Uncover the Insights of MLB Managers During the Offseason
American League
The Astros have Ryan Gusto and Colton Gordon as rotation options. When the injured players return, Joe Espada feels good about Valdez, along with Hunter Brown, Arrighetti, and Ronel Blanco. Gordon, just added to the 40-man roster, throws well. Gusto is also in the conversation and will contribute at the Major League level. The team is focused on improving pitching depth.
For the Athletics, J.T. Ginn, Joey Estes, Osvaldo Bido, and Mitch Spence are rotation options. The signing of Severino shows their desire to accelerate the process and add to the team. Mark Kotsay emphasizes the importance of the veteran starter for leadership and the development of the young players. Jacob Wilson is working on adding bulk to address injury concerns and is training with the strength coach.
The Guardians expect Triston McKenzie to be part of the rotation. Stephen Vogt believes McKenzie has a healthy body and arm and is having a great offseason. He is expected to be ready to compete for a spot in the rotation.
The Orioles will monitor Félix Bautista's workload. Brandon Hyde is cautious due to Bautista's Tommy John surgery. Grayson Rodriguez is "full go" after his injury. Jackson Holliday won't be guaranteed the starting second base job, but he is in a good place physically and excited for spring training.
The Rangers have Jonah Heim and Kyle Higashioka splitting time at catcher, with Heim getting a few more starts. Bruce Bochy is excited to have Higashioka, who is good at framing and game-calling.
The Rays have José Caballero playing some outfield. Kevin Cash sees the potential for him to get at-bats and contribute. Jonny DeLuca and Taylor Walls are consistent players.
National League
The Brewers may move Brice Turang or Joey Ortiz to shortstop without further additions. Pat Murphy is considering the options based on the team's needs. Aaron Ashby and DL Hall will be stretched out as starters, while Jacob Misiorowski will not.
The Giants have Jung Hoo Lee ready for Spring Training with no restrictions. Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Jordan Hicks are at the top of the rotation, followed by Kyle Harrison, Hayden Birdsong, and Landen Roupp. The team is looking to add pitching.
The Marlins are excited about Edward Cabrera and believe he should get another shot at the rotation. Clayton McCullough sees his potential.
The Nationals have Jose A. Ferrer as a closer option along with Robert Garcia and Derek Law. Dave Martinez is looking to add more bullpen arms. José Tena doesn't have a set position yet but has shown potential.
The Padres have a stated rotation order with Yu Darvish, Michael King, Dylan Cease, Randy Vásquez, Matt Waldron, and Jhony Brito. Mike Shildt is confident in the current rotation and hopes to add Sasaki.
The Phillies are hoping to get J.T. Realmuto more rest. Rob Thomson will have those conversations in person. Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchán will battle for the backup catcher's role. Jordan Romano is not guaranteed the closer's role, and the team will run the bullpen like in the past. Taijuan Walker is working on regaining velocity to become a serviceable starter.
The Rockies expect Kris Bryant to be the primary designated hitter. Bud Black plans to use him strategically in different positions to contribute to the team's offense.
Jeff, one of the authors of the fantasy baseball guide, The Process, writes for RotoGraphs, The Hardball Times, Rotowire, Baseball America, and BaseballHQ. He has been nominated for two SABR Analytics Research Award for Contemporary Analysis and won it in 2013 in tandem with Bill Petti. He has won four FSWA Awards including one for his Mining the News series. He’s won Tout Wars three times, LABR twice, and got his first NFBC Main Event win in 2021. Follow him on Twitter @jeffwzimmerman.