A new year has begun with many MLB offseason storylines to continue to follow. Spring training is less than two weeks away leaving times a little time to decide their reality and shore up their rosters.
The calendar has flipped to 2024, meaning spring training is already around the corner. But, there are some moves to be made and team directions to decide. Here are some storylines to follow in the new year.
Offseason Storylines: Free Agency and Block Buster Trades
Standard code Embed from Getty ImagesSome teams have been quiet but still could make some noise with big free-agent signings or blockbuster trades. Even though the position player market is thin, there are still some good ones to explore signing. Some of the most notable players are Randall Grichuk, Cody Bellinger, and CJ Cron. Grichuk remains one of the most consistent players and Bellinger enjoyed a comeback last season. Teams like the Diamondbacks and Cubs need experienced batters. Every year, there always seems to be a CY Young winner on the market. Blake Snell is that guy this season and there will be a lot of interest.
There have been some big trades this offseason such as Juan Soto to Yankees and Tyler Glasnow to Dodgers. Fans could still see some blockbuster deals before spring training. It’s a pitching-heavy group with Shane Bieber and Corbin Burnes as candidates. The Rockies and Red Sox each need to explore a deal for one of those pitchers considering they have a stockpile of prospects. There may be some surprise trades as many teams are looking for young position players like outfielders.
Other Storylines
Standard code Embed from Getty ImagesWhen the offseason began, several clubs wanted to make significant splashes to improve their rosters. Other teams are unusually quiet despite their big needs like the Giants who need pitching and a bat. The Cubs were a surprise contender last season, but they lost a couple of pieces. This team has yet to show what direction they are going for this year. Also, the Rockies will be an interesting team to follow with some exciting young players and pithing struggles.
AL East teams Orioles and Blue Jays have been nice surprises the last couple of seasons. They have some exciting young players. It will be interesting to see if they can replicate their success from last season. The Angels are a team with no direction whatsoever. They lost Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout struggles to stay healthy enough to make a difference. Therefore, the Angels may be ready to tear it down and make some big moves.
2024 could prove to be eventful for many MLB players and teams. There are still some moves to be made and directions to be decided. Since spring Training is a few weeks away leaving time for some of these storylines to play out. Tune in for more juicy MLB news and stories.
Feature Image: Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
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