Ranking Every MLB Free-Agent Contract From Least To Most Lucrative

The MLB offseason is in full swing, and numerous big-name free agents have already agreed to massive new deals. A plethora of names will be suiting up for new teams in 2015, but guys like Koji Uehara and Victor Martinez opted to re-up with the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers, respectively.

The Major League landscape continues to take shape with a variety of intriguing signings, so what do the new deals actually mean for each team shelling out the dough?

By tracking all the free agents who have inked new contracts, we'll break down the ramifications (positive and negative) facing each organization involved in the agreements. Less lucrative signings (i.e. lowest dollar amounts) will be listed first and followed by those who signed more lucrative deals.

Note: This article will update with each additional free-agent signing. Check back to see what each new deal means.

Jim Johnson, Atlanta Braves

New Contract: one year, $1.6 million

Following the decision to ship outfielder Jason Heyward and relief pitcher Jordan Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitchers Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins, the Atlanta Braves may have found a viable substitute in the bullpen.

Jim Johnson—who will join the Braves on a one-year, $1.6 million deal with the chance to boost the total via incentives—had a very successful career stint with the Baltimore Orioles as a closer and reliever. He saved 51 games for the O's in 2012 and followed that up with 50 saves in 2013.

The Oakland Athletics traded for the 6'6” reliever only to receive disastrous results. He posted a 7.14 ERA in 38 appearances for Oakland before his release in 2014. The Tigers picked him up, but a 6.92 ERA in 13 innings with Detroit was still cringe-worthy.

Atlanta is making a cheap gamble by signing Johnson. If he returns to form, the Braves will have another arm in the ‘pen who can set things up for dominant closer Craig Kimbrel. If not, at least they didn't shell out the $10 million price tag that Oakland did.

Luke Hochevar, Kansas City Royals

Photo Credit: Gage Matthews

New Contract: two years, $10 million

The Kansas City Royals continue to add firepower to a bullpen that was by far the most dominant during the 2014 postseason. Reliever Luke Hochevar, who missed the entire 2014 campaign due to Tommy John surgery, will return to the club on a two-year, $10 million deal.

The 6'5” Hochevar was originally pegged as a starting pitcher for the Royals. Over five seasons of starting double-digit games, however, the best ERA he posted was a mediocre 4.68.

Kansas City opted to move the right-hander to the bullpen in 2013, where he posted a 1.92 ERA in 70.1 innings pitched.

The Royals still have to figure out whether to negotiate with or move on from staff ace James Shields, but the corps of relievers will continue to be a huge strength. Hochevar will merely add to a group that already consists of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland. That type of depth should strike fear in the hearts of AL Central opponents.

Torii Hunter, Minnesota Twins

Torii Hunter is poised to return to the Minnesota Twins, where he started his illustrious MLB career. Photo Credit: Keith Allison

New Contract: one year, $10.5 million

Nine-time Gold Glove Award winner and five-time All-Star Torii Hunter will return to the organization he spent the first 11 years of his career with. According to Minnesota Twins beat writer Mike Berardino via Twitter, the talented outfielder has no plans of playing anywhere else:

Hunter will be brought back to Minnesota on a one-year, $10.5 million deal. Despite his advanced age (he'll turn 40 in July), the veteran has shown few signs of slowing down in the batter's box.

During his second year suiting up for the Detroit Tigers in 2014, Hunter batted .286 with 17 homers and 83 RBI. He continued to produce at the plate as part of a potent Tigers batting order, but where he continued to fall off was in the outfield.

Once the king of robbing home runs and electrifying fans with his athletic abilities, Hunter posted a defensive WAR of negative-2.4 out in right field for Detroit. That was by far the worst mark of his career.

Since GM Terry Ryan plans on playing Hunter in right, Minny's defense could have some issues in 2015. The Twins may be better off slotting the franchise icon into the DH spot instead.

