The 2021-22 MLB hot stove got off to a scorching start, with teams making some major moves in an effort to win a title this coming season. Now, with the lockout over, get ready for another flurry of signings.
Below is a running list of notable transactions, along with analysis and grades for the most important ones.
Key links: Predictions for remaining free agents (ESPN+) | Fantasy analysis | MLB offseason coverage | All free-agent signings
March 14
Andrew McCutchen headed to Milwaukee
Outfielder Andrew McCutchen and the Milwaukee Brewers are in agreement on a contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
Mariners get pair of sluggers in deal with Reds
The Seattle Mariners are finalizing a trade to acquire All-Star outfielder Jesse Winker third baseman Eugenio Suarez in exchange for right-handed pitcher Justin Dunn, outfielder Jake Fraley, 2019 second-round pick Brandon Williamson, a left-handed pitcher, and a player to be named later. Story »
Grade: Seattle swings big in deal for Winker, Suarez David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
Braves-Athletics make Matt Olson blockbuster
The Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics are in agreement on a trade that will send star first baseman Matt Olson to the Braves for OF Cristian Pache, C Shea Langeliers, SP Ryan Cusick and SP Joey Estes, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
Grade: Braves pay steep price but get big return in Oakland A’s 1B Matt Olson David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
Phillies add Hand to bullpen
Left-handed reliever Brad Hand and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a one-year, $6 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
March 13
Nelson Cruz signs with Nationals on one-year deal
Designated hitter Nelson Cruz and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal, a source told ESPN. Story »
Grade: Can the Nationals contend with Cruz at DH? David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
Former MVP Josh Donaldson headed to Yankees in blockbuster trade from Twins
The New York Yankees have acquired third baseman Josh Donaldson, catcher Ben Rortvedt and shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa from Minnesota, , the team announced on Sunday night. Gary Sánchez and Gio Urshela are headed to Minnesota in the deal. Story »
Grades: What to make of unexpected deal. Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Fantasy: Why trade to N.Y. boosts Donaldson’s value at 3B. Tristan Cockcroft (ESPN+)
Reliever Brad Boxberger returning to Brewers
Boxberger and the Milwaukee Brewers are in agreement on a one-year, $2.5 million deal for the right-hander to return, sources tell ESPN. Story »
Cardinals add reliever Nick Wittgren
The St. Louis Cardinals added more depth to their bullpen by bringing in veteran reliever Nick Wittgren. The 30-year-old Wittgren was 2-9 with one save and a 5.05 ERA in a career-high 60 games for Cleveland last season. Story »
Twins get Sonny Gray from Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Reds announced they have traded RHP Sonny Gray and minor league pitcher Francis Peguero to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Minnesota prospect Chase Petty, a right-handed pitcher. Story »
Grade: Twins take advantage of Reds’ decision to deal away Sonny Gray. Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Cubs agree to minor league deal with Jesse Chavez
The Chicago Cubs have signed Jesse Chavez to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to big league camp, adding the veteran reliever after he had a strong year with the champion Atlanta Braves. Chavez previously pitched for the Cubs during the 2018 season. Story »
Rockies agree to 1-year deals with Jose Iglesias, Alex Colome
The Colorado Rockies have agreed to one-year contracts with right-handed reliever Alex Colome and shortstop Jose Iglesias. all but closing the door on a return of free-agent shortstop Trevor Story, who is set to become the latest big-name player to exit the Rockies. Story »
March 12
Jordan Lyles, Orioles agree on one-year deal
Pitcher Jordan Lyles and the Baltimore Orioles finalized a $7 million, one-year contract on Saturday night. Story »
Mets acquire All-Star pitcher Chris Bassitt in deal with Athletics
The New York Mets and Oakland Athletics have made a trade sending RHP Chris Bassitt to the Mets for two minor league pitchers. Story »
Grade: Mets add an All-Star as Athletics’ rebuild begins. David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
White Sox add Josh Harrison and Joe Kelly
The Chicago White Sox have reached agreement with infielder Josh Harrison and relief pitcher Joe Kelly, according to multiple reports. Story »
Blue Jays land Yusei Kikuchi on three-year deal.
