Franchise Power Rankings 2024 Spring Dead Period edition

[Brewers GM (Marty)]

These will all be invalid in about a month, but I needed something to do on a rainy Saturday morning while watching the Premier League and keeping kids from fighting. I'll be going by division w/ blurbs and then an overall ranking at the end based on feelings. As a disclaimer, no in-depth thought has been done. If you disagree I recommend taking a deep breath then shoving that complaint up your ass. TY in advance. Because everything changes soooooo much over even a month, ranks are weighted heavily by expected 2024/25 performance. From there it's just my own personal biases as to what I think strengths/weaknesses are from stats and what I think young players will contribute.

AL EAST

1. New York Yankees

Overview: Many seasons of good records mean later picks in the drafts, and it's finally starting to show as his farm graduates to the majors. The minors are as thin as I can remember since Justin took over. Which is saying someting because it's still probably at least top half despite all the rebuilding you're going to read about in this thread.
However this also leads to a lot of cheap depth and the players he's held onto are strong contributors. Barring massive injuries I'd expect two more runs at the title out of this roster over the scope of this ranking. There's still enough in the farm that as players pass into free agency they'll be replaced internally.

Strengths: This team will register strong stats in every category this season. Steals are probably the weakest in this new rule environment but there's still enough that it's not a punt.

Weaknesses: This is the first season where his pitching has looked vulnerable. McClanahan and Alcantara will miss 2024. There's still plenty on the staff, but this is as thin as it's been. An injury to Webb or Lopez would be a real problem this season, where in the past he could have weathered it.

Farm contributions: Cavalli should be up midseason, though it remains to be seen what how he'll perform. Festa is an interesting arm that should get time in Minnesota this year. Tyler Black could end up as an upgrade to Chapman at 3B this year, and Parker Meadows could be a good option in CF. The MLB depth is such that his rookies are going to have to blast down the door to get lineup time.

2. Baltimore Orioles

Overview: Let's be honest, of all recent teardowns over the years, this one was probably the least necessary. Yes he got really good value for his players, but usually when a team tears down it's with limited control and the players that are being peddled aren't cheap. His were both. The result is a relatively short rebuild with some really talented young players. Despite being mostly absent in drafts somehow we all drafted poorly enough to let him get some pretty good autopicked talent, as after the first round of drafts his clock tends to expire. Anyhow, the end result regardless of how he got there is a good young team that has a lot of talent on the farm that will help starting this year. Chances are with his attendance record, it will all be on his roster for the next 6-7 years.

Strengths: His pitching is a deep and generally solid group for this season. Rodriguez's emergence in the 2nd half last year could give him an ace on a good real life team. Trades for Steele and Bellinger provide solid multi-category getters on offense and rotation, and bolsters a good group of young players.

Weaknesses: Most of his proven offense is sitting in the outfield, and I think that to start the season he'll be waiting for position eligibility to kick in to get his infield sorted out. I admit I haven't looked closely there. Statistically, I think BA/OBP are going to be a problem, though most of it is pretty unpredictable given how many rookies will be on the roster. He'll probably have to make some moves next year to supplement his pen stats.

Farm contributions: There's quite a bit here. James Wood could/should make the Nationals roster. He's getting a ton of PA's this spring and they only have nincompoops as options behind Lane Thomas for 2 starting spots. Skenes will probably get jobbed and be in AAA until he is bullied into a cheap extension or kicks the door down. Jobe looks great but is probably waiting on a rotation injury, as is Painter once he's healthy. Winn, Younger Jung, and Gonzales should see time this year in his MLB, and I think Teel will be up in 2025 to give Jeff a 6th catcher.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

Overview: Let's be honest. I do not expect him to hold this team together and I almost ranked him below the Red Sox because of it. However the talent that is on the way is pretty undeniable, particularly on offense. I'd expect 2024 to be a growing year for most of them and then some big results in 2025. The Red Sox seem to be heading in the other direction in the short term. His pitching is going to need to be addressed if he's going to compete for wild cards. I still don't think there's enough here without bigger pitching moves to win this division.

Strengths: This team is going to have a really good offense at this point next season. I hesitate to say great because it's a young team and they tend to not get high AB thresholds as teams tend to platoon younger players. I also don't think the depth will be there to weather injuries.

Weaknesses: I think his maneuvering to get under cap for IFA bidding is going to create problems. It created a lot of what I call "false depth". He's at 37 on his 40, and under 1M in cap space. Most of those 37 names are complete non-contributors for the next few years, if ever. His cap situation and full 40 man means that this year he's not going to be able to promote players like most teams. There's some close pitching for this year and next, but spaces need to be cleared on real-life rosters for them for the near future. It's going to be an interesting to see how this all gets managed, as most of his 37 players are not close to the majors.

Boston Red Sox

Overview: As I said, this one is a dead heat w/ Tampa. I think the way that the Rays are typically managed that the Red Sox finish higher in the standings the next two years, but I think that there's less potential for actual contention here. Will can certainly make a change, trade off pieces and build around his roster. Ahmed seems content to trade off MLB pieces and head the other direction though.

