Pitchers and catchers report to their respective Spring Training sites this week, marking the end of baseball’s offseason. This spring promises plenty of intrigue, including the adoption of a controversial rule and new homes for some of the game’s most prominent talents.
As a major league researcher, these are the storylines I expect to dominate discussion over the next month and a half.
Familiar Faces in New Places
Several of the game’s most prominent players joined new teams this offseason. Gerrit Cole inked a megadeal with the Yankees, Anthony Rendon signed with the Angels, and Mookie Betts was dealt to the Dodgers. These stars will cause a stir when they arrive in camp, and their every move will be closely monitored by the baseball press.
Gerrit Cole’s first start with the Yankees is sure to be a marquee event, and social media will be abuzz whenever Rendon homers or makes a sliding grab at third base. Still, if any of these stars struggle, fans should remember that Spring Training stats represent a minuscule sample size and are rarely indicative of future performance.
The Hunt for Reds October?
While some teams were almost entirely inactive this winter (I’m looking at you, Rockies), the Reds bolstered their roster with a series of savvy transactions. In fact, the Reds may have the best outfield depth in the majors after adding Nick Castellanos and Japanese import Shogo Akiyama to a group that already included Jesse Winker, Aristides Aquino, and Nick Senzel.
But it wasn’t just the outfield that Cincinnati upgraded. The Reds posted the fourth-best ERA in the National League last season, thanks largely to a rebound campaign from Sonny Gray and the continued emergence of changeup artist Luis Castillo. New to that group is Wade Miley, who despite a rough second half, put together a respectable 116 ERA+ for the Astros in 2019.
After spending roughly $165 million on free agents this offseason, the Reds will be viewed as a dark horse candidate for a postseason spot. The decisions that manager David Bell makes regarding his roster could create some compelling storylines.
Al Central Power Shift?
If the Reds are the NL’s most improved team, then it’s the White Sox who deserve that distinction in the AL. The White Sox have not reached the postseason since 2008, and this well could be the year they snap that streak of mediocrity.
Yes, the Sox added an elite catcher (Yasmani Grandal), a reliable starter (Dallas Keuchel), a consistent power threat (Edwin Encarnacion), and a setup man (Steve Cishek) via free agency. The reason this team is so promising, however, is a core group that includes switch-hitter Yoan Moncada, batting champion Tim Anderson, and burgeoning slugger Eloy Jimenez.
If that young talent sounds tantalizing, then imagine how fearsome the White Sox lineup will be if 22-year old Cuban outfielder Luis Robert lives up to the hype. Robert is ranked as the third-best prospect in baseball on MLB.com, and he’s coming off a minor league season in which he hit 32 home runs and stole 36 bases. He signed a six-year contract with the club in January, which all but guarantees he’ll be on the Opening Day roster. The Twins are the reigning AL Central champions, but don’t be surprised if the White Sox play with some newfound swagger this spring.
Home Run Happiness
They were bounced in the first round of the postseason, so it’s easy to forget that the Twins won over 100 games and set the major league home-run record last year. Minnesota’s power-packed lineup now features Josh Donaldson, one of the few current players who has remained productive into his mid-thirties. With the “Bomba Squad” at full strength, expect some tape-measure dingers to be hit in Fort Myers this spring.
Of course, there are teams besides the Twins who could clobber some titanic taters during their exhibition schedule. The Yankees fell just one home run short of matching the Twins’ home run total last year, and that was despite extended absences from key pieces like Giancarlo Stanton and Miguel Andujar. Spring Training will give Yankee fans an opportunity to see a fully healthy roster on the field once more.
Rule Changes
Several rule changes are coming to MLB this year, including the implementation of a three-batter minimum for pitchers. According to this rule, pitchers must face at least three batters in an appearance or pitch to the end of the half inning, with the exception of injuries. Teams have not been very receptive to the rule, as it will fundamentally alter how the game is played and make the LOOGY (“Lefty One Out Guy”) a thing of the past. The effects that this rule has on gameplay should be a frequent topic of discussion in both the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues.
Searle’s Final Say
Spring Training tends to drag after the first few weeks, but it’s always a joy to see players in action after four long months without baseball. And if you’re a fan of prospects, you can revel in the chance to see an organization’s top minor league talents go up against seasoned big leaguers. This spring, fans should expect prospects like Luis Robert to put together highlight reel plays. They should also pay close attention to the impact of the three-batter rule, which some believe will lengthen games rather than its intended goal of shortening them.
