First, OF Giancarlo Stanton agreed to terms on a record-breaking contract with Miami Marlins early on Monday morning. The Toronto Blue Jays decided to follow up with a move of their own, committing 5 years and $82 million to C Russell Martin. Many believe that Martin is worth this money, as he has been a successful all-around catchers in recent years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, I’m skeptical of this deal, knowing that Martin struggled with some injuries during his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers several years ago, and that C Brian McCann got a 5 year, $75 million contract with the New York Yankees last off season, but failed to live up to that deal. The hope in Toronto is that Martin will fill their void offensively at the catcher position, and help solidify their young, developing pitching staff. It could end up being a great move, as the Blue Jays have a chance to strike while the AL East is weaker, as both the Boston Red Sox and Yankees are looking to recover from dreadful 2014 seasons.
Perhaps the most surprising move of the day was a trade that took place between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves. St. Louis shipped P Shelby Miller, who was third in Rookie of the Year voting in 2013, and top pitching prospect Tyrell Jenkins to Atlanta for OF Jason Heyward and P Jordan Walden. It shows that St. Louis was intent on adding another bat in the outfield while also improving defensively by acquiring Heyward, but they also added a solid set up man in Walden. While Miller had been a top starting pitching option for the Cardinals, they have the depth in their minor league system to make up for his loss. Also, St. Louis could still add a starter via free agency because they didn’t have to spend big money on offense. This move is for St. Louis to win, here and now.
On the other hand, this trade signals that the Atlanta Braves are building for the future, but not necessarily the 2015 season. Miller will join the Atlanta’s other young options in the rotation, and they have the ability to form a strong starting staff in the coming years. Yet, Jenkins isn’t close to contributing at the big league level, as he finished the season at Class A Advanced last season.
Now that some of these players have been moved via trade, I would expect that free agent signings will pick up in the coming weeks, with many of the big names signing at or before the Winter Meetings on Dec. 7-11. This off season moves have been creative, and interesting already, so I’m sure there are still headlines to be made as the winter continues.
Man the Cardinals always make sneaky good moves.. why couldn’t my Reds make that play?
To be honest, I think the Reds are still trying to figure out whether they’re going to go for it next year, or trade all their starters this off season, and begin rebuilding around Votto, Frazier, and Mesoraco. I think they’re gonna make the same mistakes my Phillies made, and hold onto everyone for too long while they lose their value.
Totally agree.. Votto is untradeable right now.. our Starting Pitching is our best asset. I’m pissed we gave Bailey the money which means we won’t be able to afford Cueto and Latos. I saw trade one starter for a bat and hope for the best this season..