MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

**reyes the roof** · 08-06-2023, 01:57 PM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

Originally posted by jcar0725

Definitely, yes. Some really good ones, too.

To be fair in my franchise, I spread those guys out around the league to the worst teams and take one or two max for myself at the start of my rebuild.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Operation Sports mobile app

Yeah there is one guy I saw that looks like a good fit for what I want on my team, I could actually plug him in the starting lineup right now because we’re so depleted in the OF but I’ll probably leave him down for a year. He’s 18, contact in the 60s, 87 speed and stealing in the 80s. He’s only a C potential so probably shouldn’t progress too much more which makes me feel a little less guilty about signing him.

**Itsma806** · 08-06-2023, 03:43 PM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

2023 Pittsburgh Pirates 09/26

Overall Record 84-73 (1st NL Central 6.0 over Milwaukee Brewers)

Game Result

Pirates-7
Phillies-3

Pirates clinch the NL Central!

The Pittsburgh Pirates are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. It hasnt been a perfect season by any means and in most other divisions (besides the AL Central), the Pirates would at best be a second place team. However, they are in the NL Central and they have won it. In doing so, they have joined the New York Yankees as the only teams to clinch their respective divisions to this point.

Like most of the season, the win against the Phillies did not come easily. The Pirates got the first runs on the board in the 2nd inning. That was mostly thanks to the bottom of their lineup as Conner Joe, Miguel Anduhar and Kevin Plawecki hit back to back to back singles. Plawecki's knocked Joe in for 43rd RBI on the season. Andrew McCutchen also collected an Rbi in the inning as he hit the fourth consecutive single against the Phillies starter, Ranger Suarez. Suarez was able to get out of the inning without any further damage.

Plawecki kept it going in the 4th inning when he chugged his way to a rbi TRIPLE that made the score 3-0 in favor of the Pirates.

The Pirates starting pitcher, Mitch Keller was very good but also gave up three runs all of which were off of homeruns. Those came off the bats of Nick Castellanos (2 run HR in the 5th inning) and JT Realmuto (solo shot in the 6th).

Eventually the bullpens would take over and the chosen pitchers for both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh would dominate. Griff McGarry pitched five full innings for Philadelphia as he gave up just two hits and two walks while he struck out 3. Johan Oviedo was equally as dominate for Pittsburgh as he pitched four full allowing just one hits and striking out four.

The game eventually went into extras and the 11th inning where Pittsburgh was able to put up four runs (three off of Mccutchen's 23rd homer of the season). Oviedo finished off the bottom of the 11th and Pittsburgh took the victory to lock up the division.

Oviedo has been fantastic all season. He has now appeared in 41 games, pitched 88.2 innings and has just a 1.73 ERA. If reliever of the year didnt favor closers so much, I'd have to believe he would be in the running. Another Pirate bullpen arm, Chase De Jong has been equally or more impressive (41 G, 69 innings, 88 SO and 1.04 ERA).

The Pirates will now look to finish the season on a positive note as they close it out with two more against Philly and then return home for three Vs. Miami.

Added Note

I find it interesting that I still havent hit a homerun with Kevin Plawecki. He has been great all year but may end up being my first player who is a full time starter that I do not hit a homerun with. Ive even hit them with players with worse or very similar power stats (Ji-Hwan Bae has 3 with power stats of 34 and 38). Just interesting to me. Cant wait for the playoffs!

**kdutch98** · 08-07-2023, 12:59 AM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

TIGERS SWEEP GUARDIANS

TIGERS 6 GUARDIANS 0 SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

2023 TIGER SCHEDULE/RESULTS

MLB STANDINGS

DETROIT TIGER STATS

FOLLOW MY FRANCHISE

**kdutch98** · 08-07-2023, 01:10 AM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

2023 MLB PLAYOFFS WILD CARD ROUND

The 2023 season is in the books. The Detroit Tigers (138-24) and the Toronto Blue Jays (103-59) earned byes in the American League, while the Atlanta Braves (108-54) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64) earned byes in the National League, by being the top two division winning teams in their respective leagues. The Houston Astros (90-72) won the A.L. West, while the Pittsburgh Pirates (95-67) won the N.L. Central. The Minnesota Twins (99-63), Los Angeles Angels (87-75) and New York Yankees (86-76) won the A.L. Wild Card spots, while the Milwaukee Brewers (93-69), St. Louis Cardinals (92-70), and New York Mets (89-73) secured the N.L. Wild Card spots.

In the Wild Card Round, the Twins will host the Angels, the Astros host the Yankees, the Brewers host the Cardinals, and the Pirates host the Mets. Each series is a 3 game series, with all three games being hosted by the higher seeded team.