Strengths: He still has a few solid-ish names he could move, though some not until May. That might be it at this point in the rebuild on the MLB side.

Weaknesses: The returns he'll receive for the MLB guys like Correa, Taillon, Duran, maybe Burger won't be amazing. This is probably a 5th place team in 2024, though promotions could help get him above Sanders.

Farm Contributions: Wells might be catching in NY early on, but he's a catcher so meh. Manzardo is close to ready and could make Cleveland, though IDK if they carry him as a DH/1B right away. Merrill looks like he's tracking to make SD's OF, which would give dual eligibility at least. Brooks Lee could be up when injury strikes in Minnesota. Gasser and Lowder could be up mid-season as well. Others like House, PCA, Snelling, and Espino could have bigger roles in 2025 and beyond.

Toronto Blue Jays

Overview: There's not really much here. A reluctance to tear down in the face of really good Yankee and Red Sox teams in the past is showing right now. It's going to be a while before he's back to having a 3rd place team in the division. This is the second worst MLB roster and worst MILB roster in the division IMO.

Strengths: Well....uhhh....hmmm. I think the volume of PA's that Yeli and Bogaerts will put up should win him rate stats most weeks, since the rest of his bats won't play much. His pen might be pretty solid, and he should make mins without much issue as long as his team is healthy. But a good pen and winning rate stats is probably not a good thing for a tanker.

Weaknesses: If Luzardo goes down with an injury he's not going to get anything but a HTD for him once he clears 15 innings. Bogaerts and Yeli are pretty good supplemental pieces for a contender, but given the history here I'd guess they're around for the long haul.

Farm contributions: For the next 2 years? Pretty minimal. Most of these guys were drafted because they have strange names. I just don't see the depth to get significant contributions anywhere really. Walcott needs a trade. And I do not think that Yeli/Bogaerts trades are going to net much in trade given their contracts. That said, he should really get them off the roster for whatever he gets back. It would help pick up lottery balls and free up cash for IFA's or bargain FA's for future deals.

[Brewers GM (Marty)]

AL Central

1. Cleveland Guardians

Overview: This is a very good and well rounded young roster. Last year was the growing pain year for most of these guys, and now we'll see what they become. There is also a good balance of high upside and solid guys that you can just pencil in for solid numbers. There's also Ronald Acuna who when he retires is just going to ascend straight to Heaven having accomplished all any baseball player could ever hope to accomplish. I think the Guardians will control this division for a long time despite its relative competitiveness.

Strengths: The offense is pretty stacked in all categories, and the depth around the infield might be some of the best in the league if guys like Volpe and Garcia take a step forward. Acuna, Witt, and Volpe give three likely 20/20 bats, and if I exclude Volpe it's two 30/30s and possible 40/40's. That's kind of nuts. Burnes is an ace and heads a rotation that's more solid otherwise, but they should provide good volume. The pen took a couple hits due to injuries and FA signings bumping guys out of spots, but there's still a bunch of saves and holds.

Weaknesses: If I were a nitpicker, which I am not, I'd say the OF is thin. Chourio will help and provide another good speed/power option though. So that's a pretty small nit to pick. If Burnes goes down I think the pitching stats could be in trouble, but he's been durable so I'd not be super concerned.

Farm contributions: Chourio should be up on opening day for the Brewers. I don't really see any arms in the near-term unless Clemmey flies through Cleveland's system. This system has been depleted by graduations rather than trades, which is a pretty good thing. There's time to restock since his MLB roster is controlled for a long time.

2. Kansas City Royals

Overview: Really you could rank the next three in any order. If I had any faith at all in Trout staying healthy he's good enough to include the Twins. A solid group of teams, any of them would be 2nd in the AL East this year or maybe 1st in the NL Central. On to the Royals: I'm not sure they land in 2nd in 2024, but I think they're pretty solidly situated for the most part. Guys like Gore, Ryan, Bleday, and Neto have things to iron out, but if they do it quickly this could/should be a wild card team.

Strengths: There's nothing really spectacular anywhere right now on the roster, but there's a lot of solid stuff. Berrios and Gleyber are good options and will need to be anchors going forward for this prediction to hold up. I do not trust KBO guys and I think it could be at least a season before Lee does anything significant. Fortunately SF is pretty bad and there's no competition for him. They'll keep running him out there.

Weaknesses: Saves are being completely punted unless Harvey takes over the closer role in Washington. There's a few holds but not a ton. I would say that this offense is the converse to my attempted bulk pitching strategy. Gleyber is good then a large pile of solid-ish guys. I don't know if it works as well on that side of the ball, but we'll find out.

Farm contributions: Emerson and SWR could contribute this year, but not right away. Both should have roles in 2025 if/when rotation spots open up. I like Clase and own him in a few money leagues though I worry about his hitting holding up. Given the Angels propensity for running guys straight up the prospect ladder, Rada feels like a candidate for similarly insane treatment. I do think he'd be getting more attention in another org.

