As the MLB offseason unfolded, much anticipation surrounded the New York Yankees‘ potential moves. However, to the surprise of many, the Yankees have refrained from making significant acquisitions in the free agency market, with Juan Soto being the most notable addition thus far. Some fans attribute this lack of ambition to General Manager Brian Cashman.
Contrary to the Yankees, a select few teams, including the Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, and Miami Marlins, have also abstained from spending a single penny on free agency signings.
Who’s making the biggest moves in free agency?
Now, let’s explore which MLB clubs have been the big spenders in free agency this offseason. In a report by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the early transactions of this offseason’s MLB free agency reveal the Los Angeles Dodgers leading the pack with an astounding $717 million spent. The Philadelphia Phillies trail behind in second place with $172 million, followed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in third with $122 million.
Surprisingly, the New York Yankees find themselves among the teams that have not spent anything on free agents so far. Other teams in this category include the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, and the Minnesota Twins. The Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Rays have all spent less than $2 million each.
The Dodgers’ substantial expenses primarily stem from the monumental signing of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who inked a ten-year, $700 million deal with the team on December 9th. It’s important to note that this figure doesn’t include the team’s acquisition of pitcher Tyler Glasnow, who later received a five-year, $135 million contract extension.
In a similar fashion, the Yankees made a notable move by acquiring outfielder Juan Soto in early December, a transaction not factored into this spending metric.
While several marquee players, such as Japanese pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga, along with resurgent slugger Cody Bellinger, remain available, the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Cubs have yet to make significant financial commitments in free agency. Despite the potential for changes in the upcoming weeks, it appears likely that the Dodgers will maintain their top spot in spending throughout the offseason.
Moreover, the Dodgers are still in the running for Yamamoto, and if they secure his services, their total spending for the offseason could surpass the unprecedented milestone of $1 billion. As the hot stove continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how the Yankees will navigate the free agency market and if they will join the ranks of the big spenders or continue their frugal approach.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
get rid off cashman that’s why taking yankees money.