The Maltese Falcons embark on their first season without Assistant GM Erik Nielsen since 2017 as President of Baseball Operations Gary Falzon takes back the full reign of the club. The Falcons are coming off their worst season in Franchise History, finishing in 13th Place while missing the Playoffs/Cash Finish for just the third time in ten seasons.
The club released new branding this off-season which will be coupled by a talented young roster that should have the Falcons right back in the mix in 2024.
President of Baseball Operations: Gary Falzon
Headquarters: Belmont, CA
Seasons: 10
Cash Finishes: 7 (Tied for RDBL Record)
Division Titles: 4
Lifetime Earnings: $2,215
Top Hitter: Paul Goldschmidt, (2017)
Top Pitcher: Max Scherzer, 633.0 Points (2018)
2023 Season
Usually risk averse, the Falcons committed a combined $72 to oft-injured assets Carlos Rodon and Starling Marte which sunk an otherwise talented group while also getting little production from hitters Jose Miranda, Michael Massey and Joey Bart. Nestor Cortes turning back into a pumpkin was the final straw for Falzon and Nielsen to turn the page to next season.
With the writing on the wall, the Falcons Front Office became sellers for the first time in Franchise History. The overhaul looks promising as the Falcons have as many as nine players on 1R or 2R deals with one of the biggest cap space situations in the RDBL entering 2024.
Lost to 2024 Free Agency
LHP Robbie Ray
Current Projected Keeper Roster Ranked by Value
1. RHP Eury Perez (1R/$1)
2. 1B Triston Casas (1R/$1)
3. 2B Ozzie Albies (2/$27)
4. OF Ian Happ (3/$13)
5. IF Isaac Paredes (2/$1)
6. OF Riley Greene (2R/$3)
7. IF Royce Lewis (1R/$1)
8. 2B Edouard Julien (1R/$1)
9. 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (2R/$3)
10. RHP Seth Lugo (2FA/$5)
11. OF Sal Frelick (1R/$1)
12. OF Luis Matos (1R/$1)
13. C Austin Wells (1R/$1)
With nine players on 1R or 2R deals, six selections in the first first two rounds of the Reserve Draft and boat loads of cap space, Falzon has a bevy of options to improve his club before Opening Day. The rotation is off to a solid start with elite activation Eury Perez ready to grab the top spot while Seth Lugo, awarded a $45M deal from the Royals, a good bet to return on his 2FA/$5 deal.
There's plenty to like on offense as well with the trio of Edouard Julien, Royce Lewis and Riley Greene each possessing 400+ point upside for 2024.
Farm System
1. RHP Eury Perez (Marlins)
2. 1B Triston Casas (Red Sox)
3. IF Royce Lewis (Twins)
4. OF James Wood (Nationals)
5. 2B Edouard Julien (Twins)
6. 3B Coby Mayo (Orioles)
7. OF Sal Frelick (Brewers)
8. OF Druw Jones (D'Backs)
9. OF Luis Matos (Giants)
10. C Austin Wells (Yankees)
Next Best: OF Josue De Paula (LAD), OF Zac Veen (COL), RHP Daniel Espino (CLE)
The Falcons have one of the most balanced Farm Systems in the RDBL, with elite activations for 2024 hardly set to cripple the group with James Wood and Coby Mayo right behind them and on track for 2025. The foursome of Eury Perez, Triston Casas, Royce Lewis and Edouard Julien represent a potential 1,600 point addition to the Falcons roster for just $4 combined next season.
Dodgers slugger Josue De Paula is a name to watch as he continues to rise as one of baseball's best outfield prospects.
The Falcons have six of the first 28 picks in the RDBL Reserve Draft, giving Falzon plenty of ammo to replenish their depth with as seven prospects set for Opening Day jobs.
Off-Season Questions
Trust in their Farm System?
The Falcons have seven prospects who have made a case for an Opening Day activation. Just how many GM Gary Falzon trusts to occupy a coveted spot in the Active Roster is another story with the club potentially open to parting with an activation-ready talent to bring in some more proven talent for 2024.
$200 in Cap Space - where does it go?
The Falcons have spent over $51 on a player just once in Franchise History (Max Scherzer, $54 in 2018) but enter 2024 with one of the highest cap space numbers in the league. Falzon could elect to use some of that wiggle room to add a high priced talent through trade before Draft Day, given the Draft selections they hold and the available spots they have on their Keeper Roster.
Fit with the Goutfish?
The Lake Merced Goutfish are staring at eight viable starting pitcher options entering 2024, likely looking to trim at least two off that group in trades over the next 10 weeks. That could line up for a potential deal between the Falcons and Goutfish with Dylan Cease (3R/$5) or Framber Valdez (2/$48) standing out as potential candidates to be moved.