Free Agent Signing Thread (Non-Brewers)

[Eye Black]

Figured we could start a thread to discuss free agent signings of the caliber that don’t exactly necessitate their own thread.

 

Here’s a start: James McCann signed with the Mets for 4 year, $40 million. Two years ago McCann was non-tendered by the Tigers.

[brewmann04]

New owner already paying off.

[Eye Black]

The McCann signing should make Phillies fans happy for now since it decreases the likelihood the Mets are going to make a run at signing JT Realmuto.

 

The McCann signing may not make Lucas Giolito quite as happy. This is probably mostly a fluke (especially given the samples), but as pointed out by a White Sox beat writer (link) Giolito’s career pitching splits by catcher are sort of stark...

 

[wibadgers23]

Would be nice to see the offseason get going a bit but I guess this was to be expected.

[Eye Black]

Previously DFA'd OF Hunter Renfroe signed a one year deal with the Red Sox.

[Madhawk23]

I see the Royals are bringing back Greg Holland. Anyone have their money on the Royals being the most active MLB team in FA out of the gates this winter?

[Simba2020]

David Dahl inks a one year deal with the Rangers for $2.7 million. Pretty much in line with what he was expected to get in arbitration.

[markedman5]

[Eye Black]

The Tigers signed Robbie Grossman for two years and $10 million including $500k per year in possible performance bonuses. I had to do a bit of a double take because that seemed like a “decent amount” for a player not really on the top free agent radar, but I think I also underestimated how solid Grossman has been for the last few years with the exception of his 2019 campaign.

[sveumrules]

Grossman is essentially a one true outcome guy with a top 20 walk rate since 2016, though it has been trending down steadily.

 

Likely because from 2016-19, he didn't really show enough power (73 ISO+, about the same as Cheslor Cuthbert) to make pitchers fear throwing him strikes.

 

Then again, his power spiked in 2020 (141 ISO+, about the same as Ian Happ) so maybe Detroit is hoping that is the result of some kind of swing/approach change & it will carry over for 2021/22.

[ClosetBrewerFan]

Troy Stokes was DFAd to make room for Grossman. A once promising prospect that has fallen quickly. Hopefully he lands somewhere and gets a chance at the show. He still young enough. Will turn 25 next month.

[Eye Black]

Per Jeff Passan: Reliever Blake Treinen and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a two-year deal for $17.5 million with a club option that’s worth $8 million, sources tell ESPN.

 

A seemingly good pay day considering next year will be Treinen’s age 33 season.

[TURBO]

Can probably cross the Dodgers off the Hader trade list...

 

Hader isn't going anywhere imo.

[DR28]

Can probably cross the Dodgers off the Hader trade list...

 

Hader isn't going anywhere imo.

 

Agreed.

 

No reason to trade Hader, build the staff around Woody, Burnes, Williams and Hader.

[wibadgers23]

Yeah if you’re a team like the Dodgers, why trade major prospects for Hader when you can just buy some pretty good relievers. They are reportedly going after Brad Hand too.

[brewmann04]

wow it nice to see other teams are making moves.

[sveumrules]

wow it nice to see other teams are making moves.

 

Hot Stove is really heating up.

 

Eight teams (Mets, Padres, Royals, Dodgers, Braves, Tigers, Blue Jays & Giants) have now signed a free agent to a contract with at least a five million AAV.

[brewmann04]

I am holding out hope that the Crew does make some moves in the next few weeks.

[DR28]

I am holding out hope that the Crew does make some moves in the next few weeks.

 

We won't make moves until February after all the top/middle tier FAs are gone... Bargin bin shopping like last year.

[3and2Fastball]

I think there is a chance, perhaps not a good chance but still a possibility, that the Brewers sign a big name free agent to a one year deal.

[brewmann04]

There always hope until there no hope is this offseason theme.

[wibadgers23]

Liam Hendriks goes to the White Sox.

[Eye Black]

Liam Hendriks goes to the White Sox.

Best reliever on the free agent market, but will turn 32 next month.

 

It’s reportedly a three-year deal with a fourth year club option. Deal is worth $54 million.

[wibadgers23]

Even if it’s not Brewers related, it’s nice to see some movement in free agency. Will be interesting to see where Hand ends up now.

[wibadgers23]

Wow that’s a lot of money. You could get Hader for about half of that salary and all it would cost you is a couple of top prospects.