Zach Duke, Chicago White Sox

New Contract: three years, $15 million

In order to try and help fix their bullpen woes, the Chicago White Sox opted to sign relief pitcher Zach Duke to a three-year, $15 million deal.

The Texas native posted a 1.81 ERA in 14 starts as a rookie for the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2005, but his numbers as a starter after the fact—from 2006 through parts of 2011—looked consistently drab. In 74 appearances out of the bullpen for the Milwaukee Brewers last season, however, the southpaw posted a 2.45 ERA to accompany a 5-1 record.

Duke has found success in a relief role, which is undoubtedly what Chicago plans to use him for. The White Sox bullpen posted the third-worst ERA in the Majors last year (4.38), according to FanGraphs. Any additions that can help remedy that are good signings for the South Side.

Koji Uehara, Boston Red Sox

New Contract: two years, $18 million

Closing pitcher Koji Uehara was an integral part of Boston's World Series run in 2013. During postseason play, the Japanese right-hander notched seven saves with a 0.66 ERA and 0.51 WHIP. He allowed just one run in 13.2 innings pitched.

For the most part, Uehara's dominance out of the bullpen continued in 2014. Through August 15, he boasted a stellar 1.27 ERA, but he'd hit a rough patch soon after.

From August 19 through Sept. 25, Uehara went 1-3 with three blown saves. He had blown just two saves all season before the meltdown. His ERA in the month of August was 5.56. His September ERA was 6.23.

The Red Sox obviously don't believe that's a sign of further decline to come, otherwise they wouldn't have signed the 39-year-old to a two-year, $18 million deal. Uehara has proven that he can make hitters look foolish even without top-tier velocity, but it will be interesting to see if he can put a disappointing final two months behind him.

Michael Cuddyer, New York Mets

New Contract: two years, $21 million

The New York Mets have not eclipsed the 80-win plateau since the 2008 season. They showed signs of promise in 2014, finishing tied for second in the National League East with a 79-83 record, but that wasn't close to enough for a playoff berth.

Contributions from Lucas Duda (30 homers and 92 RBI) rookie starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (2.69 ERA in 22 starts) hinted that New York was just a couple of pieces away from competing for a playoff berth—especially with staff ace Matt Harvey set to return in 2015.

Mets management didn't waste much time during the offseason, opting to sign 35-year-old veteran Michael Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million contract. Because Cuddyer received a qualifying offer from the Colorado Rockies, the Mets will surrender their first-round pick in the 2015 draft (15th overall) for compensation, according to the New York Post's Mike Puma.

That's certainly a hefty price to pay for a guy on the wrong side of 30 who played just 49 games in 2014 due to injury. However, it's hard to fault the Mets for making a win-now move, as opposed to drafting yet another prospect who may not be ready to play in the big leagues for three to five years.

When he was healthy, Cuddyer just kept on hitting. He compiled a .332 batting average with 10 homers and 31 RBI in those 49 games played. His ability to play in the outfield, first and third base also provides the Mets with flexibility should an injury occur in 2015.

Adam LaRoche, Chicago White Sox

New Contract: two years, $25 million

Although it was overshadowed by Derek Jeter's year-long farewell tour with the Yankees, the Chicago White Sox also lost a future Hall of Famer and franchise icon to retirement: first baseman Paul Konerko.

The longtime fixture at 1B already watched his successor take hold in 27-year-old Cuban rookie Jose Abreu—who was an All-Star, AL Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger Award winner. But with the signing of Adam LaRoche, the ChiSox now have some options at first and plenty of pop in the batting order.

The veteran lefty can provide some power from the opposite side of the dish when compared with Abreu. Both of their bats need to be in the batting order, so the question now is which guy will earn the most time at first.

Frankly, White Sox manager Robin Ventura can't go wrong with either guy in the field. During the 2014 season, LaRoche made just seven errors in 1,200 total chances at first base for a fielding percentage of .994. Abreu was a touch better, committing just six errors in 1,045 total chances for a fielding percentage of .994 and a range factor of 9.77. As a bonus, if one guy needs a day off from playing the field, he can slide to the DH spot and let the other first baseman take over. All in all, this is a solid signing for Chicago.