LHP Yusei Kikuchi and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a three-year, $36 million contract. Story »
Rangers send Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the Twins; catcher Mitch Garver headed to Texas
The Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers are in agreement on a deal that will send shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa and RHP Ronny Henriquez to the Twins, sources familiar with the situation tell ESPN. Garver is headed to the Rangers in the deal, according to sources. Story »
Reliever Steve Cishek heading to Washington
The Washington Nationals are signing Cishek, a right-handed reliever, to a one-year contract, a source confirmed to ESPN. Story »
March 11
Clayton Kershaw returns to Dodgers on one-year deal
Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a one-year deal, a source confirmed to ESPN. Story »
Grade: Which Kershaw will we see in his Dodgers return? Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Carlos Rodón signs with the Giants on two-year deal
Left-handed starter Carlos Rodón and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a two-year, $44 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN. Story »
Grade: Giants take calculated risk in making baseball’s first post-lockout splash. David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
Fantasy: How Rodón’s fantasy value changes in San Francisco. Tristan H. Cockcroft (ESPN+)
Cubs, Andrelton Simmons reach deal
The Chicago Cubs agreed to a $4 million, one-year contract with slick-fielding shortstop Andrelton Simmons, according to multiple reports Friday. Story »
Rangers bring back Martin Perez for second stint
Veteran left-hander Martin Perez has reached agreement on a one-year, $4 million contract for a reunion with the Texas Rangers, according to multiple reports. Story »
Drew VerHagen joins St. Louis Cardinals in first post-lockout signing
RHP Drew VerHagen signed a two-year deal with the Cardinals on Friday, becoming the first player to sign a contract since the MLB lockout ended Thursday. Verhagen pitched the past two seasons with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan after spending six seasons with the Detroit Tigers from 2014-2019. Story »
Dec. 1
Marcus Stroman announces he’s signing with the Chicago Cubs
Stroman has reached a deal with the Cubs, the right-hander announced Wednesday on social media. Sources told ESPN the deal is for three years, $71 million. Story »
Grade: Marcus Stroman is the first step for rebuilding Cubs. Jesse Rogers »
Dodgers bring back Chris Taylor
UT Chris Taylor and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed on a four-year, $60 million deal, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »
Diamondbacks sign Mark Melancon
RHP Mark Melancon and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a two-year, $14 million deal, sources confirmed to ESPN. Story »
Twins begin rotation rebuild with Dylan Bundy
The Minnesota Twins signed right-hander Dylan Bundy to a $5 million, one-year contract, the team announced. Story »
Rich Hill joins Red Sox on one-year deal
Free-agent left-hander Rich Hill has agreed to a one-year deal to join the Boston Red Sox, a source told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Wednesday. Story »
Nick Martinez signs four-year deal with San Diego
The San Diego Padres and right-hander Nick Martinez have agreed on a four-year, $20 million contract, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »
RHP Corey Knebel signs with Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies signed right-handed reliever Corey Knebel to a $10 million, one-year contract on Wednesday. Story »
Red Sox trade RF Hunter Renfroe to Brewers, get back CF Jackie Bradley Jr.
The Boston Red Sox have traded Hunter Renfroe to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchanged for former Red Sox star Jackie Bradley Jr. Boston also received minor league infielders David Hamilton and Alex Binelas in the deal. Story »
Nov. 30
Tigers land SS Javier Baez
Javier Baez and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a 6-year, $140 million deal with an opt-out clause, sources told ESPN’s Buster Olney. Story »
Grade: Was Javier Baez the right choice for the Tigers? Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Angels bring back RHP Raisel Iglesias
Closer Raisel Iglesias and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a four-year contract, a source familiar with the deal told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Tuesday night. Story »
Red Sox reach deal with LHP James Paxton
Left-hander James Paxton and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $10 million contract with a two-year club option, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Tuesday. Story »
Cubs add C Yan Gomes, OF Clint Frazier
The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with catcher Yan Gomes, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The team also is set to sign Clint Frazier, the former New York Yankee, to a one-year contract, sources told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. Terms of that deal weren’t immediately known. Story »
Pirates bring in C Roberto Perez
Catcher Roberto Perez and the Pittsburgh Pirates are in agreement on a one-year contract, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »
White Sox agree to terms with IF/OF Leury Garcia
The Chicago White Sox have come to terms with free agent infielder/outfielder Leury Garcia, a baseball source familiar with the deal told ESPN. Story »
Marlins get 3B Joey Wendle in trade with Rays
The Miami Marlins acquired third baseman Joey Wendle as part of a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays sources told ESPN. In return, the Rays got back Kameron Misner, a 23-year-old OF/3B prospect. Story »
Orioles add 2B Rougned Odor
The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a one-year deal with second baseman Rougned Odor. Story »
Yankees re-sign trio
Infielder Gio Urshela agreed to a $6.55 million, one-year contract with the New York Yankees on Tuesday, while starting pitcher Domingo German agreed to $1.75 million and pitcher Lucas Luetge to $905,000. Story »
Braves tender contract to Adam Duvall
The Atlanta Braves tendered a contract to slugger Adam Duvall, ensuring the National League RBIs leader returns to the World Series-winning club for another season. Story »
Nov. 29
Rangers give 10 years to superstar SS Corey Seager
1:16
David Schoenfield likes the Cardinals’ signing of Steven Matz and has no patience for gripes from the Mets’ owner.
