All articles tagged with #offseason plans
Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney outlined offseason plans focusing on enhancing secondary scoring, with around $22MM in cap space. Key decisions include re-signing RFA goaltender Jeremy Swayman, potentially moving Linus Ullmark, and exploring free agent and trade markets. Internal options like Jake DeBrusk and prospects may also play a role in achieving their goals.
The Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, prompting management changes and raising questions about the team's offseason plans. President of hockey operations Kyle Dubas faces the challenge of retooling the team while maintaining an aging core of players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. The team's underwhelming performance, particularly in the power play and goaltending, has led to speculation about potential roster changes and the need for improvements in the upcoming offseason.
The Minnesota Vikings' offseason plans were discussed at the NFL Scouting Combine, with uncertainty surrounding Kirk Cousins' future, the hiring of Josh McCown as quarterbacks coach, and the team's focus on draftable quarterbacks and potential defensive upgrades. The Vikings are expected to prioritize spending on defense, especially at the edge rusher position, and may need to get creative due to potential departures. Additionally, the team's 2022 draft class and the NFLPA's training staff grade were also topics of discussion.
The Atlanta Falcons' new offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson, has stated that "all options are on the table" in the search for a quarterback, including free agency, trade, and the upcoming NFL draft. The team will consider a wide range of playing styles and evaluate all potential candidates, including current players Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder. With a new coaching staff in place, the Falcons are determined to find a consistently reliable quarterback to lead the team.
Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II outlined the team's initial 2024 plan for their quarterback room, indicating that a trade for QB Justin Fields is unlikely and suggesting that veteran QB Mitch Trubisky may be on his way out. The team plans to carry four quarterbacks into training camp, with efforts to re-sign Mason Rudolph and potentially adding a rookie quarterback and a free agent. The next six weeks will provide more clarity on the quarterback situation as the offseason progresses.
The Lakers are exploring trades for Dejounte Murray and other players to address their playmaking and speed needs, while also considering adding a quality backup guard and key postseason roles. They are resistant to including Austin Reaves in a potential deal and are not planning to pivot to Zach LaVine due to contract and production concerns. If they choose not to make a trade before the deadline, they could have more flexibility to acquire another star in the offseason. Additionally, they have discussed the possibility of packaging future draft picks and current players for a blockbuster trade.
Jerod Mayo, the new head coach of the New England Patriots, has a seven-step to-do list to tackle before the NFL Combine, including picking an offensive system, hiring an offensive coordinator, devising a quarterback plan, selecting a defensive coordinator, determining who will call defensive plays, filling out the coaching staff, and breaking down silos to unify the team. Mayo aims to revamp the team's offense and defense, create a cohesive coaching staff, and rebuild relationships within the organization.
Aaron Rodgers emphasizes the need for a winning culture within the New York Jets organization, urging the removal of non-essential elements. Despite a challenging 2023 season due to injury, Rodgers expresses a desire to continue playing beyond 2024 and believes the team is close to success but requires additional key players, particularly in the offensive line and receiving positions, to bolster their chances.
The New York Mets' offseason plans heavily depend on whether they can sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with two scenarios in play. If they secure Yamamoto, they can count on a rotation led by him and Kodai Senga through 2025, allowing for easier future planning. They would still need to acquire an outfielder and bullpen help, focusing on shorter contracts to maintain financial flexibility. However, if they fail to sign Yamamoto, they will need to acquire two starting pitchers, potentially through trades, while pursuing outfield and bullpen help. The Mets prioritize younger, lower-risk pitchers for long-term contracts, aiming to build a competitive roster in 2024 without compromising future flexibility.
The NFL will not share projections for the 2024 salary cap until early January due to ongoing matters being addressed by the league and the NFL Players Association. Teams rely on this information to make offseason plans, including roster-building and contract extensions for players. The salary cap for the 2023 season is $224.8 million, and the 2024 cap is expected to be in the $240 million range.
The Los Angeles Dodgers met with Shohei Ohtani during the Winter Meetings, with manager Dave Roberts describing the meeting as more of a familiarization process rather than a pitch. The Dodgers have been pursuing Ohtani for years and consider him their top priority in free agency. While other teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Angels are also in the running, the Dodgers have remained secretive about their interest in Ohtani. Additionally, the Dodgers are seeking a right-handed hitter and have shown interest in players like Kiké Hernández, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Michael A. Taylor. The team has also been linked to Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and has been monitoring reliever Ryan Brasier's market.
Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian has emphatically stated that a trade involving star player Mike Trout is not happening, dismissing speculation that the team should consider blowing up the roster. Despite the Angels' recent struggles, Minasian has made it clear that the club is not rebuilding and plans to be aggressive in adding to the roster. Trout's full no-trade clause and his recent injury history also present challenges to any potential trade. With the Angels focused on competing, keeping Trout and hoping for a return to form is the most sensible option.
Ron Washington leaves the Braves to become the new manager for the Angels, potentially taking Braves' first base coach Eric Young Sr. with him. The Braves will need to find replacements for their coaching staff. The Braves' general manager, Alex Anthopoulos, discusses the team's plans for the offseason, including a payroll increase. Huascar Ynoa is expected to return from Tommy John surgery by spring training. The All-MLB team nominees include nine Braves players.
Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer addressed the media in an end-of-season press conference, discussing the team's performance, the need for offseason improvements, and the positive developments in the farm system. Hoyer praised manager David Ross and expressed a desire to retain players like Cody Bellinger and Kyle Hendricks. He also emphasized the importance of building on the momentum of this season and acknowledged the challenges of developing young players while competing. Hoyer mentioned the team's willingness to go over the luxury tax and highlighted the successful pairing of catchers Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya.
Despite the flurry of activity in the Western Conference, Los Angeles Lakers' vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka remains focused on keeping the team's core intact and improving around the edges. Pelinka believes in the defensive prowess of the Lakers and aims to optimize the team's performance rather than being swayed by the moves of other teams. With free agency approaching, Pelinka acknowledges the competitiveness in the league but is determined to stay in the mix for championship contention. The Lakers have key players hitting the market and are looking to retain them while making necessary improvements to reach the NBA Finals.