3. Detroit Tigers

Overview: I don't know. It has star power on offense and enough to be competitive against most teams in pitching. I think in 2024 this team if healthy probably edges out the Royals for 2nd, but Alex will be hard pressed to keep from a dropoff in 2025 as the White Sox, Royals, and Indians younger players improve.

Strengths: I think this offensive group complements each other well. There's not a category that's punted on that side of the ball. It won't be overwhelming usually, but even the best teams won't just walk all over the Tigers.

Weaknesses: Depth. If Marte, Arraez, or Alonso aren't healthy and can't produce their single stat contributions it's a problem. Or if JRam isn't there to add to all categories it's big. The Tigers also really need JD and Pham to pick a team so that they can contribute. I puked on my keyboard when I looked at the pen situation. Really the pitching is what has this team in 3rd for me. Solid-ish starters should beat up the tanker teams, but no real save or hold sources. The farm is a problem when it comes to using prospects in deals to shore up the MLB roster.

Farm contributions: ha

4. Chicago White Sox

Overview: This is probably the last place team in 2024 in the division. This is a paper thin roster, but it's also young and is well set up for a good 2025 with some added depth and health. The foundation is in place. The Sox will get a boost when Jasson is healed up and Lawler replaces Perdomo or Suarez.

Strengths: Murphy, while a catcher, is one of the best options there. Nolan Gorman should crush every other 2B in homers, and Peralta/Miller/Woo are a really nice rotation setup. Nootbaar and Lowe should be very good OF options in the corners which are surprisingly hard to find.

Weaknesses: The missing pieces. I'm not sure where future saves/holds come from, and the offense needs some filling in. For 2024 this team won't be crushed most likely by too many teams, but it's not going to accumulate enough of anything to beat a lot of teams either. Fortunately some of the holes can be filled internally by some pretty good prospects.

Farm contributions: Lawler will be up this year at some point unless he completely falls apart. I can't see that happening. Jasson should also be up to take over CF once he's healed up. Both could be impact bats. I think Mena and McGarry can help out the pen sooner rather than later, and I like White more than most. Given the Rangers didn't add an arm in FA's to replace Monty he should be somewhere in line for starts this year. I have no read on the Padres but Eguy Rosario could open the season on their roster.

5. Minnesota Twins

Overview: This is a roster built around three aging stars: Darvish, Machado, and Trout. There's a ton of names to fill up the rest of the 40 man from that point. Healthy seasons from those three are really important here. However the number of solid performances from the other 34 available options on the roster will determine whether this team is a wild card contender or not.

Strengths: Machado and Trout are high end elite options when they're healthy and performing. I think Darvish still has a couple good seasons left in him. These are pretty strong anchors. Garver is a nice option at C since he should get at least 500 PA's as a DH. Michael King was a stud at the end of last season, and from my NFBC research the forecasts love him.

Weaknesses: So who else is going to step up? The rest of the group should have jobs, but also should have pretty limited upside in those jobs. Especially on offense. I don't see where many saves can be had unless Mason Miller gets hurt again. Who knows, maybe Bauer dominates in his time on the showcase team he joined and gets an opportunity, or Gonzales is OK in his time in Pittsburgh...at least he'll have a job. That's more optimism than I'm normally going to show and now I'm uncomfortable. I'm leaving now.

Farm contrib....uhh nevermind

[Brewers GM (Marty)]

AL West

1. Seattle Mariners

Overview: The core of this team is set up well and will be around for a couple seasons. The offense can handle injuries with quality backups. Once Snell settles on a home the rotation will probably feature the best top 4 of any team in the league. There's going to be a strong competition for the top 3 spots in this division, as two wildcards are coming out the AL West. I think top to bottom the Mariners are best situated to win it.

Strengths: There is a good option behind every starting player on offense. It's going to take a lot of injuries to derail the offense. The M's will also get more volume than most teams on off days because the bench guys are also everyday players for the most part. Against bad teams, the M's can just run their top 4 starters out there and be tough even when a low volume team gets a good outing while making mins. Against good teams that is also an option, or they can tack on starts from Kelly, ERod, Sale, and Lugo for volume.

Weaknesses: Not many, this team is a contender to win it all. I will say the offense is starting to age, and might have more decline/injury concerns than a lot of teams have. They have room for it though. He's going to have to trade assets at the deadline to pick up saves for the playoffs.

Farm contributions: I'm not a fan of anything really in here. IDK that he can really even trade for anything out of this group. Ray Kerr may provide a hold or two if the Braves can find room for him.

2. California Las Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Overview: The 40 man roster has 34 players on it. I'm pretty sure 30 are pitchers. The offense looks loaded at all starting spots, and I'm sure that he can find enough pitching to deal with any team. He spent big to bring the gang back together on a 90% hometown discount, and should be a contender to win everything this year. The Angels own one wild card spot before playing any games in 2024, and can add some players for depth via FA's next offseason.

Strengths: The starting player at nearly every position is really good. The rotation should go 4-5 strong with Ragans and Fried leading the way.

Weaknesses: As good as the front line players are, there is nothing behind them. Literally. An injury to any player on offense is going to result in a really big dropoff if not a blank spot in the lineup. Really this is the reason I have them in 2nd. Mariners is pretty injury-proof and this roster requires a full helping of health.

