MLB Hot Stove: 5 Under-the-Radar Moves That Will Make a Difference
By Stephen Igoe
With the MLB Hot Stove dying down, we look at five moves that will make a big difference in 2015.
Moves surrounding the likes of Jon Lester, Matt Kemp and others have stolen the headlines on the MLB hot stove this offseason, but there have been other key transactions as well. What are five under-the-radar moves that will make a difference?
Jason Hammel (Chicago Cubs)
The inking of Jon Lester made the big headlines this offseason for the Cubs, but the re-signing of Hammel – who spent the first half of last season in Chicago – was also vital. The veteran 32-year-old right hander pitched great for the Cubs before being shipped off to Oakland near the trade deadline last year, posting a 2.98 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in his first 17 starts of the seasons.
Hammel struggled a bit in Oakland (his ERA rocketed to 4.26 and he won just two times in 12 starts), but he now returns to the more pitcher-friendly National League in a place where he’s proven he can have success.
The Cubs signed him to a two-year contract for $20 million with a club option for a third year, not a bad deal for a middle-of-the-rotation arm. Hammel doesn’t have to be the ace in Chicago, but he’s another valuable piece to a team that’s hoping to turn things around.
Howie Kendrick (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Although Kendrick isn’t an under-the-radar name, the trade that sent him cross town from the Angels to the Dodgers didn’t receive as much buzz as it probably should have. Kendrick has been one of the more durable and consistent hitters in the American League since taking over the Angels’ second base job in 2009.
He’s hit .279 or above and played in at least 105 games over the last six seasons, and he should slot in near the top of the Dodger lineup immediately. With Kendrick working alongside former all-star Jimmy Rollins up the middle, the combo should give LA a solid middle-of-the-infield defense.
Although Kendrick is only under contract for this coming season, the Dodgers made a good move bringing in a veteran and consistent bat that should provide stability at a key position for a team that should contend again in 2015.
Justin Masterson (Boston Red Sox)
The Masterson deal makes a lot of sense for both sides. The one-year contract gives him a chance to turn a potential bounce back season into a multi-year deal next offseason, while the Red Sox won’t be on the hook for much if Masterson can’t find the same success that elevated him to posting solid numbers in the majority of his time in Cleveland.
A drop in velocity attributed to some of his issues last season, when he was lit up between his time with the Indians and Cardinals (Masterson gave up 10 hits per every nine innings and posted a combined ERA of 5.88 in 25 starts).
Still just 29 years of age and in the middle of what should be his prime, Masterson could enjoy a resurgence in Boston, the place he started his career at. He figures to slot in towards the back half of the Red Sox starting rotation, so the pressure won’t be on him too much in the early part of the season as he attempts to regain his earlier form.
Kris Medlen (Kansas City Royals)
Less than two years ago, Medlen was one of the more promising arms in baseball. But Tommy John surgery put a damper on a stellar 2013 season and cut short his career with the Braves. The result? The Royals get what could be a very valuable piece at a decent rate.
Sure, there’s some risk involved in the two-year, $8.5 million contract with a mutual option for the 2017 season. Medlen may not ever return to the level he pitched to when he posted dominant numbers in 2013 (1.57 ERA in 50 games) and 2014 (3.11 ERA in 31 starts).
But the right-hander provides some versatility. He brings bullpen and starting experience to a pitching staff that heads into the season with five solid starters. Medlen isn’t expected to be ready to go by the start of the season, but he could be a nice addition to the Royals for the second half of the year – almost like a trade deadline acquisition, but without having to give up anything except cash.
Michael Saunders (Toronto Blue Jays)
The Saunders move may not have seemed like a lot on the surface, but it’s a great fit for the Blue Jays for a number of reasons. Yes, Toronto had to part ways with a solid veteran pitcher in J.A. Happ in the swap with the Mariners, but they could afford it with the tremendous amount of rotation depth here.
By not resigning Melky Cabrera, there was a big hole in the outfield in next year’s lineup. Saunders fills that with much better defense and a solid bat at a bargain rate compared to what Cabrera could’ve been resigned for.
Saunders’ career numbers offensively aren’t that impressive on paper. He’s just a .231 career hitter with an OPS of .685, but he never really got a legitimate shot with Seattle due to injuries and other factors. In 2014, Saunders posted some of his best offensive numbers over 78 games, turning in a .273 batting average, a .341 on-base percentage and a career-best .791 OPS.
If he can stay healthy this coming season with the Blue Jays, there’s no reason to believe Saunders can’t sustain those numbers over a full season in a much more hitter-friendly park. Combine that with his ability to play all three outfield spots at an above-average level (Saunders posted an 8.9 UZR last season compared to Cabrera’s -7.1), and his return home to his native Canada, and there’s no reason Saunders can’t be another impact bat in an already-impressive Toronto lineup.