Part 6/15:
For the Mets, this is a lesson that maintaining and developing homegrown stars, alongside strategic free agent signings, is key. The Blue Jays’ confidence in their young talent hints at a shift in player perception, perhaps making free agents more willing to sign with them next year.
The Significance of Pitching & Free Agent Acquisitions
The conversation then shifts to the Mets' recent hire of Justin Willard, the young, analytics-savvy pitching coach from the Boston Red Sox. Rogers clarifies that Willard’s role is significant—he’s only in his mid-30s but carries experience developing pitchers at various levels.