November 17, 2045
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
Coming into the offseason the Nashville Bluebirds had four contract options for the 2046 season. The lone team option was for newly acquired RHP Edwin ‘Crime Spree’ Gilliam, which was executed. The Bluebirds expect Gilliam to be a top of the rotation pitcher for a pitching staff that was sufferable in 2045. Gilliam was in Nashville’s crosshairs early on in 2045, but trade talks never amounted to a deal. Crime Spree eventually was seen as expendable near the trade deadline, but his 3.25 in 44IP in Nashville was too little too late.
Three players had player options for 2046: Alvin Chartrand, Jesús López, and Gipper Kengos. With starting pitching at a premium, the Birds are glad to have Chartrand back to eat innings and keep the ball in the park versus tough Heartland teams. The team is also glad to have Kengos return. He is believed to have been persuaded to return with he promise of more playing time, but that is difficult to see with the log jam of power hitters in the lineup. López made a wise decision to opt-in for his $4m salary, which would have been greatly appreciated off the books by Nashville front office. The righty still possesses great tools and coaches hope he can focus those talents into results in 2046.
