Contract Crowdsourcing 2023-24: Ballot 11 of 11

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2023-24 free agent market.

In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor-league contract, or won’t receive one at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Numbers are prorated to full season where noted. The projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2024 Steamer600 projections.

Below are ballots for six potential free agents and Lance Lynn; the Dodgers declined his $18 million club option earlier today. This group includes players with a mix of options or opt-outs. Realistically, not all of these guys will hit the open market. But what if they do? Won’t you be glad to have guessed their new contracts? Read the rest of this entry »


Contract Crowdsourcing 2023-24: Ballot 10 of 11

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2023-24 free agent market.

In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor-league contract, or won’t receive one at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Numbers are prorated to full season where noted. The projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2024 Steamer600 projections.

Below are ballots for six potential free agents and Whit Merrifield; both he and the Blue Jays declined their side of a mutual option yesterday. This group includes players with a mix of options or opt-outs. Realistically, not all of these guys will hit the open market. But what if they do? Won’t you be glad to have guessed their new contracts? Read the rest of this entry »


Max Muncy and the Dodgers Renew Their Vows

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers and Max Muncy clearly believe they have a pretty good thing going. Since retooling his swing after being cast off by the A’s, the late-blooming slugger has been a key middle-of-the-lineup component on six straight playoff teams, and part of three pennant winners including their 2020 championship squad. Within the past four years, the Dodgers have inked Muncy to three contract extensions, the latest of which — announced on Thursday — is a two-year, $24 million deal with a club option for a third season, potentially keeping Muncy in the fold through 2026.

Muncy, who turned 33 on August 25, is coming off a season in which he hit .212/.333/.475 and matched his career high with 36 homers, three of them grand slams. The batting average wasn’t pretty (though it was at least above the Mendoza Line) and his 26.4% strikeout rate was his highest since 2018, but his 14.7% walk rate and considerable power helped to make up for it. Amid some ups and downs, his 118 wRC+ was 18 points short of his career mark but still ranked eighth among regular third basemen.

Read the rest of this entry »


Alek Thomas Has Made Tremendous Strides Backwards (and That’s a Good Thing)

Alek Thomas
Arizona Republic

When I began writing this piece about Alek Thomas‘ defense, it was in response to the excellence he had shown in the postseason as Arizona’s everyday centerfielder. Since then, an elephant walked into the room in the form of his ninth-inning error in Game 5 of the World Series, and while it didn’t cost the Diamondbacks the title or even the game, it undoubtedly left a bitter taste in his mouth that he’ll likely spend much of the offseason trying to rinse out. But his late-game error was a tragically timed blip on an otherwise excellent performance this October — one that speaks to the specific improvements he’s made to his outfield defense, and how those adjustments have altered his forecast as a big leaguer. So let’s take a look at how Thomas’ defense has evolved since his days as a bat-first prospect, rewinding to this catch in Monday night’s Game 3.

That catch was one of several he made throughout the postseason, which provided Thomas with a national audience to wow with his range in the outfield. The way he covered ground out there played well on TV, too, particularly how he went back on deep balls to center field, sprinting with his head down toward the wall and making mid-route adjustments as needed. But while his wall-banging robbery of what would otherwise have been an RBI double for Mitch Garver was an obvious defensive highlight in its own right, it was also a clear indication of the improvements Thomas has made to his center field defense over the past couple seasons. Read the rest of this entry »


Every Bunt of the 2023 Postseason, Ranked

Joe Rondone/The Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK

You might have noticed a surfeit of bunting in this postseason, or at least it seemed that way because Geraldo Perdomo was in the World Series. I, the man who launched an impromptu Bunt Week two months ago, could not let the opportunity pass to sit in judgment of these bunts.

We often decry the sacrifice bunt as a needless waste of outs, but a bunt for a hit can be one of the most audacious, skilled plays in the sport, as beautiful in its own way as a light-tower home run. In fact, every bunt is distinctive and wonderful, and so each must be examined — all 26 of them — for procedural and results-based value, tactical and strategic context, as well as aesthetic value. These are just the 26 bunts that resulted in action, according to Baseball Savant, so be warned: failed bunt attempts are not featured. If you’re looking for that failed Trea Turner push bunt in Game 7 of the NLCS, you will not find it here. (Though for the record, I didn’t hate it.)

