Many of the biggest names in the free-agent market were snagged up a couple of weeks ago at the Winter Meetings, but that doesn’t mean that the hot stove has cooled down. In what has been a very active start to the offseason, more names, both big and small, were scooped off the market this week, and there continues to be more clarity into what teams have planned and what rosters will look like come spring training.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the notable signings from this last week.
White Sox Snag Pitchers
The Chicago White Sox have been one of the most aggressive teams this offseason, and this week, they continued to add to that narrative. On Saturday, they made the biggest acquisition of the week by signing former AL Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel.
The southpaw hurler pitched for the Atlanta Braves last year after a prolonged offseason that saw him not sign until after the draft. He was hampered by a qualifying offer that was applied to him by the Houston Astros, the only other franchise he had ever pitched for.
This year, without the burden of a qualifying offer, he was able to do well for himself by signing a three-year deal worth $55.5 million. It also includes a vesting fourth-year option that would be worth another $18.5 million if he pitches at least 160 innings in 2021 and 2022.
Last season with Atlanta, Keuchel threw 112 2/3 innings. In that time, he started 19 games, going 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. He also had 91 strikeouts and 39 walks.
Keuchel certainly is not a flamethrower, but he is an innings-eater that can help solidify a young rotation highlighted by Lucas Giolito. Also, with youngsters Reynaldo Lopez, Dylan Cease, Michael Kopech and Carlos Rodon in the mix, Keuchel may have the opportunity to serve as the veteran presence that can help as these young pitchers try to become established in the majors.
Keuchel doesn’t have to take on this role alone, though, as the White Sox also signed lefty Gio Gonzalez this week to a one-year deal worth at least $5 million, which also includes an option for $7 million. Gonzalez pitched for Milwaukee last season, throwing both as a starter and out of the bullpen.
In total, he pitched in 19 games, going 3-2 with a 3.50 ERA. In 87 1/3 innings, he had 78 strikeouts and 37 walks. Gonzalez will be 34 during the 2020 season, and he, like Keuchel, hopes to serve as a veteran presence for a young pitching staff.
Blue Jays Sign Shaw
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Travis Shaw to a one-year deal this week for a guaranteed $4 million that also includes some incentives. Last season with the Brewers, Shaw struggled, hitting just .157/.281/.270 with seven home runs, 16 runs batted in and 22 runs scored in 230 at-bats.
Still, he isn’t far removed from hitting 32 home runs and 86 runs batted in, which he did as recently as 2018. It is a cheap option for the Blue Jays that comes with minimal risk.
Smoak To Brewers
It basically seems as if the Milwaukee Brewers and Blue Jays decided to make a swap as Shaw went to the Blue Jays, while Justin Smoak signed with the Brewers. In fact, the first baseman inked a one-year deal for $5 million that also includes an option for 2021.
Last season with Toronto, Smoak hit .208/.342/.406 with 22 home runs, 61 runs batted in and 54 runs scored. Smoak will likely take over first base duties for the Brewers.
Angels Get Teheran To Help Bolster Rotation
The Los Angeles Angels added some needed depth to their rotation as they signed righty Julio Teheran to a one-year deal for $9 million. Teheran has spent his entire career with the Atlanta Braves, and, while he is not necessarily a top-of-the-rotation type, he does have the ability to eat innings.
Last year, Teheran went 10-11 in 33 starts. Over the course of 174 2/3 innings, he had a 3.81 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and struck out 162 while walking 83. He will be just 29 in 2020, so it is not exactly like he is out of his prime, but having been in the league since 2011 when he was 20, he hasn’t quite hit the expectations many had levied on him.
Still, the Angels are hoping that he can boost their rotation as they have the offensive power to win some games, but they just need the pitching to help secure the victories.
Astros Bring Back Maldonado
The Houston Astros had a vacancy with both of their catchers, Martin Maldonado and Robinson Chirinos, being free agents, but they have filled that by bringing back one of their own. The Astros re-signed Maldonado to a two-year deal worth $7 million.
It is a very low-risk investment for a catcher that has done very well handling pitching staffs in his career, including with the Astros over the last couple of seasons.
Maldonado may not be a ton with the bat, but the Astros have plenty of offense already and will welcome the defensive prowess of the Maldonado. Last season, across three teams, Maldonado hit .213/.293/.378 with 12 home runs, 27 runs batted in and 46 runs scored.