The Tigers will face the winner of the Angels/Twins series. The Blue Jays will face the winner of the Astros/Yankees series. The Braves will face the winner of the Brewers/Cardinals series, and the Dodgers will face the winner of the Pirates/Mets series.

2023 TIGER SCHEDULE/RESULTS

MLB STANDINGS

DETROIT TIGER STATS

FOLLOW MY FRANCHISE

**kdutch98** · 08-07-2023, 01:51 AM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

TIGERS WILL FACE ANGELS IN ALDS

The Detroit Tigers will face the Los Angeles Angels in the American League Division Series, beginning Sunday October 8th, in Detroit. The Angels beat the Minnesota Twins 2 games to none in the Wild Card round.

Because the Angels Wild Card series started Tuesday, Shoehei Ohtani is expected to be ready to start game 1. Ohtani pitched 8 innings against the Twins, allowing just 2 runs, while striking out 10. Ohtani was 17-9 with a 3.18 ERA in the regular season. The Tigers are expected to start 21 game winner Spencer Turnbull in Game 1, followed by Tarik Skubal (8-0, 3.01), Michael Lorenzen (18-3, 2,75), and Matt Manning (14-2, 3.02). Tyler Anderson, Lucas Giolito, and Patrick Sandoval are expected to start games 2-4 for the Angels, though that could change depending on how the series goes.

Game 2 is slated for Monday afternoon in Detroit. Games 3 and 4 will be Wednesday and Thursday night in LA. Game 5 would be Saturday back in Detroit.

The other A.L. Division Series will be the Houston Astros against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Astros defeated the Yankees 2 games to none in the Wild Card round.

In the National League, it will be the Brewers against the Braves, and the Pirates against the Dodgers. The Pirates defeated the Mets 2 games to none, while the Brewers beat the Cardinals 2 games to 1. Both NLDS series begin on Saturday, while both ALDS series begin on Sunday.

2023 TIGER SCHEDULE/RESULTS

MLB STANDINGS

DETROIT TIGER STATS

FOLLOW MY FRANCHISE

**countryboy** · 08-07-2023, 11:24 AM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

For better or worse, right or wrong, I resolved my dilemma by Quick Managing the rest of my season to the playoffs. I then played the playoffs.

Starting over wasn’t an option nor was just simming the season. But I also couldn’t pick up and play from where I was, although I tried, as I just couldn’t get into playing the games. As silly as it may sound, Quick Managing actually afforded me some sense of enjoyment and attachment as I still managed the team and roster without playing the games. When I got to the playoffs that sense of the season being “tainted” disappeared and I was back into the virtual universe trying to win a World Series championship.

Now with this behind me I find myself eager to get going again. I’m ready to get through the offseason and back on the field in Spring Training.

Again not ideal but at least I’m no longer stuck and have my enjoyment of my virtual franchise back.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**countryboy** · 08-07-2023, 03:14 PM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

2026 Season Wrap Up

Well I had a video that I was going to post, but for some reason its not working so I guess I'll do this the old school way.

The White Sox defeated the Dodgers in 6 games to win the World Series.

We won the NL Central and had the best record in the National League (actually all of baseball), but once again our season ended at the hands of the Dodgers in the NLCS. We battled thru 7 games, but was unable to clinch the pennant.

Julio Urias won his 2nd straight NL Cy Young award. Harrison Bader won a gold glove at centerfield. Nolan Gorman led the NL in homeruns with 36.

American League playoff teams:

Yankees
White Sox
Astros
Rangers
Twins
Rays

National League playoff teams:

Phillies
Cardinals
Dodgers
Padres
Mets
Brewers

Really wish the video would've worked...

**countryboy** · 08-07-2023, 03:36 PM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

Cardinals Off-Season Outlook

After another successful season in 2026 where the Cardinals captured the best record in baseball with 96 wins, they were unable to get over the hump of the NLCS/Dodgers for the 2nd straight season. The Cardinals will now go to work this winter in hopes of getting back to the World Series in 2027.

The Cardinals have some big decisions looming this winter, that are out of their control. Julio Urias ($30M), Harrison Bader ($17M), and Jordan Hicks ($10M) each have player options to opt into the final year of their contract with the Cardinals, or hit the open market and see what happens.

Julio Urias is coming off back to back Cy Young award wins, so its quite possible that he forgoes the $30M option to see if he can't land a more lucrative long term deal.

Harrison Bader won another gold glove, but continues to struggle with consistency at the plate. Whether he opts in is almost a coin flip, as he may not see that type of money ($17M) on the open market despite his outstanding defense.

