Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks had a busy off season in the front office and the field. They hired Dave Stewart (former A's pitcher) as their general manager and Chip Hale (former A's bench coach) as their manager. Then they traded for Jeremy Hellickson (a right handed starting pitcher) from the Rays; traded Wade Miley (lefty starter) to the Red Sox for 3 players; and traded Miguel Montero (catcher) to the Cubs for 2 right handers. They also traded Didi Gregorius to the Yankees in a trade that also involved the Detroit Tigers, and they signed Yasmany Tomas whom many beleive to be the next and most impactful Cuban superstar to a six year $68 million deal. They also signed a young Cuban pitcher Yoan Lopez.
Atlanta Braves: The Braves had an interesting off season as they look ahead to 2017 when their new ballpark opens. They have a new GM named John Hart. They traded Jason Hayward to the Cardinals for Tyrell Jenkins and Shelby Miller (two right handed pitchers). This club also traded Justin Upton (star left fielder) and a pitcher to the San Diego Padres for 4 highly touted prospects. Most recently they traded for Manny Baunelos who was once one of the Yankees' top pitching prospects.
Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles only let players sign elsewhere this off season. They let Nelson Cruz sign with the Mariners and Nick Markakis sign with the Braves.
Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox made some splashy moves this off-season. They signed Pablo Sandoval (third basemen) and Hanley Ramirez who they're going to put in left field. They got Ryan Hanigan (a good defensive catcher from the Padres) for third baseman Will Middlebrooks. The Bosox also acquired Wade Miley from Arizona for a trio of players and Rick Porcello from the Tigers for a trio of players headlined by Yoenis Cespedes. Recently, the Redsox won a highly contested battle for 19 year old Cuban sensation Yoan Moncada, who they signed to a six year $63 million contract to cap their busy off season.
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs hired Joe Maddon as their manager. They then traded Justin Ruggiano to the Mariners for a right-handed pitcher. They signed Jon Lester, who was considered the top left handed free agent pitcher, to a six year $155 million deal, as well as Jason Hammel, a right handed starter. Finally, they acquired Miguel Montero (a catcher) from the Diamondbacks. The Cubs also acquired Dexter Fowler from Houston to play center field.
Chicago White Sox: The White Sox made a few big moves this off season. As they watched Paul Konerko retire, they signed Adam Laroache to replace him at 1st base. They also signed David Robertson to close games and Melky Cabrera to play left field. Then they acquired Jeff Samardzia (a right handed starting pitcher) from the Oakland A's for a package of four players that's headlined by Marcus Semien who played baseball at Cal. The South Siders also signed Emilio Bonifacio to be a super utility guy, and they brought back Gordon Beckham to help them with infield depth.
Cincinnati Reds: The Reds were a trading team this off season as they made 3 big trades. They traded Matt Latos (a right handed starting pitcher) to the Marlins for a catcher and a right handed pitcher. Then they sent Alfredo Simon (right handed starting pitcher) to the Tigers for a shortstop and a right handed pitcher. Finally, they acquired Marlon Byrd (left field) from the Phillies for a right handed pitcher.
Cleveland Indians: This off season, the Tribe first signed Gavin Floyd to a deal to improve their rotation. Then they got Brandon Moss (1st basemen) from the A's for Joe Wendle (a second basemen).
Colorado Rockies: The Rockies did nothing big this off season.
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers made a lot of moves this off season. First they resigned Victor Martinez (their DH). Then they traded for Anthony Gose (a center fielder) from the Blue Jays. Then they were involved in a three way trade with the Yankees and Diamondbacks where they got Shane Greene (a starting pitcher) from the Yankees and gave up 2 players to the Diamondbacks. A few days later, they traded Rick Porcello (a good right handed pitcher) to the Red Sox for a trio of players headlined by Yoenis Cespedes (all star left fielder). The next day, the Tigers got Alfredo Simon (starting pitcher) from the Reds for a shortstop and pitcher.
Houston Astros: The rebuilding Astros got Hank Conger (catcher) from the Angels for 2 minor league players. Then they signed 2 relief pitchers who used to play for the A's: Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson. Then they signed Jed Lowrie to play shortstop until Carlos Correa, their top prospect, is ready for the bigs. The Astros also signed Colby Ramsus to patrol the outfield. Another move they made was signing Luis Valbuena to man third. Then, in their biggest move of the off season, they traded 2 young prospects to Atlanta for Evan Gattis, a power hitter who can catch, play left field, DH and probably play first.