Let us judge the bunts. Read the rest of this entry »


Job Posting: Cleveland Guardians – Area Scout, Amateur Scouting Fellow

Direct Links (Please see full job postings below):

Area Scout, Amateur Scouting
Amateur Scouting Fellow


Area Scout, Amateur Scouting

Primary Purpose:
The Cleveland Guardians are seeking an Area Scout to join their Amateur Scouting department. At a high level, Area Scouts execute the organization’s scouting process by knowing players and their areas well to prepare the organization for acquisition opportunities. Area Scouts will be expected to gather quality intel while building networks that extend through their region and into professional baseball.

The ideal candidate will be curious, creative, open-minded, and excited to work in a collaborative and rapidly changing environment. The candidate will be able to clearly communicate with others, build trusting relationships, and execute the organization’s vision through passion, resourcefulness, and strategic thinking. They will take the initiative to advance the Guardians’ procedures and philosophies, especially related to our scouting process and the Major League Baseball draft.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Lead and execute the scouting process by applying organizational philosophies to know players and the assigned area well.
  • Build and maintain professional relationships with players, families, and stakeholders across the amateur baseball landscape.
  • Gather and document information to provide holistic assessments and further the organization’s understanding of players. This includes but is not limited to biographical, background, and scheduling information; video capture; unique data collection; and otherwise.
  • Communicate and collaborate with internal stakeholders daily.

Requirements:

The Cleveland Guardians are committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces all forms of diversity to enrich our core values, enhance our competitive position, strengthen our impact within our community, and foster a greater sense of belonging for our employees. In this spirit, we know studies have shown that people from historically underserved groups – including women, people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTQ – are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and understand that candidates may bring certain skills and experiences to the role that are not listed within this job description, but that would add tremendous value to our organization. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

  • Bachelor’s degree or prior professional experience
  • Demonstrated passion for scouting, baseball analytics, sports science, hitting or pitching analysis and/or biomechanics, strength and conditioning, motor learning, or other baseball or softball-related fields.

Preferred Experience:
While we are looking for candidates who bring a variety of skill sets, successful Area Scouts have possessed some of the following skills:

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Working knowledge of advanced baseball statistics and publicly available research.
  • The ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus but not necessary.
  • Demonstrated experience with a database language such as SQL.

Standard Requirements:

  • Represents the Cleveland Guardians in a positive manner to the scouting community, players, coaches, and the general public.
  • Reads, speaks, comprehends, and communicates English effectively across all mediums.
  • This position will require travel to games, workouts, and events across the country.
  • Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with members in all departments of the organization.
  • Ability to act according to organizational values in pursuit of excellence at all times.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations and have a demonstrated commitment to social justice.
  • Ability to walk, sit, or stand for an entire shift.
  • Ability to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
  • Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of a ballpark.
  • Ability to work in a diverse and changing environment.
  • Occasional physical activity such as lifting and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.


Amateur Scouting Fellow

Primary Purpose:
The Guardians Fellowship program is designed to accelerate the pace of development and impact for people interested in working for our organization. Fellowship roles are focused on solving complex challenges and developing new approaches, tools, and techniques to meaningfully drive the organization forward.

The Guardians are seeking Fellows to join their Amateur Scouting department. Each Fellow will collaborate with and be a resource for the Amateur Scouting staff. Fellows will be expected to manage the collection of multiple data streams on amateur players to prepare the organization for acquisition opportunities.

The ideal candidate will be curious, creative, open-minded, and excited to work in a collaborative and rapidly changing environment. The candidate will be able to clearly communicate with others, build trusting relationships, and execute the organization’s vision through passion, resourcefulness, and strategic thinking. They will take the initiative to advance the Guardians’ procedures and philosophies, especially related to the Major League Baseball draft.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Understand and apply organizational philosophies to all phases of the scouting and information-gathering processes.
  • Assist with the organization and execution of the scouting process through robust data/information collection to support and contribute to holistic player assessments.
  • Assist scouting staff with various administrative tasks, such as database management and scheduling.
  • Manage data collection and submission processes from all player assessment opportunities, including but not limited to games, workouts, and events.

Requirements:
The Cleveland Guardians are committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces all forms of diversity to enrich our core values, enhance our competitive position, strengthen our impact within our community, and foster a greater sense of belonging for our employees. In this spirit, we know studies have shown that people from historically underserved groups – including women, people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTQ – are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and understand that candidates may bring certain skills and experiences to the role that are not listed within this job description, but that would add tremendous value to our organization. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

  • Bachelor’s degree or
  • Demonstrated passion for scouting, baseball analytics, sports science, hitting or pitching analysis and/or biomechanics, strength and conditioning, motor learning, or other baseball or softball-related fields.

