Each year, MLB's winter meetings focus on players, agents and general managers. Trade buzz and free agent signings – we're talking about you, Juan Soto, and all the starting pitchers – dominate the headlines.
The event is also an opportunity for the managers of all 30 teams to come together under one roof. Last week, as the baseball captains descended on Dallas, we asked some of them questions about MLB's rule changes, playoff format, their most feared opposing hitter and more.
Here's what they had to say.
If it were up to you, what would be MLB's next big rule change?
Dave Martinez, Washington Nationals: It definitely won't be the golden one [at-]Bat. I really like where the game is at right now. At first it took a minute with all the new rule changes, but baseball is definitely moving in the right direction.
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Ron Washington, Los Angeles Angels: Give pitchers the time they need to pitch. And I also want to get rid of that three-times throw-to-first-base garbage. … Experienced pitchers can handle it [the pitch clock] after they see what needs to be done. But I think it only affects the young pitchers.
Derek Shelton, Pittsburgh Pirates: I think I would take on some sort of challenge – something we've talked about with the strike zone, like we tried to do in the minor leagues.
AJ Hinch, Detroit Tigers: I think we as an industry have followed the rules. …Of course we will oppose any changes or innovations in the history of the game and things like that, but I have hardly heard or seen any complaints.
Bruce Bochy, Texas Rangers: Just like us, me as a manager or player, we are always striving to get better. So they are always looking for ways to improve the game. A little tinkering is fine, but you have to draw the line somewhere.
What are your thoughts on MLB's current expanded playoff format after watching it for several seasons?
Brandon Hyde, Baltimore Orioles: I like the many games for the wildcard. I think that's better. I think the format is an improvement.
Washington: The teams that are running away from the division and winning their division with great success – we have to find a way to keep them active. Because if the other playoffs go the distance, they will sit for a long time. It hit us pretty well [in Atlanta]. I think this year it affected Cleveland.
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Shelton: I like it. I think it creates a lot of excitement. I think anything we can do to get more teams playing meaningful games in September is important for the game.
Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins: I think it works well. I'm all for it and think it's good for the game. I think a slightly expanded format basically makes it competitive for the vast majority of the league that plays meaningful games over the course of the season.
Matt Quatraro, Kansas City Royals: I don't really think much about the big, grand plan of how it's set up. I'm happy to be there. I was also on the other side when I was with Tampa and we lost the two games in Cleveland with that wild card. It's difficult. Baseball is win-or-go-home right from the start, unless you win the division. So winning the division is very important. I think that's great. But I like the fact that it's expanded.
Terry Francona, Cincinnati Reds: The only thing I wish they could change is that there are too many bullpen games in the playoffs. That's not the way teams are really built. Well, I would like to see teams have to use their entire squad after 162 games. I think that this way you would find the really best teams. Not just maybe top-heavy teams with a few good pitchers and days off to throw their bullpen. I mean, I understand. They compete. I'm not saying they're wrong if they do. Just don't think that our game is structured like that.
Which opposing batsman do you least want to face when the game is on the line?
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Hyde: There are so many. [Shohei] Ohtani, Soto, [Aaron] Judge, [Mookie] Betts, Jordan Alvarez. Pack them all up. I don't want to face any of them.
Washington: Mookie Betts – because he busted my ass a lot.
Shelton: I would probably still say Soto – just because of the quality of the hitting and the fact that you have to throw strikes. He can do damage in a lot of different places, but he lets you throw the ball over the plate.
Baldelli: This isn't rocket science – it's Judge. I just don't want to face Judge. He's just that good.
Which pitcher – not on your roster – would you most like to give the ball to when your season is on the line?
Detroit Tigers star Tarik Skubal is one of the pitchers that managers would trust the most. Tim Warner/Getty Images
Hyde: I'll give you a few. [Tarik] Definitely Skubal. Can I walk with an aid? [Emmanuel] Clase. And [Zack] Wheeler.
Washington: Max Scherzer. Gritty. Never gives in.
Shelton: Probably Corbin Burnes. Maybe a little biased just because I've seen him so much at Central over the last few years, but just the ability to execute pitches.
Baldelli: It's probably Skubal. It's really hard for me to say anyone other than Skubal.
Who, other than you, is the best manager in baseball?
Washington: Bruce Bochy – because he can command a bullpen. Oh, and Terry Francona. Both of these guys can handle a bullpen.
Shelton: With Tito [Francona] Back, it's hard not to say Tito, but Kevin Cash.
Baldelli: Because I know him too and have played for him, I think Tito is the one I have to say – because of the way he gets the best out of all his people. He makes people feel like they can do anything, and then they go out and actually do it, over and over again.
