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Bradford Doolittle
Multiple Authors
Forget the groundhog’s predictions in Pennsylvania—spring has arrived early for baseball enthusiasts. With the World Baseball Classic on the horizon, teams have advanced their report dates, bringing the fields of Florida and Arizona to life.
The accelerated schedule, along with the uncertainty surrounding several key free agents, has driven notable activity over the past month since our last Stock Watch. While the extremes of the Watch remain steady—the Dodgers at one end and the Rockies at the other—there’s been considerable movement in between.
As we assess the status of each team as spring training begins, we’ll focus on one significant offseason question that seems to linger unanswered for each franchise. What led to the oversight? How consequential might this be? Or is there a solution concealed in plain sight?
While teams continue to shape their rosters—a process that is ongoing—let’s set our expectations for spring as they seek answers to queries some fans hoped would have been resolved before pitchers and catchers reported.
Win average: 102.4 (Last Stock Watch: 99.0, 1st)
In the playoffs: 97.8% (Last: 95.3%)
Champions: 29.0% (Last: 22.2%)
Why didn’t the Dodgers secure the Holy Grail?
No, I’m not referring to a baseball holy grail—I’m talking about the actual Holy Grail. It’s one of the few things the Dodgers haven’t acquired yet. okayly they can manage it.
In the end, it seems that no team, even the Dodgers, can achieve perfection. But they come quite close.
Win average: 91.2 (Last: 92.5, 2nd)
In the playoffs: 77.5% (Last: 82.0%)
Champions: 7.6% (Last: 10.2%)
Why didn’t the Braves acquire a star shortstop?
These talents are challenging to find and acquire. The Braves have faced uncertainty at shortstop since Dansby Swanson’s departure. although GM Alex Anthopoulos’s efforts at reshuffling the roster, the situation remains unclear. This uncertainty is exacerbated by the Braves’ shortstop ranking (27th) compared to their strong prospects in other positions. Having this gap is not ideal for a contending team.
The initial plan included Ha-Seong Kim, who showcased his skills for the role last season. Behind him would be former Astros utility player Mauricio Dubon, who was acquired in exchange for all-glove, no-hit shortstop Nick Allen. With Kim sidelined by a hand injury, Dubon finds himself in the challenging position of being an everyday shortstop. Kim is expected to return by late May or early June, making this arrangement temporary. Regardless, the Braves need to make a significant acquisition at this position, especially with their top shortstop prospects still far from making an impact in Atlanta.
The evolving in-season trade market will be one to watch closely.
Win average: 91.2 (Last: 89.1, 7th)
In the playoffs: 77.9% (Last: 68.8%)
Champions: 7.1% (Last: 5.6%)
Why didn’t the Mets sign Edwin Diaz?
The Dodgers offered him a better contract; it’s that straightforward. Losing out on Diaz was part of a slow, heavily examined offseason for the Mets, but it ultimately gained traction and ended on a positive note.
Concerns are plentiful. Aging middle infielders raise eyebrows, especially with Francisco Lindor’s early hamate injury. Doubts linger about Luis Robert Jr.’s ability to fulfill the potential many, including myself, had projected—was it merely residual hype from his prospect days? also, there are questions about Carson Benge’s readiness for the role the Mets desire him to undertake.
Every team has its worries, even the Dodgers. but, the Mets’ projections keep them in the conversation as a primary challenger to L.A. A scenario where they meet in the National League Championship Series looms, wherein the outcome hinges on the fact that the Dodgers have Edwin Diaz, and the Mets do not.
Happy baseball season, Mets fans!
