A week ago, the New York Mets made a huge splash when they agreed with the Indians to a deal that netted them All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and starter Carlos Carrasco. While the free-agent flood gates have not completely opened up, we have seen a little more movement this week (particularly on the reliever front).
While the top fish, like Trevor Bauer, George Springer, and J.T. Realmuto, remained unsigned, some interesting names were picked up this week. Let’s take a look at some of the notable signings.
White Sox Solidify The Closer Position With Liam Hendricks
The Chicago White Sox are starting to push their chips all in as their window to compete for a title has opened. After making the postseason last year, they have now added a more established manager in Tony LaRussa and traded for help in the rotation with Lance Lynn.
On Monday, they shored up another area of their pitching staff by inking closer Liam Hendricks to a three-year agreement for $39 million. The fascinating part about the deal is that it features a fourth-year option and a buyout that are both worth $15 million, meaning that Hendricks will end up with at least $54 million from the deal.
If the White Sox do not pick up his option, the $15 million buyout can be paid out over the course of ten years.
In an abbreviated season last year with the A’s, Hendricks went 3-1 with 14 saves. He also had an ERA of 1.78 and a 0.67 WHIP. Turning 32 in February, the Australian hurler has been one of the best relievers over the last couple of years.
The White Sox currently are tied for the third-best odds to win the World Series at +1000 for 2021 and are +400 to win the American League.
Phillies Sign Archie Bradley
The quest for the Philadelphia Phillies to improve their bullpen continued on Thursday. After acquiring Jose Alvarado, Sam Coonrod, and Ian Hamilton, the Phillies signed Archie Bradley to a one-year, $6 million contract.
Bradley became a free agent this offseason after having been non-tendered by the Cincinnati Reds. Splitting time between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds last season, Bradley went 2-0 with six saves, a 2.95 ERA, and 1.5 WHIP. In 18.1 innings, he struck out 18.
The Phillies ranked 27th last season in ERA as a pitching staff with a combined 5.14. In a loaded NL East, the Phillies currently have the fourth-best odds to win the division at +800. Only the Marlins (+2000) are worse.
Astros Bolster Bullpen With Pedro Baez
Another team that is looking to bolster their bullpen is the Houston Astros. After losing Roberto Osuna (injury) and Joe Smith (opted out last season), the bullpen relied on Ryan Pressly and a plethora of youngsters.
The Astros signed Ryan Stanek earlier in the week and signed former Dodgers’ reliever Pedro Baez on Wednesday. Last season, with Los Angeles, Baez had a 3.18 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and two saves in 18 games. While the Astros likely aren’t done in the bullpen, Baez brings a nice veteran presence.
In terms of his contract, the Astros inked Baez to a two-year deal worth at least $12.5 million and includes a club option.
Currently, both the Oakland A’s and Houston Astros are the frontrunners to win the AL West. Technically, the A’s are favored just a bit more at +115 while the Astros are at +145.
Nationals Ink Kyle Schwarber To Deal
Stepping away from relievers, a big name in the outfield came off the board this week as the Washington Nationals signed former Chicago Cub, Kyle Schwarber. The slugger signed a one-year, $7 million deal that includes an $11 million mutual option with a $3 million buyout.
In a bit of a surprising move, Kyle Schwarber was non-tendered by the Cubs last season after hitting just .188/.308/.393 with 11 home runs, 24 runs batted in, and 30 runs scored. It was only two seasons ago that he hit 38 home runs with a .250 batting average, so the Nationals could be getting a steal.
Last season, the Nationals ranked 21st in home runs per game at 1.10, so he will help bring a little thump to the lineup. The Nationals are currently +480 to win the NL East, trailing just the Braves (+125) and Mets (+180).
