The previous week on MLB centered on a pair of teams in the National League West making upgrades to their roster and another NL squad adding depth to their starting rotation.
Dodgers Acquire Forsythe From Rays
The Los Angeles Dodgers had been seeking to add a second baseman and have found someone they believe will be a great fit in 2017.
They acquired second baseman Logan Forsythe from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jose De Leon.
Today, the #Dodgers acquired infielder Logan Forsythe from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for RHP José De León.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 24, 2017
Forsythe fills a significant need in the Dodgers’ lineup. He is a major upgrade over Enrique Hernandez, who would have been their starting second baseman.
The Dodgers were talking with the Minnesota Twins about a possible deal for Brian Dozier, but the two clubs couldn’t reach an agreement.
Forsythe lacks the power that Dozier would’ve provided, but he isn’t a bad second option.
He posted a .264 average and .778 OPS in 127 games with 20 home runs, 52 RBI and 76 runs scored last season for the Rays.
The infielder is a quality hitter with some pop and isn’t expensive. He will earn $7 million in 2017, and there is a $8.5 million club option in 2018, which includes a $1 million buyout.
The Dodgers didn’t give up too much in the deal. They have a plethora of young arms in the pipeline.
Julio Urias made his MLB debut in 2017, while Yadier Alvarez, Walker Buehler, and Jordan Sheffield are showing potential.
The Dodgers dealt from a position of strength and Forsythe is a solid addition to their team.
Rockies Ink Holland To One-Year Deal
The Colorado Rockies have signed reliever Greg Holland to a one-year with an option for a second year, per Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.
Source: Greg Holland’s deal with the Rockies is one year, $7M guaranteed. Non-closing incentives take it to $10M. Could get $14M as closer.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 25, 2017
The contract will pay Holland a guaranteed $7 million for 2017, including non-closing incentives that can increase the deal to $10 million and closer incentives that could total up to $14 million.
Holland missed the entire 2016 campaign due to him recovering from Tommy John surgery. He was an All-Star reliever with the Kansas City Royals before the operation.
There is some risk involved, but the move is logical for the Rockies. Holland was one of the best closers in MLB from 2013-14 and will be a huge bargain if he flashes his dominant form.
Holland isn’t the only option the Rockies have for a closer, as Jake McGee and Adam Ottavino will be in the mix as well.
The Rockies are a team that could surprise some people in 2017. They have a potent lineup and if their pitching holds up, makes them a legitimate contender.
Cubs Reach A Deal with Anderson
The Chicago Cubs have added depth to their starting rotation, by reaching a deal with Brett Anderson, per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Sources: Brett Anderson has deal with #Cubs, pending physical. Impressed club during recent bullpen session in Arizona.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 24, 2017
Rosenthal mentions the signing won’t be finalized until Anderson passes a physical.
The deal is worth $3.5 million, and incentives can increase the amount to $10 million, per Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.
Source: Brett Anderson’s deal with the Chicago Cubs is for $3.5M, should he pass his physical. Incentives can take it up to $10M.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 24, 2017
Anderson has been hampered by injuries throughout his career and made just four appearances (three starts) last season for the Dodgers as he was recovering from back surgery.
The previous season Anderson stayed healthy and compiled solid numbers. He had a 3.69 ERA in 180.1 innings.
The left-hander proved to be a quality pitcher when he avoids spending time on the disabled list.
Anderson can give the Cubs some depth in the back-end portion of the starting rotation as they look to have a successful 2017 season.
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- Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.
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