Kansas City Royals: The Royals signed Alex Rios and Kendrys Morales to deals this off-season. This club also signed two okay starting pitchers-Edinson Volquez and Chris Young to contracts after losing their ace James Shields to the Padres.
Angels: This off-season, the angels made a few moves. They got Matt Joyce from the Rays to play in the outfield. They also signed Josh Rutledge to battle for 2nd base job vacated by Howie Kendrick who was traded to the Dodgers in exchange for Andrew Heaney (top lefty starting pitching prospect who should be in their rotation right away).
Dodgers: The Dodgers revamped everything this off season. They kept Don Mattingly as manager, but they brought in Andrew Freidmen (formerly with the Rays) as head of baseball operations. Andrew Friedmen hired Farhan Zaldi from the A's to be his GM and together they have reshaped the team. First they got Jimmy Rollins from the Phillies to play shortstop after Hanley Ramirez left for Boston, and they only gave away two pitchers. Then the Dodgers traded Matt Kemp and a catcher to the Padres for another catcher named Yasmani Grandal and two right handed pitchers, one of whom went to the Phillies in the Jimmy Rollins deal. This enables the Dodgers to play their highly touted prospect Joc Pederson in center field. Later, in their third big trade of the off season, this rich club shipped Dee Gorden (2nd basemen), Miguel Rojas (shortstop) and Dan Haren (a pitcher) to the Miami Marlins for LHP Andrew Heaney, RHP Chris Hatcher, second basemen Enrique Hernandez, and Catcher Austin Burnes. Right after that, the Dodgers flipped Andrew Heaney to the crosstown Angels for Howie Kendrick who will play second base. Most recently they signed a guy from Cuba named Hector Olivera who can play both second and third.
Miami Marlins: To start the off season, the Marlins signed the face of their franchise Gincarlo Stanton to a record breaking 13 year $325 million deal. Then they traded third basemen Casey McGhee to the SF Giants for two right handers. After that they traded 2 right handed pitchers--Nathan Evaldi and Domingo German to the Yankees for righty David Phelps and third basemen Martin Prado. The Marlins also acquired Matt Latos from the Reds for a right handed pitcher and a catcher. They signed Ichiro to provide outfield depth and Mike Morse to play first. Lastly, they got Dee Gorden and Dan Haren from the Dodgers for a handful of players.
Milwaukee Brewers; The Brewers were relatively quiet this off-season. The only moves they made were singing Adam Lind to play first and resigning Francisco Rodriguez to close.
Minnesota Twins: This off season, the Twins made a few moves. They brought back Tori Hunter to man right field. The Twins also signed Ervin Santana to bolster their rotation.
New York Mets: The Mets signed Michael Cuddyer to man left field and sometimes 1st base. They also gave their center fielder Juan Lagares a raise.
New York Yankees: The Yankees signed Chris Young to help in the outfield. This club also signed Andrew Miller to help close games out and they resigned Chase Headley to play third. Then the Yankees made two trades. First they acquired Didi Gregorius from the Yankees to replace the legend- number 2 Derek Jeter. They also kept Stephen Drew and Brandon Ryan as backup infielders. After that, they sent Martin Prado to the Marlins in return for a first basemen named Garret Jones and a hard throwing right hander named Nathan Evaldi.
