[Biggp07]

On March 9th, Toronto Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins presented a trade proposal which my Assistant General Manager, J.J. Picollo, strongly recommended I pursue without delay. While I had not been actively initiating discussions with other general managers regarding potential trades, I proceeded to finalize the transaction. Subsequently, it was reported that Kansas City traded catcher Freddy Fermin and shortstop Leonel Valera to Toronto in exchange for second baseman Davis Schneider.

Freddy, our 28-year-old catcher who has backed up Salvador Perez for years, had reached his development peak and held value in trade. I aimed to acquire second baseman Davis Schneider, hoping his versatility would strengthen both our infield and outfield when developed properly. Valera, a marginal performer since joining from the Nationals last year, also provided some trade value. Trading Freddy and Leonel was a move to add much-needed offense and shake up the roster early in my tenure. Of course, I’ll need to assess who we bring up to replace Freddy or where we'll look to trade for a backup catcher. I’ll determine the roster moves later this week when I start putting together line-ups and depth charts. My biggest concern is the catcher-pitcher relationship that I might have fragmented, but we must suffer the consequences of that decision now.

I needed to finalize several proposed budget adjustments recommended on the first day and assess whether any additional personnel matters required attention before Opening Day. Although there was still some time remaining, the start of the season was quickly approaching, and outstanding tasks remained. With Jason joining as our newly appointed scout, I was able to raise the scouting budget from below the league minimum to approximately $14.5 million, anticipating that this investment will help us tap into both international and amateur talent pools during this rebuilding phase. Jason’s expertise gives me confidence in his ability to identify high-potential prospects. The development budget was also increased modestly by a few million dollars to meet the league baseline, given the current lack of detailed information about our farm system. Allowing Jason several months to evaluate our internal talent will inform future decisions regarding necessary changes. By deferring major development upgrades, I was able to allocate additional resources toward scouting, as well as international free agent and draft budgets. While this strategy is not without risk, the coming year will provide valuable insights into its effectiveness.

Our record of 56-106 in the previous season significantly impacted our budget allowance for the upcoming year. John Sherman expressed strong dissatisfaction with the team’s 2023 performance and assigned me the dual responsibilities of General Manager and Manager for the new season. This change considerably increased my daily duties, requiring oversight of line-ups, depth charts, pitching staff rotation, bullpen management, strategic planning, and player development as we aim for improved results. Typically, as General Manager, I would have maintained a more hands-off approach regarding daily line-up decisions and pitching assignments; however, due to Matt Quatraro’s challenges in these areas, I have assumed these additional tasks. I am hopeful that Paul Hoover will provide valuable assistance as we prepare for games throughout the season, especially given his strong defensive insight and positive rapport with the current roster—qualities that should benefit the team moving forward.

Regarding team-manager dynamics, I reviewed the front office personnel with whom I would be working. I identified a few members whose performance will be evaluated within a relatively short timeline. Our hitting coach, Alec Zumwalt, has had limited success in coaching active roster position players and developing prospects, and his relationships with front office staff are not particularly strong. Although Alec has two years remaining on his contract, I intend to assess his impact throughout the current season before considering any changes, as it may be challenging to find a suitable replacement so close to opening day, and I want to avoid disrupting the team's environment early in my tenure.

Similarly, pitching coach Brian Sweeney appears to have stronger connections with batters than pitchers. His contract follows the same timeline as Zumwalt's, so I plan to evaluate both positions equally before making decisions. Additionally, our team trainer, Kyle Turner, does not demonstrate exceptional proficiency in fatigue recovery or pitcher rehabilitation, though he performs adequately in other areas. Improvements could potentially be made, particularly concerning pitcher health and injury prevention. Ultimately, I am evaluating which role is most critical to address for immediate return this year and whether qualified candidates are available, though it may not be feasible to make changes until the off-season.

As far as the farm system, after evaluating personnel, several contracts could be promoted to higher levels on the field and possibly in front office roles during the next offseason. Ari Adut, currently serving as the hitting coach for the Columbia Fireflies at the A level, is recognised for his defensive coaching background and his knowledge of player development and mechanics, particularly with younger athletes in the system. Consideration will be given to moving him up to the major league staff to support team progress. Wilson Betemit, a hitting coach with the DSL Ventura team, demonstrates strong defensive skills and coaching ability. However, he has less experience in development and mechanical instruction for younger players. Plans may involve promoting him within the farm system and potentially transitioning him into a base coaching role or a position on the front office staff in the future.

Most of my focus will be on full-season leagues from A to Triple-A. For example, with the Carolina Fireflies at A ball, Jesus Azuaje lacks coaching experience and skills, struggles with team relationships, and may not remain with the team through the year. High A+ ball requires prompt improvement. Coaches Ryan Powers (hitting) and Derrick Lewis (pitching) lack the necessary coaching skills, despite positive player relationships, and may need to be replaced soon, even with two years left on their contracts. This reflects a broader trend in the farm system, where coaching needs to prioritize player development. Brooks Conrad has three years remaining; bringing in new hitting and pitching coaches could boost player progress at this level. Larry Carter, our AA pitching coach, has two years left on his contract and is nearing retirement at 58. I'll likely let him complete his term and look for a replacement in 2026 or promote from within if budgets and results allow. As for AAA hitting coach Bijan Rademacher, he needs to be replaced immediately due to poor team hitting and a lack of relevant experience. I plan to seek a more qualified candidate or possibly promote someone like Ari from the lower leagues.