I wrote a post at the onset of last season that basically said that anyone expecting a monopoly season would be mistaken, and that there would be enough smaller teams to subdue the Titanics. And I was sort of right. Last year was defined by huge booms from unassuming teams like the Tigers, Guardians and Royals. But ultimately, three of the biggest payrolls in the league made it to the Championship Series round, and two of them fought in the World Series. So, all this about how the Dodgers aren't going to waltz to the end in 2024, and that's exactly what they did. I, for the latest of several times on this blog, was wrong about something.
However, the success by the big teams in 2024 means that 2025 can potentially be something pretty exciting: a response year. Oh, you thought it could be so predictable. You thought the Dodgers could buy their way to a dynasty? Well watch this.
The seeds of some really cool future MLB stories were sowed last year without anyone noticing. During a series against the Yankees, a team that would soon make the World Series, the Nationals brought up Dylan Crews, their top prospect. He didn't do a ton last season, but he, as well as fellow 2024 call-up James Wood, is primed for greatness in 2025. His spring stats match up well, with 15 hits, 5 RBIs and 3 steals. Meanwhile, James Wood had 4 home runs and 11 RBIs. And let's not forget that at some point, the Nats are going to call up Robert Hassell, another Soto return, and he was hitting .370 this spring. Those three outfielders could last a while in Washington, and 20 years into the team's residence in DC there's never been a better time to buy stock.
Meanwhile, Jackson Jobe played a very minor role in the Tigers' 2024 postseason run, being brought up as a reliever and making occasional appearances for an inning. He did give up 3 postseason runs, but given that these were Jobe's first four MLB games, it is somewhat understandable. In camp this spring, Jobe proved he was finally ready, with 5 glorious starts, and a 3.68 ERA, 13 Ks and a .980 WHIP. The Tigers will be fine rotation-wise this year, they have Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson and, surprisingly, Casey Mize all looking really good. But Jobe becoming an MLB success will be the best thing for them, because that's a starter that can guide them through this period where even their marquee guys are a little older and the next rookie sensations are still waiting to come up. If Jobe can light the way, they might be fine for the rest of the decade.
A lot of stories like that in smaller markets. The A's have a ton of young guys ready to dominate this year. The Pirates are fired up after last season and Skenes wants to take them higher. The Sox are bringing up Kristian Campbell to start the year and Marcelo Mayer might be a little further down the road. There's a lot that could happen from players, and teams, you're not thinking about. And as predictable as the end of 2024 might have been, 2025 might be a wilder, more thrilling ride.
May all your favorite players stay healthy. Let's go!
No comments:
Post a Comment