Oakland Athletics: The A's had the busiest off season in the majors. First, in the last few months of 2015, they got Ike Davis from the Pirates to play first base and Billy Butler from the Royals for DH. To make playing time for Ike Davis, the A's traded Brandon Moss to the Cleveland Indians for second basemen Joe Wendle. Then in their 1st big blockbuster trade of the off season, the A's traded their best player Josh Donaldson to the Toronto Blue Jays for four players: third basemen Brett Lawrie, right handed pitcher Kendall Gravemen, left handed pitcher Sean Nolin, and 18 year old shortstop Franklin Barrato. Later in the off-season, Billy Beane pulled off his second blockbuster trade. The A's GM sent right handed pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Michael Ynoa to the Chicago White Sox for four players: catcher Josh Phegley, short stop Marcus Semian, pitcher Chris Bassit and Cuban 1st baseman Rangel Ravello. After the Rockies picked Mark Canha in the rule 5 draft, the A's traded a miner league closer to the Rockies to pick up Mark Canha (power hitting hitter who can play the four corners). A few days later, the A's bartered Derek Norris (catcher) and Seth Striech to the Padres for 2 right handed pitchers: starter Jesse Hahn and reliever RJ Alvarez. In 2015, they started the new year by trading for Ben Zobrist (a swiss army knife) and Yunel Escobar (shortstop) from the Rays for prospect shortstop Daniel Robertson, prospect centerfielder Boog Powell and catcher John Jaso. A few days later they flipped Yunel Escobar to the Nationals for Tyler Clippard who's one of the best set up men in baseball. In spring training the A's signed Barry Zito just to see
what he has left, but Zito didn't make the team.
Phillies: The old and aging Phils didn't do as much reloading and getting younger as their fans hoped. For starters, they still have Cole Hamels and haven't traded him for stud prospects yet, but they have done a few things. They signed Jeff Francour hoping to give him a shot. Then they traded longtime shortstop and Encinal High grad Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers for two pitchers. They also sent lefty reliever Antonio Bastardio to the other ball club in Pennsylvania. Later in the non playing season, they shipped Marlon Byrd (veteran left fielder) to the Reds for another right pitcher.
Pittsburgh Pirates: First the Pirates sent slumping first basemen Ike Davis to Oakland. Then they resigned Francisco Liriano (an important piece to their rotation). After that they acquired Antonio Bastardo (lefty reliever) from the Phils. They also got Francisco Cervalli from the Yanks to catch. Later they got Sean Rodriguez (second base) from the Rays for a ptbnl (player to be named later). Then they made a splash in the Asian International market signing power hitting shortstop Jung Ho Kang from a Korean team. Finally, they bartered outfielder Travis Snider to the Orioles for a couple of players.
San Diego Padres: New GM AJ Preller wanted to change this team and add more power over this off-season and boy did he do that. First, he got Outfielder Matt Kemp and catcher Tim Federowicz from the Dodgers for catcher Yasmani Grandal and two right handed pitchers. Then Preller acquired Derek Norris (catcher) and Seth Striech from the A's in exchange for Jesse Hahn and RJ Alvarez. A few days later, this new GM had a huge day. Preller first traded catcher Rene Rivera, RHP Burch Smith, and first basemen Jake Bauers to the Rays for the big get-outfielder Will Meyers, catcher Ryan Hanigan, and two pitchers--one left and one right. Next he signed Brandon Morrow, a starting pitcher who happened to go to Cal. After that, Preller acquired Superstar power hitter outfielder Justin Upton and a right handed pitcher from the Braves for four highly rated prospects. Then they sent Ryan Hanigan to the Red Sox for third basemen Will Middlebrooks. Next they sent outfielder Seth Smith to Seattle and they got reliever Brandon Maurer. These are all trades, but the Pads also gave out $75 million to James Shields to lead their rotation. To cap off their outstanding off-season, right before opening day, the Padres got Craig Kimbrel (best closer in baseball) and center fielder Melvin Upton Jr (older brother of Justin) from the Braves, but they had to give up centerfielder Cameron Maybin, left fielder Carlos Quientin, another outfielder, and right hander Matt Wisler (one of their top prospects).
SF Giants: The giants signed Justin Maxwell to a minor league contract before spring training and he is on the team. Then they resigned Jake Peavy and Ryan Vogelsong to pitch in their rotation and Sergio Romo to keep their entire bullpen intact. Then after they watched Pablo Sandoval leave in free agency to go to Boston and failed to sign Jon Lester, the Giants traded two right handers to Miami for third basemen Casey McGehee, After Mike Morse left for Miami, the Giants signed Nori Aoki to play left field.
