After nine seasons with the Dodgers, Justin Turner signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox on Friday. Even during his age 37 season, Turner could still hit, so he should see the majority of the team’s DH PAs. How might his new park affect his performance? Let’s consult the park factors.
On Friday, the Giants signed Michael Conforto to a two-year, $36 contract, ending his tenure with the Mets. He didn’t play at all last year due to injury and ultimately failed to sign with a team. Since he played his entire career with the Mets, let’s compare the park factors of Citi Field with his new home field, Oracle Park. Obviously, no one know if his performance will be affected after recovering from shoulder surgery, so we’ll ignore that here and focus on the park switch.
After being acquired by the Yankees in late July and then injuring his wrist in September, ending his season early, Andrew Benintendi officially signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the White Sox on Tuesday. The 27-year-old experienced a power outage last season, but posted a career high batting average. Will the move to Guaranteed Rate Field reignite his power and return him to being a potential all-around fantasy contributor? Let’s consult the park factors.
In mid-December, the Braves acquired catcher Sean Murphy as part of a three-team trade with the Athletics and Brewers. Then last week, the team signed him to a six-year, $73 million contract extension. After four seasons and two full years in Oakland, how might the move to a new home park impact Murphy’s performance? Let’s consult the park factors to find out.
Last Tuesday, the Rangers signed Nathan Eovaldi to a two-year, $34 million contract. While I love New England Clam Chowder and assume Eovaldi enjoyed many bowls of the delicious soup during his four and a half seasons with the Red Sox, he might now be salivating at the prospect of filling his belly with Texas Cowboy soup, which sounds just delightful. Entering his age 33 season, how might the change in home venue affect his results? Let’s consult the park factors to find out.
Though it was reported that an agreement was reached a week ago, the Yankees have officially signed Carlos Rodón to a six-year, $162 million contract. The 30-year-old southpaw has revitalized his career the past two seasons after struggling with his control and injuries since his debut in 2015. He has morphed into one of the best pitchers in baseball, but will a move to Yankee Stadium impact his performance? Let’s consult the park factors.
Last Saturday, the Dodgers reportedly agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with J.D. Martinez, to presumably act as their every day DH. The 35-year-old is coming off a disappointing season, posting his lowest wOBA over a full season since his debut years in Houston, before he transformed into an elite hitter. Will the move to Dodger Stadium fuel a rebound? Let’s check the park factors to find out if his new home park might boost his performance.
Yesterday, the Cubs officially signed Jameson Taillon to a four-year, $68 million contract, after agreeing to such a deal earlier in the month. In the never-ending debate over which style of pizza is better, Taillon will now have the chance to become an expert in Chicago’s signature deep dish version, after spending two years noshing on New York’s thin crust pizza. We all know which style he’ll deem superior, right? RIGHT? So how might the switch in home park affect his results? Let’s consult the park factors and find out.
On Friday, the Giants signed left-hander Sean Manaea to a two-year, $25 million contract. Luckily for Manaea, he didn’t have to travel too far to find his new home, as he’ll remain in California. Incredibly, he has now played for three teams, all of which call California home. Coming off a mightily disappointing season that saw him post a career worst 4.96 ERA, will the park switch help fuel a rebound in 2023? Let’s consult the park factors to find out.
Yesterday, the Cubs signed 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger to a one-year, $17.5 million contract. On the one hand, who would have ever guessed that the former star would have to settle for a one-year deal in his age 27 season?! On the other hand, he still managed to receive a $17.5 million contract, despite posting an ugly .266 wOBA over the past two seasons. Clearly, teams aren’t ready to give up on him, but are hesitant enough that a multi-year deal wasn’t in the cards. So with the move to Chicago, will a fresh start turn around his career? Let’s consult the park factors to see if the park could help spark a rebound or if he’s on his own.
