This MLB off-season has included some unexpected free agency signings. Unbelievable transactions happened, Justin Verlander left Houston and the Bronx almost lost Aaron Judge. These are some of the MLB’s biggest free agency moves.
Aaron Judge
The world was ready for the 2022 American League MVP to become a Giant. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman announced via Twitter that Aaron Judge would be headed to the San Francisco Giants. Unfortunately, Heyman’s unprompted Tweet was premature, and Judge had not signed with San Francisco.
Heyman’s Tweet originally left Yankees fans in disarray, believing that the beloved MVP was leaving New York. Minutes after Heyman’s tweet, the MLB announced that Judge had signed a nine-year $360 million contract with the Yankees.
Carlos Rondon
The Yankees emptied their pockets this off-season for the stars of 2022. The Bronx bombers acquired Carlos Rodon in a six-year $162 million contract.
Rondon accumulated a 2.88 ERA during the 2022 season. Along with his low ERA, Rondon’s 2022 WHIP (Walks Plus Hits Per Inning Pitched) was 1.24. Rondon will now accompany Gerrit Cole and Luis Severino in the Yankees bullpen.
Justin Verlander
After two monumental World Series wins in Houston, Justin Verlander signed with the New York Mets, leaving his legacy with the Houston Astros behind.
The 39-year-old DMV native agreed to a two-year $86.66 million deal with the Mets. Verlander has been awarded an MVP award and three Cy Young Awards, along with a 1.75 ERA during the 2022 season. With consistent post season appearances and an almost unbelievably low ERA, he’s worth the money.
Jacob deGrom
Although Verlander is leaving Texas for New York, another Cy Young award winner is leaving New York for Texas.
Jacob deGrom signed a five-year $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers. DeGrom is a four-time all-star and two-time Cy Young award winner. With a career ERA of 2.52, hopefully, deGrom can save the Rangers from another season of ending up fourth in the American League west.
Dominic Smith
After the Nationals’ disastrous 2022 season, D.C. fans can look forward to a new first baseman. The Nationals signed Dominic Smith. Smith was originally drafted by the New York Mets in 2013. Smith may be able to bring new talent to D.C. after signing his one-year $2 million deal.
Hopefully these exciting deals will lead to an even more exciting season!
This article was edited by Liah Argiropoulos, Delaney Hoke and Nina Heller. Copyediting by Isabelle Kravis, Natasha LaChac and Sophia Rocha
