Inside the Clubhouse: 6 winners and losers of MLB offseason

6 winners and losers of the 2023 MLB offseason

Winner: Texas Rangers

The signings of superstar ace Jacob deGrom and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi have a lot to do with the Rangers being an offseason winner. The rotation was their biggest weakness this winter and they addressed that need in a big way, spending a combined $219 million on both pitchers (with the potential for more if each of their options is exercised).

But it’s the hiring of Bruce Bochy as manager that cemented their status among the offseason winners.

Hiring Bochy, 67, out of retirement is not the same as when the White Sox hired Tony La Russa a couple of years ago. Bochy is only a few seasons removed from managing the Giants and is among the most respected people in the game.

“Best in-game manager of our time,” a rival major-league coach said. “I think he is a baseball savant. Players all love him. Great for the game. But DH game is much different there’s less strategy. … How will he adjust?”

It remains to be seen. But with an upgraded pitching staff and an offense that should improve in 2023, Bochy figures to contend for a postseason spot in his first season with the Rangers.