With the conclusion of the 2015 MLB season, we have now come to one of the most interesting parts of the MLB: The off-season. This is a time where fans wait in anticipation to see whether their teams make good deals, sign free agents and make final cuts. So far we have seen a very entertaining off-season with numerous acquisitions and total spending budget of $1.6 billion, which tops even the new Star Wars box office number at $1.2 billion. So, with that being said, let’s take a look at which teams have had the best off-season this year.
- Chicago Cubs
The Cubbies have made the best moves possible this off-season. They acquired the top outfielder available in Jason Heyward, who they stole away from their arch rival the St. Louis Cardinals. Heyward is very valuable on the defensive side of the ball ranking in the top 5 for best defensive fielding percentage in the game over the last 3 seasons. They also picked up the jack of all trades in Ben Zobrist. Zobrist can play almost anywhere on the field and he can do it well at each place. They also acquired 3 quality pitchers in John Lackey, Trevor Cahill and Adam Warren to help reinforce an already deadly rotation.
- Atlanta Braves
The Braves had a terrible 2015, finishing second to last in their division pulling ahead of only the Phillies. Just a few years ago they were a favorite to win the division, but they traded away so many players to help boost this farm system. Many think that the winners are the teams who go out and get that top of the line free agent, but I beg to differ, sometimes it’s the team that sells. The Braves did this perfectly. Trading away Shelby Miller and getting a group of minor leaguers including the 2015 first pick in shortstop Dansby Swanson. The Braves now have the number 1 rated farm system in the game and are prepared for their future.
- Detroit Tigers
The Tigers had a streak of seasons where they were on top of the AL Central, but were dethroned by the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers however; have had a decent off season. They have made 2 key additions that can help them win in 2016. Jordan Zimmerman is a former National who was an anchor in their rotation for the last 5 years, in 1 year he was even a top 5 in Cy Young voting. Another is the addition of Justin Upton who is one of the best young power hitters in the game.
With all of that being said, I think that each of these teams will have a successful 2016.
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