With news of Mike Friedrich's retirement on Tuesday, the Idaho Taters are a Franchise influx with the Roger Dorn Baseball League Commissioner's Office reportedly set to make a decision on a new Ownership Group as soon as this week.
We'll take a look at the State of the Franchise that someone will be taking over and where they stand as a contender heading into 2024.
President of Baseball Operations: Mike Friedrich
Headquarters: Coeur d'Alene, ID
Seasons: 3
Cash Finishes: 1
Lifetime Earnings: $175
Top Hitter: Marcus Semien, 386.0 (2023)
Top Pitcher: Kevin Gausman, 480.0 (2021)
2023 Season
The Idaho Taters put together their best season in Franchise History in 2023, relying on a mix of veteran carry overs and in-house activations to capture one of three Wild Card spots. A bounceback season from Marcus Semien led the way on offense as the Rangers slugging middle infielder posted the most hitting points in Franchise History while homegrown young stars Josh Jung and Sean Murphy helped the club get off to a hot start.
Friedrich seized on the club's 2023 chances, leaving no stone unturned on the trade front. The club brought in the likes of Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Clayton Kershaw, Justin Steele, Juan Soto, Trea Turner, Julio Urias and Will Smith, but it cost them elite prospects Jackson Holliday, Junior Caminero, Evan Carter, Marcelo Mayer and Gavin Williams, all considered Top 15 prospects in the game, as well as the first three rounds of draft picks for 2024.
In the end, the Taters would sputter in the Playoffs after a hot start as their rotation would produce a RDBL-record low 10 quality starts in 35 chances, posting just 401.0 pitching points, the lowest mark in RDBL Playoff History.
2024 Pending Free Agents
OF Brandon Nimmo, 1B Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., OF Austin Hays, RHP Spencer Strider, SS Trea Turner
Current Projected Keeper Roster Ranked by Value
1. C Sean Murphy (3R/$5)
2. LHP Justin Steele (2D/$5)
3. C Will Smith (3/$30)
4. SS/2B Marcus Semien (2/$37)
5. 3B Josh Jung (2R/$3)
6. OF Juan Soto (2/$65)
7. OF Adolis Garcia (3D/$15)
8. 2B Nolan Gorman (2R/$3)
9. OF/1B Josh Naylor (3D/$15)
10. LHP Clayton Kershaw (2/$23)
11. RHP Ryan Pepiot (2D/$5) 12. RHP Dean Kremer (2FA/$5)
While the above list is certainly formidable, the salary cap implications are hardly manageable as the group above would leave the next Architect of the Taters Franchise with just $38 to fill 11 spots in the 2024 Auction. Justin Steele, Josh Jung and Sean Murphy are locks to return given their cost, but the off-season will likely begin and end with a decsiion on the future of Juan Soto who carries a lofty 2/$65 option.
Farm System
1. OF Walker Jenkins (Twins)
2. OF Spencer Jones (Yankees)
3. OF Gavin Cross (Royals)
4. 3B Brock Wilken (Brewers)
While the Farm System is depleted following Friedrich's pursuit of a RDBL Title, Walker Jenkins is not a bad block to build on top of as the next General Manager looks to build a consistent winner. The remaining three prospects all carry strong ceilings with Gavin Cross the closest to making a big league impact.
Off-Season Questions
1. Who takes over as the new Owner of the Franchise?
The story of the off-season in the RDBL will be the Commissioner's choice to fill the vacancy left by Friedrich's retirement this week. This will be just the second Owner turnover in RDBL History through 10 seasons, both coming with this Franchise.
2. Does Soto return at 2/$65?
The current Taters Active Roster has the clear look for a contender with top-flight talent at the plate and on the mound. The problem is that it comes with a lofty price tag that likely isn't manageable to build a true contender for 2024. That will put all eyes on Juan Soto's $65 option. He's certainly worth the price after putting up 536.0 points in 2023, but will it be here or with another Franchise?
3. 3D/$15 Keepers for first time in RDBL History?
Instituted in 2022, the RDBL Commissioner's Office added a 3D/$15 option to big league players selected in the Reserve Draft. That option is now available with Josh Naylor and Adolis Garcia who could be in the first group to receive the new contract.