Nate McLouth has signed a two year deal for a total of $10.75 million. McLouth served as the Orioles' left fielder for all of 2013 but will now transition to a bench role in Washington. The Nationals were lacking a playable backup outfielder on their roster and McLouth fills the void perfectly. He should be able to fill in for injuries and pinch hit. In recent years, McLouth's power has drained and his batting average has topped at .258 and as a result, McLouth hasn't been a very productive run producer. On the other hand, his glove is solid and he even came in fourth in left field range factor in 2014. The 32 year old may be too old to provide essential run support but he can still fill in as a stable 4th outfielder. Expect the gradual slide in value to continue in 2014 and beyond.
Fantasy Impact - McLouth should not be drafted in most formats because he won't receive enough playing time. If one of Washington's outfielder is out, McLouth could provide decent stolen base numbers (He stole 30 last season). 

Predictions - .245, 44 R, 5 HR, 35 RBI, 20 BB, 35 K, 12 SB

For more info on the signing see: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/was/nationals-finalize-two-year-deal-with-outfielder-nate-mclouth?ymd=20131206&content_id=64456248&vkey=news_was

Image citations in order of page: http://www.pressboxonline.com/2013/10/03/who-will-be-orioles-left-fielder-in-2014

Robinson Cano has signed a 10 year deal worth a staggering $240 million. Cano has thrived with the Yankees since being called up in 2005. Since then, he has averaged 24 home runs a season along with a .309 batting average. Currently in the midst of the weakest second base class in years, Cano represents the best player on the market. Seattle is now devoting more than half of its payroll into two players on the team (Cano and Felix Hernandez). While many question his power in Safeco Field, someone with Cano's ability will not be repressed by the outfield walls. The ten year commitment will have him playing for Seattle until the year 2023 when he will be 40 years old. He is a cornerstone player and has the ability to alter the state of Seattle baseball for many years to come. 

Fantasy Impact - Robinson Cano should be a first round pick in any draft; especially because the second base depth is very weak this year. An MVP, Silver Slugger, and Golden Glove candidate every year; don't let Cano slip past the first ten picks. Not to mention the fact that Cano is leaving the more challenging AL East for the pitching-starved AL West. 

Predictions - .310, 92 R, 26 HR, 96 RBI, 64 BB, 80 K, 6 SB

For more info on the signing see: http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2013/12/6/5179994/robinson-cano-mariners-contract

Image citations in order of page: http://www.komonews.com/sports/Robinson-Cano-dumps-agent-Scott-Boras-for-Jay-Z-company-201086941.html

Ronald Belisario has signed a one year deal with the Chicago White Sox for $3 million. The inconsistent reliever made his debut with the Dodgers in 2009 and has a career 3.29 ERA over 265 innings. Because he was non-tendered by the Dodgers earlier this winter, he is eligible for arbitration again in 2015 and 2016. Belisario has a plus fastball that hovers around 94 mph and also features a strong sinker and slider. Back in 2011, Belisario was stranded in Venezuela because of cocaine possession and was suspended for a part of 2012 as well. He still has the chance to become a good set-up man if he can keep out of trouble and hone his walk rate down to about 3BB/9. Entering his age 31 season, Belisario should act as a key reliever in the White Sox bullpen.

Fantasy Impact - Belisario has a small chance of seeing any saves because of the numerous other relievers in the Chicago bullpen. Therefore, he is not fantasy relevant.

Predictions - 3-2, 61 IP, 55 H, 25 ER, 24 BB, 55 K (3.69 ERA, 1.30 WHIP)

For more info on the signing see: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/05/white-sox-ink-ronald-belisario-to-one-year-3-million-contract/

Image citations in order of page: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-2013-players-move-ronald-belisario-20131018,0,4741507.photo

Rafael Furcal has signed a one year deal with the Miami Marlins for $3.5 million. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in March of 2013, Furcal missed all of the season and became a free agent. The Marlins were lacking a usable middle infielder, and he will take over second base from incumbent Donovan Solano. He can also provide some sense of leadership in such a youthful locker room. There are questions though as to Furcal's ability to rebound from the surgery and play like his former self. The 36 year old does not have the same speed like he used to but he has always been a very good defender. Expect Furcal to be affected by his age and health in 2014.
Fantasy Impact - Furcal used to be good for 25+ stolen bases but his speed has been falling off the past few years; posting 9 and 12 stolen bases in 2011 and 2012 respectively. He should hit for a decent average but there will be very little power. He should not be drafted and will not be a usable bench option in all but the deepest of formats. 

