I think they are better now than opening day 2024. Particularly the outfield. Just a huge improvement.

1. (RF) Robles is a huge improvement over Mitch Haniger. If he bats leadoff (likely) then you don't have to rely on JP Crawford to have another career offensive season like 2023 and can move him to 8 or 9. That improves the floor of the team.

2. (CF) Julio same, but he is due for a progression forward.

3. (LF) Arozarena is a major upgrade over Canzone/Raley.

I don't love the infield, but Crawford is fine at SS (average defense, and some offensive upside).

4. (C) Raleigh might be the best catcher in baseball. Garver will back him up 2 days a week and DH at times. He could be a great backup catcher until Harry Ford comes up (assuming he stays at C).

5. (1B) France was bad last year, so Tellez/Solano/Raley at 1B is about a wash. I don't expect this to be 1B all season. It shouldn't. Either Locklear makes an impact or they make a deadline move.

6. (2B) Bliss/Polanco/Moore, this is a wash from last year. Polanco has significant offensive upside, but was injured last season. Not sure if he'll play 3B or 2B, but either way.

7. (DH) Tellez/Garver are not great but serviceable. Garver could round into form as what they acquired him to do. We'll see.

8. (SS) Crawford. He won't be as good as 2023, nor as bad as 2024, but he'll be down the lineup with much less pressure and should be a perfectly adequate offensive SS, with at least average SS defense. He's fine.

9. (3B) Polanco/Solano/Moore. Similar to 2B, I don't know who's playing here, but probably a combination of these two plus Dylan Moore playing utility here and 2B. I think they'll give Polanco a chance, and then make a move mid-season if it doesn't work out.

They are also investing in the good core, which is great.