The National League playoff teams are now set, the Braves, Brewers, Giants, Dodgers and Cardinals are in. Here’s a look at their current rosters along with how they were constructed. Cutting to the chase of roster truth … I’m sure many won’t read the details below but for my own sanity these are things I dig in to 🤔🤪
The roster analysis reflects that the reliance on internal development and bringing players to the show within the organization isn’t necessary the only case or path to the playoffs albeit the Cardinals and Dodgers lean more that way and one can certainly make the case they’ve had the most sustained success. Did ya know that since the end of the 2010 season, the Cardinals have played a total of four regular season games in which they didn't have a chance to make the post-season … In 2016, the Cardinals were eliminated in game 162. In 2017, it was game 158. In 2018, it was game 161. 😳
Also noted that there aren’t many drafted or signed amateur players on these rosters from the 2016 draft class or beyond … the majority of players are from classes up to the 2015 class.
Just sayin … if I get motivated I’ll analyze the American League playoff teams as well.
San Francisco Giants : heavy reliance on free agents
The Season - used 23 position players & 32 pitchers plus two position players took the bump in blowouts ( Darin Ruf & Austin Slater ).
None of the 8 players on the current roster who were developed internally were also drafted or signed in the past six years ( 3 were 2015 acquisitions) … five rookies debuted in 2021 … 72 % of current active roster was acquired via trade or free agency
The youngest player to see game action was 21 year old pitcher Gregory Santos who appeared in 3 games ( he was acquired in a trade with Red Sox in 2017 ). The oldest was pitcher Scott Kazmir ( 37 yrs old ) who pitched in 5 games.
Current Roster - 13 pitchers & 15 position players
8- Drafted/Signed & Developed : P Tyler Rogers ( drafted 2013 - 2.22 ERA in 80 games - 13 saves ), P Logan Webb ( drafted 2014 - 2.93 ERA in 25 starts - 141 IP ), P Kervin Castro ( signed 2015 - 8 games - 12 IP ), P Camilo Doval ( signed 2015 - 3.12 ERA - 28 games - 26 IP ), OF Steven Duggar ( drafted 2015 - .261 BA - 293 PA’s ), OF Austin Slater ( drafted 2014 - 11 HR, 31 RBIs - 305 PA’s ), SS Brandon Crawford ( drafted 2008 - 24 HR, 90 RBIs - 541 PA’s ), C Buster Posey ( drafted 2008 - 7 HR, 38 RBIs - 445 PA’s ),
7 - Traded/Claimed : P Jarlin Garcia ( waivers from Marlins - 2020 - 2.65 ERA in 56 games - 68 IP ), OF Lamont Wade ( trade with Twins - 2/21 - 18 HR,55 RBIs - 374 PA’s ), OF Alex Dickerson ( 2019 trade with Padres - 13 HR, 34 RBIs - 311 PA’s ), IF Thairo Estrada ( purchased from Yankees 4/21 - 7 HR, 22 RBIs - 132 PA’s ), OF Mike Yastrzemski ( trade with Orioles - 2019 - 25 HR, 69 RBIs - 524 PA’s ), UTL Kris Bryant ( trade with Cubs 7/21 - 7 HR, 21 RBIs in 205 PA’s as a Giant ), 3B Evan Longoria ( trade with Rays 2017 - 13 HR, 46 RBIs - 286 PA’s )
13- Free Agents : P Alex Wood ( signed 2021 - 26 starts - 3.38 ERA ), P Zack Littell ( signed 2021 - 62 games - 2.80 ERA ), P Sammy Long ( signed 2020 - 5.53 ERA - 40 IP ), P Kevin Gausman ( signed 2019 & 2020 - 2.87 ERA - 32 starts - 185 IP ), P Jose Alvarez ( signed 2021 - 2.38 ERA in 66 games - 64 IP ), P Johny Cueto ( signed 2015 - 4.08 ERA in 22 games - 114 IP ), P Dominic Leone ( signed 2020 - 1.54 ERA in 56 games - 52 IP ), P Anthony DeSclafani ( signed 2020 - 3.17 ERA - 31 starts - 167 IP ), UTL Wilmer Flores ( signed 2020 - 18 HR, 51 RBIs - 429 PA’s ), IF Tommy La Stella ( signed 2021 - 7 HR, 26 RBIs - 233 PA’s ), OF Darin Ruf ( signed 2020 - 16 HR, 43 RBIs - 308 PA’s ), IF Donovan Solano ( Signed 2019 - .280 BA - 344 PA’s ), C Curt Casali ( signed 2021 - 5 HR, 26 RBIs - 228 PA’s )
Key Performers currently on IL - P Tony Watson ( trade with Angels 7/21 - 2.96 ERA in 26 games with Giants - 24 IP ), P Jake McGee ( Free Agent Signing 2/21 - 2.72 ERA in 59 IP ), 1B Brandon Belt ( drafted 2009 - 29 HR, 59 RBIs - 381 PA’s )
5- 2021 Rookie Debuts : P Sammy Long, P Kervin Castro, P Camilo Doval, P Gregory Santos & IF Jason Vosler
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Los Angeles Dodgers : equal reliance on development/trades
The Season - used 24 position players & 38 pitchers plus one position player took the bump in a blowout ( Justin Turner ).
