NOW WARMING UP...MLB by Rob Kriete Senior Baseball Columnist
Now Warming Up…MLB!
Let's start with the Opener.
***The Dodgers won the 2024 World Series while pitching from a bullpen situation for most of their playoff run. They got some pitching gems from Bueller and Yamamoto, but the bullpen performed in a way that will impact how teams build their teams in the future. Before now, the idea of not having a “Big 3” of elite starting pitching meant short(er) playoff runs for teams. Of course, having Ohtani, Betts, and WS MVP Freeman in the lineup gives Los Angeles a lot of slack. However, smaller market teams may look to build out a strong bullpen in place of paying (or overpaying) starting pitching. MLB will have an interesting offseason. What do you think?
Now to the Set Up Man
*** Aaron Judge vs. Shohei Ohtani wasn’t the spotlight on these five games. Ohtani was clearly hurt from a slide in Game #2 and Judge seemed to be pressing throughout the playoffs. The best two hitters in the game only factored in the games by their presence, not their effectiveness. They are the clear MVPs of their respective leagues and teams. If you could choose one of the two to play on your team in 2025, who would you choose? Or, would you prefer Juan Soto?
Now the Closer.
***Juan Soto now becomes the most prolific MLB free agent since Shohei last year. There are only a handful of teams who can afford the contract that Soto will ask for, and get. His age, his bat, and his presence in the lineup will make him second only to Ohtani in terms of contract dollars. How can MLB create a competitive balance while allowing players to earn the highest salary that the free agent market allows? A simple salary cap will not work. A creative way is needed that probably involves draft picks and international players. Look for this to be at the heart of the next round of MLB/Players Association negotiations.
“A World Series trophy is a wonderful thing to behold.” – Willie Stargell