An end to the MLB lockout has resulted in a flurry of free agent signings as clubs look to bolster their rosters with Opening Day right around the corner. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable recent moves and what they mean for the season ahead.
Carlos Correa to the Twins
It’s safe to say that nobody saw this one coming. The most coveted signature in free agency, Carlos Correa opted to sign a three-year, $105.3 million deal to become the Minnesota Twins’ biggest free agent signing in the club’s history; both in terms of the amount of money shelled out and the stature of the player. With the addition of Correa, the Twins bring in a Gold Glove shortstop in his prime years fresh off a season which saw him finish fifth in the MVP voting. While his contract does include opt-out clauses for each of the first two years, his signing is a clear statement of intent that Minnesota is aiming to win now. A drop in their World Series odds from roughly 75-1 to 50-1 means that oddsmakers still see the Twins as longshots to make waves in the postseason.
Freddie Freeman to the Already Stacked la Dodgers
The rich get richer in Tinseltown as the Dodgers win the race for 2020 NL MVP Freddie Freeman by signing him to a deal worth $162 million over six years. By all accounts, LA was the most likely destination for Freeman and his addition makes the already World-Series-favorite Dodgers an even tougher out. The 32-year-old is at the peak of his powers with five All-Star appearances, three Silver Slugger awards and six top-ten NL MVP finishes. LA has made their already loaded lineup even better and opposing pitchers will certainly not be looking forward to going up against this murderers’ row. As we previously mentioned, the Dodgers were already the oddsmakers pick to be crowned champions and have seen a slight dip in their odds to around +550 with the addition of the ex-Brave.
Red Sox Land Trevor Story
The latest high-profile signing was announced on Sunday morning when the Boston Red Sox agreed to terms with former Rockies’ shortstop Trevor Story on a six-year, $140 million deal. The Sox add another big bat to an already top-tier lineup which ranked among the league best in batting average last season and although Story’s offensive numbers took a dip last season, he still remains excellent on the defensive side. With Xander Boegarts’ opt-out on the table in 2022 and his future uncertain, Story looks set to take over the reins at shortstop for the foreseeable future at Fenway even if it means sliding over to second base for this season. At around 20-1 odds, the Red Sox could be considered dark horses in the upcoming season. Some pitching reinforcements would go a long way to establishing themselves as contenders.
Kris Bryant to Colorado in Head-Scratching Deal
In one of the most puzzling moves of the free agency period, the Colorado Rockies decided to splash $182 million to secure former MVP Kris Bryant’s services for seven years. There’s a lot about this deal that doesn’t quite add up – the Rockies aren’t expected to be competing anytime soon and all of their recent moves would suggest a team that’s in the middle of a rebuild while this is very much a ‘win-now’ type of move. Bryant will undoubtedly improve the team, but with their World Series odds still among the highest in the league at anywhere from 150-1 to 200-1, they’ll need a lot more if they are hoping to seriously compete in 2022.
MLB Betting Tips
It’s an exciting time for both fans of the MLB and sports bettors with spring training underway and the regular season fast approaching. The big-name free agent signings are bound to have an impact on the odds for each team so it’s important to stay up to date on the latest bookmakers. Wincomparator provides an excellent resource with the industry’s most reliable and best betting sites along with tips, analysis, and promotions to ensure that you always have an edge.
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