Is winning the offseason worth it? Depends on the year

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — George Steinbrenner and the New York Yankees once made a habit of winning the offseason. Not coincidentally, they won a lot of titles, too.

It hasn’t happened since 2009, when splashy signings CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira helped New York “buy” its 27th World Series championship.

“The Boss” died a year later. Since then, the sport the Yankees once dominated with big expenditures has instead become all about efficiency. While the Bronx Bombers will still run one of baseball’s highest payrolls in 2022, it has been odd to watch New York stand by while this year’s top free agents have gone to the Minnesota Twins (Carlos Correa), Texas Rangers (Corey Seager and Marcus Semien) and of course, the crosstown Mets (Max Scherzer).

In fact, second-year Mets owner Steve Cohen seems intent on filling the void Steinbrenner left behind as the Big Apple’s biggest spender, willing to pursue a championship at any price.

But what is winning the offseason even worth? To get an idea, here’s a look at clubs who have “won” the offseason since it last worked for the Yankees:

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2009-10

Offseason Winners: Seattle Mariners

World Series Winners: San Francisco Giants

Relieved to have Adrian Beltre’s $64 million, five-year deal off the books — yes, really — Seattle sent a trio of prospects to Philadelphia for 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, signed Chone Figgins for $36 million and acquired Milton Bradley from the Cubs. They also locked up ace Félix Hernández on a $78 million, five-year deal. Those Mariners won 61 games — a clean swing and a miss.

2010-11

Offseason Winners: Boston Red Sox

World Series Winners: St. Louis Cardinals

Boston acquired All-Star slugger Adrían González from San Diego for three minor leaguers,...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Is-winning-the-offseason-worth-it-Depends-on-the-17024969.php