Billy Butler, Oakland Athletics

New Contract: three years, $30 million

The Oakland Athletics were clearly in the market for hitting after shipping outfielder Yoenis Cespedes at the trade deadline for Jon Lester.

Offensive production became an issue down the stretch for the A's in 2014, but Billy Butler is a guy who may be able to remedy that weakness. The longtime Royals DH has eclipsed the 20-homer plateau twice in his career (2012 and 2009). He's also knocked in more than 90 runs three separate times (2012, 2011 and 2009).

“Country Breakfast” fell off quite a bit at the plate last season for KC—nine home runs, 66 RBI and a career-low .271 batting average—but he's still just 28 years old.

If nothing else, Butler can fit into the Athletics system by working the count, getting on base and providing protection in the lineup for guys like Brandon Moss and Josh Redick now that Josh Donaldson has been shipped to Toronto via trade.

Nick Markakis, Atlanta Braves

Photo Credit: Keith Allison

New Contract: four years, $45 million

Opting to move 25-year-old right fielder Jason Heyward before having to deal with his expiring contract was viewed as a long-term gain for the Braves. Atlanta likely wouldn't have been able to keep him around through next year's free agency, so dealing him for value made sense. Signing 31-year-old outfielder Nick Markakis to a four-year, $45 million contract, however, does not.

Markakis is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner and knows how to handle the bat (he has at least 10 homers and 50 RBI in each of his nine professional seasons), but he's more of a “win now” addition that seems to contradict other moves made by the Braves organization.

The veteran outfielder will help keep Atlanta somewhat competitive, but this signing feels like a harbinger to another blockbuster trade involving either Justin Upton or Evan Gattis. Atlanta seems stuck in no-man's land between rebuilding and trying to compete for a playoff spot.

Nelson Cruz, Seattle Mariners

New Contract: four years, $57 million

At the end of the 2014 season, the Seattle Mariners finished below league average in home runs (136) and RBI (600), according to Baseball Reference. They ranked 15th and 19th in those two categories, respectively. Due to that, it makes sense to bring in a slugger like Nelson Cruz—even though he'll be 35 years old in July.

The veteran took home the league's home run crown in 2014 by bombing a career-high 40 dingers (injury to Giancarlo Stanton notwithstanding). His 108 runs batted in for Baltimore was also a career best.

Cruz can instantly shore up Seattle's designated hitter slot in the order that was a complete and utter eyesore last season. As The Seattle Times' Larry Stone pointed out, “Seattle's DHs put up an astonishingly weak .190/.266/.301 line, manned mostly by a broken-down Corey Hart and an out-of-sorts Kendrys Morales.”

The new addition shouldn't be relied upon to play the field, but he can provide production at a spot in the batting order that struggled mightily a season ago. With Cruz protecting Robinson Cano in the lineup, the M's have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs in 2015.

Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers

New Contract: four years, $68 million

Soon-to-be 36-year-old DH Victor Martinez put together not only the best season of his Major League career in 2014, but also one of the best offensive campaigns in the league among his peers.

V-Mart posted career highs in home runs (32), batting average (.335), on-base percentage (.409), slugging percentage (.565), OPS (.974)—which was tops in baseball—and WAR (5.3). Perhaps most impressive of all, though, was the fact that he struck out just 42 times in 561 at-bats.

The Venezuelan veteran was poised to receive a hearty new contract in free agency after that stellar showing. Detroit showed him the goods by rewarding Martinez with a four-year, $68 million contract.

The money involved isn't terrifically shocking, considering that the former catcher earned a raise through his play. The Tigers' decision to lock him up for four more years, however, is rather head-scratching.

That means Martinez will make $17 million during the 2018 season as a 39-year-old. With the steroid era in the rearview mirror, Detroit will be lucky to see the signee produce at a high level at that advanced of an age.