Four of the eleven players on the current roster this season who were developed internally were also drafted or signed in the past six years ( 3 - 2016 & 1- 2017 acquisition ) … ten rookies debuted in 2021 … 61 % of current active roster was acquired via trade or free agency
The youngest player to see game action was 22 year old catcher Keiburt Ruiz ( traded to Nationals 7/21 ) who appeared in 6 games ( he was signed in 2014 ). The oldest was 1B Albert Pujols ( 41 yrs old ).
Current Roster - 15 pitchers & 13 position players
11- Drafted/Signed & Developed : P Justin Bruihl ( signed 2017 - 2.95 ERA - 20 games - 18 IP ), P Kelly Jansen ( signed 2004 - 2.22 ERA in 69 games - 38 saves ), P Julio Urias ( signed 2012 - 3.01 ERA - 19 wins in 31 games - 179 IP ), P Clayton Kershaw ( drafted 2006 - 3.55 ERA - 121 IP ), P Tony Gonsolin ( drafted 2016 - 3.23 ERA in 15 games - 55 IP ), P Walker Buehler ( drafted 2015 - 2.49 ERA - 15 wins - 32 games - 202 IP ), IF Gavin Lux ( drafted 2016 - 7 HR, 46 RBIs - 379 PA’s ), OF Matt Beaty ( drafted 2015 - 6 HR, 31 RBIs in 231 PA’s ), C Will Smith ( drafted 2016 - 25 HR, 75 RBIs - 493 PA’s ), SS Corey Seager ( drafted 2012 - 15 HR, 55 RBIs, .298 BA in 402 PA’s ), Cody Bellinger ( drafted 2013 - 10 HR, 36 RBIs, .165 BA in 345 PA’s )
11- Traded/Claimed : P Corey Knebel ( trade with Brewers - 12/20 - 2.45 ERA in 27 games - 25 IP ), P David Price ( trade with Red Sox - 2020 - 3.84 ERA - 72 IP - 38 games ), P Max Scherzer ( trade with Nationals 7/21 - 1.98 ERA in 68 IP - 11 games with Dodgers ), P Brusdar Graterol ( trade with Twins 2/20 - 4.59 ERA in 34 games - 33 IP ), P Phil Bickford ( waivers from Brewers 5/21 - 2.57 ERA in 54 games - 49 IP ), P Alex Vesia ( trade with Marlins 2/21 - 2.25 ERA in 41 games - 40 IP ), P Evan Phillips ( waivers from Rays 8/21 - 3.48 ERA in 7 games with Dodgers - 10 IP ), OF Mookie Betts ( trade with Red Sox - 2/20 - 23 HR, 57 RBIs - 542 PA’s ), INF Trea Turner ( trade with Nationals 7/21 - .335 BA in 50 games - 219 PA’s with Dodgers ), C Austin Barnes ( trade with Marlins 2014 - 6 HR, 23 RBIs in 224 PA’s ), UTL Chris Taylor ( trade with Mariners 2016 - .254 BA in 577 PA’s )
6- Free Agents : P Blake Treinin ( 2019 & 2021 - 1.99 ERA in 72 games - 72 IP ), P Joe Kelly ( signed 2018 - 2.86 ERA in 48 games - 44 IP ), INF Max Muncy ( signed 2017 - 36 HR, 93 RBIs - 587 PA’s ), 3B Justin Turner ( signed 2014 - 26 HR, 84 RBIs - 605 PA’s ), OF AJ Pollock ( signed 2019 - 20 HR, 67 RBIs - 415 PA’s ), 1B Albert Pujols ( signed 5/21 - 12 HR, 38 RBIs in 201 PA’s with Dodgers ),
10 - 2021 Rookie Debuts : P Justin Bruihl, P Josiah Gray ( traded to Nationals 7/21 ), P Connor Greene ( claimed by Orioles - waivers 8/21 ), P Andre Jackson ( drafted 2017 - pitched in 2 games ), P Darien Nunez ( signed 2018 - pitched in 6 games ), OF DJ Peters ( claimed by Rangers - waivers 8/21 ), OF Luke Raley ( acq from Twins in 2020 trade ), OF Zach Reks ( drafted 2017 - played in 6 games ), P Jake Reed ( claimed off waivers by Mets 8/21 ) & P Edwin Uceta ( signed 2016 - pitched in 14 games - 6.64 ERA in 20 IP )
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Milwaukee Brewers : more reliance on trades
The Season - used 26 position players & 36 pitchers plus one position player took the bump in a blowout ( Jace Peterson ).