Farm contributions: There is some depth options available, depending on how much time they're earning. Specifically Edwards, DeLuca, and Mead. Mead has the biggest upside, and could end up with multi-eligibility depending on how the Rays use him. It's a shame he's a Ray because I like the bat.

3. Texas Rangers

Overview: Quick tribute to the 80's style powder blues. This was a tough ranking, as the Rangers also have a case for winning the division. I think this is certainly at least a wild card team. There's more depth here, and the star power is here as well. However I where I think the gap lays is in pitching. Losing Bradish for any time was big, and if it's TJ then it's just really unfortunate.

Strengths: Not many teams can match this offense. If Volpe is improved, maybe Cleveland, but Yordan, Carroll, Gunnar, and Semien match up well with anyone's top 4. There's steals, power, batting average/obp in this lineup, and there are guys behind the starters that can contribute. The bullpen should be strong with Helsley returning and Munoz grabbing the closer role in Seattle. Should be a lot of opportunities for saves there.

Weaknesses: Hunter Brown really needs to take a step forward this year. I don't see enough innings out of this group to beat out deeper rotations, and if Bradish isn't healthy and Brown is the same guy then it will cede categories to fortunate min-innings tankers as well. I really think that the Rangers are an ace and 2 innings eaters away from truly being a problem for the top tier teams. However in a playoff situation, a 7-6-1 win is enough to advance. That scenario is possible against any team, though Cleveland would be a rough matchup.

Farm contributions: I've been taking Victor Scott in the late rounds of my DC's, and if I'm choosing between him and Dylan Carlson for a starting role in STL, I'm choosing Scott. Fitts is going to be on the short list in Boston for when injuries strike, and if the Brewers are contending and Misiorowski is throwing somewhere near the strike zone he'll be up. Otherwise it'll be late season/2025 for him. I wouldn't be surprised if Marsee is up sooner rather than later.

4. Oakland A's

Overview: Really this team is in 4th for the next two years because the other teams in the division are so strong for 2024/25. There's players I really like both in the majors and minors on this roster. Getting Shohei as a pitcher and hitter is huge in 2025 depending on how the Dodgers use him. I've bagged on the AL East a couple times, but I think this team is ahead of Jeff. Barely, mostly because the MLB roster is more robust and still controlled, but ahead. In the right week this team could give most teams problems.

Strengths: Depth, depth, depth. The offense is deep, regardless of how few stars there are. Everyone seems solid enough to contribute in some way. The only issue I really see is how the UTIL spot is going to be handled. Shohei will be there every game he's in the lineup. I think this team will wreck the rebuilders, and will be a problem just through volume. His pitching is really solid though that depends a lot on how Williams, Paddack, France, and Ross throw. I will say 6 months ago I'd have suggested to dump Ross while he's free. He's now projected to be in the Brewers rotation. I'm sad as a fan. The pen should be good too, especially if Miller runs with the Oakland closer job.

Weaknesses: 2B/3B won't be good, and as I mentioned one of Bell/Tork will need to be on the bench daily. Those are two guys I expect to be useful, but I would not expect a high utilization. That's a guessing game I never seem to win. Maybe Paul is better at those decisions.

Farm contributions: Every prospect Paul touches becomes sewage. However Salas looks like he might float on top of that nastiness. Carter may as well be on the MLB roster already. There's a part of me that thinks Kerkering is closing in Philly sooner rather than later. I don't trust any of their options.

5. Houston Colt 45's

Overview: This was probably the truest form of a teardown that anyone did this offseason. Though in this league anymore it takes 10x as long to complete as it did in 2018. This one was started a long time ago. It should hit mins.

Strengths: Recognizing the situation. This is probably the best division in the league. Colt Keith should be a really solid piece, and by the time this is built the growing pains will be over.

Weaknesses: This is going to take some time and patience. Keith may be worth more in trade in a few years to supplement around the next core than he is as a contributor.

Farm contributions: Not sure it matters. There's good pieces on the farm, but as is appropriate for this roster it's several years away. Max will need to draft and trade well, but then again so does everyone.

[Brewers GM (Marty)]

NL East

1. Miami Marlins

Overview: The reason it took so long to restart this is that it probably took 20 whole minutes across 3 days to come to a decision as to how to rank the NL East. Across the NL the best teams all have fixable warts, but top to bottom the talent is more evenly dispersed than the AL. I'm choosing the Marlins because I think they are the most well rounded of the group. There's strong contributors in almost every category, and there's depth so a single injury isn't crushing. There's also a few elite players leading the way.

Strengths: The offense should be strong with Riley and Abrams leading the charge. A healthy Duran and Kirilloff will go a long way to round things out, and I think Raleigh is an underrated catching option. He'll lose DH AB's to Garver, so another 500+ PA's might be a stretch, but really anything over 400 is great for a C with his power contribution. Skubal is an ace and guys like Pepiot, Allen, Manning, and Bello should provide quality innings in support.

