As the leaves change color and the chill of autumn sets in, the baseball world shifts its focus from the crack of the bat to the sizzle of the hot stove. The 2024-25 MLB offseason is underway, and teams are wasting no time in making bold moves to reshape their rosters in pursuit of October glory. From nine-figure free agent deals to blockbuster trades that send shockwaves through the sport, our experts are here to break down and grade each major transaction.
Royals Double Down on Wacha, Ink Righty to Three-Year Pact
In a surprising turn of events, veteran starter Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals agreed to a new three-year, $51 million contract, mere days after many expected the right-hander to exercise his opt-out clause and test the free agent waters. Wacha, who inked a two-year deal with the Royals last offseason, instead chose to remain in Kansas City, where he played a crucial role in the team’s return to the postseason in 2024.
Once a rookie phenom with the St. Louis Cardinals, Wacha’s career appeared to be on the brink after struggling mightily from 2019 to 2021. However, a resurgence over the past three seasons, including a stellar 2024 campaign in which he started 29 games and posted a 3.30 ERA, has convinced the Royals that the 33-year-old still has plenty left in the tank.
Michael has been a true pillar of our rotation over the past year, and we’re thrilled to have him back in the fold for the foreseeable future.
– Royals General Manager J.J. Picollo
While concerns linger about Wacha’s durability, given his injury history, the Royals are banking on his newfound reliance on a devastating changeup and ability to induce soft contact to continue defying the odds. If he can maintain his recent form, this deal could prove to be a savvy investment for a team looking to keep its playoff-caliber rotation intact.
Grade: B-
Angels Bolster Lineup, Acquire Slugger Soler from Braves
In a move that caught many by surprise, the Los Angeles Angels swung a trade with the Atlanta Braves, acquiring slugger Jorge Soler in exchange for right-hander Griffin Canning. The deal, which came together mere hours after the conclusion of the World Series, marks the first major transaction of the offseason and serves as a clear signal of the Angels’ intent to make noise in 2025.
Soler, who is owed $32 million over the next two seasons, struggled to find a comfortable fit in Atlanta after being acquired from the Giants last summer. With Ronald Acuna Jr. entrenched in right field and Marcell Ozuna locked into the designated hitter role, the Braves were forced to shoehorn Soler into the outfield, a position he is no longer suited to play on a regular basis.
For the Angels, the addition of Soler provides a much-needed influx of power to a lineup that has long struggled to find consistent production beyond superstars Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Just one year removed from a 36-homer campaign with the Marlins, the Angels are betting that the 32-year-old can rediscover his stroke in a full-time DH role.
Jorge is a proven run-producer who will add a new dimension to our offense. We believe his power will translate well to our ballpark and provide a significant boost to our lineup.
– Angels General Manager Perry Minasian
The cost of acquiring Soler, however, may prove steep for an Angels team thin on pitching depth. Canning, despite his middling 5.19 ERA in 2024, made 31 starts for the Halos and figured to be a key piece of their rotation moving forward. With owner Arte Moreno promising to be more aggressive in free agency, the Angels will now be forced to dip into a lackluster pitching market to fill the void.
Braves Grade: C
Angels Grade: D
As the offseason kicks into high gear, one thing is certain: teams are not shying away from making bold moves in their quest for a championship. With a flurry of free agent signings and trades on the horizon, baseball fans are in for a wild ride as the hot stove continues to sizzle. Stay tuned as our experts break down and grade each major move, providing unparalleled insight into the ever-changing landscape of America’s pastime.
Braves Grade: C
Angels Grade: D
As the offseason kicks into high gear, one thing is certain: teams are not shying away from making bold moves in their quest for a championship. With a flurry of free agent signings and trades on the horizon, baseball fans are in for a wild ride as the hot stove continues to sizzle. Stay tuned as our experts break down and grade each major move, providing unparalleled insight into the ever-changing landscape of America’s pastime.
