WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
We asked scouts and executives to weigh in on a number of topics. They were granted anonymity to speak freely. Quotes are lightly edited for clarity.
BEST OFFSEASON
“The Braves added four potential impact players—Chris Sale, Jarred Kelenic, Reynaldo Lopez and Aaron Bummer—but with none of the long-term risk of megadeals that teams like the Dodgers and Phillies just added to their books.”
BREAKOUT PITCHER
“Marlins lefthander Jesus Luzardo has Cy Young stuff, and if he’s healthy I can see him helping carry the Marlins to a wild card.”
BREAKOUT HITTER
“Expect more consistent contact from the Nationals’ CJ Abrams. He’s talented with game-changing speed and flashes great defensive ability at shortstop.”
MOST DISAPPOINTING OFFSEASON
“The have a new regime, but no clear direction yet. They are a playoff team that went backward.”
