Fansided

MLB Winter Meetings: Five biggest winners

By Joshua Sadlock

Jul 18, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws to first base to check on a runner agaiinst the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws to first base to check on a runner agaiinst the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) hits an RBI sacrifice ground ball against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) hits an RBI sacrifice ground ball against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Ian Desmond

Ian Desmond? To the Rockies? To play first base? Yeah, right?

No, really. Ian Desmond signed with the Colorado Rockies for five years and $70 million to play first base. It’s a move almost no one saw coming, but it couldn’t be a better deal or landing spot for Desmond.

Desmond famously turned down a long extension with the Washington Nationals back when he was still playing shortstop. Then he struggled in his walk year and was forced to take a pillow contract with the Texas Rangers and learn how to play outfield on the fly. Luckily for Desmond, he was able to rebound offensively and showcased good athleticism at a new position. That allowed him to earn the long-term deal he’d been seeking.

As a player who bet on himself and turned down an extension rumored to be approaching $100 million, this has to feel great for Desmond. It’s still unclear whether the Rockies are serious about their desire to play him at first base, as they could trade Charlie Blackmon or Carlos Gonzalez and put Desmond back in the outfield. Either way, he has a new home for the next five years and gets the chance to hit in one of the most potent lineups in the league. Something tells me Desmond’s career-high of 25 home runs will be taken down in a big way at Coors Field.

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