In last year’s edition of The Athletic’s annual MLB Player Poll, players predicted that Shohei Ohtani would be playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. The players shared their unfiltered thoughts on various topics including the best player in baseball, the most overrated player, and former players’ criticisms. The majority of players voted Ohtani as the best player, while Marlins center fielder Chisholm was deemed the most overrated player. Players also shared their preferences for teammates based on vibes and discussed the length of the baseball season.
The players expressed mixed opinions on the length of the MLB season, with some agreeing with Anthony Rendon’s statement that the season is too long. However, most players believe that the current length of the season is fair and an essential part of the game. When asked about their preferred team to sign with if contracts, state taxes, and rosters were not a factor, players mostly mentioned teams close to their residential preferences or teams with significant history. The Atlanta Braves emerged as the top choice among players.
Players also discussed organizations with bad reputations among players, with the Oakland Athletics receiving the highest number of mentions. The reasons cited for the negative reputation of certain teams included lack of spending and poor player development. Additionally, players shared their opinions on criticisms from former players, with celebrations, underestimation of the current game’s difficulty, and perceptions of toughness being among the common topics.
The players also discussed the potential shutdown of the MLB midseason for players to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Responses were divided, with some supporting the idea for the unique opportunity it presents, while others expressed concerns about injuries and logistical challenges. When asked about the impact of analytics on their careers, players had differing opinions, with some acknowledging the benefits of analytics in player development, while others found it detrimental to their performance.
Players also shared their experiences and perspectives on players being put on the injured list without appropriate injury severity. The prevalence of players being placed on the “phantom IL” was acknowledged by nearly two-thirds of those polled. Finally, players shared their views on the Dodgers’ offseason spending, with some considering it good for the game and others expressing concerns about the implications of such spending. Additionally, players discussed the potential adoption of a salary cap and floor system in MLB, with varying opinions on the impact it could have on the game.