Three of the six players on the current roster who were developed internally were also drafted or signed in the past six years ( 1 - 2016, 1 - 2017 & 1 - 2018 draftee ) … five rookies debuted in 2021 … 79 % of current active roster was acquired via trade or free agency
The youngest player to see game action was 22 year old catcher Mario Feliciano( drafted in 2016 ) who appeared in 1 game. The oldest was P John Axford ( 38 yrs old - pitched in one game ).
Current Roster - 14 pitchers & 14 position players
6- Drafted/Signed & Developed : P Corbin Burns ( drafted 2016 - 2.29 ERA in 27 games - 165 IP ), P Brett Suter ( drafted 2012 - 2.99 ERA in 60 games - 72 IP ), P Brandon Woodruff ( drafted 2014 - 2.56 ERA in 30 games - 179 IP ), P Aaron Ashby ( 2018 draft - 2.90 ERA in 12 games - 31 IP ), OF Tyrone Taylor ( drafted 2012 - 12 HR, 42 RBIs in 263 PA’s ), IF Keston Hiura ( drafted 2017 - .168 BA in 197 PA’s )
14 -Traded/Claimed : P Adrian Houser ( trade with Astros 2015 - 3.22 ERA in 28 games - 142 IP, P Josh Hader ( trade with Astros 2015 - 1.25 ERA - 59 games - 34 saves ), P Jandel Gustave ( trade with Pirates 6/21 - 3.86 ERA - 13 games - 16 IP with Brewers ), P Hunter Strickland ( purchased from Angels 6/21 - 1.78 ERA - 34 games - 35 IP with Brewers ), P Freddy Peralta ( trade with Mariners 2015 - 2.81 ERA - 28 games - 144 IP ), P Eric Lauer ( trade with Padres 2019 - 3.19 ERA - 24 games - 118 IP ), P Daniel Norris ( trade with Tigers 7/21 - 5.59 ERA in 17 games - 19 IP with Brewers ), SS Willy Adames ( trade with Rays 5/21 - 19 HR, 57 RBIs in 405 PA’s with Brewers ), OF Christian Yelich ( trade with Marlins 2018 - 9 HR, 50 RBIs, .250 BA in 471 PA’s ), C Omar Narvaez ( trade with Mariners 2019 - 11 HR, 49 RBIs in 442 PA’s ), C Manny Pina ( trade with Tigers 2015 - 13 HR, 33 RBIs, .194 BA in 203 PA’s ), SS Luis Urias ( trade with Padres 2019 - 23 HR, 75 RBIs in 566 PA’s ), 1B Daniel Vogelbach ( waiver claim from Blue Jays 2020 - 9 HR, 24 RBIs in 257 AB’s ), Eduardo Escobar ( trade with Diamondbacks 7/21 - .259 BA in 194 PA’s with Brewers )
8- Free Agents : P Colin Rea ( signed 8/21 - hasn’t pitched in majors yet this season ), P Brett Anderson ( signed 2019 & 2021 - 4.26 ERA in 23 starts - 95 IP ), P Brad Boxberger ( signed 3/21 - 3.36 ERA - 70 games - 64 IP ), OF Lorenzo Cain ( signed 2018 - was originally drafted by Brewers in 2004 but traded to Royals in 2010 - .261 BA in 282 PA’s ), 2B Kolton Wong ( signed 2/21 - 14 HR, 50 RBIs in 488 PA’s ), OF Jackie Bradley Jr ( signed 2021 - .162 BA in 423 PA’s ), INF Jace Peterson ( signed 2019 & 2021 - .252 BA in 297 PA’s ), OF Avisal Garcia ( signed 2019 - 29 HR, 85 RBIs in 511 PA’s )
Key Performers currently on IL - P Jake Cousins ( signed as Free Agent - 2019 - 2.70 ERA in 30 games - 30 IP ), P Devin Williams ( drafted 2013 - 2.50 ERA in 50 games ), 1B Rowdy Tellez ( trade with Blue Jays 7/21 - 7 HR, 27 RBIs with Brewers in 167 PA’s )
5- 2021 Rookie Debuts : P Aaron Ashby, P Alec Bettinger ( drafted 2017 - pitched in 4 games, P Jake Cousins, C Mario Feliciano ( drafted in 2016 - played in one game ), OF Corey Ray ( drafted 2016 - played in one game ) & P Miguel Sanchez ( signed 2016 - 4.15 ERA in 28 games - 26 IP )
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St Louis Cardinals : heavy reliance on internal development
The Season - used 20 position players & 31 pitchers plus one position player took the bump in a blowout ( Matt Carpenter ).
