MLB insiders weigh in on teams’ best and worst subtractions of the offseason
The impact of player departures can be just as significant as new arrivals in Major League Baseball. A recent survey of 36 baseball insiders – executives, former executives, managers, coaches, and scouts – explored this idea, asking which subtractions this offseason would be most felt and which were, surprisingly, the most beneficial for teams.
The Mark Left Behind
While spring training often focuses on new faces, this survey highlights the lasting effects of players leaving a team. The results reveal that goodbyes can create a void as substantial as any new acquisition. The survey asked respondents to identify players who would be most missed by their former teammates.
Most Irreplaceable Subtractions of the Winter
Alex Bregman (Red Sox) — 11
Pete Alonso (Mets) — 10
Kyle Tucker (Cubs) — 6
Framber Valdez (Astros) — 5
Ranger Suárez (Phillies) — 4
Freddy Peralta (Brewers) — 4
Edwin Díaz (Mets) — 3
(Only the top vote-getters are listed here.)
The top two players on the list, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso, represent contrasting situations. Alonso spent his entire career with the Mets, establishing franchise records and a strong connection with the team. Bregman, however, played only one season with the Red Sox, yet still made a significant impact.
Bregman
“I think losing him hurts the core young guys in Boston,” one voter said of Alex Bregman. (Rick Scuteri / Imagn Images)
Respondents noted Bregman’s unique ability to connect with teammates, describing him as a “magnetic personality” and more than just a baseball player. One voter stated losing him would “hurt the core young guys in Boston,” while another called it a “major impact” and a “perfect fit.”
Alonso
Will the Mets miss Pete Alonso? “His combination of power/performance and character are tough to replace,” one voter said. (Todd Olszewski / Baltimore Orioles / Getty Images)
Some voters questioned whether the Mets fully appreciated Alonso’s value, noting his consistent performance and character. One executive stated his “combination of power/performance and character are tough to replace,” while another highlighted his impact on the city and clubhouse.
Do You Miss Me Yet?
The survey also asked which subtraction was the *best* for a team, revealing a different set of names. More than twice as many players were nominated as “Best Subtractions” than “Most Irreplaceable Subtractions.”
Best subtraction of the winter
Nick Castellanos (Phillies) — 6
Marcus Semien (Rangers) — 5
Framber Valdez (Astros) — 3
Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox) — 3
Anthony Rendon (Angels) — 2
Devin Williams (Yankees) — 2
Nolan Arenado (Cardinals) — 2
(Only the top vote-getters are listed here.)
Special Mets subtraction division*
All those Mets veterans heading out the door — 3
Jeff McNeil — 3
Brandon Nimmo — 1
Pete Alonso — 1
Ryan Helsley — 1
(*-See what I did there?)
Castellanos
Nick Castellanos is getting a fresh start with San Diego. But several voters thought the Phillies made the right move in severing ties. (Emilee Chinn / Getty Images)
Nick Castellanos received the most votes as the “Best Subtraction,” even before the Phillies officially released him. Voters suggested this move was beneficial for the team dynamic.
Semien
Marcus Semien’s double-play partner is now Francisco Lindor instead of Corey Seager. (Rich Storry / Getty Images)
The trade of Marcus Semien from the Rangers to the Mets also garnered significant attention, with some voters suggesting a personality clash with Corey Seager contributed to the decision. The Rangers appeared to prioritize team chemistry in making the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What players were considered the most irreplaceable subtractions?
According to the survey, Alex Bregman (Red Sox) received the most votes as the most irreplaceable subtraction, followed closely by Pete Alonso (Mets).
Which player was most often cited as the “best” subtraction?
Nick Castellanos (Phillies) received the most votes as the best subtraction, even before his official release from the team.
Did the survey reveal any surprising trends regarding player value?
The survey indicated that intangible qualities like clubhouse presence and team chemistry are increasingly valued by baseball executives, sometimes outweighing purely statistical contributions.
As teams prepare for the upcoming season, it will be interesting to see how these subtractions impact performance and team dynamics. Will the teams that made these moves ultimately benefit from the changes?