Seattle Mariners: First the Mariners traded reliever Brandon Maurer to San Diego to get outfielder Seth Smith who they're going to play in right field. Seattle also picked up Justin Ruggiano to platoon with Smith in right. Then, to fill the right handed power threat that they desperately need, the Mariners signed slugging outfielder/DH Nelson Cruz to a big contract. After that, they traded outfielder Michael Saunders to Toronto and they picked up J.A. Happ whom they'll slot at the back end of their outstanding rotation led by King Felix. Next they sent a troubled starter Erasmo Ramirez to Tampa for a left handed pitching prospect. The Mariners also signed Ricky Weeks to play in the outfield and at 2nd base.
St. Louis Cardinals: To start the off-season, the Cardinals traded a proven right handed starter Shelby Miller and a right handed pitching prospect Tyrell Jenkins to Atlanta to pick up one of the best defensive right fielders in baseball in Jason Heywerd, along with a good right handed setup man named Jordan Walden. Later, they signed Matt Reynolds to give them some more power.
Texas Rangers: First, after naming Jeff Banister their new chief, they traded Daniel Robertson (outfielder who contributed a lot last year) to the Angels for someone to be named later. Then they resigned Colby Lewis to give them more quality starts. After that signing, Texas traded for a lefty starter named Ross Detwiler who used to be on Washington. They also traded for Carlos Corporon (recently on the Astros) to be the backup catcher. Next, in their biggest move, the Rangers sent three players to the Brewers for Yovani Gallardo who will give them good starts now that Yu Darvish is on the shelf with Tommy John,
Tampa Bay Rays: After watching their manager Joe Madden leave for the windy city to try to turn around the Cubs, and their front office head Andrew Friedmen leave for LA to try to push the Dodgers to World Series champs, the Rays did a bit of remodeling this off season. First, they traded veteran reliever Joel Peralta to the Dodgers. Then they traded established starter Jeremy Hellickson to Arizona in return for a shortstop and outfield prospect. Next they were involved in that big trade with San Diego where they sent Will Meyers, Ryan Hanigan and two other players across the country and they got three players headlined by catcher Rene Rivera. After that they got MLB ready outfielder Steven Souza and another player from Washington. They also traded outfielder/DH Matt Joyce to the LA Angels for hard throwing right handed reliever Kevin Jepsen. Another trade they made was sending utility guy Sean Rodriguez to the Pirates. The last big trade the Rays made was trading second basemen Ben Zobrist and shortstop Yunel Escobar to the A's for top shortstop prospect Daniel Robetson, Jaso, and an outfield prospect.
Toronto Blue Jays: Toronto's first big splash came in a trade with the A's in which they got Josh Donaldson who, with Oakland, had established himself as one of the best third basemen in baseball. In exchange, they had to give up third basemen Brett Lawrie, right handed pitcher Kendall Gravemen, left handed pitcher Sean Nolin, and 18 year old shortstop Franklin Barrato who has a ton of upside. After that they traded centerfielder Anthony Gose to Detroit for young and promising second basemen Devon Travis. Next to go was Adam Lind who plays first base and was traded to Milwaukee for a right handed pitcher. Michael Saunders was acquired by these Jays in a trade with Seattle who got J.A Happ. The Jays also took a chance on strong outfielder Dayan Viciedo and invited him to Spring Training.
Washington Nationals: First, they sent lefty Ross Detwiler to Texas for two players and later outfielder Steven Souza Jr. and another player to Tampa. Then they sent their top reliever and one of the top set up men in baseball Tyler Clippard to the A's for shortstop Yunel Escobar. Later, the Nationals got the biggest coup of all the free agents when they signed electric right handed starter Max Scherzer to a 7 year, $210 million contract. This signing bumps their rotation from good to elite and forces a 15 game winner last year (Tanner Roark) to the bullpen. They also signed Casey Janson, who used to be the closer for Toronto, and the Nationals want to give him a shot to revitalize his career,
Sources: every team's official website (and my memory)
Cleveland Indians: This off season, the Tribe first signed Gavin Floyd to a deal to improve their rotation. Then they got Brandon Moss (1st basemen) from the A's for Joe Wendle (a second basemen).
Colorado Rockies: The Rockies did nothing big this off season.
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers made a lot of moves this off season. First they resigned Victor Martinez (their DH). Then they traded for Anthony Gose (a center fielder) from the Blue Jays. Then they were involved in a three way trade with the Yankees and Diamondbacks where they got Shane Greene (a starting pitcher) from the Yankees and gave up 2 players to the Diamondbacks. A few days later, they traded Rick Porcello (a good right handed pitcher) to the Red Sox for a trio of players headlined by Yoenis Cespedes (all star left fielder). The next day, the Tigers got Alfredo Simon (starting pitcher) from the Reds for a shortstop and pitcher.