Predictions - .255, 43 R, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 38 BB, 57 K, 8 SB

For more info on the signing see: http://www.fishstripes.com/2014/1/2/5255284/2014-miami-marlins-key-questions-rafael-furcal-second-base-transition

Image citations in order of page: http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/32718808

Wesley Wright has signed a one year deal with the Chicago Cubs worth $1.4 million. Wright was purchased at a relatively cheap contract for a player that can produce similar results as some of the better set-up men. Over the past three seasons, he has maintained a 3.28 ERA over 118 innings while also striking out over a batter an inning. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Wright closing games at some point this season because of the other volatile options in the Cubs' bullpen. He was traded late in the season, going from the Astros to the Rays in time to help with the playoff run. Entering his age 29 season, Wright will provide underrated support as a relief pitcher while also lurking in wait for the closer's role.

Fantasy Impact - Although it is more than likely he will save a few games for the Cubs, he will not be valuable at any other point in the year. He may be a nice free agent find if he can secure the closer's role for an extended period of time.

Predictions - 1-2, 56 IP, 47 H, 22 ER, 20 BB, 60 K (3.54 ERA, 1.20 WHIP)

For more info on the signing see: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20131216&content_id=66016028&vkey=pr_chc&c_id=chc

Image citations in order of page: http://fansided.com/2013/12/16/chicago-cubs-sign-reliever-wesley-wright-1-year-contract/

Edward Mujica has signed a two year deal worth $9.5 million with the Boston Red Sox. After Jason Motte was placed on the DL with a strained elbow ligament, the Cardinals placed Mujica in the closer's role. He excelled for most of the season and finished with 37 saves. Unfortunately, Mujica posted a horrid 11.05 ERA over the last two months of the season and lost the closer's role to Trevor Rosenthal. He is still an effective reliever that possesses a solid splitter and fastball. Entering his age 29 season, he will provide value as a middle reliever along with newly acquired Burke Badenhop. 




Fantasy Impact - Mujica loses his fantasy relevance because he won't be seeing any saves. Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa, and Andrew Miller would all save games before Mujica.

Predictions - 2-1, 47 IP, 42 H, 19 ER, 6 BB, 38 K (3.64 ERA, 1.02 WHIP)

For more info on the signing see: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/05/red-sox-sign-edward-mujica/

Image citations in order of page: http://www.zimbio.com/Edward+Mujica/pictures/pro/2013?Page=4

The Kansas City Royals have sent Norichika Aoki to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Will Smith. Smith mainly pitched in the bullpen in 2013. The young left-hander progressed as a starter but found himself as a reliever because of a full rotation in Kansas City. He made crucial adjustments to his pitching this season and was able to post a tantalizing 11.61 K/9 and 3.24 ERA. Smith was expendable because the Royals have tons of bullpen depth and a very strong relief core. Throughout his minor league career, Smith has always been an above-average starter with good control but posted disappointing results in his rookie season. He is going to be given a shot at starting for the Brewers this spring but will most likely break camp as a valuable member of the bullpen. He may even see a few saves fall to him if Jim Henderson falters.

Norichika Aoki will now travel to Kansas City and cement himself as the starting right fielder. Aoki was the hardest batter to strike out last year and his on base percentage will be his defining quality atop the Royals' lineup. Aoki also mixes in speed and a good amount of power. He will be a very cost-effective producer for the Royals because he is only set to earn $2 million this season. Newcomer Khris Davis will be trusted with starting in the outfield back in Milwaukee and Aoki will unseat Jeff Francouer/David Lough in Kansas City. 