Star shortstop Corey Seager and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a 10-year, $325 million deal, sources familiar with the situation tell ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »
Grade: Grading the Rangers’ latest splurge: Can Corey Seager help Texas contend? Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Fantasy: How Corey Seager’s fantasy value changes in Texas. Tristan H. Cockcroft (ESPN+)
Mets make megadeal with RHP Max Scherzer
Star right-hander Max Scherzer and the New York Mets have agreed to a three-year, $130 million contract, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »
Analysis: Max Scherzer’s megadeal changes the narrative for the Mets. Alden Gonzalez (ESPN+)
Fantasy: What happens to Scherzer’s fantasy value in Flushing? Tristan H. Cockcroft (ESPN+)
Mariners finalizing contract with LHP Robbie Ray
The Seattle Mariners and Robbie Ray are finalizing a five-year, $115 million contract with an opt-out after the third season, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »
Grade: Mariners hope Ray will help end their playoff drought. David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
Fantasy: Will Robbie Ray still be great in Seattle? Tristan H. Cockcroft (ESPN+)
Braves sign reliever Kirby Yates to two-year deal
The Atlanta Braves have agreed to a two-year, $8.25 million deal with right-handed reliever Kirby Yates, the team announced Monday. Story »
Giants closing in on RHP Alex Cobb
Right-hander Alex Cobb is close to finalizing an agreement with the San Francisco Giants, according to multiple reports. Story »
Marlins trade with Pirates for Jacob Stallings to two-year deal
The Miami Marlins have made a trade for Gold Glove catcher Jacob Stallings with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Marlins sent over pitcher Zach Thompson and prospects Kyle Nicolas and Connor Scott in the deal. Story »
Nov. 28
Rangers start offseason spending with Marcus Semien, Jon Gray deals
Shortstop Marcus Semien is the first of the premier shortstops to sign this offseason, inking a seven-year, $175 million deal with the Texas Rangers. A few hours later, the Rangers added Gray to their rotation. Story »
Grade: Is Semien worth the offseason’s highest contract so far? Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Kevin Gausman inks five-year deal with Blue Jays
Right-handed starter Kevin Gausman signed a five-year, $110 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, who already extended Jose Berrios this offseason. Story »
Grade: Which version of Gausman will the Blue Jays be getting? David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
Twins sign star Byron Buxton to incentive-laden deal
Center fielder Byron Buxton and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a seven-year, $100 million contract extension, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »
Analysis: Twins, Buxton find perfect balance in incentive-laden deal. David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
Rays add two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber on a one-year deal
The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $8 million guaranteed deal with right-hander Corey Kluber, with the potential for $13 million if he pitches a full season, according to multiple reports. Story »
Grade: Rays hope to solidify rotation with Kluber. David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
Marlins add OF Avisail Garcia on a four-year deal, working on Sandy Alcantara extension
The Miami Marlins have agreed to a four-year, $53 million contract with Avisail Garcia, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan, and also are working on a four-year, $56 million extension with pitcher Sandy Alcantara. Story »
Nov. 27
Astros sign reliever Hector Neris to two-year deal
The Houston Astros have agreed to a two-year, $17 million deal with right-handed reliever Hector Neris, a source confirmed to ESPN. Story »
Mariners trade for Adam Frazier, Padres acquire Raymond Kerr and Corey Rosier
The Seattle Mariners have agreed to a trade with the San Diego Padres, acquiring All-Star 2B/OF Adam Frazier for lefty reliever Raymond Kerr and outfielder Corey Rosier. Story »
Nov. 26
Mets continue upgrades, sign Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar
The New York Mets went big on Friday night, signing Starling Marte to a four-year, $78 million deal, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN. Earlier in the night, they had agreed on a two-year, $20 million contract with free-agent infielder Eduardo Escobar, a source familiar with the situation confirmed to ESPN. Story »
Grade: Inside Mets’ Black Friday binge and Starling Marte’s impact. Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Red Sox add RHP Michael Wacha