Six of the fourteen players on the current roster who were developed internally were also drafted or signed in the past six years ( 4 - 2016, 1 - 2017 & 1 - 2018 draftee ) … three rookies debuted in 2021 … 50 % of current active roster was acquired via trade or free agency
The youngest player to see game action was 22 year old outfielder Dylan Carlson ( drafted in 2016 ). The oldest was P Adam Wainwright ( 39 yrs old ).
Current Roster - 15 pitchers & 13 position players
14 - Drafted/Signed & Developed : P Kodi Whitley ( drafted 2017 - 2.59 ERA in 24 games - 24 IP ), P Jake Woodford ( drafted 2015 - 3.88 ERA in 25 games - 62 IP ), P Jack Flaherty ( drafted 2014 - 3.26 ERA in 16 games - 77 IP ), P Dakota Hudson ( drafted 2016 - 2.08 ERA in 2 games - 8 IP ), P Alex Reyes ( signed 2012 - 3.24 ERA in 69 games - 72 IP ), C Yadier Molina ( drafted 2000 - 11 HR, 66 RBIs in. 466 PA’s ), SS Paul DeJong ( drafted 2015 - .196 BA in 398 PA’s ), Matt Carpenter ( drafted 2009 - .168 BA in 244 PA’s ), IF Tommy Edman ( drafted 2016 - 10 HR, 54 RBIs in 686 PA’s - leads league in doubles with 41 ), C Andrew Knizner ( drafted 2016 - .175 BA in 184 PA’s ), OF Dylan Carlson ( drafted in 2016 - 18 HR, 63 RBIs in 612 PA’s ), OF Harrison Bader ( drafted in 2015 - 15 HR, 49 RBIs in 393 PA’s ), INF Edmundo Sosa ( signed 2012 - 10 PA’s in 8 games ), OF Lars Noobar ( drafted 2018 - 5 HR, 15 RBIs in 123 PA’s )
8- Traded/Claimed : P Jon Lester ( trade with Nationals 7/21 - 4.13 ERA in 11 games - 61 IP with Cardinals ), P JA Happ ( trade with Twins 7/21 - 4.00 ERA in 11 games - 54 IP with Cardinals ), P Giovanny Gallegos ( trade with Yankees 2018 - 3.02 ERA in 73 games - 80 IP ), P Genesis Cabrera ( trade with Rays 2018 - 3.73 ERA in 71 games - 70 IP ), P Adam Wainwright ( trade with Braves 2003 - 3.05 ERA in 30 games - 206 IP ), 3B Nolan Arenado ( trade with Rockies 2/21 - 34 HR, 105 RBIs in 649 PA’s ), 1B Paul Goldschmidt ( trade with Diamondbacks 2018 - 31 HR, 99 RBIs, .294 BA in 675 PA’s ), OF Tyler O’Neil ( trade with Mariners 2017 - 34 HR, 79 RBIs, .284 BA in 530 PA’s )
6- Free Agents : P Miles Mikolas ( signed 2017 - 4.23 ERA in 9 games - 44 IP ), P Kwang Hyun Kim ( signed 2019 - 3.53 ERA in 26 games - 104 IP ), P Luis Garcia ( signed 7/21 - 2.78 ERA in 33 games - 32 IP with Cardinals ), P TJ McFarland ( signed 7/21 - 2.63 ERA in 37 games - 37 IP with Cardinals ), P Andrew Miller ( signed 2018 - 4.75 ERA in 40 games - 36 IP ), INF Jose Rondon ( signed 2020 - .273 BA in 86 PA’s )
Key Performers currently on IL - P Justin Miller ( waivers from Nationals 7/21 - 4.50 ERA in 16 IP with Cardinals, P Wade Lablanc ( signed as Free Agent 6/21 - 3.61 ERA in 42 IP with Cardinals ) … P Carlos Martinez ( signed as free agent in 2010 ) and P Jordan Hicks ( drafted in 2015 ) are on the long term 60 day IL
3- 2021 Rookie Debuts : OF Scott Hurst ( drafted 2017 - played in 7 games ), OF Lars Noobar & P Angel Rondon ( signed 2016 - pitched in 2 games )
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Atlanta Braves : strong reliance on trades & free agents
The Season - used 26 position players & 30 pitchers.