Preferred Experience:
While we are looking for candidates who bring a variety of skill sets, successful fellows have possessed some of the following skills:

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Working knowledge of advanced baseball statistics and publicly available research.
  • The ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus but not necessary.

Standard Requirements:

  • Represents the Cleveland Guardians in a positive manner to the scouting community, players, coaches, and the general public.
  • Reads, speaks, comprehends, and communicates English effectively across all mediums.
  • This position will require travel to games, workouts, and events across the country.
  • Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with members in all departments of the organization.
  • Ability to act according to organizational values in pursuit of excellence at all times.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations and have a demonstrated commitment to social justice.
  • Ability to walk, sit, or stand for an entire shift.
  • Ability to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
  • Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of a ballpark.
  • Ability to work in a diverse and changing environment.
  • Occasional physical activity such as lifting and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Cleveland Guardians.


Job Posting: Philadelphia Phillies – Organizational Intern, Major League Strategy

Organizational Intern, Major League Strategy

Department: Baseball Development
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Position Overview
The primary role of this position is to support the day-to-day production of material that enhances the strategy and preparedness of our major league coaching staff and players. This position will integrate critical thought with organizational research and resources to provide high quality information to our major league staff.

Responsibilities
Breakdown of responsibilities may vary depending on the background and strengths of the candidate. We hope to develop the selected individual based on their goals and how they can best help The Phillies. Previous responsibilities covered by this role and areas you might be able to make an impact include:

  • Pre-series advance reports covering all aspects of opposing players
  • Research and analysis to guide player development at the major league and minor league levels 
  • Production and formatting of information cards that drive in-game strategy 
  • Participation in group discussions to innovate and optimize internal processes
  • Ad hoc projects to support major league coaches, Baseball Development and Baseball Operations
  • Assist major league coaches with carrying out player training and preparation routines 

Required Qualifications:

  • Careful attention to detail and strong problem-solving aptitude
  • Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills
  • Strong foundational knowledge in modern baseball analysis and evaluation
  • Ability to multitask and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team setting
  • Must be able to work flexible hours, including holidays, weekends and evenings as needed
  • Must be based in or willing to relocate to Philadelphia for the duration of the 2024 season

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Fluency in Spanish 
  • Proficiency in SQL, R, and/or Python
  • Experience building models and/or making rigorous predictions about on-field outcomes
  • Experience interacting with statistical forecasts and providing information additive to existing processes

Interested applicants should submit both their resume, cover letter, and an answer to the following question:

Who is the best defender in Major League Baseball? Explain your reasoning. Please limit your response to 300 words.

Tip: There’s no defined right or wrong answer. Responses are used to get some insight into your thoughts on what is important in Baseball Development.

To Apply:
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Philadelphia Phillies.


Effectively Wild Episode 2079: The Rangers Are the Residue of Design

EWFI
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about Meg’s experience covering the World Series in Arizona, then discuss the most interesting aspects of the series, what (if anything) teams could learn from the Rangers’ success, the futures of the Rangers and Diamondbacks, the entertainment value of the 2023 playoffs, and much more.

Audio intro: Alex Ferrin, “Effectively Wild Theme
Audio outro: Ian H., “Effectively Wild Theme

Link to Eovaldi interview transcript
Link to Seinfeld car smell
Link to Ben on the Rangers
Link to Baumann on bullpen games
Link to preseason playoff odds
Link to Epstein quote
Link to postseason spreadsheet 1
Link to postseason spreadsheet 2

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 Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com


Contract Crowdsourcing 2023-24: Ballot 9 of 11

Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2023-24 free agent market.

In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor-league contract, or won’t receive one at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Numbers are prorated to full season where noted. The projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2024 Steamer600 projections.

Below are ballots for 11 of this year’s free agents — in this case, a group of relievers. Read the rest of this entry »


Contract Crowdsourcing 2023-24: Ballot 8 of 11

Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2023-24 free agent market.

In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor-league contract, or won’t receive one at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Numbers are prorated to full season where noted. The projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2024 Steamer600 projections.

Below are ballots for nine of this year’s free agents — in this case, another group of starting pitchers. Read the rest of this entry »