Weaknesses: The bullpen. There's solid arms, but not much in the way of leverage. I think holds are going to be a loss most weeks, and saves are being punted. These are the fixable problems I mentioned, as both are just 3 trades away, and he has the pieces to make it happen before the playoffs.

Farm contributions: Busch looks like he'll be on the Cubs roster early on, if not opening day. He'll allow Bohm to be multi-positional rather than strapped to 1b if Riley is injured. I think Jordan Beck gets a look in Colorado early on as well, because why not? Norby and Muncy should be up this year as well, likely progressing to more full time looks in 2025.

2. New York Mets

Overview: You can easily flip the Mets and Phillies here. They're mirror images of each other. I'll explain in a sec. I am choosing the Mets because I think he's got slightly more depth and that it will take one more injury to hurt this roster deeply than it will in Philly. I also have fewer concerns as to where stats will be accumulated by the Mets.

Strengths: Devers and Judge are monsters. Health caveats aside Judge can win weeks by himself. The supporting cast can provide steals, and a step forward (or just full seasons) from O'Hoppe, Carpenter, Rafaela, and Marsh should lead to a strong offense. Losing Giolito hurt his depth, but Castillo and Gilbert are great anchors for the rotation and there's a lot of potential for strong contributions from at least 4 others. If McArthur is closing in KC, the pen should put up category wins as well.

Weaknesses: The middle infield is pretty rough and unless Anderson bounces back in a huge way I wouldn't expect much out of the group. His pitching depth could be an issue early in the season as he's already lost Giolito, and Scherzer is out until June/July at the earliest. Lodolo has never been healthy, and Meyer is coming off TJ surgery. It's a group that could thin out quickly.

Farm contributions: Crews will be up early as the Nationals don't really have a playable outfield. I picture him as 2007-2010 Nick Markakis with 15+ steals early on, growing into more power as he gets used to MLB pitching. There's some minor bottom of the roster type contributors elsewhere for the next couple years but graduations and trades have thinned out the minors here.

3. Philadelphia Phillies

Overview: Everything I wrote about the Mets works here too. Whoever has the best injury luck and/or applies the wart remover most effectively out of these top 3 teams wins the division. Resourse-wise I think that the Phillies are best situated to fix things, but they're probably going to have to wait to get the bigger names as teams drop out of wild card contention. This team is similar offensively to the Mets, but some early injuries are going to lead them to be slow out of the gate. I do think that there's more category win/loss issues here than Jack has as the roster stands.

Strengths: Harper and Seager are studs. Wheeler, Glasnow, and Gausman are studs. Both the pitching and hitting has plenty of support behind the studs. Will Smith is another 400+ PA catcher who is a plus with the bat, and I think Arenado should bounce back as he's once again on a competitive MLB team and has said he's now considering his possible HOF contention. He needs another season or two of strong offense and health.

Weaknesses: Seager has never been very sturdy, and is already out early in the season. Gausman has some shoulder stuff and could miss time early. Glasnow (should I say GLASSnow?) has never pitched a full season to my knowledge. I think in general this roster lacks some depth. There's a lot of names, but some are bottom of the 26-man roster types. When he needs them will they be in AAA? I think this team needs at least one more strong-contributing OF, and some saves/holds as well. He really needs Matsui to close in SD.

Farm contributions: I think the biggest contribution his farm will make is in trades. There is an elite roster frame here, but filling in around it will be key. I don't see much at first glance that he can just call up in a pinch, but there's some high ceiling options that can pull back a top end player should he choose to go that route.

4. Atlanta Braves

Overview: At this point I'm not really sure who owns this team. Whoever runs it is doing a decent job of digging out of the wreckage JT left behind. There's some solid pieces here and this team won't just be a 14-win walkover. It's not a wild card contender either, but I would expect this team to be able to sneak a matchup victory against any of the teams already previewed. I'd expect some activity on the trade front though, because as mentioned the teams listed could all use another closer (Sewald) or offensive depth (Stott), or another rotation arm (Montas/Imanaga). Yes it's a nice job getting pieces, but some of these guys are more valuable as trade bait instead of building blocks.

Strengths: Stott should be about as solid as it gets at 2B, and Pfaadt should be good as well if he builds on his playoff performances. Sewald should win him saves each matchup vs. tankers and two of the wild card contenders ahead of him in the NL East, and there's some holds there as well making his pen another relative strength. He'll be pretty good on steals I think most weeks.

Weaknesses: Really the rest. There's no stars here, and there's probably not enough depth to accumulate non-rate stats. One of Turang/Stott/Espinal is going to be the UTIL player in the lineup which probably isn't ideal. I admit that I can't remember how the lottery system works in here, so maybe it's worth hanging onto these guys and getting as close as he can to one.

Farm contributions: There's not a ton here, but I do love Spencer Jones after watching him this spring. I was not that high on him until I saw his spring PA's. I think he'll be up quick and I'm no longer surprised the Yankees decided to hang onto him in trade talks. DL Hall will be in Milwaukee's rotation, though probably as a 3-4 inning guy for now. Loftin is probably a low end utility guy for KC. Very top heavy.

