Here is my compilation of teams that offer engaging rebuilding experiences for MLB The Show 24 Franchise Mode this year. I will present 5 pure rebuild teams and another 5 outside the box ones for MLB The Show 24. If you have a preference for any of these teams, ensure you have an ample supply of MLB The Show 24 Stubs. You'll encounter a lengthy journey to progress and enhance your chosen team.
Pure Rebuilds
Let's commence with the discussion on teams engaged in pure rebuilding efforts.
5. Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies stand at the fifth position in this regard.
My experience with the Rockies in MLB The Show 22 was quite enjoyable. However, presently, I believe they might be one of the weakest teams in baseball. While they possess promising talents like Nolan Jones, who boasted a .297 batting average with 20 home runs, indicating potential stardom, there are signs of decline among former key players such as Ryan McMahon, German Marquez, and Charlie Blackmon.
Notably, Kris Bryant's contract is proving to be less favorable over time, akin to spoiled milk. The prospects like Chase Dollander, Adael Amador, and Yanquiel Fernandez are now looked upon with hope, whereas Zach Vennaro, Benny Montgomery, and Joe Rock, who once held promise, seem to be fading into obscurity.
With no World Series victories to their name, the Rockies might find themselves on a prolonged quest for championship glory.
4. Kansas City Royals
In fourth place, we have the Kansas City Royals.
The Royals primarily rely on Bobby Witt Jr. as their standout player, which is reassuring given their long-term contract with him. However, aside from Witt, individuals like Brady Singer and Vinnie Pasquantino seem to be stagnating in their development, while Maikel Garcia struggles to make significant progress on his own. Formerly highly touted prospects such as Kyle Isbel, Chris Bubic, Asa Lacy, M.J. Melendez, and Nick Pratto are now showing signs that they may not reach star status.
The initial challenge lies in having Witt Jr. as a cornerstone superstar to build around. However, achieving success with a midmarket budget poses its own difficulties. Reviving the fortunes of this 2015 World Series-winning team presents an intriguing challenge.
3. Oakland Athletics
In third place, we find the Oakland Athletics.
Firstly, one strategy could involve relocating them to Las Vegas and providing them with a new stadium, as I simulated in MLB The Show 23.
Secondly, their performance has been lackluster. However, due to their struggles last season, they had the opportunity to test numerous young players and unearth talents like Zack Gelof, who could serve as building blocks for the future. Esteury Ruiz and Shea Langeliers are other potential candidates for this role, alongside Tyler Soderstrom, who shows immense promise. Beyond these individuals, the rebuilding process will heavily rely on adept drafting, especially given the scarcity of standout prospects beyond Jacob Wilson.
Moreover, the constrained budget of just $89 million adds another layer of challenge. This scenario presents an ideal opportunity for a Moneyball approach to rebuilding the team.
2. Chicago White Sox
In second place, we have the Chicago White Sox.
While I previously mentioned the Colorado Rockies as a contender for the title of the worst team in baseball, at present, my inclination would be to wager on the White Sox to have the fewest wins this year, if I were a betting individual. Luis Robert Jr. presents an excellent foundation to build upon, boasting formidable power at 26 years old, right in his prime.
However, his contract spans only four years, potentially posing a challenge as the team might require more time to develop fully by the time his contract nears expiration. Players like Eloy Jimenez, Garrett Crochet, Michael Kopech, Yoan Moncada, Andrew Vaughn, and Gavin Sheets, among others, were once anticipated to blossom into stars for the White Sox but have instead settled into inconsistent starting roles. Despite acquiring Drew Thorpe, Jairo Iriarte, and Samuel Zavala as B-level prospects in the Cease Trade, doubts linger regarding the team's ability to nurture them adequately, given the departure of talent over the years.
Personally, I lack confidence in their developmental capabilities. Nonetheless, can they ultimately achieve success? That remains to be seen.
1. Los Angeles Angels
My top choice for the most effective pure rebuild in MLB The Show 24 is the Los Angeles Angels.
This selection stems from what I consider the most compelling narrative in the game this year. In my MLB The Show 21 Marlins Franchise, there was significant backlash when I traded Mike Trout later on. Critics deemed it unrealistic. Interestingly, now there’s a growing chorus urging the Angels to part ways with Trout. However, Trout remains a quietly exceptional superstar who hasn’t expressed any desire for a trade.
You’re confronted with two options: either build the team around Trout, albeit with limited assets, particularly with Anthony Rendon consuming $30 million as a declining player with subpar potential, or trade Trout and kickstart the rebuilding process, considering he’s now 32 years old.
I believe the Angels possess the most compelling storyline among these five teams because they haven’t won a World Series since 2002, and their last playoff victory dates back to the ALCS in 2009, shortly after Trout began his career in 2011. Despite having either Trout or Anthony Rendon, widely considered among the top players in baseball for the past 13 seasons, the franchise has failed to capitalize on their talent.
What they truly need is a capable executive who can navigate the complexities of rebuilding the franchise. Could you be that person?
Outside The Box
Now that we’ve addressed the pure rebuilding strategies, let’s explore some Outside The Box thinking rebuilds.
5. New York Yankees
In fifth place, we have the New York Yankees.
