What do MLB managers think about the new rules and playoffs?
We spoke to managers at the winter meetings to get their take on the state of the game.
Every year at the MLB winter meetings, the focus is on players, agents and general managers. Rumors about trades and free agent signings (we’re talking about Juan Soto and all the starting pitchers) dominate the headlines.
But the event is also an opportunity for managers from all 30 teams to come together under one roof. Last week, when baseball’s captains arrived in Dallas, we asked them a few questions about MLB’s rule changes, the playoff format, their most feared opposing hitter, and more.
This is what they had to say.
If it were your choice, what would be the next major MLB rule change?
Dave Martinez, Washington Nationals: It definitely won’t be the golden at-bat. I like the way the game is right now, I really do. First, with all the rule changes, it took a minute, but baseball is definitely going in the right direction.
Ron Washington, Los Angeles Angels: You have to give the pitchers all the time they need to make their pitches. And I’d also like to get rid of that garbage of throwing three times to first base… Experienced pitchers can manage (the pitch clock) after they see what needs to be done. But I think that only affects young pitchers.
Derek Shelton, Pittsburgh Pirates: I think I would go for some type of challenge, something we’ve talked about with the strike zone, like we’ve tried in the minor leagues.
AJ Hinch, Detroit Tigers: I think we have defined the rules as an industry… Naturally, we are going to resist any kind of change or any kind of new development in the history of the game and things like that, but I have heard or seen almost no complaints.
Bruce Bochy, Texas Rangers: Like us, me as a manager or the players, we are always looking to improve. So you’re always looking for ways to improve the game. It’s okay to make small tweaks, but you have to draw the line somewhere.
What do you think about the current expanded MLB playoff format after watching it for several seasons?
Brandon Hyde, Baltimore Orioles: I like multiple games because of the wild card. I think that’s better. I think the format is an improvement.
Washington: The teams that take the division and win their division by a lot, we have to find a way to keep them active. Because if the other playoffs extend to the end, they will stay on the bench for a long time. It affected us quite a bit (in Atlanta). This year, I think it affected Cleveland.
Shelton: I like it. I think it generates a lot of enthusiasm. I think anything we can do to get more teams to have big games in September is important for the game.
Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins: I think it’s working well. I’m in favor of it and I think it’s been good for the game. I think having a somewhat expanded format makes it competitive for basically the vast majority of the league, who are playing important games as the season progresses.
Matt Quatraro, Kansas City Royals: I don’t think much about the grand scheme of how it’s designed. I like being in it. I was also on the other side of that when I was with Tampa and we lost both games in Cleveland in that wild card. It’s difficult. In baseball, it’s win or go home from the start unless you win the division. So that gives a special value to winning the division. I think that’s great. But I like the fact that it’s expanded.
Terry Francona, Cincinnati Reds: The only thing I wish they could change is…they’re seeing too many bullpen games in the playoffs. That’s not the way teams are built. Now, I would like to see that after 162 games, I would like to see teams have to use their entire roster. I think that’s how the best teams would find themselves. Not just teams that have a couple of good pitchers and with days off you can pitch your bullpen. I mean, I get it. They are competing. I’m not saying they are wrong to do so. Just don’t think that this is how our game is built.
Which opposing hitter do you want to face the least in the game?
Hyde: There are so many. (Shohei) Ohtani, Soto, (Aaron) Judge, (Mookie) Betts, Yordan Alvarez. Wrap them all up. I don’t want to face any of them.
Washington: Mookie Betts, because he’s beaten me up so many times.
Shelton: I’d probably still say Soto, just because of the quality of the at-bat and because you have to throw strikes. It can hurt in a lot of different places, but it makes you throw the ball over the plate.
Baldelli: It’s not rocket science, it’s Judge. I just wouldn’t want to face Judge. It’s that good.
Which pitcher, not on your team, would you hand the ball to in a do-or-die game?
Hyde: I’ll give you some. (Tarik) Skubal, for sure. Can I choose a reliever? (Emmanuel) Class. And (Zack) Wheeler.
Washington: Max Scherzer. Brave. He never gives up.
Shelton: Probably Corbin Burnes. Maybe I’m a little biased, just because I’ve seen him a lot in the Central over the last few years, but only because of the ability to execute pitches.
Baldelli: It’s probably Skubal. I find it very difficult to say that it is not Skubal.
Who, besides you, is the best manager in baseball?
Washington: Bruce Bochy, because he can handle a bullpen. Oh, and Terry Francona. Those two guys can run a bullpen.
Shelton: With Tito (Francona) back, it’s hard not to say Tito, but Kevin Cash.
Baldelli: Because I also know him, I played for him, I think Tito is the one I would say, because of the way he brings out the best in all his people. It makes people feel like they can do anything, and then they go out into the field and actually do it, over and over again.
