Offseason Week 3 Recap | Nov.18-24
From Free Agency to Trades to Team News, Recapping Week 3 of the MLB Offseason
We are now in Week 3 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.
Trades
Mets Add Veteran Outfielder
The Mets made their first move of an offseason that is expected to be big for Steve Cohen by trading for OF Jose Siri. In the deal, the Mets acquired Jose Siri in exchange for RP Eric Orze. Siri is expected to platoon with Tyrone Taylor in center field for the Mets. On the other hand, Orze is joining the Rays bullpen that was ranked 10th in the league in 2024 with a 3.73 ERA.
Angels Make Another Move, Trade Catcher To Cubs
The Los Angeles Angels made yet another move this week. However, rather than adding a player, the Angels traded recently DFA’d catcher Matt Thaiss to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. Thaiss, who hit .204/.323/.299 with 2 HRs & 16 RBIs in 57 games for the Angels, could move to a starter role for the Cubs after being the back-up to Logan O’Hoppe in Anaheim.
Royals Upgrade Infield; Reds Add Pitching
This season, the Royals made the playoffs after losing over 100 games in 2023. However, after losing to the Yankees in the ALDS, they have been looking for some spots to upgrade in their lineup. Two of those spots for KC were second base & the outfield, while Cincinnati was looking to upgrade their pitching. These two teams both got what they wanted in this trade that sent 2B Jonathan India & OF Joey Wiemer to the Royals in exchange for RHP Brady Singer being sent to the Reds.
Non-Tenders
MLB teams recently had to either tender or non-tender players. While multiple players remain with their respective teams, many players got non-tendered and have become free agents. Below will be the notable non-tendered players that are now free agents.
Kyle Finnegan | RP
Kyle Finnegan had a decent year of 2024 with the Washington Nationals. Finnegan, who was named an All-Star for the first time in his career this season went 3-8 with a 3.68 ERA & a 1.34 WHIP with 38 saves in 43 opportunities. Possible fits for Finnegan include the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, & Houston Astros.
Austin Hays | OF
Hays, who the Phillies acquired at the trade deadline struggled significantly in 2024— both with injuries and on the field. Hays hit .255/.303/.396 with 5 homeruns and 20 RBIs between the Orioles & Phillies this season but only played in 85 games due to a left calf strain, left hamstring strain, & a kidney infection. Although no teams have shown interest in Hays yet, a few teams that could be in the mix to sing Hays are the Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, & Baltimore Orioles.
Brendan Rodgers | 2B
Brendan Rodgers, the 3rd overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft is a free agent for the first time after 6 seasons with the Colorado Rockies. Rodgers had a slashline of .267/.314/.407 and hit 13 home runs with 54 RBIs this past season. Some teams that would be good fits for Rodgers include the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, & Los Angeles Angels.
I was sad to see Brendan go but we need more arms.