With spring training starting this week we figured it's time to take a look back at the offseason moves for the Montreal Blazers. The Montreal Blazers will have a new look heading into the 2051 season as mentioned early in the off-season.
In the free-agent market, the Blazers opened their off-season signing 23 year old starting pitcher Boris Milatovic to a 2-year contract worth a total of $3,000,000. Milatovic spent his career so far in what was known as the UMEBA with Beirut. He went 13-13 last season with a 4.28 ERA.
On December 16th, Montreal signed 25-year-old starting pitcher Jacome Kretzchner to a minor league contract with a major league option. He's projected to fight for the final spot in the rotation during spring training. That same day, the Blazers signed Seung-kew Cho to a 1-year contract worth a total of $950,000. With the loss of José 'Tiny Bubbles' Rodríguez, who refused to resign with Montreal and then signs with Boise for pennies, Cho is expected to be given the chance to be the starter at second.
On December 18th, with making moves in preparation for the Ruel 5 draft, the Blazers lost CF/3B Stan Seymour to the Charm City Jimmies. On the 2nd of January, the Blazers added some infield depth and defense claiming 28-year-old second baseman, José Méndez from Sacramento. While Méndez doesn't bring much with the bat, he stroke out only 19 times last season in 128 at-bats and can play 2B, 3B, or SS.
On January 30th the Blazers signed 25-year-old SP Larry Leeder to a minor league contract with a major league option. Rumor has it the Blazers were trying all offseason to sign former Blazer Lance Harrison but they never could come to terms on an agreement.
As of today the Blazers have waived and designated Juan Rodríguez for assignment. If he's not claimed off waivers, he's expected to refuse the minor league assignment and the Blazers will be forced to release him. As current management doesn't feel they have room for him in the outfield roster. He has 4 years left on his deal, making $6M per season.
The Blazers still have some money that they could spend before opening day, so they are expected to still have some contracts out to free agency. If they sign anybody else, it's expected to be with the pitching staff.