Now that the MLB Winter Meetings are over, free agency moves are beginning to shape up.
Big names are being taken off the board, and teams’ 2023 rosters are becoming clearer.
There have been some standout teams already, with still a lot of time to go this offseason.
Here is a look at two teams that are off to the best start.
1. St. Louis Cardinals
In the wake of Aaron Judge‘s signing early Wednesday morning, the St. Louis Cardinals made a quiet move of their own.
They got their catching replacement in Willson Contreras.
After 7 Big League seasons with the Cubs, Willson Contreras will reportedly have a new home in St. Louis with the Cardinals.
The 3x All-Star was one of just two remaining players from the Cubs 2016 World Series team. 💍 pic.twitter.com/bo4yJMnu2N
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 7, 2022
Over the last couple of years, Contreras has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball.
He has slugged over 20 home runs in the last two seasons while posting an average around .240.
For catchers, these are above-average numbers.
However, the Cardinals were able to pick him up for five-years, $87.5 million.
This is an outstanding price for a catcher that could become a difference maker in that lineup.
He now joins a team with a lot of protection in Nolan Arenado and reigning MVP Paul Goldschmidt.
While this move went largely unnoticed, it could have just pushed the Cardinals lineup over the top.
Not to mention the team may also still be in play for a big-name shortstop.
2. Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies came out swinging early at the Winter Meetings.
Their signing of shortstop Trea Turner set the tone, but they didn’t stop there.
Trea Turner is a Philadelphia Phillie.
— Life of a Philly Fan (@PhillyFanLife) December 5, 2022
The Phillies also signed starting pitcher Taijuan Walker, who has shown glimpses of being a reliable rotation piece.
They bolstered their bullpen with the addition of Matt Strahm too, a lefty that showed some promise last year with the Boston Red Sox.
Now, the team not only has one of the most feared lineups in baseball, but they also have a deep and talented rotation.
While they will likely need to make a move for another bullpen piece, there is no doubt that the Phillies are on their way to being offseason winners.
NEXT: The Red Sox Are Breaking A Tired MLB Narrative