Before you dismiss this choice, hear me out. While Gerrit Cole undoubtedly brings value, his contract stretches until he’s 38 years old, which poses concerns for the long-term vision. Similarly, Nestor Cortes Jr., at 29, will soon seek lucrative free-agent deals. The signing of Carlos Rodon appears questionable, considering his contract extends until he’s 36.
The Yankees lack promising pitching prospects, both in the rotation and the bullpen. While Clay Holmes excels as a closer, his impending free agency at 32 raises uncertainties. The absence of a future catcher is notable, and Anthony Rizzo’s contract may not align with the team’s timeline. Gleyber Torres, set to become a free agent at 28, may not warrant a lengthy contract extension. DJ LeMahieu’s contract, a previous misstep, concludes in three years.
Looking ahead, Anthony Volpe emerges as a cornerstone player, with Alex Verdugo providing stability for the interim. Aaron Judge, the veteran presence, will retire as a Yankee at the conclusion of this rebuilding phase, leaving prospects like Dominguez and Jones to inherit the mantle. Juan Soto’s impending free agency presents an opportunity, although caution is advised to regard lengthy contracts.
The contract of designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, ranging from $18 to $31 million annually until he’s 39, raises eyebrows. However, it indicates the potential to shed cumbersome contracts within five years. At that point, Judge would be 36, Volpe 27, and with diligent prospect accumulation, the Yankees, who haven’t claimed a championship since 2009, could resemble the storied teams of Joe Torre’s era.
The objective isn’t merely to secure one championship, but to establish a dynasty reminiscent of past glories.
4. San Francisco Giants
In fourth place, we find the San Francisco Giants.
The Giants have been striving to maintain competitiveness, often resorting to frequent free-agent acquisitions. However, this approach lacks sustainability and has resulted in a cycle of mediocrity, trapping them in MLB’s purgatory. Apart from Kyle Harrison and Marco Luciano, the Giants lack promising prospects in their pipeline.
It’s a team that requires clear direction, although they consistently provide ample budgetary resources to facilitate strategic maneuvers. While they do invest financially, their spending decisions often fail to yield optimal results.
3. Minnesota Twins
In third place, we have the Minnesota Twins.
Minnesota Twins present an intriguing case. They consistently perform well enough to contend within the Central division, yet they often fall short of World Series aspirations.
Interestingly, it seems that MLB The Show might have a supporter within their ranks, as the game tends to simulate their performance quite favorably, despite historical struggles in postseason success. Their roster boasts several commendable players, yet none that I would categorize as long-term solutions or superstars of the league. With the exception of potentially Royce Lewis and Edouard Julien, the Twins possess only a handful of standout prospects in Brooks Lee, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Walker Jenkins.
However, I believe this team will require a considerable infusion of talent to vie with formidable competitors such as the Astros, Rangers, Rays, or even the Orioles within the American League.
2. Milwaukee Brewers
In my rankings, the Milwaukee Brewers hold the second position.
This presents an opportunity for excitement. Firstly, funding has been allocated for the renovation of American Family Field, offering potential enjoyment for those interested in Stadium Creator. However, regarding the team itself, there appears to be a lack of clear direction for the Brewers. Many of their key players are either at an average level or slightly above average, or are on the decline as they exit their prime years. Jackson Chourio, a standout prospect in baseball, offers promise as a cornerstone for the franchise. Beyond him, there's a need to identify and develop additional talent.
Fortunately, apart from the Christian Yelich contract, there are few constraints hindering the ability to make strategic moves and shape the team according to one's vision.
1. New York Mets
My top unconventional rebuild choice in MLB The Show 24 is the New York Mets.
Despite their substantial budget, which is actually lower than that of the Yankees in the video game, there are several factors to consider. Let's delve into them.
- The starting pitching roster skews toward the older side, with Senga being the sole long-term signing at four years, and a lack of promising prospects. While their relief pitching is decent, there's a scarcity of prospects in that department as well. It's challenging to find quality prospects in the game.
- Edwin Diaz, while a talented closer, missed the entirety of last season and is earning $20 million until he reaches 35, which isn't particularly promising.
- Francisco Alvarez's power at catcher is a highlight, offering excitement for New York.
- Alonzo, undoubtedly one of the premier power hitters in the game, has no contract after this season. Whether to trade him, let him walk, or sign him presents intriguing possibilities.
- Jeff McNeil's extended and relatively high-paying contract, coupled with mediocre prospects behind him, poses a dilemma.
- Brett Baty may have been promoted prematurely, and despite his lackluster performance, the Mets have limited options now.
- Lindor, while once a beloved player, has a hefty $34 million contract until he turns 38, which might not be justifiable.
- Having Acuna and Williams in the wings exacerbates the situation.
- Nimmo, although a fan favorite, has a staggering $20 million commitment for the next seven years, raising eyebrows.
- The search for a center fielder has been ongoing, with Drew Gilbert potentially filling the void now that Starling Marte's tenure is ending.
Fortunately, Marte's contract only has two seasons remaining. The Mets' tendency to overspend on less stellar players or offer lengthy deals to good players could impede prospect development. In essence, the Mets are in disarray with a dearth of prospects.