The World Series was definitely fun while it lasted. The Houston Astros brought home the championship by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games. It signaled the end of an exciting baseball season that featured a ton of twists and turns right until the very end.
By virtue of the Phillies’ involvement in the World Series and the national interest in the Astros, there was sure to be a long life of live bettors taking a look at the list of the best PA online gambling sites.
However, that’s all in the past now, and it’s time to look ahead at how certain dominoes will fall. These pieces will help to shape the landscape for the 2023 MLB season, which will be upon us before we realize it.
The first step will be finding homes for free agents this winter. Here are five key people to keep an eye on during the next couple of months of contract negotiations.
Table of Contents
Brian Cashman
Longevity
It’s extremely rare to find a front office executive who is in their position with the same team for over 20 years, but Brian Cashman has been the general manager of the New York Yankees since 1998. He is no stranger to the consistent pressure to win, and the desire to bring in players that will make an impact year in and year out.
This experience should help him remain calm and composed when targeting potential transactions to improve the ball club. Other less seasoned general managers might be a little bit more impulsive in their decision-making process.
American League Home Run King
Of course, Cashman’s biggest decision will come down to whether he can bring Aaron Judge back to the Bronx. The judge had one of, if not the best contract season of all time this year, bashing 62 home runs to break Roger Maris’ AL record.
There’s no question that it’s going to take a boatload(perhaps unprecedented) amount of money to retain Judge’s services, and how Cashman and his staff present this offer will make a huge difference in what ends up happening. He almost has to retain the American League home run leader at any price.
Billy Eppler
An Unlimited Budget?
Speaking of money being thrown around, the New York Mets seem to have a more liberal checkbook since owner Steve Cohen purchased the team. The team has already committed to Francisco Lindor for the long term and has handsomely compensated starting pitcher Max Scherzer on a short-term contract.
This gives general manager Billy Eppler some bargaining power as he looks to re-sign integral players and upgrade other positions. It’ll be interesting to see whether funding for this endeavor is truly unlimited, or whether Eppler will have to pinch pennies somewhere.
Picking Up The Pieces
After winning 101 games during the regular season, the Mets were expected to go on a deep playoff run this October. It did not materialize, as they were ousted in the Wild Card series by the San Diego Padres. With Jacob DeGrom’s contract up, and decisions to make regarding the retention of lineup mainstays, Eppler will have his hands full.
New York will have to balance trying to keep a successful team intact with attempting to bring in some players that can get them over the hump.
Shohei Ohtani
Underappreciated In Anaheim?
He’s one of the best players in baseball, but Shohei Ohtani’s heroics have largely gone under the radar with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It’s hard to say that his mind-blowing performances are not getting the attention they deserve, but the Angels have struggled to be competitive while he has been there.
He is not a free agent this offseason, but there have been rumors about the organization possibly trading him.
Historic Two-Way Weapon
Simply put, Ohtani gets it done on the mound and at the plate. He was the 2021 Most Valuable Player for his ability to confound batters when he pitched and frazzle pitchers when he hit.
Even if he doesn’t win MVP every single year, giving a manager the ability to slot one guy into the top of a rotation and bat the same individual cleanup is as unique as it gets. Except the Angels to receive several calls about his availability.
