Unprecedented Baseball Deals and Trades in 2024
Free Agent Signings
Mets Sign Juan Soto for 15 Years, $765 MillionDan Szymborski’s InstaGraphs of the Deal showed the details of this massive contract. Ben Clemens’ Write-Up of the Deal provided in-depth analysis. The Updated Roster Projection and Updated Payroll Projection gave an idea of how this signing would impact the Mets.The outfield in Queens now seems solid with Brandon Nimmo in left, Soto in right, and Tyrone Taylor and Jose Siri splitting time in center. DH looks like Starling Marte's job for now, but the Mets are still spending and could upgrade their offense. They are in the market to re-sign Pete Alonso, who could be their everyday first baseman or see more time at DH. Mark Vientos has made progress as a defender and could move to first base or get more starts at DH. The Mets could also sign someone outright for the DH job, like Joc Pederson as a platoon partner for Marte.
Yankees Sign Max Fried for Eight Years, $218 MillionDan Szymborski’s InstaGraphs and Jay Jaffe’s Write-Up of the Deal gave insights into this significant contract. The Updated Roster Projection and Updated Payroll Projection showed its impact on the Yankees.The Yankees were aggressive after losing Soto and now have a surplus of starting pitchers. Gerrit Cole, Fried, and Carlos Rodón will fill the top three spots in the rotation, with Luis Gil, Marcus Stroman, and Clarke Schmidt battling for the last two. The Yankees could trade one of them for Cody Bellinger or Nolan Arenado to improve their offense. They dealt Nestor Cortes to the Brewers for Devin Williams. If they trade another starter, Gil and Schmidt would be more valuable.
Giants Sign Willy Adames for Seven Years, $182 MillionMichael Baumann’s Write-Up of the Deal and the Updated Roster Projection and Updated Payroll Projection gave details about this signing.The Giants needed a shortstop, and Adames is a great addition. His defense had a setback in 2024, but his previous performance and reputation suggest it was a one-season blip. New president Buster Posey may make moves to improve the offense, but upgrading the pitching is a priority.
Trades
Red Sox Acquire Garrett Crochet From White Sox for Four ProspectsBen Clemens’ Write-Up of The Deal and the Updated Red Sox Roster Projection and Payroll Projection showed the details of this trade. The Red Sox have a good rotation but need more depth. Burnes is still an option, and they could add a lower-tier option.The White Sox lost a big trade chip in Crochet but still have other players who could be of interest, like Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Benintendi.
Cubs Acquire Kyle Tucker for Isaac Paredes, Two OthersThe Updated Cubs Roster Projection and Payroll Projection showed the impact of this trade. The Cubs need to clear the outfield logjam by trading Bellinger and could look for a third base stopgap.
Andrés Giménez to Blue Jays, Spencer Horwitz to Pirates, Luis L. Ortiz to Guardians in Not-Quite-Three-Team TradeBen Clemens’ Write-Up of Giménez to Toronto and Horwitz to Pittsburgh and the Updated Blue Jays, Pirates, and Guardians Roster Projections and Payroll Projections gave details. The Blue Jays need to add offense, the Pirates need more hitters, and the Guardians have infield depth.
Yankees Acquire Devin Williams From Brewers for Nestor Cortes and Caleb DurbinThe Updated Yankees Roster Projection and Payroll Projection and the Updated Brewers Roster Projection showed the trade details. The Yankees got a great bullpen addition, and the Brewers have a solid rotation.
Rangers Get Jake Burger in Trade With Marlins for Three ProspectsMichael Baumann’s Write-Up of the Trade and the Updated Rangers and Marlins Roster Projections and Payroll Projections gave information. The Rangers have infield insurance, and the Marlins could open up playing time for younger players.
Biggest Rumors of the Week
The Tucker trade should shape Bregman’s market, as he might be the next big free agent to sign. Houston's acquisition of Paredes likely closes the door on a reunion with Bregman, who has other teams interested.
A big week for starting pitcher signings leaves Burnes as the best remaining free agent. If the Blue Jays and Giants are the favorites and sign him, he'd join a team looking to turn things around.