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MLB Rumors: 3 best free-agent signings and 1 team that whiffed on each

MLB Rumors

Matt Strahm, Philadelphia Phillies. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

We’re one month into the regular season. Here are three free-agent signings that have stood out for all the right reasons.

There were some big moves throughout the MLB offseason, headlined by Aaron Judge re-signing with the New York Yankees. But there were also plenty of moves that flew under the radar.

Here are three of the best free-agent signings of the offseason — both in terms of value and upside — that have paid off for teams in a big way to begin the regular season.

Matt Strahm, Philadelphia Phillies

Left-handed reliever Matt Strahm was among the most coveted pitchers in free agency, signing before most of the high-end arms. But the Philadelphia Phillies identified him as someone whose best baseball was ahead of him and signed him to a two-year, $15 million contract.

The Phillies, however, were not alone. There were numerous teams, including the New York Mets, who were aggressively pursuing Strahm in free agency. The Phillies ultimately landed him, and they have since been rewarded for it.

Strahm, 31, has made six starts for the Phillies as their rotation battled injuries. He’s posted a 3.38 ERA and 37/8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 26.2 innings and quickly emerged as one of their most dependable options, both in the rotation and bullpen.

While Strahm has battled injuries throughout his career, he only has 331.1 innings pitched in eight career seasons — and there’s a belief that his best baseball is still ahead of him.

1 team that missed out: New York Mets

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