Houston Astros: The rebuilding Astros got Hank Conger (catcher) from the Angels for 2 minor league players. Then they signed 2 relief pitchers who used to play for the A's: Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson. Then they signed Jed Lowrie to play shortstop until Carlos Correa, their top prospect, is ready for the bigs. The Astros also signed Colby Ramsus to patrol the outfield. Another move they made was signing Luis Valbuena to man third. Then, in their biggest move of the off season, they traded 2 young prospects to Atlanta for Evan Gattis, a power hitter who can catch, play left field, DH and probably play first.
Kansas City Royals: The Royals signed Alex Rios and Kendrys Morales to deals this off-season. This club also signed two okay starting pitchers-Edinson Volquez and Chris Young to contracts after losing their ace James Shields to the Padres.
Angels: This off-season, the angels made a few moves. They got Matt Joyce from the Rays to play in the outfield. They also signed Josh Rutledge to battle for 2nd base job vacated by Howie Kendrick who was traded to the Dodgers in exchange for Andrew Heaney (top lefty starting pitching prospect who should be in their rotation right away).
Dodgers: The Dodgers revamped everything this off season. They kept Don Mattingly as manager, but they brought in Andrew Freidmen (formerly with the Rays) as head of baseball operations. Andrew Friedmen hired Farhan Zaldi from the A's to be his GM and together they have reshaped the team. First they got Jimmy Rollins from the Phillies to play shortstop after Hanley Ramirez left for Boston, and they only gave away two pitchers. Then the Dodgers traded Matt Kemp and a catcher to the Padres for another catcher named Yasmani Grandal and two right handed pitchers, one of whom went to the Phillies in the Jimmy Rollins deal. This enables the Dodgers to play their highly touted prospect Joc Pederson in center field. Later, in their third big trade of the off season, this rich club shipped Dee Gorden (2nd basemen), Miguel Rojas (shortstop) and Dan Haren (a pitcher) to the Miami Marlins for LHP Andrew Heaney, RHP Chris Hatcher, second basemen Enrique Hernandez, and Catcher Austin Burnes. Right after that, the Dodgers flipped Andrew Heaney to the crosstown Angels for Howie Kendrick who will play second base. Most recently they signed a guy from Cuba named Hector Olivera who can play both second and third.
Miami Marlins: To start the off season, the Marlins signed the face of their franchise Gincarlo Stanton to a record breaking 13 year $325 million deal. Then they traded third basemen Casey McGhee to the SF Giants for two right handers. After that they traded 2 right handed pitchers--Nathan Evaldi and Domingo German to the Yankees for righty David Phelps and third basemen Martin Prado. The Marlins also acquired Matt Latos from the Reds for a right handed pitcher and a catcher. They signed Ichiro to provide outfield depth and Mike Morse to play first. Lastly, they got Dee Gorden and Dan Haren from the Dodgers for a handful of players.
Milwaukee Brewers; The Brewers were relatively quiet this off-season. The only moves they made were singing Adam Lind to play first and resigning Francisco Rodriguez to close.
Minnesota Twins: This off season, the Twins made a few moves. They brought back Tori Hunter to man right field. The Twins also signed Ervin Santana to bolster their rotation.
New York Mets: The Mets signed Michael Cuddyer to man left field and sometimes 1st base. They also gave their center fielder Juan Lagares a raise.
New York Yankees: The Yankees signed Chris Young to help in the outfield. This club also signed Andrew Miller to help close games out and they resigned Chase Headley to play third. Then the Yankees made two trades. First they acquired Didi Gregorius from the Yankees to replace the legend- number 2 Derek Jeter. They also kept Stephen Drew and Brandon Ryan as backup infielders. After that, they sent Martin Prado to the Marlins in return for a first basemen named Garret Jones and a hard throwing right hander named Nathan Evaldi.
