Augusta, NL North
The former Augusta Eagles are the best pure rebuild opening: they went 69-93 last season and hold the #7 overall pick, plus picks 40, 74, 107, and 139 in rounds 2-5. The ML payroll looks very light, and there are useful young pieces already visible, including Ken Whitman, J.O. Blasco, Alfredo Latos, and Matthew Rossy. This is a good for an owner who wants a high pick, flexibility, and a roster that is not starting from zero.
Chicago, NL North
The former Chicago Deep Dishers finished 75-87 and own the #13 overall pick, followed by 47, 80, 113, and 145. This looks like a practical retool rather than a full tear-down: Ron Martin, Heinie Blanton, Tomas Toregas, Earl Graves, and Zachrey Erlin give the next owner some younger ML pieces, while veterans like Cole Glanville, Chase Jankowski, and Midre Latos provide structure or trade paths.
Scottsdale, NL West
The former Scottsdale Sun Devils went 80-82 and pick #18 overall, then 53, 85, 118, and 150. This is the near-.500 opportunity: not buried, not locked in, and with a manageable roster around players like Scott Foster, Albert Santana, Erik Roof, P.T. Lunar, Ralph Karl, plus veteran arms Ray Smith and Stephen Higley. A good owner could compete quickly with smart additions or take one season to reshape it.
Ottawa, NL North
The former Ottawa Alley Cats went 85-77, won the division, and still have the #23 overall pick, plus 58, 90, 123, and 155. This is a nice “step in and steer” team: playoff-level recent results, a modest payroll, and quality pieces such as Dave Brower, Harold Knight, Radhames Elcano, Tori Stamets, Wilfredo Mateo, Emerson Radinsky, and Howie Hayes. Best fit for someone who wants a competitive base with room to make it their own.
Cheyenne, AL West
The former Cheyenne Indians are the premium win-now opening. They went 98-64, won the division, and have a long contender track record, though the draft slot is late at #32 overall. They also pick 66, 98, 131, and 163, with an extra 3rd-round supplemental pick at #101 for Boomer Bennett. The roster is led by Mickey Welch, a 27-year-old 92-rated SS, with strong veteran support from Colt Walker, Jung-ho Kawakami, Del Mendoza, James Hukata, and Emilio James. This is great for an owner who wants to take over a contender immediately.
Summaries generated with the help of AI