Part 4/6:
As this offseason continues, the narrative surrounding veterans in Major League Baseball remains troubling. Players like Brandon Belt, who had a notable 2023 season with 19 home runs and a 151 OPS, find themselves out of the game despite strong performances. This situation raises questions about how teams value veteran players, especially as franchises increasingly lean towards younger, cost-effective options.
The situation of Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso remains especially poignant. Despite being dynamic players capable of delivering significant production, their ongoing status as free agents underlines a concerning trend. The lack of a free agency deadline allows teams to delay contracts, often leading to veterans feeling the squeeze for compensation that aligns with their abilities.