Oakland Athletics: The A's had the busiest off season in the majors. First, in the last few months of 2015, they got Ike Davis from the Pirates to play first base and Billy Butler from the Royals for DH. To make playing time for Ike Davis, the A's traded Brandon Moss to the Cleveland Indians for second basemen Joe Wendle. Then in their 1st big blockbuster trade of the off season, the A's traded their best player Josh Donaldson to the Toronto Blue Jays for four players: third basemen Brett Lawrie, right handed pitcher Kendall Gravemen, left handed pitcher Sean Nolin, and 18 year old shortstop Franklin Barrato. Later in the off-season, Billy Beane pulled off his second blockbuster trade. The A's GM sent right handed pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Michael Ynoa to the Chicago White Sox for four players: catcher Josh Phegley, short stop Marcus Semian, pitcher Chris Bassit and Cuban 1st baseman Rangel Ravello. After the Rockies picked Mark Canha in the rule 5 draft, the A's traded a miner league closer to the Rockies to pick up Mark Canha (power hitting hitter who can play the four corners). A few days later, the A's bartered Derek Norris (catcher) and Seth Striech to the Padres for 2 right handed pitchers: starter Jesse Hahn and reliever RJ Alvarez. In 2015, they started the new year by trading for Ben Zobrist (a swiss army knife) and Yunel Escobar (shortstop) from the Rays for prospect shortstop Daniel Robertson, prospect centerfielder Boog Powell and catcher John Jaso. A few days later they flipped Yunel Escobar to the Nationals for Tyler Clippard who's one of the best set up men in baseball. In spring training the A's signed Barry Zito just to see
what he has left, but Zito didn't make the team.
Phillies: The old and aging Phils didn't do as much reloading and getting younger as their fans hoped. For starters, they still have Cole Hamels and haven't traded him for stud prospects yet, but they have done a few things. They signed Jeff Francour hoping to give him a shot. Then they traded longtime shortstop and Encinal High grad Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers for two pitchers. They also sent lefty reliever Antonio Bastardio to the other ball club in Pennsylvania. Later in the non playing season, they shipped Marlon Byrd (veteran left fielder) to the Reds for another right pitcher.
Pittsburgh Pirates: First the Pirates sent slumping first basemen Ike Davis to Oakland. Then they resigned Francisco Liriano (an important piece to their rotation). After that they acquired Antonio Bastardo (lefty reliever) from the Phils. They also got Francisco Cervalli from the Yanks to catch. Later they got Sean Rodriguez (second base) from the Rays for a ptbnl (player to be named later). Then they made a splash in the Asian International market signing power hitting shortstop Jung Ho Kang from a Korean team. Finally, they bartered outfielder Travis Snider to the Orioles for a couple of players.
San Diego Padres: New GM AJ Preller wanted to change this team and add more power over this off-season and boy did he do that. First, he got Outfielder Matt Kemp and catcher Tim Federowicz from the Dodgers for catcher Yasmani Grandal and two right handed pitchers. Then Preller acquired Derek Norris (catcher) and Seth Striech from the A's in exchange for Jesse Hahn and RJ Alvarez. A few days later, this new GM had a huge day. Preller first traded catcher Rene Rivera, RHP Burch Smith, and first basemen Jake Bauers to the Rays for the big get-outfielder Will Meyers, catcher Ryan Hanigan, and two pitchers--one left and one right. Next he signed Brandon Morrow, a starting pitcher who happened to go to Cal. After that, Preller acquired Superstar power hitter outfielder Justin Upton and a right handed pitcher from the Braves for four highly rated prospects. Then they sent Ryan Hanigan to the Red Sox for third basemen Will Middlebrooks. Next they sent outfielder Seth Smith to Seattle and they got reliever Brandon Maurer. These are all trades, but the Pads also gave out $75 million to James Shields to lead their rotation. To cap off their outstanding off-season, right before opening day, the Padres got Craig Kimbrel (best closer in baseball) and center fielder Melvin Upton Jr (older brother of Justin) from the Braves, but they had to give up centerfielder Cameron Maybin, left fielder Carlos Quientin, another outfielder, and right hander Matt Wisler (one of their top prospects).