Right-hander Michael Wacha and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing a one-year contract, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Friday. Story »
Nov. 24
Mets sign OF Nick Plummer
Outfielder Nick Plummer has signed a league-minimum contract with the New York Mets. Story »
Nov. 23
Rays go all-in on SS Wander Franco
Sources confirm to ESPN that Wander Franco, 20, has agreed to a 12-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays that guarantees him around $185 million. The deal is worth a maximum of $223 million. Story »
Analysis:
• Why 20-year-old Wander Franco is worth every penny to the Rays. David Schoenfield (ESPN+)
• Franco? Rays? MLB? Why EVERYBODY wins with new megadeal. Kiley McDaniel (ESPN+)
White Sox sign RHP Kendall Graveman
Relief pitcher Kendall Graveman, 31, has agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, sources confirm to ESPN. Story »
Cardinals add LHP Steven Matz
Starting pitcher Steven Matz, a key component to a turnaround season for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021, has agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, pending a physical, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Tuesday night. Story »
More: Mets owner Steve Cohen calls out Matz’s agent for “unprofessional behavior.” Story »
Nov. 22
Angels add LHP Aaron Loup
Aaron Loup and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract. Story »
Giants keep RHP Anthony DeSclafani
Anthony DeSclafani and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract. Story »
Nov. 21
Brewers add C Pedro Severino
Pedro Severino and the Milwaukee Brewers have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $1.9 million contract. Story »
Nov. 17
Astros bring back RHP Justin Verlander
The Houston Astros and Justin Verlander have agreed to a one-year, $25 million contract with a player option for a second season. Story »
Grade: Astros bet on more greatness from Verlander. Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Giants retain 1B Brandon Belt
Brandon Belt accepted a $18.4 million qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants, the only one to accept among the 14 free agents who received the offers from their former clubs on Nov. 7. Story »
Nov. 16
Angels add RHP Noah Syndergaard
Right-hander Noah Syndergaard and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a one-year, $21 million deal, pending physical. Story »
Grade: Is Thor the hero the Angels need? Alden Gonzalez (ESPN+)
Blue Jays extend RHP Jose Berrios
Jose Berrios has reached agreement on a seven-year, $131 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays. Story »
Nov. 15
Tigers add LHP Eduardo Rodriguez
Former Boston Red Sox left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a five-year deal worth $77 million. Story »
Analysis: Under-the-radar Eduardo Rodriguez brings competitive fire to the Tigers. Buster Olney (ESPN+)
Grade: Tigers add E-Rod, make offseason’s first splash. Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)
Braves add C Manny Pina
Manny Pina signed with the World Series-champion Braves on a two-year, $8 million deal after hitting 13 home runs in 75 games with the Brewers in 2020. Story »
Nov. 14
Marlins add RHP Louis Head
The Miami Marlins acquired right-hander Louis Head from the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday for a player to be named later or cash. Story »
Nov. 13
Rays trade INF Mike Brosseau to Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired infielder Mike Brosseau from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league pitcher Evan Reifert on Saturday in a trade between division winners. Story »
Rockies keep RHP Jhoulys Chacin
Jhoulys Chacín is staying with the Colorado Rockies, agreeing Saturday to a guaranteed $1.25 million, one-year contract that allows him to earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses. Story »
Nov. 10
Yankees keep LHP Joely Rodriguez
Left-hander Joely Rodriguez and the New York Yankees agreed to a $2 million, one-year contract, three days after New York declined a $3 million option in favor of a $500,000 buyout. Story »
Nov. 8
Dodgers add LHP Andrew Heaney
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who entered this offseason with several holes to fill on their pitching staff, signed Andrew Heaney to a one-year contract worth $8.5 million. Story »
Cardinals keep LHP T.J. McFarland
Left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland became the first of this year’s major league free agents to reach an agreement, getting a one-year, $2.5 million contract to stay with the St. Louis Cardinals. Story »
