Major League Baseball’s season kicks off on Thursday. For some players and managers, it will also be their first game in a new uniform.
Here are some of the big names in MLB who have changed addresses and who could be important this season.
José Abreu, first baseman, Houston Astros
Abreu has been one of the most consistent players since his major league debut in 2014, hitting at least 25 home runs and driving in at least 100 runs in six of his first nine seasons. The three-time All-Star selection had batted .317 with 19 home runs and 60 RBIs in the shortened 2020 season, earning the All-American MVP award.
After nine seasons with the Chicago White Sox, he signed a three-year, $58.5 million deal with the Astros in November. His arrival took on even greater significance after José Altuve suffered a fractured right thumb at the World Classic.
Xander Bogaerts, shortstop, San Diego Padres
One of the biggest surprises in the free agent market was the $280 million, 11-year deal the Padres signed him to in December. This contract, however, solidifies their already well-endowed offensive role, but especially their defense in the field.
The 30-year-old baseball player hit .307 for 15 home runs and 73 RBIs in his final season with the Boston Red Sox. With Bogaerts in the lineup, the Padres have four players with experience at shortstop, at an ideal time given the new rules limiting special defenses.
Daulton Varsho, outfielder, Toronto Blue Jays
Varsho was acquired by trade in December after setting career highs with 27 home runs, 74 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in 151 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022. Drafted in the second round by the D’backs in 2017, he spent his first three seasons with this formation.
The 26-year-old Varsho will bring balance to this position, which is largely dominated by the Jays’ right-handed hitters, which include Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Matt Chapman and George Springer. He is also a very versatile player in defense, he who can also play as a receiver.
Trea Turner, shortstop, Philadelphia Phillies
Turner’s 11-year, $300 million contract with the National champions seems like a perfect pairing. He brings his speed and agility to an attacking role which, when everyone is healthy, already has Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto.
Turner, who won the World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019, batted for .298 and had 21 home runs and a career-high 100 RBIs with the Dodgers last year. He also stole 27 bases in 2022. The expanded bases and limits on pinning attempts that pitchers can make should make him an even more dangerous runner in 2023.
Pedro Grifol, manager, Chicago White Sox
There’s plenty of talent at the White Sox, including starting ace Dylan Cease and star shortstop Tim Anderson. But the team could go no better than an 81-81 record and missed the playoffs in 2022, having been in them the previous two seasons.
This is where Grifol comes in, hired in November after Tony La Russa quit for health reasons. Grifol, a former minor league catcher, spent the previous 10 seasons in various positions with the Kansas City Royals organization. He was acclaimed for his attention to detail and the pace of his workouts during camp. But the pressure will be strong.
Sean Murphy, receiver, Atlanta Braves
Murphy was acquired in a three-way trade in December, the Braves’ biggest offseason trade. The team which has just won five consecutive titles in the East of the National then offered a contract of six years and 73 million to the receiver, relying on the continuation of his development behind the plate.
The 28-year-old Murphy set career highs last season with a .250 batting average, 18 home runs and 66 RBIs in 148 games with the Oakland Athletics. He is also recognized for his game in defense, he who won a Gold Glove in 2021. Travis d’Arnaud and Murphy should provide the Braves with one of the best tandems behind the plate.