Part 3/11:
A critical aspect of a GM's role is identifying and signing elite players. The conversation highlighted the recent signing of Juan Soto, which was particularly noteworthy given the anticipated competition for his services—a reminder that the stakes are high in free agency. Stearns explained that the planning for a player like Soto begins far before they formally enter the free agency market. Evaluations of a player’s on-field performance and off-field character begin long before negotiations commence.