WELCOME, Ball Boys and GIRLS! We did it; we made it through the most prolonged work stoppage in MLB History. MLB pushed opening day back, and we will still get 162 day season! The free agency still hasn't taken off; at the time of writing this, Freddie Freeman, Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Kris Bryant, Seiya Suzuki, among others, are still mulling offers.
Dan-o's seasoning is a proud, loyal, and just great blog partner. Use my code "ballboy" when you go and buy some of that NEW Hot Chipotle seasoning! Click here.
You can view all of the previous Justify That Contract rounds by clicking here.
Let's jump into the signings and rumors from 3/12
RHRP Steve Cishek, 1yr, $1.75MM, Nationals
I'm still a very productive reliever; I think the Nationals might have made the play for a guy with upside, cheap deal, and trade him mid-year. I wouldn't doubt it, honestly. However, the deal is good. I give it a B- and justified.
The Twins and Rangers made a deal that INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the Twins for C Mitch Garver going to the Rangers. MiLB Pitcher Ronny Henriquez also went to MIN as part of the deal.
The first trade under the new CBA went down, and on paper, it looks perfect for both sides. The Rangers clear up the log-jam at SS/3B now after trading IKF and got an excellent catcher in Garver back to help the stars have a reliable bat in the lineup. I'm a fan of the deal initially, with more to come. Overall the Rangers get a B+ and the Twins get a B+.
LHP Yusei Kikuchi, 3yr, $36MM, Tor Blue Jays
When Robbie Ray and Yusei switch teams, the deal is that he declined in Seattle. Both teams have about the same chance at a world series. I think that Kikuchi knew that Seattle wasn't it for him, he never really put it together, and he needed out. He will be the third man up for the Jays after Gausman and Berrios, but hey, that works. I gave the signing a B+ and justified.
C Kurt Suzuki, 1yr, $1.75MM, LA Angels
Not much to make of the deal here. Keep the vet around for backup and help the pitching staff. I gave the deal a C+ and justified it.
The Mets and the Athletics made a deal that sent RHP Chris Bassitt to the NYM for pitching prospects JT Ginn and Adam Oller heading to Oakland.
The first move of the fire sale happened in Oakland, moving Bassist for youth and confirming the signaling of the complete teardown and rebuild coming. I honestly like the deal for the Mets, who are in win-now in a very winnable NL East with their improved pitching staff. I give the Mets a B- and the A's a B. Justified.
RHRP Joe Kelly, 2yr, $24MM, CHI White Sox
The Chi Sox are going for it with the back end of their pen featuring Kimbrel, Hendricks, Graveman, and now Kelly. It will be hard for opposing teams to win late in games. I give the deal an A- for the swag alone that Kelly brings. Justified.
SS Jose Iglesias, 1yr, $5MM, COL Rockies
The Rockies needed a bridge SS and got theirs in Iglesias. It's not the worst move; I don't think so, at least. It's cheap; I like the potential for Iglesias to play in Col and rebound nicely. C+
UTL Josh Harrison, 1yr+ 1 club option, $5.5, CHI White Sox
The Chi Sox needed a Utility man who played a strong 2B and got theirs in Harrison. The veteran leadership's previous record of winning teams gave this deal an A in my book and justified.
C Luke Maile, 1yr, $900K, Clv Guardians
Who doesn't want to be a Guardian? Like, come on now. It's a depth and veteran signing to compliment the young, high upside staff. I give the deal a C. Justified.
UTL Niko Goodrum, 1yr, $2.1MM, Hou Astros
Another utility signing is Goodrum, who for the Astros is a good fit. Goodrum is on the right side of 30, has shown promise, and could be another Toro for the team who can play all over the INF and be a sneaky good fit. I like it, B- and justified.
RHRP Jeurys Familia, 1yr, $6MM, Phi Phillies
I remember when Familia dominated for the Mets, Diaz came to town, and Familia just lost the value he had. He wasn't the same, and I think staying in the NL East was very smart of Familia, and then leaving NY for the Phillies could be a huge difference-maker. Overall, please give me a C+ with the potential of a B. Justified
RHRP Alex Colome, 1yr, $, Col Rockies
I still don't have the money for this deal, but Colome gets a chance to go back to the 9th inning role with the Rockies. He might not get used much in, but hey, it's a shot, and the Rockies will pay to get guys in the door. I give the deal at best a C. Justified
Some rumors from Saturday 3/12
The Marlins and Padres are in on a trade for Pirates OF Bryan Reynolds
INF Jonathan Villar turned $6.5mil down from Toronto Bluejays. Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs, Mariners