MLB’s most improved teams this offseason have made significant moves to help their chances in 2023. Since the goal of the hot stove season is to get better, these teams nailed it.
Improvement means something different to every team. Some are playoff-caliber clubs looking to shore up already great rosters. At the same time, others are looking for a way into contention. Even if your favorite team is slow to improve, there is still time. Here are three teams that have impacted their chances with good moves.
New York Mets
The Mets are an interesting team that has made some big moves to help their chances next season/ They had some holes to fill with key players leaving in free agency. Therefore, they spent a crazy amount of money north of $400 million dollars to sign major free agents to fill these holes. Their rotation looks better than ever with the additions of Justin Verlander and Jose Quintana. The hope is that they can help them win now as they have playoff experience.
Also, New York added David Robertson to shore up the bullpen and the offense is already pretty good. It will be interesting to see if it all comes together and if they spend more money in the coming weeks. It is still unclear what will happen with the Carlos Correa deal and how it will impact what they do next.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies were not an elite team in 2022 but they made a splash in the postseason. As they were two wins away from winning it all. However you categorize the Phillies, they have improved their roster from last season. This a good team overall with plenty of potential, especially when Bryce Harper is healthy. Therefore, they made some major moves to address concerns as they aim to make a run in 2023.
The Trea Turner deal instantly helps them with their infield defense and makes them a more athletic team. They have a potent lineup that hits a lot of home runs. Also, Philadelphia added Taijuan Walker, Craig Kimbrel, and Matt Strahm to ease the strain on the worn-out pitching staff. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out and if they do anything else before spring training.
San Diego Padres
Once again, the Padres are surprising fans again with unexpected moves. There are many in the industry that felt San Diego would be quiet this offseason since they made a splash last year. The Padres proved that theory wrong when they signed shortstop Xander Bogaerts to a massive deal. His strong defensive skills and bat will go along with their already potent lineup. Also, they hope that a full year of Juan Soto in the lineup will pay off.
Another improvement is that the Padres brought Matt Carpenter on board to help balance the lineup. He is a decent defender and helps their depth. Also, Seth Lugo was another nice addition to the pitching staff. The Padres are an interesting team that plays in a tough division, so they hope that their new acquisitions give them more advantages.
These three teams and many others have taken a step forward as they aim to be contenders again. Though there are still a few weeks left until spring training and plenty of free agents left. Stay tuned for more MLB stories and news.
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