Spring Training Prepares MLB for Another Exciting Season

Article by Zach Henley 

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​With the new MLB season less than a two weeks away, spring training is already showing how exciting this season will be. Two major free agents, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, changed the baseball world by becoming two of the richest players in the league. With each making at least $300 million, the expectations are very high. For the Padres, they are hoping Machado helps improve the team and make them a possible threat to the NL West. The Phillies are hoping Harper take them over the line of potential playoff teams and helps them become a postseason regular again. Other winners of the off-season are the Mets, who acquired Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz from the Mariners, and the St. Louis Cardinals who traded for Paul Goldschmidt from the Diamondbacks. Two other prime free agents who have yet to find a new home are closer Craig Kimbrel and starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel. Both are expecting to be paid healthy contracts by their new teams.

The MLB has discussed new rules to the game such as a shift ban and a shorter pitch clock. When asked about how the fans feel about the pace of the game, Bryce Harper replied “If you don’t want to come to a baseball game, don’t come. We’re not a timed sport.” The shift ban would disable any shift that a team would perform to have the advantage against an extremely pull type of hitter.

Since joining the Phillies, Bryce Harper has made some heads turn. After a mistake at his introductory press conference, Bryce said that he’d be heavily recruiting outfielder Mike Trout. Being a New Jersey native, Trout has been known to have some interest in joining the city of brotherly love. After hearing Harper’s comments, the Los Angeles Angels instantly went to the MLB commissioner Rob Manfred about the possibility of tampering. As of today, there has been no news about the case.

With all the acquisitions in the off-season and the eventful spring training, the upcoming season looks exciting and possibly bringing baseball back into the mix as one of the top sports in the country. 

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