The Major Leagues begin this Thursday and for some players and managers it will also be their first game with a new team.
Here’s a look at some players who could impact a new city this year:
— First baseman José Abreu, Houston Astros: The Cuban has been one of the most consistent players since his major league debut in 2014. He finished with 25 home runs and 100 RBIs in six of his first nine seasons and hit a .317 average. , with 19 home runs and 60 RBIs in the shortened 2020 season to be named American League MVP.
After beginning his career with the Chicago White Sox, Abreu finalized a three-year, $58.5 million deal with the reigning World Series champions. Abreu’s steady presence in the roster became more significant after Jose Altuve broke his right thumb in the World Baseball Classic.
—Shortstop Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres: One of the biggest surprises of free agency was the 11-year, $280 million deal with San Diego. But the Bogaerts deal bolsters an all-star roster and defense in the infield.
Bogaerts, 30, won two World Series in 10 seasons with Boston. As a senior he hit .307 with 15 home runs and 73 RBIs.
—Outfielder Daulton Varsho, Toronto Blue Jays: Varsho came in a trade in December after a career-high 27 homers, 74 RBIs and 16 steals in 151 games with Arizona last year. He was selected in the second round of the 2017 draft by the Diamondbacks.
Varsho, 26, could rock a Toronto right-handed lineup that includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Matt Chapman and George Springer.
—Shortstop Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies: The $300 million, 11-year deal with the National League champions seems like an ideal fit. Turner brings his speed and athleticism to a strong roster that includes sluggers Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto.
Turner won the World Series with Washington in 2019 and last year posted a .298 batting average with 21 home runs and a career-high 100 RBIs with the Dodgers.
—Manager Pedro Grifol, Chicago White Sox: There’s plenty of talent in Chicago, with right-hander Dylan Cease at the top of the rotation and star shortstop Tim Anderson. But the team floundered last year with an 81-81 record and didn’t advance to the postseason.
Grifol was hired in November after Tony La Russa left for health reasons. Grifol spent his last 10 seasons in various coaching positions with Kansas City. He was recognized in spring training for his attention to detail and pace of drills, but he comes under pressure to turn the team around.
—Catcher Sean Murphy, Atlanta Braves: Murphy came as the top acquisition in a three-team trade in December. The Braves, who have five straight NL East titles, signed the catcher to a $73 million, six-year deal.
Murphy, 28, set a career high with a .280 batting average, 18 home runs and 66 RBIs in 148 games with Oakland last season. He is also recognized on defense after taking the Gold Glove in 2021.
