Each MLB offseason some teams make bold moves to bolster a roster that's teetering on the brink of contention, others make big splashes that flop, and still more fail to pull the trigger on transactions that could put them over the top.
In 2015, these are the five best fits between player and team to be made on the free agent market.
Jon Lester to Texas Rangers
The Rangers were an absolute disaster in 2013, but the pieces are in place for a quick rebound. They are in a meat-grinder of a division though, and in need of an upgrade to their starting pitching.
Yu Darvish is an established ace, but with a lineup that should mash if it stays healthy, adding another frontline starter to the mix would make this club lethal. Jon Lester, the top left-hander on the market, would do the trick. Sure Texas would have to take a huge payroll jump, but a loaded lineup backed by two aces-one righty and one lefty-- makes for a club primed for October baseball.
The hitting is there, and the bullpen is underrated. Lester was 16-11 last season with a career-best 2.46 ERA, and adds more playoff experience to a club that's eager to get back to the heights of their not-too-distant past.
Hanley Ramirez to Cleveland Indians
It sounds odd at first, but Cleveland's payroll really isn't too big. This is a club that just got a breakout season from OF Michael Brantley, should be expecting positive regression from power-hitters Nick Swisher and Carlos Santana, and is expected to start Jose Ramirez, who only played 15 games last season at shortstop.
Hanley has the potential to be a devastating force in any lineup; he proved that in limited at-bats in 2013 when he hit .345 with 20 home runs in just 86 games. Cleveland is not the most glorious town, but the Indians have been in the mix for the American League Central title the past few years, and are in need of a big boost to get them over the hump. Hanley has the talent to single-handedly give them that boost.
Nelson Cruz to Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have to figure out how to bring Cruz, the MLB-leader in home runs in 2014, back to Camden Yards. The gaudy power numbers were no fluke. Cruz's home run to fly ball ratio actually dipped slightly last year from his 2013 mark, and Baltimore is a very hitter-friendly environment.
Cruz was on pace to do similar damage in 2013 before injuries and suspension robbed him of a full slate.
There are cons to bringing Cruz back of course. He's already 34 years old, and he has had a history of missing games because of injury. There's no question that regression at his age, and with a previous history of PED use, could be in the cards. At the same time if he can come close to his 2014 production, and Chris Davis can re-discover his 2013 stroke, this will be the most powerful lineup in baseball by far.
The O's don't make it to the ALCS without Cruz this past season, and it'd be unwise to ruin a good thing. Pay the man.
David Robertson to Detroit Tigers
The Tigers have repeatedly been done in during the postseason by shaky bullpen play. Last season they thought adding veteran Joe Nathan would solve the problem, but he proved he was shot and nobody in-house was able to step up.
That's why the answer to their problem is free agent David Robertson, whose excellent season for the Yankees was largely overshadowed by the nearly historic season bullpen mate Dellin Betances put up.
Robertson posted a 3.08 ERA and recorded 39 saves despite taking over for Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer of all-time and a beloved Yankees legend. Bronx pressure didn't phase him, and Detroit's spacious park would likely make him even more effective. His walk rate is a bit alarming, but his K/9 of more than 13 is enough to cancel it out. He's the missing piece to Detroit's puzzle.
Kang Jung-Ho to New York Mets
Adding Michael Cuddyer to this club was a good first move of the offseason. Some will knock the money handed to a 36-year-old, injury-prone player, but risks need to be taken sometimes. When he is on the field he rakes plain and simple, and the Mets needed legitimate outfielders.
The next step now is solving the leadoff spot, because Curtis Granderson won't cut it. He doesn't run anymore, and is far from an OBP guy. Daniel Murphy has become too good of a middle-of-the-order type to be taken out of that role, and his poor baserunning would probably decrease his value in that spot.
Enter Korean shortstop Kang Jung-Ho, a potential answer to two Mets problems. Right now the Mets don't have a shortstop. Fans may riot if Ruben Tejada is there on opening day, and Wilmer Flores doesn't seem to have the faith of the front office. International imports can be tricky, but last season in the KBO Jung-Ho smacked 36 home runs and posted a .457 on-base percentage.
It's highly unlikely he'll show power like that at the MLB level, but his skillset and position fill needs. Why not give him a try?
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
