With Spring Training games set to begin tomorrow, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on throughout the day today:
1. MLBTR’s Offseason In Review Series Begins
With the offseason now mostly over, the 2022-23 installment of MLBTR’s annual “Offseason in Review” series is set to begin today. Standing as a counterpart to the “Offseason Outlook” series, MLBTR publishes a look back at the offseason, signings, trades, and transactions for each of the 30 clubs. The series kicks off today with the Pirates, and following the post going live, MLBTR’s Darragh McDonald will be hosting a Pirates-centric live chat for readers at noon CT. If you’d like to submit a question in advance for that Pirates-centric chat, you can do so here. Fans of the other 29 teams should keep an eye out for their own team’s Offseason in Review installment as we continue the series throughout the coming weeks.
2. Will the Astros look to add depth following McCullers injury?
Yesterday, it was revealed that Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. is likely to miss the start of the 2023 campaign due to a muscle strain in his right arm. While it’s currently unknown exactly how much time McCullers will miss, it does shine a light on Houston’s starting pitching depth following last summer’s trade of Jake Odorizzi and Justin Verlander’s free-agent departure. With McCullers on the shelf, the Opening Day rotation for the Astros looks likely to be led by lefty Framber Valdez, who’ll pair with righties Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy, and top prospect Hunter Brown. It’s still an enviable group, to be sure.
Should Houston’s rotation suffer another injury, however, the depth gets a bit shakier. Righty Brandon Bielak is perhaps the best option to take a turn in the rotation, given former top prospect Forrest Whitley’s struggles at the Triple-A level last season. It’s arguable the Astros should look to add low-cost depth this spring, be it through a minor trade or perhaps by signing a veteran like Dylan Bundy or Chris Archer to a minor league deal.
3. MLBTR Player Chat
Yesterday, MLBTR was pleased to welcome international scout and former major league pitchers Ryan Sadowski for a live chat with readers, the transcript of which you can read here. Today, our series of live chats with people around the game continues as we’re excited to welcome another former big leaguer who transitioned into a scouting career following the end of his time as a player. Brian Johnson spent parts of eight seasons as a catcher in the big leagues, from 1994 until 2001. His best season came in 1997, where he played in 101 games, slashing .261/.303/.443 (94 wRC+) while playing for both the Giants and the Tigers. Originally drafted by the Yankees, Johnson also played for the Padres, Reds, Royals, and Dodgers throughout his career. Johnson ended with 471 games played before moving on to a career in pro scouting, where he was with the Giants for all three of their World Series titles from 2010-14. Be sure to check back at 10am CT this morning for the live chat!