[Ruwisc]

December 2023 Transactions

December 2:

• Semyof signs former Lutrul CF Ipitashi Rerawe, 28, for 8 years, $31.8 million. Huge term and not that much AAV for the former 5-time MVP, sensible for him given his injury history. 2023 was his first healthy season since his last MVP campaign of 2019.

• Westline acquires catcher Ylli Chosofali from Sokroch (SPL) for three prospects, most notably OF Pola Hatsalicho, who took 130 PAs for them this past season. This is a really shrewd move for Westline - while Chosofali only has one year of team control, he's a great leader and defensive catcher despite being just 22 years of age. It's also a move that's about to be severely undercut in a few days...

December 6:

• Keleri have done it again, bringing on top amateur pitching prospect Samayo Itsatuse for $46 million over 5 years. The trio of Itsatuse, Kes Nokolo, and Shaltseri Kalorotiha, all 18 or younger, is likely going to be very good for a very long time.

December 7:

• Westline also sign catcher Tupae Pufosa, for 8 years and $94.8 million. After spending the 2016-21 seasons in the Amnanache system, Pufosa is suddenly on his fourth EL team in four years after one-year stops at Keleri and Fampalo.

December 8 - a few notable moves today:

• Lutrul signs SS Tilutsu Hofohe, 4 years/$48.8 million. He more than doubles his annual salary on the contract he signed with Muni when they were in the 2L.

• Sitache signs SS Wasi Tsewayo, 8 years/$102 million. Tsewayo was part of the stellar infield with the Spirits, and now hopes to be the guy that can keep Sitache out of the relegation fight altogether

• The Shunna Eagles also get a shortstop, signing Nekafe Natso for two years, $8 million. Could be a huge bargain for the 3rd-place finisher in MVP voting just two seasons ago, but he did miss almost all of 2023 with a torn PCL in his knee.

• RF Kiowu Rorale, one of the top hitters on the National championship team, leaves to sign with Meka for 5 years, $54 million. The Meka lineup is starting to look pretty good, actually...

December 9:

• Shunna Eagles sign amateur CF Topeshe Tsaruo for $4.48 million per season. Tsaruo is a big lanky guy with huge power potential, with a league-average-ish bat right now. Might be best suited for an outfield corner long term.

December 14:

• BK Kepmem lands former Eagles ace, and 3rd-place PoY from this past season, Nimape Turetsotsa, for 6 years and an even $60 million. Turetsotsa, 20, led the league in home run rate this season, only allowing 14 across nearly 240 innings.

December 15:

• Semyof continues to stockpile other teams' closers, this time landing former Tsapna closer Akawo Nylur for 3 years at just over $8 million per year. Nylur was the 2022 Reliever of the Year, and finished 3rd in 2023 despite not being the primary closer anymore.

December 23-24:

• I wouldn't most Second League signings, but this double-whammy caught my eye. Killitash Bayside, in their second year in the 2L, sign both SP Tsai Reyolafa & 3B Rolana Rekesu, formerly starring with Amnanache and Aroketsil Spirits, respectively. In fact, they've got five new front-line players that were ELers in 2023!

December 24:

• Catcher Epencho Posheni signs with Cheshek, for 4 years, $47.7 million. This is his third straight contract that has been for four years, with an opt-out after two, and both previous times (with Keleri and Westline) he has exercised that opt-out. A highly-respected defensive catcher and a good, but not elite, bat.

• Muni has inked former Lutrul 2B Poem Meste for 6 years, $49.8 million. Good get for a team desperately in need of decent bats.

December 30:

• Former Akashemo United closer Chitipa Fyhy signs with Lutrul, for 3 years, $18 million. Quite a reliable arm, he's carried an ERA between 1.92 and 2.24 the last four years in a row.