Russell Martin, Toronto Blue Jays

New Contract: five years, $82 million

Russell Martin put together arguably his best year in the big leagues throughout 2014 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 31-year-old catcher hit .290 with an eye-popping .402 on-base percentage (a career best). That OBP would have ranked Martin fourth in all of baseball if he had logged enough at-bats to qualify.

In fact, Pittsburgh's catchers ranked No. 1 in the Majors with a .381 OBP, according to FanGraphs (credit Martin). The Toronto Blue Jays, on the other hand, finished in the middle of the pack (15th) with a .307 on-base percentage out of the catcher spot. The team north of the border stands to be vastly improved at backstop next season.

Additionally, Martin's wins above replacement (WAR) finished at 5.52—a mere .05 away from his career-best WAR of 5.57 set in 2007 as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

When healthy, Martin is one of the best two-way catchers in the game. He can hit for average, get on base, has some pop, and even fields his position well. The $82 million figure is admittedly worrisome for a player with the injury history Martin has, but Toronto is forced to spend money in the American League East where the Red Sox and New York Yankees typically snatch up free-agent talents.

Hanley Ramirez, Boston Red Sox

Former Los Angeles Dodger Hanley Ramirez cashed in this winter. Photo Credit: Salina Canizales

New Contract: four years, $88 million

As it turns out, both pairs of Sox have been busy during offseason activities.

The Ramirez signing is undoubtedly the most intriguing in terms of the questions it brings to the forefront for the Red Sox organization.

According to Tyler Kepner of The New York Times, the 30-year-old shortstop “told the Red Sox during negotiations that he would be comfortable moving to a new position,” and is poised to transfer from the infield to the outfield as Boston keeps slots designated for Pablo Sandoval (third base) and youngster Xander Bogaerts (shortstop). Throughout a nine-year career to this point, Ramirez has never logged innings at any position other than short and third.

Whether or not the Dominican—who originally signed as an international free agent with the BoSox in 2000—can make a seamless transition to a position he's never played before remains to be seen. Having all of Spring Training to do so will make matters easier, but by no means foolproof.

His prowess at the plate is the biggest selling point. Although Ramirez's power numbers have declined for two straight seasons—from 24 home runs in 2012 to 20 and then to 13—he was the only Major League shortstop with an OPS above .800 in 2014 (.817). He hit 35 doubles—the most he's smacked since 2009—and got on base at a steady clip (.369 OBP).

In the short term, this signing will add plenty of firepower to Boston's lineup. Asking Hanley to play the outfield a few years down the line, however, could really hinder Boston's defense.

Pablo Sandoval, Boston Red Sox

Photo Credit: SD Dirk

New Contract: five years, $100 million

The Red Sox have not been the least bit shy this winter. They've already brought in Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez on gargantuan new contracts from their California-based teams, while also re-signing Japanese closer Koji Uehara (more on the latter two later).

While reports indicate that the Red Sox still have faith in Bogaerts moving forward, the same can't be said for Will Middlebrooks who—after watching his batting average, OBP, slugging percentage, OPS and WAR collapse steadily after his rookie year—will be replaced at the hot corner.

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Middlebrooks' future with Boston is up in the air. Sandoval, on the other hand, is set to become the everyday third baseman in Beantown.

The Kung Fu Panda brings a winning resume to Boston, having won three World Series rings in a five-year span. He's one of the best clutch hitters in all of baseball, sporting a .344 career postseason batting average with six homers, 13 doubles and 20 RBI.

His playoff chops is his calling card, but Sandoval also showed off by flashing the leather throughout 2014. He had a range factor of 2.64 (tied for 10th among third basemen) and a fielding percentage of .971 (sixth-best at his position). His play in the field netted him a Gold Glove nomination at season's end.

As long as the Panda can keep his weight under control, he'll continue to be a lineup staple on the opposite coast.

The post Ranking Every MLB Free-Agent Contract from Least to Most Lucrative appeared first on FindTheBest: The Official Blog.

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