Overall, the Royals acquired an underrated leadoff hitter for an extra bullpen piece and the Brewers acquired an interesting relief pitcher for an unneeded outfielder. 

Royals - A
Brewers - B+

For more info on the trade see: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/12/royals-acquire-norichika-aoki.html

Image citations in order of page:
http://www.komu.com/news/will-smith-gets-first-mlb-win-as-royals-rip-indians/
http://aroundthefoghorn.com/2013/12/05/giants-traded-aoki/

Kelly Johnson has signed a one year deal worth $3 million with the New York Yankees. He is slated to start the season as the Yankee's third baseman but that may change quickly if he does not prove himself out of the gates. Johnson filled in around the field in Tampa Bay last year and batted a measly .235. Since 2011, he hasn't been able to hit for better than a .240 average but still possesses the strength to blast 16 home runs in a season. He may take advantage of the Yankee's stadium walls and hit for even more power this year. Entering his age 32 season, Johnson might have to take on a utility role if he isn't found starter-worthy. For now, Eduardo Nunez is his biggest competition. 

Fantasy Impact - Johnson seemed valuable for a short while last year but he actually strikes out a lot. His power is useful in fantasy leagues but the average and OBP is not roster worthy. He may be a nice free agency add if he suddenly goes on a streak. 

Predictions - .242, 45 R, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 50 BB, 150 K, 6 SB

For more info on Johnson's signing see: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/02/12/whos-on-3rd-with-a-rod-banished-yanks-turn-to-johnson-co/

Image citations in order of page: http://newyorksportshub.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/addressing-the-yankees-needs-at-2b/

Brian Wilson has signed a one year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers worth $10 million. One of the strangest players in baseball re-signs with the team that signed him in mid-August. Wilson was without a job for most of 2013 because of reconstructive elbow surgery he received back in April of 2012. Having finally healed, Wilson performed well in the Dodgers' bullpen and looks ready for his first full season of work since 2011. In 2010, Wilson finished seventh in the Cy Young voting because of his incredible closing performance; saving 48 games with a 1.81 ERA. Entering his age 32 season, Wilson should be expected to be the main setup man for closer Kenley Jansen in 2014. 

Fantasy Impact - Wilson may see a couple of saves fall to him this year but it is unlikely that Jansen is removed from ninth inning duties any time soon. 

Predictions - 5-3, 48 IP, 39 H, 18 ER, 22 BB, 53 K (3.45 ERA, 1.27 WHIP)

For more info on Wilson's signing see: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1865844-brian-wilson-reportedly-signs-1-year-10-million-deal-with-los-angeles-dodgers

Image citations in order of page: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/dodgers-reliever-wilson-lashes-giant-boss-article-1.1470279

Paul Konerko has signed a one year deal with the Chicago White Sox worth $2.5 million. The clubhouse leader and 17 year veteran wanted to finalize his career with the White Sox. Since joining the team in 1999, Konerko went through his worst season to date. Age finally caught up to him and he suffered a drop in batting average to .244 and only slugged .355 in 126 games. Jose Abreu was signed from Cuba to take over in Konerko's absence following his almost assured retirement after 2014. Konerko will most likely see little playing time as long as Adam Dunn is in the picture at DH and his career may end on a sour note. Entering his age 38 season, his presence will be felt in the clubhouse more than the baseball diamond. 


Fantasy Impact - Konerko fooled many owners into drafting him last season after putting up perennial numbers of 25 home runs and 85+ RBI. However, his batted ball distance (a true measure of the power a batter places in a baseball) fell to a number below that of Jose Altuve and his five home runs. Unless Dunn is traded in the offseason, Konerko will see little playing time and even worse counting stats. 

Predictions - .260, 40 R, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 28 BB, 57 K, 0 SB

For more information on Konerko's signing see: http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2013/12/4/5174672/white-sox-re-sign-paul-konerko

Image citations in order of page: http://chicago.barstoolsports.com/m/random-thoughts/konerko-placed-on-waivers/