Jordan Hicks I think opts in due to his struggles down the stretch. I imagine he'll take the $10M option and see if he can't put together a more solid season in hopes of a big payday next winter.

In addition to those 3 players, Dylan Carlson is a free agent this winter and the Cardinals will do everything in their power to re-sign him. He's been nothing but consistent for this team and his glove work is well above average, as is his production at the plate. Carlson was on the IL twice in 2026 but neither injury was significant. The Cardinals will be in scramble mode if he doesn't re-sign during the exclusive period, as they don't want to bid with other teams on the open market.

The Cardinals have other areas to address. What do they do for left field? Jordan Walker struggled out their, as did Lars Nootbaar. They traded Oscar Mercado at the deadline for LHP Taylor Hearn and the farm system just doesn't seem to have that next man up available.

The bullpen will be another area of concern as the bullpen has depth, but outside of Andrew Chafin, Alex Reyes and Ryan Helsley, the consistency was something left to be desired. Giovanny Gallegos likely won't be re-signed, nor will Tyler Matzek. Taylor Hearn will be sought for return and Seth Martinez is controllable. Jordan Hicks struggled much of 2026 and Johan Oviedo looks to have gotten a payday for one good season, and could be a trade candidate over the winter. Depth pieces like Ryne Stanek, Chris Stratton and Matt Strahm all had poor years and never really sniffed the majors. Zach Thompson will likely get a serious run this Spring to make the club again, but he failed at this opportunity last year.

Catcher was a back and forth between Ivan Herrera and Cristian Vazquez for much of the year, but Herrera won out in the end and the playoffs. Expect him be the everyday catcher in 2027 while the team will most likely decipher between Ali Sanchez, Zach Britton, and Dalton Rushing as his backup.

Tommy Edman is really a pain point for the front office. His defense is impeccable, but he hit below .240 yet again and continues to want to be a power hitter versus that of a leadoff hitter that gets on base and steals bases. Edman signed a 5 year deal last winter, but with Oswald Peraza and Mason Wynn as more than capable shortstops, as well as utilityman Leonard Rivas, its possible the Cardinals look to move Edman this winter in return for pitching, left field (outfield in general), and/or depth within the organization.

You have to believe that Starting Pitching (provided Urias opts in), 2nd base (Donovan), 1st base (Gorman), and 3rd base (Arenado) are pretty much set this winter. Starting pitching has Jack Flaherty, Matthew Liberatore as returners to the rotation and a slew of young arms (Asa Lacy, Cooper Hjerpe, Michael McGreevy, and Mick Abel) more than ready to be full time rotational pieces next year. They could seek a mid-rotation arm if Urias bolts, but if he doesn't expect all starting pitching to come from within the organization.

Its going to be an interesting offseason for the Cardinals who just seem to be right there, but are just missing out of getting back to the World Series. Hopefully this winter, they can put all the right pieces together for a magical 2027 season.

**countryboy** · 08-07-2023, 05:22 PM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

Cardinals re-sign Dylan Carlson to 5 year deal

The Cardinals have re-signed outfielder Dylan Carlson to a 5 year $50MM contract. Signing Carlson was one of the organization's top priorities this offseason and they can check that off the list. Carlson will anchor right field and likely the #2 batting spot for the next few years as the club looks to return to the Fall Classic.

Carlson only played in 128 games this year due to some injuries, but none were significant. He was out with a spained ankle for about 2 weeks and missed another 2 weeks, roughly, with a shoulder injury. Carlson has been consistent at the dish for the Cardinals the past couple of years and solid in the outfield, taking home a gold glove in 2025.

This likely wraps up the right side of the diamond with Carlson in right, Brendan Donovan at 2nd base, and Nolan Gorman at 1st base.

Jordan Hicks and Harrison Bader exercise player option for 2027

RHP Jordan Hicks and OF Harrison Bader both exercised their player option for the 2027 season and will return to St.Louis. It was expected that Hicks would exercise his option given his struggles this past season. Hicks ERA was over 4 and he struggled to maintain the swing and miss stuff that got him a big pay day last winter.

Harrison Bader was more a coin flip to return, but he has opted in. Bader took home a gold glove last year but he continues with consistency at the plate. But, having him back in the outfield for one more season, along with Carlson in right, helps as the Cardinals decide what to do in left field, as well as wait hopefully just one more season for their minor league depth to be full big league ready.

Julio Urias declines his option and will become a free agent

You hoped it wouldn't happen, but kinda expected that it would given back to back Cy Young seasons. Julio Urias declined his $30MM option to become a free agent. The Cardinals have made both a qualifying offer and a new contract offer, but Urias wants to hit the open market to find his worth. The Cardinals have depth at starting pitching, but a one two punch of Urias and Flaherty was difficult task for opposing teams and having Urias back would allow the Cardinals to really focus internally on filling out the rotation given their depth. Now they must wait and see who's on the market and if Urias agrees to return.