5. Washington Nationals

Overview: This team is finally on the way up, partially due to a good draft class after a ridiculous number of ownership changes and a ridiculous owner for the league's first 5-6 years. This roster is going to make minimums for the next season or two, so that's good. There's some pen arms and Yoshida who can help a contender, but this is absolutely a team that's not doing much winning for a couple years.

Strengths: The pen is one. There's a bunch of K's and holds in it. Nolan Jones looked great last season, but I don't know if he's going to repeat that statline in 2024. There's still a lot of K's in that bat. I think there's some guys that can net some prospects, though outside of Phillips, Jones, and possibly Yoshida now that he's gone through the league once I don't see a quick franchise-turning haul here.

Weaknesses: Everything but the pen. This is a roster that will not struggle to hit mins, but I guess that's a strength.

Farm contributions: Keaton Winn is interesting, but hurt. Blaze Alexander could be up in Arizona, but he's going to have to leap Lawler, not to mention the MLB guys that Lawler didn't leap. Nastrini is definitely an interesting arm, but a lot of this farm is 3 years or so out at a minimum. I think there's building blocks here but I also think the best course is to accumulate picks and prospects for a 2028 run. Boring, but it's the first time you could actually speculate positively about the Nationals since.....well ever.

[Brewers GM (Marty)]

NL Central

1. Milwaukee Brewers

Overview: Biased? Yeah probably. I just think that at this moment that this is the most well rounded team in the division. The division itself is not strong, and if this team is in a position to contend I think that of any team I considered for the top 3 that this one is best positioned to improve as the season goes on. That could be through promotions and adding depth or it could be through prospect trades. As this team stands there are contributions to be had in every category. Some players will need to contribute heavily as rookies or second year players, and a couple gambles in the rotation and outfield will need to pay off.

Strengths: The bullpen should be very strong and I expect it to contribute holds, saves, and get plenty of innings to bolster a currently dinged up and more shallow rotation. Once it gets healthy I think that the rotation should be solid, with guys who can deflate ERA/WHIPs that the high volume strikeout guys will generate. The offense has contributors for every category, and should float good rate stats. Accumulators could be an issue if injuries strike though.

Weaknesses: Depth. The rotation for at least a month will be extremely shallow until Means, Cobb, and Garrett return. After moving Edman and Jackson Holliday getting jobbed the depth around the offense is lacking as well. Holliday getting promoted and earning 2B eligibility will help that though. There's also a ton of gambles being taken with this team. I honestly didn't see that as I was putting it together. There are a lot of buy low guys all over the place that will need to perform. If they do it's going to be enough to easily win the division. If a couple falter this is probably a 3rd place team and out of the playoffs altogether.

Farm contributions: Sadly, Holliday gets listed here. He'll get a quick call to the O's and bolster the offense in all categories. Andy Pages should be up to take over a corner OF spot at some point, and I really expect Leiter, Rutledge, and the newly acquired Iriarte to be up before the end of the year. There are also quite a few bullpen arms that could add depth there too.

2. St. Louis Cardinals

Overview: Surprise! Really you could rank the next four in any order. The more veteran oriented teams have some pretty serious flaws, and the Cards and Pirates are very young and unpredictable. Of the group group I think that the Cardinals are best set up for the next few years, though if some of the farm gets called up early enough contention could come early. The offense has holes, but there's a number of guys I like a lot. The pitching has no depth, but the top 3 of Senga, Bibee, and Sandoval are solid. I think that between expected call ups, progression of young players, and another offseason that starting next season the Cardinals are going to be a problem.

Strengths: This is a young roster with upside in Rocchio, Bibee, Gelof, and Naylor. Vets like Yandy, Gurriel, Senga, Sandoval provide some certainty. I think the rate stats are going to be pretty solid as there isn't really anyone to dilute the numbers that those vets put up.

Weaknesses: Depth is a serious issue. There's literal lineup holes everywhere and if one of the vets is out for any time it's a real problem. Senga is out with shoulder issues until May which is very damaging to a currently thin pitching staff. Accumulation stats are going to hard for the Cards to win, and I'm not sure he has anyone in the bullpen.

Farm contributions: Here is why I ranked them second. I think that by August Horton, Brown, and Tiedemann have debuted. Once that happens the Cards have a pretty good top 6 in the rotation. Coby Mayo is ready to step into 3B soon and he'll be needed.

3. Chicago Cubs

Overview: I think this team slightly edges out the other veteran oriented team in the division. A case for this team finishing in first in 2024 can easily be made. There's a superstar in Trea Turner, and his offense is solid all around. There should be good offensive contributions all around the diamond, and there's enough depth to survive some injuries. Pitching is another issue. There's some good news here in that Puk and Lopez won rotation roles this spring to give the rotation depth. Most of the starters are limited, and while innings will get accumulated, they're likely middling ERA and high WHIP innings without a lot of strikeouts. All in all this is a good but brittle roster. The difference in standings between the Brewers and Cubs is the Brewers can fix issues internally or externally. Holes caused by roster attrition for the Cubs are likely to stay holes. The difference between the Cubs and Cards is similar.

