New Year, New Deals
2014 saw many star players change teams, including Jon Lester, Pablo Sandoval, and Hanley Ramirez. Sadly though, aces like Max Scherzer and James Shields are still Free Agents. Both men have been pursued by many teams including the Red Sox, Yankees, Giants, and Tigers. Neither men have made up their minds though. With the 2015 season looming, both men are expected to make their decisions fairly soon.
Scherzer, 30, posted an ERA of 3.15 in 2014 as well as winning the Cy Young Award in 2013. Shields, 33, posted a 3.21 ERA in 2014, and is a former All-Star. Both men have great pasts and clearly a lot to offer to many teams, rebuilding or contending. Hopefully, both men retain their leadership roles on contending teams and can put together another great campaign.
Cole Hamels is a stud pitcher. That's known. What is not known is where he will be playing in 2015. Staying in the City of Brotherly Love is always a possibility, but everyone knows that Phillies GM Ruben Amaro would like to trade him for some prospects for the future. Possible destinations include Boston, San Diego, Texas, and St. Louis. Philadelphia wants at least one top prospect in return for the former All-Star, as well as a few more prospects. The Red Sox can offer 2B/OF Mookie Betts. The Padres can offer C Austin Hedges. The Rangers can offer 3B Joey Gallo. The Cardinals can offer a combination of young players like OF Stephen Piscotty or P Carlos Martinez. All of these young guys are surefire prospects and who will get the coveted prize in Hamels is still unknown.
All 4 teams listed are contending teams and will be even better off with Hamels as their ace. Hamels is only 31 still, and is a 3-time All Star. He posted a 2.46 ERA last season, good for the 5th best in the National League. He still as a lot left in the tank and could be the missing link for many teams. Everyone will have to keep an eye on this to see where this ace goes.
A silence on the Hot Stove was broken when power hitting Outfielder and Catcher got traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Houston Astros. Gattis, who is only 28 years old, was spread around the Rumor Mill frequently this offseason after the Braves recent acquisition of C AJ Piersyznski and the breaking out of prospect C Christian Bethancourt. The Braves got a fair haul in return for number 24 in prospects P Michael Foltynewicz, P Andrew Thurman, and 3B Rio Ruiz.
Gattis is a slugger, hitting 21 and 22 homers in his past two seasons. His batting average rose this past season from .243 to .263 this season as well. His improvements at the plate were among the praise Gattis is able to receive with his coming along as an everyday backstop. He placed 7th in Rookie of the Year voting last year with his great play. Gattis is a great add to Houston's young roster.
Editor's Note: Max Scherzer was recently signed by the Nationals to a 7 year, $210 million contract.
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