Baseball’s Quiet Off Season Deals Have Made Much Noise For Some Teams So Far In 2016

Fans have had over eight weeks now to evaluate the progress of the headline transactions their teams made during the off season. As is always the case, some deals have started to pay off, while others so far look to be mistakes.

Obviously San Francisco fans are happy with the signing of pitcher Johnny Cueto, who is currently 8-1 with a 2.31 earned run average and a league leading three complete games. White Sox fans are no doubt pleased with newcomer Todd Frazier, who leads the American League in home runs.

On the flip side, the first place Cubs must be somewhat disappointed with their biggest free agent signing, outfielder Jason Heyward. The former Cardinal is hitting just .220 with one home run, but somehow Chicago has been able to stay in first place in spite of Heyward’s below average performance.

Perhaps the biggest difference makers are those guys whose move from one team to another went virtually unnoticed over the winter. Too often, people seem to overlook the positive contributions made by the players who were acquired in less publicized deals.

One example is David Freese of the Pirates, who have managed to stay in contention even though some of their regular players have underperformed. Freese has helped replace some of that lost offense for Pittsburgh, batting .296 and providing versatility in the infield at third and first.

Jean Segura, who was traded from Milwaukee last winter, has served as a great table setter for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is batting .308 while providing versatility in the infield at shortstop and second base.

Also traded from the Brewers was Kris Davis, who has been a boon to Oakland. He gives the Athletics power out of the outfield and designated hitter spots in the order, as his fourteen home runs are second most in all of baseball.

Long time St. Louis outfielder Jon Jay, has found new life in San Diego. In his first few months with the Padres, Jay is hitting .280 and leading the club in batting and doubles to become one of the top leadoff hitters in the National League.

Ian Desmond was signed as a free agent by the Texas Rangers on Leap Day, and he has been even better than expected. While making the transformation from shortstop to the outfield, Desmond has managed to hit .300 with some clutch production for the defending champions of the A.L. West.

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