This past MLB offseason has been a whirlwind of emotions. While I initially was sad when the 2018 season ended, my emotions quickly changed to excitement. As a Phillies fan, I was looking forward to all the possibilities that this off-season would bring. What players would sign? What players would be traded? The possibilities were seemingly endless (and hopefully included signing Bryce Harper or Manny Machado)! However, as the off-season slogged on, it seemed that nothing had changed from the slow off-season of the previous year.
While the lack of activity was bothersome, the endless rumors were even more excruciating. Just as quickly as the baseball season ended, the never-ending rumors began. Some came from reliable or semi-reliable sources, other came from the random guy down the street. Nevertheless, each time a new rumor emerged, more and more came along to confirm or deny what was just “uncovered.” Though I feel like I am a pretty rational person, I could not help but read these rumors and think, “maybe, this one is the one” (hint: it wasn’t).
It would be easy to look at the offseason as a whole and say, “Why does anyone even care?” The answer is, because for better or worse fans truly feel like they are a part of their favorite team. They invest countless hours watching their team, learning about the players, and wondering about the future. However, as fans, we are not privy to the ins and outs of what really happens behind the scenes. As dramatic as this sounds, it makes me feel as though I am in the dark about what is happening with my favorite team. It is like I have some right to know what the team is planning (I don’t) or I should be the first person to find out about important trades or signings (I shouldn’t). I think all of this caring and obsessive sports fan behavior is why this particular offseason has felt so painful.
While these last few months may not have been an anxiety ridden nightmare for other baseball fans, Phillies fans have been “promised” this offseason for years. We have all been told that this offseason is when we acquire our star player. For the past several (more like 7) seasons we have been waiting for the team to find itself and become a contender once more and become relevant in the wacky world of baseball. However, with each signing or trade this offseason, nothing felt very different than it had at the end of the season. While the team signed exciting players such as Andrew McCutchen, J.T Realmuto, and David Robertson and traded for Jean Segura, it all just seemed underwhelming. I know I should have been ecstatic about these moves and realize that each move improved the Phillies drastically. However, all I could think was, “This team will only be great if they sign Harper or Machado.” Thinking this way makes me feel like a bad fan or an unsupportive fan. However, I know that I just want my favorite team to be the best (as does every fan).
This offseason has been memorable, and not necessarily in a good way. I would like to think that this season has been an anomaly and that next year will be different, but that is exactly what was said last year. It is clear that something has to change. Luckily, this is not for me or other fans to figure out. However, I hope that these types of offseason do not become the new normal.
While the offseason is winding down, I am beginning to focus my emotions on the return of baseball instead of the emotional offseason. Soon, the players will sign. Baseball will begin again. Harper will find a home. Machado will find a home (it’s San Diego). All of the worrying and rumors will have been for nothing. The Phillies will play on with or without any additions, and at the end of the day, I will continue to love the Phillies and baseball despite the horrors that was this offseason.
The Baseball Phanatic 