Strengths: Trea Turner is great. He'll be a big contributor in every category. There's a solid infield around him though outside of 3B there's not a lot of depth for injury coverage. The outfield is deep, but there's no star there. Friedl broke out last season, but will he carry it over? Ozuna had a huge year least year but can he repeat? Can Tyler O'Neill bounce back? Can Dunning and Houck hold onto rotation spots all year? If these questions have the right answers for the Cubs it'll be a good season for him. If not....

Weaknesses: The questions above need answers. Turner really underperformed last season for 3-4 months and the result was the Cubs getting buried far enough in the standings that they were fortunate to crack the last wildcard spot. He is a linchpin and his health will carry this team in one direction or the other. The rotation is more solid than great and could use a pitching version of Turner to anchor it.

Farm contributions: I'm pretty sure half these guys were drafted by Psych. This could be a big issue as if a need arises midseason there is nothing here to trade or promote. I think this is ultimately the difference between the Brewers and the Cubs.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

Overview: This is probably the 5th place team in 2024, but it's definitely on the way up. He probably would not have Wander on his roster if he was going to play, but if he was there I'd project this team to 2nd or 3rd. As it is, there's a lot of question marks due to the youth of this roster. 2024 is going to give us great clues as to where this team is. Schanuel needs to develop power. Luciano needs to get the bat within a foot of the ball when he swings. Baty needs to hit enough to be a regular. Adell is probably on his last shot if he doesn't hit. Julio Urias needs to stop doing anything but baseball because he's a terrible person.

Strengths: Youth and potential. There's a lot of young players with strong pedigrees. They all have questions, but at this point in their careers most do. I really have liked what I've seen out of Stone this spring. He looks really good. The fun factor of this roster top to bottom (except the MLB outfield) is high. Brandon Rodgers is a good trade candidate in a few months to bolster the roster for 2025 and beyond.

Weaknesses: This one is just not ready for prime time. Not all of these guys are going to figure it out either. From a win/loss standpoint it's going to be a struggle this season. Everything that I could list as a strength for this roster could be a weakness in 8 months. Really there's an incredibly high degree of variance for this franchise.

Farm contributions: I've liked Tanner McDougal since I saw him pitch last season. There is literally nothing blocking him or Drew Thorpe in Chicago if they're shoving in the minors. Amador and Termarr Johnson could be up, but unfortunately they're probably at the same position in the majors. Delauter should probably have made the Guardians' opening day roster. He looks like a good one. Locklear could hit his way to Seattle.

5. Cincinnati Reds

Overview: Muncy is solid, but having him, Baez, and a few others on the offense getting consistent AB's is a recipe for a .190/.210/.290 line. That's 3 losses every week. Pitching is interesting but desperately needs bounce backs from Flaherty and Severino. You really can make a case that there are teams that could use the guys he has on his roster and he'd be in a good spot to tear down and get what he can. But this specific mix of players all in one spot is a real problem. You could also argue that he could move his top prospects for one more run, but is a Rushing-headlined package enough to pull back everything he needs? Probably not.

Strengths: The good versions of Sevy and Flaherty are on good contracts for 5 years. That's a positive. The pen has a lot of names and should provide a lot of holds. The pitching stats outside of saves could be tougher for teams to win each week from the Reds by teams lacking pitching depth. Individually guys like Muncy, Morel, and Hoskins are useful but to be in the same spot though with nobody on the rest of the roster to hold up the rate stats?

Weaknesses: I'm not sure I see a single hitter I'm comfortable saying: "THAT is the guy who is a lock to hit over .240". Muncy is solid but needs to have his rates buoyed. Guys like Baez, Profar, and Stephenson likely exacerbate the issue. If Flaherty and Sevy are spring training mirages this team is in real trouble.

Farm contributions: Daulton Rushing is a really outstanding bat with no place in LA unfortunately. McDermott is a under the radar pitcher I like but is waiting on spots to open in Baltimore. Trey Lipscomb seems to have made the Nationals but his spot is taken by Muncy.

[Brewers GM (Marty)]

AL West

1. San Diego Padres

Overview: This is going to be a competitive division at the top 3 spots. This is the best division in the NL and I'd not be surprised if two wildcards come from the West. Honestly I think that of every division winner I've picked, I have the least conviction here. I'm picking the Padres because top to bottom I like his depth as he's backing up some really good players with some pretty good players who will play. I do not like the pitching as much as I have in the past though, and I think that's where this team is vulnerable. The offense has elite players at their positions in Albies, Tatis, and Olson. You cannot say that about the rotation or pen unless Bieber is channeling his past this year.

Strengths: I mentioned the depth, and even the rotation has that. The studs on offense are buoyed in all categories by the rest of the roster, and it's going to take a lot of injuries to chip away. It should hold up all season and make them a tough out in the playoffs. The pitching staff PROBABLY doesn't have the top end guys it has had in the past, but he does have good volume. His pen is going to record holds and saves, but it's not going to do much in deflating ERA/WHIP.

