- Sun Dec 15, 2024 4:27 pm
#3291
Kyle Muller heading to Japan raises some interesting questions about MLB player development and roster management. Is a guaranteed NPB contract more appealing than the DFA limbo many players face? Is this a trend we’ll see more of with younger players who haven’t quite found their footing in the Majors? Muller’s decent 2024 numbers suggest he has potential, so is this a smart move for him, or is he giving up on MLB too soon?
This also brings up the Oakland A’s handling of the Sean Murphy trade return. With Muller and Salinas DFA’d, is Ruiz the last hope? Is this trade a bust for Oakland, or is it too early to tell? What does this say about the A’s current rebuilding strategy?
Finally, Muller’s departure begs the question: are teams undervaluing control pitchers in favor of strikeout artists? Muller never had huge strikeout numbers, but his improved control in 2024 seemed promising. Are teams too quick to dismiss pitchers who don't fit the strikeout mold, even if they show improvement in other areas? I predict we’ll see a shift back towards valuing control in the coming years as teams realize strikeouts aren't everything. Let me know what you think.
This also brings up the Oakland A’s handling of the Sean Murphy trade return. With Muller and Salinas DFA’d, is Ruiz the last hope? Is this trade a bust for Oakland, or is it too early to tell? What does this say about the A’s current rebuilding strategy?
Finally, Muller’s departure begs the question: are teams undervaluing control pitchers in favor of strikeout artists? Muller never had huge strikeout numbers, but his improved control in 2024 seemed promising. Are teams too quick to dismiss pitchers who don't fit the strikeout mold, even if they show improvement in other areas? I predict we’ll see a shift back towards valuing control in the coming years as teams realize strikeouts aren't everything. Let me know what you think.
- By Anonymous