Teams across Major League Baseball had a lot of work to do after the league lifted its lockout on March 10. Not even two weeks later, that work now looks to be mostly finished.
So, here's what we think of the smartest decisions teams made throughout the 2021-22 offseason.
By "smartest," we don't necessarily mean "biggest" or "most dramatic." Though lucrative free-agent signings and extensions and blockbuster trades can be and indeed often are good moves, we wanted to leave the door open for decisions that might have flown under the radar but nonetheless make a ton of sense. We're also including moves that teams chose not to make.
We'll go division by division, starting in the American League East and ending in the National League West.
American League East
Baltimore Orioles: Not Trading CF Cedric Mullins or LHP John Means
When reports surfaced in November that the Orioles were willing to listen to offers for Mullins and Means, our reaction was: "Don't do it, Orioles." Though rebuilding typically does mean cashing in veteran stars for prospects, there comes a point when you have to have faith. With a top-10 farm system underneath them and both aforementioned All-Stars controlled through at least 2024, that time is now.
Boston Red Sox: Signing 2B Trevor Story
The Green Monster is out there in left field at Fenway Park, and Story is a right-handed hitter with a 1.545 OPS to his pull side. This alone arguably justifies the six-year, $140 million contract he agreed to on Sunday, but the Red Sox also needed his athleticism in their lineup and especially amid their infield defense. They'll just have to hope his not-so-secret issues with his throwing arm don't get worse.
New York Yankees: Trading C Gary Sanchez
The Yankees have a handful of new regulars in their everyday lineup, but their best move was actually a subtraction. Not just because trading Sanchez to the Minnesota Twins netted Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ben Rortvedt, but more so because another year of Sanchez in New York just never seemed like a good idea. As Didi Gregorius said in 2020, the guy simply needed a change of scenery.
Tampa Bay Rays: Extending SS Wander Franco
The Rays are typically stingy with their money, so it was shocking when they signed Franco to an 11-year, $182 million extension in November. However, the deal will likely prove to be a bargain. Franco was a game-changing hitter as a mere 20-year-old last season, especially during a 43-game on-base streak. For him, the road ahead should include a few All-Star nods and some MVP-caliber seasons.
Toronto Blue Jays: Trading for 3B Matt Chapman
Toronto's trade for Chapman is worth praising if for no other reason than it didn't decimate what's left of the team's farm system. It's also a good buy-low move. Chapman will play an excellent third base no matter what, but he can also be an MVP-contender if his right hip is fully healthy and his offense bounces back accordingly. The Jays also did well to lock him down for $25 million through 2023.