All eyes were on the Texas Rangers in the lead up to their signing of Japanese pitching star Yu Darvish to a six-year contract on Jan. 18. The deal, worth $60 million, coupled with the $51.7 million the Rangers spent for bidding rights brought the total price tag to more than $111 million.

The big slugger agreed to a nine-year, $214 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers were a surprise team in the Prince sweepstakes, signing the former Brewer away from suitors such as the Nationals.
 

The Washington Nationals had a surprisingly busy offseason. In December, the Nats made a swap with the A's to acquire Gonzalez, who projects as the No. 2 starter in their rotation. In January, Washington inked Gonzalez to a five-year extension through 2016.

On the same day they traded for Seattle's Michael Pindea, the Yankees agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with veteran free agent Hiroki Kuroda, who was solid for four years with the Dodgers.

The Yankees bolstered their starting rotation by acquiring Michael Pineda in a trade with the Mariners.

Just when you thought the Marlins offseason couldn't get any crazier, they made a trade with the Cubs for lightning rod Carlos Zambrano, sending underachieving right-hander Chris Volstad to the Windy City. The volatile Zambrano has been known to mouth off, throw things and retaliate against players. In 2011 the Cubs placed Zambrano on the disqualified list after his latest meltdown, and he missed the last six weeks of the season.  

The Miami Marlins continued their busy offseason, adding the services of lefty Mark Buehrle. The ex-White Sox starter inked a $58 million, four-year contract with the Fish.

The Marlins made a big splash with their offseason acquisitions, first signing ex-Padres closer Heath Bell (right) and then former Mets shortstop Jose Reyes. Both deals signaled the ushering in of a new era of baseball in Miami.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim locked down two prizes during the offseason, both of whom cost a pretty penny. The Angels managed to pry slugger Albert Pujols away from the Cardinals to the tune of a 10-year, $240 million guaranteed contract. The Angels also secured C.J. Wilson with five-year, $77.5 million deal, luring him away from their division rivals, the Texas Rangers.

The Rockies secured Cuddyer with a three-year, $31.5 million contract. The versatile, right-handed hitter used to play for the Minnesota Twins.

Beltran signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Cardinals that includes a full no-trade clause. A switch-hitter with power, Beltran formerly played for the San Francisco Giants.

Aramis Ramirez made a three-year, $36 million deal with the Brewers. Ramirez spent the last eight seasons with the Chicago Cubs.

Josh Willingham signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Minnesota Twins this offseason. At age 32, his best years may be behind him, but only time will tell. Willingham spent last season with the A's.

The Cincinnati Reds agreed to sign Madson to a deal, effectively replacing Francisco Cordero. Madson excelled filling the Phillies' ninth-inning void last year while Brad Lidge battled injuries.

Clint Barmes signed a two-year, $10.5 million deal to play shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The deal reunites Barmes with manager Clint Hurdle, whom he played for in Colorado. Barmes, who played for the Astros in 2011, is capable of playing all over the diamond.

Right-hander Jackson reached agreement with the Washington Nationals on Feb. 2 on a deal expected to be for one year in the $10 million range. Jackson has a 60-60 career big-league record and 4.46 ERA. Just 28, he showed signs of being a more consistent pitcher last year, particularly down the stretch with St. Louis. The Nats will be his seventh team. Destination: Washington Nationals.

The Phillies kicked off the offseason by signing closer Jonathan Papelbon, who was dealt by the Red Sox after going 31 for 34 in save situations last year. The Phils scooped him up with a record-setting, four-year, $50-million deal that includes with a vesting option for 2016.

Tony La Russa retired as the Cardinals manager after leading the team to the World Series championship. Former Cards catcher Mike Matheny will be filling out the lineup cards in 2012. Matheny, 41, got the job despite having no coaching or managing experience in professional baseball. He's the youngest current manager in the big leagues.

After the departure of fiery manager Ozzie Guillen, the White Sox hired Robin Ventura as their new skipper. Ventura, who has no major league coaching or managerial experience, says he is humbled and honored to be the team's 39th manager. He played for the White Sox for 10 years.

After a long hiatus from managing in the majors, Bobby Valentine (right) scored a gig with the Boston Red Sox. Prior to his new deal in Beantown, Bobby V served as a baseball analyst for ESPN.
 

The Chicago Cubs hope that former Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum (center) can guide the team to its first title since 1908. The Cubbies also welcomed a new GM, one familiar with winning titles himself, in former Red Sox exec Theo Epstein (right).
 

Outspoken manager Ozzie Guillen (left) joined the Miami Marlins this offseason. The former skipper of the ChiSox, a notorious Twitter participant, is sure to bring plenty of entertainment to South Beach.

Houstonian Jim Crane is the new owner of the Houston Astros. He purchased the franchise from Drayton McLane Jr. The Astros will move to the American League in 2012 and Crane is promising many other changes, too.

It's been a busy offseason with plenty of players making moves, whether through free agency or trades. The new season will also see a handful of new managers and a couple new owners. See who will show up to work on Opening Day in a new city.