Shortstop Dansby Swanson has found a new team after accepting a $177 million seven-year bid from the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.
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The news was reported by New York Post reporter Joel Sherman, who said the deal came with a no-trade clause.
Swanson had the best season of his career in 2022. Whoever spent his first seven years with the Atlanta Braves was invited to the All-Star Game and won a first Gold Glove. He set career highs in RBIs (96) and rounds (99) and had a .277 batting average.
The 28-year-old won the World Series with the Braves in 2021. The Georgia team received a draft pick as compensation after Swanson received a qualifying offer.
The free agent market has been very profitable for expert shortstops. Carlos Correa (San Francisco Giants), Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies) and Xander Bogaerts (San Diego Padres) have signed $280 million deals this offseason.
The Dodgers agree to a slugger
In an effort to provide some offense following the departures of Trea Turner, Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger, the Los Angeles Dodgers turned to veteran JT Martinez.
According to ESPN, the former Boston Red Sox have agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal.
At 35, Martinez has slowed down but he still manages to score points and is a crowd favorite. In five seasons in Massachusetts, the Floridian has made four All-Star Game appearances, including 2022. He drove 62 carries last season and had a .274 batting average.
The 2018 World Series Sox hero has won three Silver Sticks in his career. Notably, he reached the plateau of 30 laps four times.