It’s Baaaacccckkkk!
Spring training is over and the Major League Baseball Season is about to begin, officially. And oh boy am I excited! Not just for my team, but for all the stars of the game. There is nothing like the start of the season. Everyone is on an even field. Surprises abound and unknown athleticism is about to rear it’s head.
Here’s a small list of things that I am most excited about for the start of the season.
FREE AGENTS NO MORE
It’s official! All of the games top free agents have officially signed with teams for 2024. Jordan Montgomery was the final shoe to drop on a free agent class that held its self in one of the highest regards in recent memory. Holding out from signing deals until the 11th hour. Now it’s time to see if the strategy worked out, as players like Montgomery, JD Martinez and Blake Snell have all had abbreviated time to gear up for the season in Spring Training.
YOUTH MOVEMENT
There are some amazingly talented prospects getting ready to make their major league debuts this spring. Some will be making the leap to the majors with little, or even no, minor league experience!
The most notable riser this spring is Texas Ranger’s Wyatt Langford who was drafted #3 overall this past season and absolutely tore it up this spring.
Jackson Holliday brings his 2nd generation pedigree to the already stacked, and young, Baltimore Orioles team. The 2022 #1 Overall pick is ready to impact the stout AL East this year.
Pitching also has some fresh blood this season in the Pittsburgh Pirates 2023 #1 Overall Pick Paul Skenes. Another top prospect who had a stand out Spring will lead a ‘crew’ of LSU alumni to the majors in 2024.
Speaking of LSU, the Washington Nationals have a name to watch as well from Cajun Country. Dylan Crews may be starting the season at Double-A, but along with James Woods and Robert Hassell we should see Crews make his Major League Debut at some point this season.
And lastly, the Milwaukee Brewers have added their top prospect to its Major League Roster! Jackson Churio, set to be on e of this seasons most exciting players to watch, was informed early last week that he would be joining the big club when the season starts!
And this is just a small sampling of the names to keep an eye on this season. I’m excited to see these players progress and keep reading my columns for updates and insight on Names to Watch.
Where Will the Power Lie
For years we have had juggernaut organizations like the Dodgers, Yankees, Astros, Braves, Cardinals and Red Sox. And while admittedly the Red Sox have been down the past few years the other organizations have held their ground and produced strong seasons. But every empire must eventually fall. Is 2024 the year we see more of these once mighty organizations begin, or continue, to crumble?
Is there something to be said about developing talent within your organization instead of spending insane amounts of money to buy a team full of established all star caliber players.
The Orioles, Rangers, Rays, Reds, Brewers, Diamondbacks and more of these smaller market teams are ready to claim dominance of their divisions and prove that you don’t have to have the deepest pockets to win in this league.
I’m ready to see what these organizations have built. If it’s sustainable and if their teams are ready to inspire the communities they represent.
Baseball’s Best Kept Secret
Tucked away nicely in the confines of Kaufman Stadium is a 2nd generation talent ready to break out on to the national stage this year. Bobby Witt Jr. is probably not yet a household name, but he will be a strong contender for MVP this season on a Royals team that will surprise in the weak AL Central division.
Having been brought up in the game, Witt will be the leader on his team. He is ready to build on a season that saw him improve in every statistical category from his rookie season in 2022. He hit 30 HR and stole just under 50 bases last season. He leads the team on the field as their everyday shortstop. Keep an eye on the Royals this year and BWJ in particular, because we are ready to witness something special!
With so much excitement (and controversy) for the beginning of the 2024 baseball season we have a lot to look forward to and enjoy as fans. How will it all play out? Stay tuned to everything going on at Top Fan Rivalry to stay in the loop with how we feel about the 2024 season.
By Mike Carreiro, Top Fan Beat Writer