Offseason Week 2 Recap | Nov. 11 - Nov. 17
From Free Agency to Trades to Team News, Recapping Week 2 of the MLB Offseason
We are now in Week 2 of the MLB Offseason & a few players have gone to a new respective team in the past 7 days. Today, we are going to be looking at everything that has happened during this week of the MLB offseason.
Free Agent Signings
Travis d’Arnaud Signs With Los Angeles
The Angels made another move this offseason this week by signing veteran catcher, Travis d’Arnaud. d’Arnaud, who is a native of Southern California, signed a 2-year, $12 million deal with the Angels, officially leaving the Braves after 5 seasons. d’Arnaud hit .238/.302/.436 with 15 HRs & 48 RBIs in his 99 games played. Although d’Arnaud will join Logan O’Hoppe as the Angels’ catcher, he will still likely play a similar role as he did in Atlanta, as a back-up catcher. However, even though d’Arnaud might be the backup, he will still likely get a good amount of playing time & around 80 games played.
Angels Add Yet Another Veteran
The Angels have by far been the busiest team so far, making 2 trades & signing 3 players already! This time, it was shortstop Kevin Newman, who signed a 1-year, $2.5 million deal with Los Angeles. Newman, who played for the Diamondbacks as a utility man this past season, hit .278/.311/.375 with 3 home runs and 28 RBIs in 111 games. Newman could be the Halos’ starting shortstop on Opening Day if starter Zach Neto ins’t ready to return from his recent right shoulder surgery. Newman’s contract is a one-year deal worth $2.5 million that includes a $2.5 million option for 2025 or a $250,000 buyout.
Rumors
Braves Interested in Walker Buehler
According to recent reports, the Atlanta Braves are interested in free agent pitcher Walker Buehler. Buehler, who closed out the final game of the World Series went 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA but struggled with injuires & went 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA & a 1.13 WHIP in the 2024 postseason.
Red Sox Interested in Burnes, Snell
Recent reports have stated that the Boston Red Sox are highly interested in starters Blake Snell & Corbin Burnes. Both players are former Cy Young Award winners. Snell posted a 3.12 ERA while going 5-3 this season for the Giants while Burnes went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA in a terrific season that helped him start the All-Star Game for the American League in July.
Phillies May Pursue Bregman, Trade Bohm
According to an MLB Insider, the Phillies have placed Alec Bohm on the trade block. Bohm was named an All-Star for the first time this season and hit .280/.332/.448 with 15 home runs & 97 RBIs during the regular season. However, Bohm had a poor end to the season & hit .077/.143/.077 in the playoffs with only one hit— a single that he got thrown out at second on while trying to extend it to a double.
With this news, the Phillies have been seen as a good suitor for veteran free agent Ale Bregman. Bregman hit .260/.315/.453 with 26 HRs & 75 RBIs this season as a member of the Houston Astros. Bregman would serve as Bohm’s replacement at third base for Philly if he signs.