Two of the eight players on the current roster who were developed internally were also drafted or signed in the past six years ( 1 - 2016 & 1 - 2020 draftee ) … five rookies debuted in 2021 … 72 % of current active roster was acquired via trade or free agency
The youngest player to see game action was 22 year old pitcher Spencer Strider ( drafted in 2020 - debuted against Mets last night - 1 IP ). The oldest was C Jeff Mathis ( 38 yrs old - played in 9 games ).
Current Roster - 15 pitchers & 13 position players
8- Drafted/Signed & Developed : P Jacob Webb ( drafted 2014 - 4.24 ERA in 33 games - 34 IP ), P Ian Anderson ( drafted 2016 - 3.58 ERA in 24 games - 128 IP ), P AJ Minter ( 2015 draft - 3.75 ERA in 60 games - 50 IP ), P Spencer Strider ( drafted 2020 - pitched in one game ), 2B Ozzie Albies ( signed 2013 - 30 HR, 105 RBIs in 682 PA’s ), 1B Freddie Freeman ( drafted 2007 - 31 HR, 82 RBIs in 688 PA’s ), C William Contreras ( signed 2015 - .213 BA in 181 PA’s ) , 3B Austin Riley ( drafted 2015 - 33 HR, 105 RBIs, .303 BA in 657 PA’s )
10 - Traded/Claimed : P Max Fried ( trade with Padres 2014 - 3.04 ERA in 165 IP ), P Huascar Ynoa ( trade with Twins 2017 - 4.05 ERA in 18 games - 91 IP ), P Richard Rodriquez ( 7/21 trade with Pirates - 2.49 ERA in 26 games - 25 IP with Braves ), OF Adam Duvall ( 7/21 trade with Marlins - 16 HR, 44 RBIs in 212 PA’s with Braves ), SS Orlando Arcia ( trade with Brewers 4/21 - .197 BA in 73 PA’s ), OF Jorge Soler ( trade with Royals 7/21 - 13 HR, 32 RBIs with Braves in 238 PA’s ) , OF Joc Pederson ( trade with Cubs 7/21 - .244 BA in 189 PA’s with Braves ), OF Guillermo Heredia ( waiver claim from Mets 2/21 - .222 BA in 343 PA’s ), UTL Eddie Rosario (trade with Indians 7/21 - .270 BA in 99 PA’s with Braves ) , SS Dansby Swanson ( trade with Diamondbacks 2015 - 27 HR, 88 RBIs in 646 PA’s )
10- Free Agents : P Jesse Chavez ( signed 4/21 - 2.27 ERA in 29 games - 31 IP ), P Will Smith ( signed 2019 - 3.49 ERA in 70 games - 37 saves ), P Tyler Matzek ( signed 2019 - 2.61 ERA in 68 games - 62 IP ), P Luke Jackson ( signed 2018 - 2.01 ERA in 70 games - 62 IP ), P Dylan Lee ( signed 4/21 - has appeared in 1 game ), P Drew Smyly ( signed 2020 - 4.58 ERA in 28 games - 123 IP ), P Chris Martin ( signed 2019 - 4.14 ERA in 45 games - 41 IP ), P Charlie Morton ( signed 2021 - 3.39 ERA in 32 games - 183 IP - 14 wins ), C Travis d’Arnaud ( signed 2019 - .218 BA in 226 PA’s ), INF Ehire Adrianza ( signed 1/21 - .253 BA in 204 PA’s )
Key Performers currently on IL - OF Ronald Acura Jr ( signed 2014 ), P Mike Soroka ( drafted 2015 ) , P Josh Tomlin ( signed as free agent 2020 ), P Edgar Santana ( purchased from Pirates 4/21 - 3.59 ERA in 41 games - 42 IP with Braves )
5- 2021 Rookie Debuts : P Jay Flaa ( waiver claim from Orioles 5/21 - pitched in 1 game ), P Dylan Lee, P Kyle Muller ( 2016 draft choice - pitched in 9 games - 4.17 ERA - 36 IP ), P Spencer Strider & P Ty Tice ( 7/21 waiver claim from Diamondbacks - pitched in one game )
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