Five best under-the-radar moves this MLB offseason
The big names and high-dollar contracts will always grab attention during the MLB offseason. However, those smaller moves sometimes have the biggest impacts.
Whether it is a minor league signing, a potential rebound candidate or an overlooked part of a trade, those players can make a difference both this year and into the future. Let’s take a look at the five best under-the-radar moves this offseason.
Red Sox acquire Vaughn Grissom
Yes, this trade received plenty of attention, but it was primarily because Chris Sale was sent to Atlanta. Grissom was viewed as part of the salary dump but he is far more.
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Capable of playing either second or short, he was a well-regarded prospect in the Braves system without a path to a starting role. He has displayed his potential during his brief time in the majors, posting a .287/.339/.407 batting line with five homers, nine doubles and five steals in his 236 plate appearances. With six years of team control, Grissom could be the dynamic piece the Red Sox need.
Detroit Tigers acquire Mark Canha
While the Tigers showed signs that they could contend soon, their lineup needed help. Detroit scored just 661 runs (13th in the AL) and had a .305 on-base percentage (11th) in 2023.
Enter Canha. He has proven to be adept at getting on base since establishing himself as a regular in 2018. That continued in 2023 as he posted a .262/.355/.400 batting line in his 507 plate appearances between the Mets and Brewers, hitting 11 homers and 25 doubles with 11 steals.
Canha has the bonus of being a veteran leader, someone who can impact the Tigers for years to come as he mentors the younger players.
Cincinnati Reds sign Frankie Montas
The Reds’ decision to sign Montas was noted for the dollar amount as he is guaranteed $16 million for 2024. That was viewed as a drastic overpayment given his shoulder issues and that he pitched all of one game last season.
However, Montas was a potential All-Star as recently as 2021 when he posted a 3.37 ERA and a 1.182 WHIP over his 187 innings, striking out 207 batters with 57 walks. If he can be that pitcher again, the Reds have the missing piece for their rotation.
