Spring training in Clearwater, Florida offers a much-welcomed escape from the winter weather, as the baseball gurus eagerly anticipate the start of a new season. The usual buzz and excitement are palpable as major leaguers join their teammates for the annual tradition of spring training. It’s a time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and high hopes for a successful year ahead.
Baseball fans and industry insiders alike are curious to find out if the Dodgers’ hefty investment in eight big-league free agents during the winter will pay off. Will this infusion of talent make them the most improved team in the National League? The spring preview survey conducted with 31 baseball executives, former executives, coaches, and scouts offers insights and predictions into what’s to come in the MLB season.
Amidst the Dodgers’ rise to the top of the most improved teams in the NL, the Orioles also made significant moves, trading for Corbin Burnes. This trade has positioned the Orioles as a team to watch, especially with the anticipation of Burnes’ performance and impact on their roster. Moreover, Juan Soto’s transfer to the Yankees raises expectations, potentially making them instant World Series contenders as he joins the stacked lineup in the Bronx.
This survey also predicts that Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, and a handful of Boras’ free-agent clients, including Justin Turner and Aaron Nola, will be the last to sign their deals. Furthermore, the A’s, Rockies, White Sox, and Nationals are recognized as the least recognizable teams in the league, reflecting a lack of familiarity and star power in the eyes of both industry insiders and regular fans.
Overall, the spring training survey provides valuable insights into the upcoming season, painting a picture of high expectations, intriguing storylines, and much-anticipated player signings. The baseball community is eager to see how these predictions play out in the coming months.