SF Giants: The giants signed Justin Maxwell to a minor league contract before spring training and he is on the team. Then they resigned Jake Peavy and Ryan Vogelsong to pitch in their rotation and Sergio Romo to keep their entire bullpen intact. Then after they watched Pablo Sandoval leave in free agency to go to Boston and failed to sign Jon Lester, the Giants traded two right handers to Miami for third basemen Casey McGehee, After Mike Morse left for Miami, the Giants signed Nori Aoki to play left field.
Seattle Mariners: First the Mariners traded reliever Brandon Maurer to San Diego to get outfielder Seth Smith who they're going to play in right field. Seattle also picked up Justin Ruggiano to platoon with Smith in right. Then, to fill the right handed power threat that they desperately need, the Mariners signed slugging outfielder/DH Nelson Cruz to a big contract. After that, they traded outfielder Michael Saunders to Toronto and they picked up J.A. Happ whom they'll slot at the back end of their outstanding rotation led by King Felix. Next they sent a troubled starter Erasmo Ramirez to Tampa for a left handed pitching prospect. The Mariners also signed Ricky Weeks to play in the outfield and at 2nd base.
St. Louis Cardinals: To start the off-season, the Cardinals traded a proven right handed starter Shelby Miller and a right handed pitching prospect Tyrell Jenkins to Atlanta to pick up one of the best defensive right fielders in baseball in Jason Heywerd, along with a good right handed setup man named Jordan Walden. Later, they signed Matt Reynolds to give them some more power.
Texas Rangers: First, after naming Jeff Banister their new chief, they traded Daniel Robertson (outfielder who contributed a lot last year) to the Angels for someone to be named later. Then they resigned Colby Lewis to give them more quality starts. After that signing, Texas traded for a lefty starter named Ross Detwiler who used to be on Washington. They also traded for Carlos Corporon (recently on the Astros) to be the backup catcher. Next, in their biggest move, the Rangers sent three players to the Brewers for Yovani Gallardo who will give them good starts now that Yu Darvish is on the shelf with Tommy John,
Tampa Bay Rays: After watching their manager Joe Madden leave for the windy city to try to turn around the Cubs, and their front office head Andrew Friedmen leave for LA to try to push the Dodgers to World Series champs, the Rays did a bit of remodeling this off season. First, they traded veteran reliever Joel Peralta to the Dodgers. Then they traded established starter Jeremy Hellickson to Arizona in return for a shortstop and outfield prospect. Next they were involved in that big trade with San Diego where they sent Will Meyers, Ryan Hanigan and two other players across the country and they got three players headlined by catcher Rene Rivera. After that they got MLB ready outfielder Steven Souza and another player from Washington. They also traded outfielder/DH Matt Joyce to the LA Angels for hard throwing right handed reliever Kevin Jepsen. Another trade they made was sending utility guy Sean Rodriguez to the Pirates. The last big trade the Rays made was trading second basemen Ben Zobrist and shortstop Yunel Escobar to the A's for top shortstop prospect Daniel Robetson, Jaso, and an outfield prospect.
Toronto Blue Jays: Toronto's first big splash came in a trade with the A's in which they got Josh Donaldson who, with Oakland, had established himself as one of the best third basemen in baseball. In exchange, they had to give up third basemen Brett Lawrie, right handed pitcher Kendall Gravemen, left handed pitcher Sean Nolin, and 18 year old shortstop Franklin Barrato who has a ton of upside. After that they traded centerfielder Anthony Gose to Detroit for young and promising second basemen Devon Travis. Next to go was Adam Lind who plays first base and was traded to Milwaukee for a right handed pitcher. Michael Saunders was acquired by these Jays in a trade with Seattle who got J.A Happ. The Jays also took a chance on strong outfielder Dayan Viciedo and invited him to Spring Training.
Washington Nationals: First, they sent lefty Ross Detwiler to Texas for two players and later outfielder Steven Souza Jr. and another player to Tampa. Then they sent their top reliever and one of the top set up men in baseball Tyler Clippard to the A's for shortstop Yunel Escobar. Later, the Nationals got the biggest coup of all the free agents when they signed electric right handed starter Max Scherzer to a 7 year, $210 million contract. This signing bumps their rotation from good to elite and forces a 15 game winner last year (Tanner Roark) to the bullpen. They also signed Casey Janson, who used to be the closer for Toronto, and the Nationals want to give him a shot to revitalize his career,
Sources: every team's official website (and my memory)
