This week we saw a lot of free agency action, a couple of big trades and two star third basemen sign huge, lengthy extensions.  Here’s the lowdown on everything you may have missed:

The Atlanta Braves signed free agent Centerfielder B.J. Upton, which we already covered.

The Washington Nationals acquired Centerfielder Denard Span in a trade with the Minnesota Twins, which we also covered. 

The Tampa Bay Rays signed Third Baseman Evan Longoria to a contract extension.

The contract will keep Longoria in Tampa Bay for 10 more years, and is worth a whopping $136.6 million.  The 2008 MLB Rookie of the Year and two-time Gold Glove Award winner has emerged as the face of the franchise, and this was a signing the Rays definitely had to do.  While there’s no question keeping Longoria in town was paramount to the Rays’ future success; it puts further financial constraint on a historically frugal team.  Longoria has only played in 207(out of 324 possible) games over the past two season, and will need to prove he’s worth such a huge chunk of payroll for the next ten years.  Despite striking out a little too often, Longoria is a fantasy-star, and should have a great season next year if he can stay healthy. 
2013 Projection:  170 hits, 35 home runs, 105 RBIs, .285 batting average and .365 on base percentage.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed free agent Closer Ryan Madson

Earlier this week the Angels signed free agent closing pitcher Ryan Madson, who signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds last year, but missed the whole season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.  The one-year, $3.5 million deal is heavily contingent on roster bonuses and games played, per Tim Brown.   In 2011 Madson saved 32 games for the Phillies, and if he can bounce back from surgery, should be a solid closer for the Angels in 2013, and a good fantasy closer. 
2013 Projection: 25-35 saves, 2.60 ERA and a WHIP under 1.20. 

Pittsburgh Pirates signed free agent Catcher Russell Martin

Martin, who spent the last two years with the New York Yankees, decided to leave the Big Apple for more money with the young and talent Pirates.  CBS’ John Heyman reports Martin turned down a three-year $21 million contract from Pittsburgh in exchange for two-years and $17 million.  While Martin is definitely an upgrade for the Pirates and a decent catcher on both sides of the ball, he’s not the most reliable fantasy catcher. But, PNC Park is a hitter’s park, and Martin should have a decent year.
2013 Projection: 90 hits, around 20 home runs, 55-60 RBIs, less than 100 strikeouts, an average between .230-.250 and an on base percentage under .350. 

New York Yankees resign Closer Mariano Rivera

Rivera, the MLB all-time saves leader, missed most of last season after tearing his ACL while shagging fly balls during batting practice.  Rivera and the Yankees agreed on a $10 million guaranteed deal, with further incentives and awards, per John Heyman.  This deal is a no-brainer for the Yankees.  Rivera is the best closer in the history of baseball, and he should bounce back from this injury just fine.  He’s one of the best fantasy closers available. 
2013 Projection: 60 strikeouts, 40 saves, a WHIP under 1.00 and an ERA under 2.00. 

New York Mets sign Third Baseman David Wright to a contract extension.

Andy Martino was the first to report the eight-year, $138 million extension early this morning.  Wright is one of the best third basemen in the league, and easily the best player on the Mets’ roster.  He is the face of the franchise, and this is a great deal for the team.  With recent struggles, they HAD to keep him around to keep attendance up and attract prospective free agents.  Wright had an amazing season, and is one of the top-five fantasy third basemen. 
2013 Projections: 180 hits, 20-25 home runs, 90-100 RBIs, .285-.300 average and .380-.390 on base percentage. 

Atlanta Braves trade Staring Pitcher Tommy Hanson to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Danny Knobler was the first to report the trade, via twitter.  After losing Zack Greinke to free agency and trading Ervin Santana to the Kansas City Royals; the Angels were in desperate need of starting pitching, and the Braves had an abundance of young talented arms.  Hunter will bolster the Angels’ starting rotation, and they still hope to resign Greinke.  Hunter is a talented young right-handed pitcher, and a solid fantasy starter.
2013 Projections: 180-200 innings pitched, 185 hits, 85 earned runs, 70 walks, 160-170 strikeouts and 15-18 wins.