Weaknesses: Bieber, Mize, McKenzie, Hicks, Ashcraft, Soroka all have some rough recent history whether it's declining performance or catastrophic injury. Who knows what going through a lineup twice or pitching multiple innings does to Hicks. I think if Lange, LeClerc, and Alvarado do not start out well for good MLB teams with other options to close a lot of his potential saves turn into holds or nothing but bloated ratio stats.

Farm contributions: I'm not sure there's anything here, but there doesn't really need to be outside of trade fodder. His roster is controlled for a while.

2. Colorado Rockies

Overview: I had to pick one of the Rox or Dbacks, and I think that I like the Rockies a bit more top to bottom. I might just not bother listing specific players and just copy/paste the blurbs to save time. I won't do that because I have a strong work ethic. The contrast between the Dbacks and Rockies are two spots. I think the Rockies have a better offense and bullpen than the Dbacks, and I think that advantage is greater than the Dbacks' large advantage in the rotation. The Rockies have good contributors for all categories on offense, the bullpen has saves and holds, and I think that for now there's enough in the rotation to compete with most teams once Monty signs.

Strengths: His best players are some of the best options at their positions. He paid up for Freeman and that will pay off. He plays every day in a great lineup and is good at everything at a scarce position. Lindor should be great contributor at SS, and Chas McCormick is a nice upside play in the outfield. IDK that I trust Civale and Walker, but they should give innings and be useful that way. Hader is an outlier in the pen and has a lot of value as a buoy for the rotation.

Weaknesses: Depth could be a problem everywhere. If his elite contributors miss time it's going to have an outsized effect on his wild card chances. Yamamoto probably will flip a switch and turn it all around sooner rather than later but he hasn't looked great so far. His outfield is kind of blah, and Monty really needs to sign. Even if he signs tomorrow he's probably looking at missing April at least.

Farm contributions: Anyone? This is one disadvantage that they face. There's no trade fix here. The next iteration will be built around Knoth and Pujols I suppose, but this is a 2-3 year setup with no help on the way.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

Overview: There's elite talent on this roster and some names behind them. Robert, Tucker, Strider, I like Kirby, and they're all well rounded good all-category contributors. Rodon, Polanco, and Pasquantino should be better if healthy this season. This is a team that could desperately use Rasmussen and Gonsolin.

Strengths: The top end of this roster feature the best players at their positions. Strider is nuts in this day and age of 4 inning starts. I hate wins, but the best pitcher in baseball on a great team should get 15-20 pretty easy. Kirby never walks anyone, should get deep into starts, and is also on a good team (W's). Pairing a good version of Rodon with them is a top 3 that is the best in the division.

Weaknesses: If Justin Lawrence struggles, or if Yates doesn't take over closing at some point I'd expect saves to be a punt. Depth is a real problem here, and if any of his elite guys drop the depth is not there to pick up any slack at all. I think of any contender for a division title in this league the Dbacks are probably the most dependent on their elite players.

Farm contributions: They're slightly better situated than the Rockies here, as Hence and Whisenhunt could see time late in preparation for 2025. Graceffo could get called up to cover starts in STL.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers

Overview: As I type this three of his players had TJ, abused someone, or got a PED suspension. It's truly amazing really what's gone on here, and I fully believe that he definitely pissed off a witch at some point in the last couple years. A team with 31 mostly legitimate MLB names on the 40 man roster is paper thin. Altuve, Swanson, Perez, Diaz, Buxton should keep the Dodgers from being a complete walkover after all this rough luck.

Strengths: The few offensive players he has left are really good. Manaea finished strong last year and seems to be continuing the trend this spring. The best thing about this roster is that 2025 is right around the corner. Suspensions end, bones/ligaments heal.

Weaknesses: Training staff and player vetting. Injuries can hit anyone hard with a thin roster, yada yada. This team was thin to start with, so it's not entirely bad luck, but still. Honestly I think the greatest weakness, assuming he owns any of his own picks, is that his good players are going to be good enough to keep him from getting any advantage in the lottery. This team will beat up the tankers and should steal categories from the good teams.

Farm contribution: Mick Abel should get time before the end of 2024, and there's guys like Bukauskas who'll be up and down in the bullpen and maybe making spot starts. Some good luck: Joe Rock was moved from Colorado to Tampa, which is a huge boost.

5. San Francisco Giants

Overview: This one is a pure "hit the mins please" tank. Though Merrill and Ortiz getting added to opening day rosters will help. This team might struggle to hit mins if Tellez/Thomas get hurt or if Ortiz isn't playing every day. Innings are probably going to be an issue too.

Strengths: Baz, Ortiz, Caminero, and Merrill are fun.

Weaknesses: Everything else. This was definitely a mess to start, getting the assets he's received is great. But unless there's some big plans in FA's to fix things quick in the next couple years, this is going to be a grind. The farm is not in a position to put the MLB roster within 3-4 players to compete in this division. It's closer to 25.

Farm contributions: Caminero, Cowser, perhaps Wilken towards the end of 2024 to prep for 2025, but for now that's it.