Weekend Windup: NL East's Big Moves to the West's Wonders

Braves

• Ron Washington, a 71-year-old bundle of energy and baseball wisdom, is leaving the Braves to manage the LA Angels. His infectious enthusiasm and knack for molding Gold Glovers leaves Atlanta with big shoes to fill. Meanwhile, the Angels gain a revered leader known for getting players to go the extra mile. It's a bittersweet shift for both teams, as Washington moves on to a new challenge.

Marlins

• The Miami Marlins are shaking things up by snagging Peter Bendix from the Rays to lead their baseball ops. It's like they're hoping Bendix has some of that Rays magic in his back pocket to turn the Marlins into a postseason regular. He's stepping into big shoes, replacing Kim Ng, but the Marlins' brass is all in on the Bendix plan. They're eyeing the Rays' budget-friendly blueprint for success, which is like trying to win a race with a go-kart against Ferraris. With a roster that's pitching-heavy but could use some batting beef-up, Bendix has his work cut out. The Marlins, fresh off a playoff cameo, are betting Bendix can lead them from underdogs to top dogs.

Mets

• In the Mets' offseason chess game, new President of Baseball Ops David Stearns is switching up his strategy. He's chatting with big-shot agent Scott Boras about Mets' star Pete Alonso, but don't expect any fireworks just yet. It's more philosophical chin-wagging than deal-making. Stearns, fresh from Milwaukee's budget ballgame, is now playing with the big bucks in New York. He's got his eyes on adding some pitching power to the roster, possibly eyeing top-tier Boras clients. But with a tight rotation and some coaching spots up for grabs, Stearns has his work cut out. It's a new ballgame in the Big Apple, and Stearns is ready to swing for the fences.

Nationals

• The Washington Nationals are mixing up their coaching crew like a bartender on a busy night. After bidding farewell to a few familiar faces, they're bringing in some new blood.

Phillies

• The Phillies shake things up as Bryce Harper shifts to full-time first baseman, nudging Rhys Hoskins toward the exit. Harper's surprising prowess at first base means a new era for Philly, with Hoskins likely donning a new uniform next season. Meanwhile, the Phillies play it coy on re-signing star pitcher Aaron Nola, leaving his future a big-league question mark.

Brewers

• The Milwaukee Brewers, with GM Matt Arnold calling the shots, are ready to shake up their roster like a snow globe. They're not as tight-lipped as last year about trading big names like Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, or Willy Adames.

Cardinals

• The Cardinals are stepping up to the plate, aiming to shake off last season's slump. With a budget potentially hitting a record $200 million, they're on the hunt for not one, but two starting pitchers. But don't expect them to break the bank for top-tier arms; they're playing a smarter game, eyeing value deals in a fierce free-agent market.

Cubs

• After the recent unexpected Managerial change, the Cubs are looking to be active in both the trade and free agent market this off-season. They’ve been linked to players like Pete Alonso, Rhys Hopkins, and many more. With Counsell at the helm, the bullpen is a high priority for them as well.

Pirates

• If the Pirates don’t start work on the below stadium ASAP, I’m not sure what they’re doing.

Reds

• The Cincinnati Reds, with GM Nick Krall at the helm, are ready to deal in the trade market, juggling a surplus of infielders. Jonathan India is a hot topic, but the Reds aren't eager to let him go. With players like Noelvi Marte stepping up, the Reds are looking to turn their excess hitters into pitching gold, aiming to leverage their unexpected success into a playoff-contending team.

Diamondbacks

• The Arizona Diamondbacks, in a move that's about as surprising as finding a cactus in the desert, have decided to stick with manager Torey Lovullo, extending his contract through 2026.

Dodgers

• In the big league's version of a high-stakes poker game, the Dodgers are eyeing Shohei Ohtani, baseball's jack-of-all-trades, but playing their cards close to the chest.

Giants

• Under new Manager Bob Melvin, the Giants add Bench Coach - Ryan Christenson, Third Base Coach - Matt Williams, & Hitting Coach - Pat Burrell

• Giants have a Golf set up at Oracle Park again. I think it moved just thinking about that.

Padres

• Fasten your seatbelts, because the Padres are coming in hot from the GM Meetings with enough takeaways to fill a baseball mitt. They're on the brink of picking a manager, with internal whispers louder than a dugout cheer. They've got eyes on Mike Shildt and Ryan Flaherty, because let's face it, homegrown might just be the charm after swinging and missing with outsiders. And then there's the Soto saga, juicier than a ballpark hotdog, and it's going to sizzle all winter with trade whispers. Buckle up, Padres fans, it's going to be an interesting off-season ride.

• Buster Olney said on The Michael Kay Show there was a 100% chance that Juan Soto would be traded before the start of the season

Rockies

• Brenton Doyle might just be the Rockies' Spider-Man in center field. The rookie's snagged everything from fly balls to praise, with defensive stats so good they're making the record books do a double-take. While his bat’s been more of a silent whisper than a loud crack, Doyle’s superhero catches and wall-crashing antics have won him a National League Gold Glove. The kid’s got a "go big or go home" vibe, and if he manages to fine-tune his swing during the offseason, pitchers better watch out. If defense was all it took, Doyle’s already in the majors; add a better hit to that, and he might just become the Rockies' rockstar. More here from the Denver Post.

Enjoy your Saturday morning by watching the longest home runs of the 2023 season below: