MLB Weekly Digest November 25th Edition: White Sox Sign Grandal

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The last week in MLB was about a team in the American League making moves in the offseason, and a club in the National League bolsters their bullpen.

Chicago White Sox Sign Catcher Yasmani Grandal to Four-Year Deal

The Chicago White Sox made a big move in the offseason a couple of days ago when they signed catcher Yasmani Grandal to a four-year, $73-million contract, per a team announcement.

OFFICIAL: The #WhiteSox have agreed to terms on a four-year, $73-million contract with free agent All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal (@YazmanianDVL08). Under terms of the agreement, Grandal will receive $18.25 million per year from 2020-2023. pic.twitter.com/dczzZo8UTE

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) November 21, 2019

The deal includes full no-trade protection next season and limited no-trade protection from 2021-23, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Grandal, in his four-year, $73M free-agent deal with the #WhiteSox, gets full no-trade protection next season and limited no-trade protection from 2021-23.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 21, 2019

Grandal was the premiere catcher available in free agency as he’s coming off a solid 2019 campaign with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The switch-hitting catcher posted a .246 batting average and .848 OPS in 153 games with 26 doubles, 28 home runs, and 77 RBIs.

The signing of Grandal provides the White Sox with depth as they have James McCann on the roster as well.

McCann had a great season last year for the White Sox as he was selected as an All-Star for the first time, compiling a .273 average in 118 games.

Grandal gives his new MLB team an added dimension of versatility as he can also play first base.

The White Sox plan to play Grandal several days a week at catcher while rotating him at first base and DH, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.

The #Whitesox plan to play Yasmani Grandal several days a week at catcher while also rotating him at first base and DH

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 21, 2019

The addition of Grandal was a terrific move by the White Sox as they have a solid all-around catcher, and hopefully, it will lead to the MLB team competing for a playoff spot next year.

Chicago White Sox Ink First Baseman Jose Abreu to Three-Year Contract

The Chicago White Sox remained active this past week as they signed first baseman Jose Abreu to a three-year, $50-million contract, per a team announcement.

OFFICIAL: The #WhiteSox and José Abreu have agreed to terms on a three-year, $50-million contract. pic.twitter.com/imKamyV8rD

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) November 22, 2019

Abreu did accept the team’s one-year, $17.8-million qualifying offer last week, but that deal has been replaced with the new multi-year contract.

Abreu was outstanding for the White Sox in 2019 as he accumulated a .284 batting average and .834 OPS in 159 games with 180 hits, 85 runs scored, 38 doubles, 33 home runs, and leading the American League with 123 RBIs.

The first baseman has been a reliable run-producer as he’s tallied 100 or more RBIs in five of his first six seasons.

Abreu, along with the addition of Grandal, gives the White Sox a powerful combination in the lineup.

The White Sox have shown early in the offseason they’re willing to spend money to improve the roster, and it will be interesting to see what other moves they make.

Atlanta Braves Sign Reliever Chris Martin to Two-Year Deal

The Atlanta Braves have signed reliever Chris Martin to a two-year, $14-million contract, per a team announcement.

#Braves Sign RHP Chris Martin: pic.twitter.com/6VV4IfsEjk

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 20, 2019

Martin finished last season with the Braves after they acquired him at the trade deadline from the Texas Rangers for left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard.

Martin compiled a 3.40 ERA in 55 2/3 innings pitched (58 games) with 65 strikeouts, five walks issued, nine home runs surrendered, and a 3.25 FIP split between both teams.

The Braves have emphasized improving their bullpen this offseason, and as in addition to signing Martin, they have added relievers Darren O’Day and Will Smith to the team.

The combination of Mark Melancon, Smith, Martin, and Shane Greene will earn over $40 million next season, per Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

#Braves are investing in their bullpen: Over $40 million for Melancon (14), Smith (13), Martin (7) and Greene (*6.5).

— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) November 20, 2019

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

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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