The last couple of seasons, toward the end of spring training, we’ve looked at the reasons behind why teams didn’t make certain moves during the winter.
Thanks to the glacial pace of this year’s hot stove, we had to delay this, because we couldn’t ask, “Why the heck didn’t my team get X?” when it might then turn around and get X. The letter X, as you probably have guessed, represents a move that entering the offseason, you figured the team might make and then … didn’t. The X is different for every team.
Now we’re into the regular season, and the top free agents have all latched on with new or old teams, and we’ve seen more than a week of 2024 rosters in action.
Finally, we can ask: Why the heck didn’t my team get X?
Arizona Diamondbacks
Why the heck didn’t the Diamondbacks get a big bullpen arm?
The soothing response: Really, is that all you can come up with?
The Diamondbacks needed a few things when the offseason dawned, like an upgrade at third base, depth in the rotation and some options at DH. For the most part, Mike Hazen and his crew checked all the boxes from that to-do list, landing Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Joc Pederson, Randal Grichuk and Eugenio Suarez.
This item — a big-time reliever — is kind of a reach because every team — every single one of them — could use another lockdown, swing-and-miss, high-leverage relief pitcher. Arizona added a number of depth options for the ‘pen but opted to ride with Paul Sewald as closer. Sewald is solid, not elite, and right now he’s out with an ailing oblique.
Still, this is not a big deal. When Sewald returns, he should be fine and if the Diamondbacks want to make a targeted pickup to upgrade the high-leverage crew before the trade deadline, they’ll be well-positioned to do so. After injuries to Jordan Lawlar and Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona may have a sudden need at shortstop, but we didn’t know that heading into the winter.
Atlanta Braves
Why the heck didn’t the Braves get a shortstop upgrade?
The soothing response: Managing the payroll.
Whatever you might think of Orlando Arcia, one thing you can’t deny is he provides excellent production for what he earns. It’s kind of remarkable when you think about it: Arcia, an eight-year veteran, is the everyday shortstop for one of baseball’s best teams and yet will be paid just $2 million this season. Atlanta surely wants to avoid tripping the third-tier luxury tax penalties, and having a starting shortstop at this pay level helps the Braves do that and leaves some space for pickups later on.
While Arcia projects as a just-below-average shortstop, part of that is because of negative defensive metrics that bely his reputation as a glove guy. Chances are, the Braves’ own evaluation of Arcia’s defenses conflicts with the metrics and, since he’s around league average as a hitter, that’s a pretty good shortstop and an absolute bargain on a stacked Atlanta roster.
Kansas City Royals
Why the heck didn’t the Royals get more bullpen help?
The soothing response: At least this now seems like a thing.
Unless your offseason checklist for the Royals was topped by having George Brett come out of retirement, it’s hard for anyone to quibble with Kansas City’s active winter, especially when you accept that the Royals aren’t going to play at the top of the free agent market.
Kansas City has been fun to watch so far this season. Some of that is because the lineup is athletic and full of both power and speed. Much of it is because a rotation that looked much improved on paper has been one of MLB’s best over the opening stretch of the season. And some of it is because the leaky bullpen has meant a few more exciting finishes than Matt Quatraro might prefer.
Really though: Aren’t you just glad that it seems to matter?
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