By Arslan Ubul, PSO Research Analyst
Feb 22, 2021

The 2021 MLB offseason was an exciting one, as teams like the defending champs LA Dodgers made a splash on a superstar in hopes of a repeat. The Padres retained their young star in Fernando Tatis Jr. for the next decade and a half while also adding a former Cy Young winner to add more intrigue to the newest NL West rivalry. The Miami Marlins and Kim Ng made history that will change the game of baseball, sports, and possibly society forever.

Here are the 5 most interesting facts from the 2021 MLB offseason:

LA Dodgers made some big splashes in this offseason, starring the reigning Cy Young Winner Trevor Bauer.

  • 1st reigning World Series Champion to sign a reigning Cy Young winner (Trevor Bauer) in free agency
  • Dodgers are the 1st team to play 3 former MVPs AND 3 former Cy Young winners during a season in MLB history.
  • Bauer will earn the highest single-year salary ($40M in 2021 AND $45M in 2022) in MLB history
  • MLB’s highest-paid players in 2021: Bauer ($40M)Mike Trout ($37.1M), Jacob deGrom ($36M), Gerrit Cole ($36M)
  • Bauer has a higher 2021 salary ($40M) than the current entire payrolls of: Indians ($36.6M), Orioles ($34.2M), Pirates ($30M)

Fernando Tatis Jr. secured a historic contract early in his young career.

Cardinals trade for superstar Nolan Arenado from the Rockies, immediately turning them into contenders.

  • Nolan Arenado has the most Platinum Gloves (4) in MLB history, having won all 4 in a row
  • Ranks among 3B since 2015: 207 HR (1st), 647 RBI (1st), .298 AVG (1st), .567 SLG% (1st), 18 DRS (2nd)
  • By far the most RBI (647) in the MLB over the last 6 seasons. Jose Abreu had the next most RBI with 564

After an exciting 2020, DJ LeMahieu will stay in New York for years to come.

Kim Ng broke a huge boundary that could help lead to more equality for women everywhere.

  • Miami Marlins has hired Kim Ng as the new GM, becoming the 1st female GM in MLB history

 
 

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