MLB Expansion Draft - Part 2: The results

After the rules and unprotected lists were set, our teams held the draft. With the Sounds winning the coin flip, they opted to take first pick in the first round.

Here's how the teams came together:

Nashville Sounds

Projected 2022 payroll: $169.4 million

Position players

Infielders

Outfielders

Snagging Ramirez with the first overall pick is huge but the Sounds built a pretty respectable lineup from top to bottom. At roughly 22 cumulative WAR from position players, the Sounds would've ranked 12th last year - just behind the eventual champion Atlanta Braves, according to FanGraphs.

However, they've likely committed to Ahmed as their everyday shortstop and, while he's a great glove, he struggled at the plate last year hitting .221/.280/.339. They'll need to add another shortstop during free agency once the lockout officially ends. With the payroll already up near $170 million, you'd have to assume Carlos Correa and Trevor Story are off the table. They'll opt for a utility bench bat instead.

Pitchers

Starters

Relievers

While the rotation looks good, it's definitely worth noting it will look drastically different after the Sounds' inaugural campaign. Morton and Hill are both on one-year deals and will likely consider retirement next winter. Moreover, Manaea is in his final year of team control and can test free agency for the first time after 2022. To top it off, Gibson and Miley are also earmarked for the open market, leaving Walker as the only starter who might still be around in 2023 - and that's only if he accepts his $6-million player option. It's a good rotation for their first season, but at what cost? Of course, perhaps those arms serve as premium rental pieces at the trade deadline if the Sounds find themselves out of the playoff race.

The bullpen looks incredibly elite, particularly from the left side. Chapman likely serves as the closer, and the setup role could go to almost anyone as the manager will be able to play the platoon advantage pretty easily. Loup, Alvarez, and Suter could all be summoned in arguably any situation but particularly against fellow lefties, while Maton, Jackson, and Bard manage from the right side.

Montreal Expos

Projected 2022 payroll: $145.5 million

Position players

Infielders

Outfielders

Coming in at around 23 cumulative WAR, the Expos' hitters seem, on paper, better than the Sounds. However, losing Ramirez meant having to get a little pricier in some areas. They fought the urge to take Giancarlo Stanton - who went undrafted after the Yankees left the prolific slugger and his huge contract unprotected - which pleased ownership. But, they still had to take Goldschmidt and Donaldson, who will cost $47 million combined through at least 2024.

That being said, they still cut costs elsewhere and came in about $25 million cheaper than the Sounds. That might set them up to make a splash in free agency before the season gets underway. Management likely wants to address their lack of impact left-handed bats, and free-agent hitter Mitch Moreland could be an interesting, cost-effective fit.

Pitchers

Starters

Relievers

In stark contrast to their expansion sisters, the Expos' rotation is here to stay. Rodriguez and Gray are both on newly minted deals signed for five and four seasons, respectively. Bieber is still in the early years of arbitration eligibility and under team control through 2024; same with Paddack, who will look to recapture the form that made him an elite prospect and breakout star in his rookie season.

If the Expos do have some room left in their budget, perhaps some investment in the bullpen would be preferred. It's decidedly not good and will rely on Giles and Beeks - two pitchers bouncing back from injury - to carry the load in most high-leverage spots.