MLB Transactions Round Up

The RS Freshmen take a look at the flurry of transactions that transpired in a busy weekend in the MLB.

The Nationals signed SP Dan Haren on December 7.

Dan Haren, SP – Washington Nationals – Signed, 1 year, $13 million

The Nationals signed Haren to add to an impressive rotation which already includes Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmerman. While Haren, 32, is certainly on the decline in his career, he should prove to be a capable replacement for Edwin Jackson. Back issues and a career-high ERA certainly hampered Haren's value after the Angels declined his option for 2013, but if Haren is anything like his 2008-2011 self (3.39 ERA, 1.11 WHIP), the Nationals may well have a bargain in an experienced NL pitcher who could excel in the back end of the rotation.

Ryan Ludwick, LF – Cincinnati Reds – Resigned, 2 year, $15 million

The 34-year-old was rewarded for a terrific 2012 season, earning a two year deal with the Reds after playing for 4 teams in last 3 seasons. Now expected to start in LF, Ludwick hit .275/.346/.531 and 26 HRs in 2012, which is his best figure since the 37 he hit during his career year in 2008 in St. Louis. Ludwick figures to have another decent year at the plate hitting in a potent Reds' lineup.

Jason Bay, OF – Seattle Mariners – Signed, 1 year, $1 million

This move has likely been forgotten by anyone outside of the Pacific Northwest, even if it happened just three days ago. Bay had by far his worst season as a major leaguer in 2012, as his BA was south of the Mendoza Line and his OBP and SLG were both sub-.300. So how can this move help the Mariners, one of the worst hitting teams in the AL? It likely won't, unless Bay somehow manages to find his pre-Mets era form. With such a small price tag, it's a fairly low-risk move for Seattle who will be banking on the virtues of a fresh start and a return (closer) to home for the 34-year-old B.C. native.

Young is now a Philly after a 13-year career in Texas.

Michael Young – Philadelphia Phillies – Traded for Josh Lindblom and Lisalverto Bonilla

Ron Washington's loyalty to Young last season was admirable, bold and likely misguided. After a 13-year career in Arlington, Young chose to void his no-trade clause, deciding on a starting role in Philly over what was likely going to be a platoon role in Texas. Young is anything but; he is 36 and coming off a season in which he had some of the worst hitting statistics of his career as an everyday player. It will be interesting to see if Young can find his 2011 form (.338/.380/.474) or if last season's poor showing is a sign of a great career nearing it's end.

James Shields – Kansas City Royals – Seven player trade 

The Rays made one of the biggest deals of the offseason, acquiring the Royals top prospect, OF Wil Myers, in exchange for pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis. The Royals now have a solid rotation with Shields as their ace ahead of last season's acquisition Jeremy Guthrie and this offseason's free agent Ervin Santana, as well as Bruce Chen and Davis. The Royals' improvements on the mound came at the cost of dealing their prized prospect Wil Myers who was Baseball America's minor league player of the year last season. The 21-year-old hit .314/.387/.600 combined in 35 Double-A and 99 Triple-A games, and will likely start in Tampa's outfield alongside Desmond Jennings and Matt Joyce.

Greinke is staying put in Southern California,
just not with the Angels.

Zack Greinke – Los Angeles Dodgers – Signed, 6 year, $147 million

The Dodgers continue to spend money like it's going out of style. Magic Johnson and Co. made Greinke the highest paid righty in MLB history, and the second-wealthiest pitcher overall behind the Yankees' C.C. Sabathia. This deal will certainly test the theory that Greinke is better suited as a small-market pitcher due to his struggles with social anxiety disorder and depression. Greinke will likely be sandwiched in the Dodgers' rotation by young ace Clayton Kershaw and either Josh Beckett or newcomer Hyun-jin Ryu. The deal is rumoured to be confirmed today.

Hyun-jin Ryu – Los Angeles Dodgers – Signed, 6 years, $36 million

Los Angeles came to an agreement with South Korean lefty Ryu that came just within the 30-day exclusive negotiation window that cost the Dodgers $25.7 million. Ryu is 25 years old and a 7-time All Star in the KBO. His rookie season was legendary; he is the KBO's first and only player to ever win the MVP and rookie of the year in the same year, and did so while earning the pitching Triple Crown. Since then Ryu has experienced great international success including Olympic Gold in 2008, WBC Silver in 2009 and Gold in the 2010 Asian Games. Here is MLB Tonight's take on Ryu after news broke that the Dodgers had won his negotiation rights.