The 2021 Major League Baseball offseason started off quietly with only a few trades and signings over the past couple weeks. Then things started to heat. Players are beginning to change teams and organizations are starting to clean house in anticipation of spring training and the limitations of a 40-man rosters.

Part of the reason for the slow offseason was the loss of money due to Covid19. It’s been harder for teams to offer large contracts to free agents, particularly for small-market teams. Teams in New York, Chicago and San Diego have been able to pony up serious cash for available stars, while teams in Tampa, Cleveland and Oakland have lost many of their best players to free agency.

Despite lower budgets, teams are still looking to make trades or identify any way to improve. One player on every team’s radar is Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer. He led the league in Earned Runs Allowed, hits per 9 innings, walks per 9 innings and many more awards. It’s no doubt that Bauer will certainly help for whichever team he signs with. 

“Trevor Bauer will be the most sought-after pitcher on the upcoming free-agent market,” said Bleacher Report writer Joel Reuter.

Here is a look at the teams who have made the most noise this year:

Chicago White Sox: The Chicago White Sox have made two big deals this offseason by signing closer Liam Hendricks to a record-breaking deal of 3 years and $54 million. They also picked up starting pitcher Lance Lynn from the Texas Rangers a month ago. With these two signings and a great lineup, the White Sox are now a World Series favorite.

New York Mets: The New York Mets have been the most talked-about team this offseason by signing three tremendous players to add to an already great team. The New York Mets first signed catcher James Mcann to a 4-year deal, then to add to that, they traded shortstop Amed Rosario. They additionally recruited two prospects for star shortstop Fransico Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians. They are also a front runner to sign Trevor Bauer. 

San Diego Padres: The San Diego Padres have also made some strong moves by signing Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and star pitcher Yu Darvish. In addition, they signed a pitcher, Joe Musgrove, from the Pirates. With these three deals, the Padres arguably have the best pitching staff in baseball and are also favored to win the World Series.

 Los Angeles Angels: The Angels have had a rough couple of years, but will improve drastically if they sign Trevor Bauer. The Angels are most likely to sign Bauer, finally adding a star pitcher to their rotation. The Angels have been lacking pitching for over a decade, and Bauer is just what the team needs to turn their team around. So far the Angels have picked up closing pitcher Raisel Iglesias, catcher Kurt Susuki, and starting pitcher Jose Quintana. However, signing Bauer is their priority this year. 

Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays have been interested in many players this offseason, but in a span of twenty four hours, they signed three great players. They began with star closer Kirby Yates of the Padres before signing star center fielder George Springer from the Astros. A week later, they also signed shortstop Marcus Seimien from the Athletics. With a very young lineup and a respectable pitching staff, they are likely to be a front runner in the American League. 

New York Yankees: The Yankees have been World Series contenders for the past five years, but have always come just short. Therefore, many fans are hoping for the Yankees to make some huge deals. The New York Yankees were able to re-sign star shortstop DJ Lemahiu, and sign former CY young winner Corey Kluber. After this, the Yankees traded some prospects for pitcher Jamison Tailon from the Pirates. Unfortunately, they had to give up reliever Adam Ottavino days later to stay below the budget.

In 2021, there have been many surprises, and the possibilities are endless. Your favorite player just might end up with a team you never would have expected. No matter what happens though, this will certainly be a unique offseason!