Baseball Offseason Is Heating Up In New York

 Hello there everyone,

I am coming to you from my friend Kathleen's house on this overcast, potentially snowy day, bringing you the latest information from around New York Major League baseball. 

As we all know, Yankee Nation had been waiting on the decision of one Aaron Judge. It came down to two teams. Would he go home to his native San Francisco or be committed to New York for what is likely the rest of his career? 

It was falsely reported that Judge was headed to the Bay Area on Tuesday night, December 6th. After turning down a seven year  213.5 million dollar contract, he bet on himself and hit 62 home runs, breaking Roger Marist's American League single season home run record, later accepting a nine year 360 million dollar extension (average annual value: $40 million dollars! Give me and my friend Kathleen some of that money). The Yankees are also interested in bringing Carlos Correa and Carlos Ródon to the Bronx after losing Jameson Tallion to a 4 year, 68 million dollar contract with the Cubs.

Now, let's move on to the team in Queens. For most Mets fans, the offseason began even before the 2022 season was under way. When Jacob deGrom stated that he was going to opt out of his contract when the 2022 season ended, it rubbed many Mets fans the wrong way. Mets fans immediately jumped on deGrom, stating that if he doesn't want to be here, he shouldn't be. deGrom has made no more than 15 starts in each of the last two seasons due to nagging arm, shoulder, and elbow injuries.

But deGrom would like to get paid like the All Star pitcher he is. Who will that team be, willing to pay the big bucks? 

Drumroll...we have a winner...the Texas Ranger signed the former National League ERA leader to a five year $185,000,000 contract, with an average annual salary of 37 million. The Mets had to pivot with the loss of deGrom, instead signing defending AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander to a two year 86.66 million dollar contract with a vesting option for 2025, according to reports. 

Also signed are Jose Quintana, formerly of the Cardinals (2 years--26 million) and re-signed Brandon Nimmo (8 years--162 million). The Mets reached an agreement with Japanese ace Kodai Senga, offering 75 million over five years. Finally, former Yankee David Robertson will return to New York, this time going to Queens for a 1 year, 10 million dollar contract.

Will Steve Cohen's wallet be empty by the end of the offseason? LOL. We will have to wait and see. 

The hot stove is cooled off for now, but I will keep you posted on the latest around the league. 

Thanks for reading. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!