MLB free agency has been a wild ride in the past three or four days, with signings everywhere and millions of dollars being spent before Wednesday’s expected lockout.
However, some MLB clubs have shown a puzzling approach, considering their needs and current situation.
These three MLB organizations have been the most disappointing so far, for different reasons.
3. Oakland Athletics
So far, the Oakland Athletics haven’t shown any interest in spending during free agency.
To the contrary: they appear set to enter a teardown phase, and according to reports, some of their stars are available for trade, including Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Sean Manaea, Chris Bassitt and Frankie Montas.
The A’s traded for former top prospect Brent Honeywell: otherwise, they haven’t done much.
They have already lost most of their own free agents, including Starling Marte (who signed with the New York Mets), Mark Canha (who also went to the Big Apple), and Yan Gomes (he signed with the Chicago Cubs).
It would appear that this is not a very good time to be an A’s fan, as the team clearly won’t be competitive in 2022.
In fact, there is a chance that Oakland finishes last in the division, given the upgrades that the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, and Texas Rangers have made so far.
2. Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies finished second in the National League East in the 2021 campaign, and were fighting for a playoff spot as late as September.
However, they haven’t done much to change the fate of the franchise, even though they badly need upgrades in the bullpen, left field, center field, third base, and shortstop.
For weeks, they have been rumored to be in on the top free agent shortstops, as Didi Gregorius had a terrible year in 2021.
However, three of them, Javier Baez, Marcus Semien, and Corey Seager, have already signed, and Philadelphia may be running out of options.
They are reportedly focused on improving other positions, as they recently showed interest in reliever Corey Knebel and slugging outfielder Kyle Schwarber.
Phillies expressing serious interest in free-agent reliever Corey Knebel, sources tell me and @Jaysonst.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 30, 2021
So far, Philadelphia hasn’t done anything to suggest they can catch the Atlanta Braves or compete with the financial powerhouse that the New York Mets are.
1. New York Yankees
Considering expectations and actual signings/acquisitions, there may not be a more disappointing team in the offseason than the New York Yankees.
They have the injury-prone Aaron Hicks and have a huge hole at shortstop, not to mention their need for at least two more starters.
So far, they haven’t done anything of note.
Yankees are going with that unconventional approach of no shortstop or bench.
— Derek – NYY Recaps ⚾️ (@NYYRecapsDerek) November 28, 2021
Three of their potential shortstop targets are now gone, as well as the best center fielder in free agency in Marte.
Several top pitchers are also unavailable at this point: Justin Verlander, Kevin Gausman, Robbie Ray, Max Scherzer, and other star hurlers are already committed to other teams.
The Yankees can still save their offseason by signing Carlos Correa or Trevor Story, bringing in Carlos Rodon, or trading for first baseman Matt Olson.
However, their lack of activity is baffling, and is driving their fans crazy.
They should eventually make a move, but they should be careful not to take too much time or they risk running out of options to improve their roster.
NEXT: Are The Rangers Contenders In 2022?