The NL East saw a mix of both blockbuster moves and the addition of some seasoned veterans. The Post-Lockout moves increased the gap between the top three and bottom two teams. Major money was spent to compete in this tight-race we call the NL East, and only time will tell which moves will get their money’s worth.

The Mets acquire RHP Chris Bassitt from the Athletics

The Mets add to their already star-studded arsenal by acquiring All-Star RHP Chris Bassitt from the Athletics. The A’s acquire minor league pitchers J.T Ginn and Adam Oller in the deal. The 33-year-old made a remarkable return last year after taking a line drive to the face back in August. In 27 starts, Bassitt built a strong case for the AL Cy Young award, earning a record of 12-4 with a 3.15 ERA. Besides from deGrom and Scherzer, the Mets were in dire need of a consistent starter, and they get one without giving up too much. 

Grade: A-

The Nats sign DH Nelson Cruz to a 1-year, $15 Million Deal

With the NL now bringing the universal DH for the 2022 season, the Nationals find their DH in Nelson Cruz. Last season, Cruz hit .265 with 32 home runs and 86 RBIs with his time with the Twin and Rays. The 41-year-old brings much-needed experience to an otherwise young Nats team. Instead of acquiring a more versatile player like Kyle Schwarber or Anthony Rizzo, the Nats decide to go all-offense. While the Nats could’ve filled multiple holes by signing one of the names said, but you can’t deny that the seven-time All-Star brings the power, as he has 449 career home runs to his name. 

Grade: B-

The Phillies sign reliever Brad Hand to a 1-year, $6 Million Deal

Philadelphia bolsters their bullpen by signing the veteran left-handed reliever. The 31-year-old split time between the Nationals, Blue Jays, and Mets last season; posting a 6-7 record, with a 3.90 ERA and 21 saves. Hand struggled in his time in both D.C. and Toronto, going 0-2 with an ERA of 7.27 in 11 appearances in his time with the Blue Jays. Hand would find some success with the Mets, pitching a 2.70 ERA across 16 appearances. Hand will look to build up his value in Philadelphia, splitting time for the closer spot with Corey Knebel. Good value pick-up for the Phillies; low-cost, high-reward.

Grade: B

The Mets sign reliever Adam Ottavino to a 1-year, $4 Million Deal

The Mets have been active this offseason, with owner Steve Cohen more than willing to spend some money. The Mets add another arm, signing the 36-year-old veteran. The New York City native returns home again, this time to pitch for the New York Mets. Ottavino brings tons of experience to the bullpen, holding a 32-31 record, 3.60 ERA, and 30 saves through 11 major league seasons. Ottavino joins a bullpen that already has Edwin Díaz, Trevor May, and Seth Lugo. Another solid move by the Mets, who are certainly in a “win-now” mentality.

Grade: A-

The Braves acquire 1B Matt Olson in a Blockbuster Trade

The Braves find their new first baseman in the slugger Matt Olson. Surprising move from the Braves, deciding not to keep the 2020 NL MVP Freddie Freeman. The Braves acquire Matt Olson from the Athletics in exchange for four prospects: OF Cristian Pache, C Shea Langeliers, and RHPs Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes. The Braves then sign the first baseman to an eight-year, $168 million deal. Atlanta moves on from their long-time first baseman, choosing the 27-year-old instead. Olson, a two-time Gold Glove winner, has a career .242 BA, 142 home runs, and an .859 OPS over his six seasons in the majors. The reigning world champs are looking to defend their title in 2022 and will be doing so with a new face at first base. 

Grade: A

The Phillies sign reliever Jeurys Familia to a 1 Year, $7 Million Deal

Philadelphia adds another arm with the signing of reliever Juerys Familia. The long-time Mets reliever moves to Philadelphia to join their building bullpen. The 32-year-old boasts an arsenal consisting of a slider, splitter, sinker, and four-seam (with the latter two averaging in the upper-90s). Last season, Familia had 65 appearances, with a 3.94 ERA. The Phillies add more depth in the bullpen, looking to be contenders in the NL East. 

Grade: B

The Braves Re-sign NLCS MVP Eddie Rosario to a 2 Year, $18 Million Deal

Atlanta brings back the postseason hero, in OF Eddie Rosario. The 30-year-old was shipped to Atlanta from Cleveland before last season’s trade deadline. The move would be one of most important made last season, as Rosario would play on a completely different level during the NLCS, hitting .560 with three home runs and nine RBIs. Great signing for the Braves, bringing back a familiar face with the goal of defending their world title. 

Grade: A-

The Phillies add another slugger in Kyle Schwarber, agreeing to a 4-year, $79 million deal

The Phillies fill the hole in left-field left by Andrew McCutchen, by adding a big bat in Kyle Schwarber. The Chicago Cubs hero split last season with the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox, hitting for .266 with 32 home runs, 71 RBIs, and a .928 OPS. The Phillies now have another offensive weapon at their disposal, with a line-up that already consists of Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins, J.T. Realmuto, and Jean Segura. Defense might be a concern, but the Phillies didn’t sign him for his defense. The Phillies hope that his bat can finally break their NL-worst 10-year playoff drought.

Grade: A-

 The Braves sign closer Kenley Jansen to a 1-year, $16 million deal

Longtime Dodgers closer moves to The A in hopes to repeat. Jansen, 34, had a bounce-back season last year, getting his velocity back up which helped him finish the season with a 2.22 ERA and 38 saves. Jansen has been one of the most reliable closers for the past decade, he has a 2.37 career ERA with 1,022 strikeouts and 350 saves. Only Craig Kimbrel (372) has more saves than Jansen’s debut in 2010. The Braves now have their closer for the season, they just have to hope that last season wasn’t a fluke. 

Grade: B+

The Phillies sign OF Nick Castellanos to a 5-year, $100 million deal

The Phillies finish out with outfield with the signing of Ex-Cincinnati Reds OF Nick Castellanos. Castellanos is coming off probably the best season of his career yet, finishing fourth in NL batting average (.309), hit 34 homers (tied for seventh), drove in 100 runs (tied for ninth), ranked third in slugging (.576), and fourth in OPS .939. He also posted a career-best 3.2 WAR, according to baseball-reference.com. Philadelphia signs Castellanos just days after Bryce Harper said it would be a “downer” if the Phillies didn’t sign Castellanos. He could be primed for a career season, being in an organization that is trying everything they can to break their 10-year playoff drought. 

Grade: A-

Reference Page

• Contract information courtesy of Spotrac