MLB.com conducted a survey on the 3rd (Korean time) targeting 24 club presidents, general managers, and working-level staff. In line with the opening month of the major leagues, experts’ opinions on various pending issues were asked and the results were released.
Of the 10 questions, two stand out: “The most surprising team this season” and “Who is the best trade candidate this summer?” The survey was conducted in an open-response format in which the respondents were asked to answer the questions they wanted to answer.
First of all, 20 people answered the question, ‘Which team is showing the most amazing performance this year?’, and the Pittsburgh Pirates got the most votes with 15 votes. There is not much disagreement.
As of this day, Pittsburgh is 20-10, 1st in the Central Division of the National League (NL), and tied for 1st in NL winning percentage with the Atlanta Braves.
A team official who answered the question said, “If you look at Pittsburgh’s performance over the past few years, the NL’s highest win rate this year is a pleasant surprise.” We need to watch with interest to see if we can keep it.”
Although this official did not directly mention the players, it should be considered that Bae Ji-hwan was included among the young players. Pittsburgh has not made it to the postseason for 7 consecutive years since 2016, and it is a team that has suffered more than 100 losses in the last 2 years.
And the question of ‘the best heavyweight player to be noticed ahead of the trade deadline this year’ draws attention. Among 18 people who responded, Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (29) received 6 votes and rose to the top. Next, Shohei Ohtani (29) of the Los Angeles Angels received 5 votes. I’m surprised
Both players will qualify as free agents after this season. Whether they are traded depends on whether the White Sox and Angels give up the postseason this summer. An official from an AL team said, “The White Sox will realize that using a narrow market is the best overall option.” It is clear that he is a player who is likely to move the team.” 토토사이트
The White Sox are in fourth place in the AL Central Division with a record of 9-12. No matter who sees it, the chances of the postseason are slim. Giolito threw 34⅔innings in 6 games, recording 1 win, 2 losses, an average ERA of 4.15, and 34 strikeouts. He posted a career record of 54 wins and 49 losses with an ERA of 4.32. He’s the perfect pitcher for a team that wants a third-tier starter.
But the best ‘storyline’ is really not Giolito, but Ottawa. Rumors about his transfer have been steadily flowing since last summer. At that time, the Angels team put up a smoke screen saying, “That will not happen.”
An NL official said, “It is unlikely that the Angels will trade Ohtani unless they are completely eliminated from this year’s postseason competition. Of course, if he is traded, he is the best heavyweight that no one can compare to.”
That’s a convincing prediction. At this point, the chances of the Angels making it to the postseason don’t seem very high. However, it is not impossible to give up completely. As of this day, with 16 wins and 14 losses, they are tied for second place in the AL West with the Houston Astros. It is only 2.5 games behind the leading Texas Rangers.
Postseason tickets are 6 per league. It is true that the Angels are in an atmosphere where they can aim for a wild card even if they do not win the district title. If there is even the slightest hope, it would be impossible to put Ohtani on the market. Of course, if you decide to trade, it is self-evident that the highest price ever will be set.