Recapping Monday’s Signings and Trades

The hot stove has been quite active the last few days as teams are working hard to fill out their rosters as spring training is officially underway and opening day is creeping closer. Monday produced a pair of big trades and two former Pirates agreed to deals with new clubs.

Braves acquire 1B Matt Olson from the A’s for OF Cristian Pache, C Shea Langleiers, and RHPs Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes

The definition of a blockbuster in every sense of the word, the Braves seemingly officially moved on from first baseman Freddie Freeman after acquiring Olson. Olson was an All-Star last year, posting a .911 OPS and blasting 39 bombs. He was eighth in the MVP race.

The A’s get a group of four intriguing prospects. Pache is a highly-regarded center fielder, especially defensively, and Langeliers was the ninth pick in the 2019 draft. Cusick is a hard-throwing right-hander who was the Braves first-rounder a year ago. Estes comes with upside too.

Mariners acquire OF Jesse Winker and 3B Eugenio Suarez from the Reds for LHP Brandon Williamson, OF Jake Fraley, RHP Justin Dunn and a PTBNL

The Mariners added two big bats to their lineups as the team looks to snap their postseason drought. Winker was an All-Star for the first time in his career last season. He hit .305 with a .949 OPS with 32 doubles and 24 home runs in 110 games. The Reds wanted to part with Suarez’s $35M left on his contract after he managed an OPS+ of just 80, but did blast 31 home runs.

Williamson is the prize in this trade, as he’s a top 100 prospect on both Baseball America and Fangraphs. Fraley and Dunn both project to crack the Reds opening day roster and will contribute in 2022.

Brewers sign OF Andrew McCutchen to a one-year deal; Rockies sign RHP Chad Kuhl to a one-year $3M deal

Pittsburgh Baseball Now broke down these signings on Monday – McCutchen and Kuhl.

Phillies sign LHP Brad Hand to a one-year $6M deal

The Phillies strengthened their bullpen with the addition of Hand, who split time between three teams a season ago. He finished with a 3.90 ERA/4.58 FIP across just shy of 65 innings. Hand has been named an All-Star three times in his 11-year career, all in three consecutive years from 2017-19.

Giants sign Jakob Junis to a one-year $1.75 deal

The Giants added more pitching depth In Junis who had spent his entire career with the Kansas City Royals. For his career, Junis has a 4.82 ERA/4.74 FIP, so the Giants have another reclamation project on their hands.

On Tuesday morning, the Pirates got things started with a pair of signings. Check back tomorrow for a recap of all the day’s moves that go down.