs, they sign an aging vet who hasn’t been a valuable hitter for years. Joey Gallo has not had a batting average above the Mendoza line (.200) since 2019. In addition, he has struggled to stay on the field consistently. This is an excellent opportunity for Joey Gallo to prove himself as an everyday player in the league. However, for the Nationals, I don’t see how this move helps the team now or down the road.
January 19: Astros sign star left-hander Josh Hader.
Contract: 5 years, 95 million dollars, no-trade clause, and no deferred money.
Grade: A
The rich get richer. Over the last few years, one of the top bullpens in baseball has added the best left-handed reliever. With Hector Neris entering free agency, the Astros were in the market for another elite arm to add to the back end of their pen. Hader can be a premier arm for them in the late innings and possibly take over closing duties from Ryan Pressly. Josh Hader had a terrific 2023, throwing over 56 innings with a 1.28 era. His era+ landed over 320 (MLB average is 100). This record-breaking contract is perfect for a top 3 bullpen arm in baseball.
January 11: Yankees add Marcus Stroman.
Contract: 2 years, 37 million, vesting player option
Grade: B-
The Yankees have been overshadowed by the Dodgers splurge, but they have quietly made some substantial moves. They have made significant moves to bolster their outfield by acquiring Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto, and now they add Marcus Stroman to round out the rotation. This rotation was decimated by injuries last season, and the addition of Stroman adds much-needed depth. However, Stroman has gotten worse over the past three seasons. His era has ballooned from 3.02 in 2021 to a less impressive 3.95 in 2023. In addition, he has pitched in fewer innings each year. If he can correct these trends, this can turn into a beautiful deal for the Yankees. However, in a rotation full of injury concerns, the Yankees cannot afford to have Marcus Stroman’s inconsistency continue.