**countryboy** · 08-07-2023, 06:32 PM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

Julio Urias signs with Guardians

The Cardinals felt good about Urias being back for the 2027 season. He won back to back Cy Young awards with the Cardinals and in his 3 years saw the team go to a World Series and two straight NLCS, although they lost all of those. And while he opted out of his final year, the Cardinals felt good about their offer on the table to the lefty. But in the end, he chose a new home.

Julio Urias agreed to an 8 year/$280MM contract with the Guardians. The Tigers and Cardinals had similar offers on the table, although both were for less years. The Cardinals really thought that Urias would accept their offer, but will now have to decide what to do in regards to their pitching staff. Good arms available, even maybe arms you can acquire with the depth of prospects, but none will be the return of a back to back Cy Young award winner.

**reyes the roof** · 08-07-2023, 07:55 PM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

I’ve decided to start over after everything the Mets did at the deadline. Before breaking camp the first thing I did was release Vogelbach and brought in Miguel Sano to replace him. I was able to pick up Dairon Blanco from the Royals to add some speed to the team. Our strategy is going to be get on base and wait for Alonso or Alvarez to hit a HR.

The season opened in Miami and we fell 4-2 and game 2 we fell behind 5-0 but we got 2 and 3 run home runs from Alvarez and Alonso and Jeff McNeil knocked in a run in the 8th to give us the lead that Edwin Diaz was able to close our. This will be an interesting season as my pitching staff is mostly guys rated in the 60s.

**LowerWolf** · 08-07-2023, 11:20 PM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

Finished our first home stand. We're on a six-game winning streak and at 11-2 we have the best record in MLB (the Angels are 10-2).

We're hitting just above .300 as a team. Albies is over .400 and Acuna is hitting around .340 with a team-leading five homers and 11 RBIs. Kyle Wright has been my best pitcher to this point; Strider has actually struggled a bit.

I'm going to stick with All-Star for a bit longer, but I'm tempted to go back to HOF, maybe even with the timing slider at 0/10.

**kdutch98** · 08-08-2023, 02:06 AM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

ALDS GAME 1 TIGERS 2 ANGELS 0

The Tigers shut out the Los Angeles Angels 2-0 in game one of the ALDS. Spencer Turnbull went the distance on a 5 hitter, striking out 7. Shohei Ohtani allowed just one run in 6 hits in 6 innings, in the loss.

Jonathan Schoop borke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the 5th with a solo home run to left. Kyle Dutcher, who had 2 hits in the game, led off the bottom of the 8th with a triple, and scored on a sac fly by Spencer Torkelson.

Miguel Cabrera also had 2 hits for the Tigers.

Game 2 will be Monday afternoon in Detroit. Game time is 1:05pm. Tarik Skubal goes for the Tigers, against Tyler Anderson.

2023 TIGER SCHEDULE/RESULTS

MLB STANDINGS

DETROIT TIGER STATS

FOLLOW MY FRANCHISE

**countryboy** · 08-08-2023, 07:25 AM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

Cardinals sign Brusdar Graterol to a 3 year deal

The Cardinals have signed RHP Brusdar Graterol to a 3 year, $17MM deal.

The 28 year old pitched 113 innings for the Dodgers last year to the tune of a 2.03 ERA and was an All-Star. Graterol will add some youth and hopefully security over the next few years as the Cardinals look to add stability to their bullpen, instead of having to rely on signing free agents year in and year out to rebuild.

Other notable signings thus far

Giants - OF/2B Jazz Chisholm Jr
Yankees - SP Triston McKenzie
White Sox - RP Jose Alvarado
White Sox - RP Brock Burke
Phillies - CP David Bednar

**countryboy** · 08-08-2023, 10:25 AM

Re: MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

Cardinals sign LHP Garrett Crochet to 4 year deal

The Cardinals have agreed to a 4 year $42MM contract with LHP Garrett Crochet. Crochet had a bit of an off year last season with a 4.60 ERA over 42 innings of work for the White Sox. But he has electric stuff that led to him striking out 53 batters over those 42 innings.

His signing along with Graterol this winter allow the Cardinals to have some future security past the 2027 season when both Jordan Hicks and Alex Reyes (player option) will be free agents.

The bullpen is shaping up nicely with these additions to coincide with Hicks, Reyes, and Ryan Helsley.

MLB The Show 23 Franchise Mode Discussion

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