Braves and Rangers Assess Offseason Strategies

Tony Clark, head of the MLB Players' Association, criticized the trend of teams pushing pitchers to throw harder, leading to more injuries and fewer complete games, with 484 pitchers on the injured list this season. The Texas Rangers are contemplating reducing their payroll below the Competitive Balance Tax threshold, which may affect their ability to fill roster gaps, especially with players like Jonah Heim underperforming. Former Cardinals pitcher Jordan Montgomery, now with the Diamondbacks, is speculated to be a trade candidate, with potential fits including the Rangers and New York Mets. Rising star Spencer Schwellenbach is being hailed as a potential ace for the Braves, altering their offseason priorities. The Braves feel confident in their pitching roster, including Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez, as they plan for the upcoming season.