MLB Insider: Breaking down 6 recent free-agent contracts

Yu-Cheng Chang, Boston Red Sox

Free-agent infielder Yu Chang and the Boston Red Sox agreed to a one-year, $850,000 contract, according to a source. The deal includes $50,000 each for 350, 400, 450 plate appearances.

The need for Chang, 27, became evident once the Red Sox lost Trevor Story for most, if not all, of the 2023 season. They added Adalberto Mondesi from the Kansas City Royals, but Chang provides more depth in the infield.

In four career seasons, Chang is hitting .213/.279/.360 with 14 home runs and 61 RBI. He can play first, second and third bases.

Jimmy Nelson, Los Angeles Dodgers

Free-agent pitcher Jimmy Nelson and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million contract, according to a source.

Here’s a breakdown of the contract, which comes with complex incentives, per source:

• $300,000 each for a relief appearance of 3 or fewer innings (35, 40, 45, 50).
• $400,000 each for relief appearance of 3 or fewer innings (55, 60).
• $250,000 each for 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 points (a point is equal to a relief appearance of 3.1 or more innings).
• $500,000 each for 22, 24 26, 28, 30 points (a point is equal to a relief appearance of 3.1 or more innings).

Nelson last pitched in MLB with the Dodgers back in 2021, making 28 appearances with a 1.86 ERA that season.