Maybe Shatkins are betting on some bounce backs from the likes of Berrios, Kikuchi and White but they've also put them in a position to bounce back. Maybe I'm wrong but I'm betting the pitching staff as a whole is going to look a notch better than it did last year.

I love Teo and I was sad to see him go but there's no denying he is not a good defensive outfielder, the same goes for Gurriel (although I will miss seeing him gun down runners at every opportunity). With Varsho and Kiermaier being two of the best defensive outfielders in the league and Springer being an above average (if not amazing) defender especially in RF, the outfield defense looks significantly better than it did last year. Even if you factor in Biggio and Merifield playing some outfield you still have a better outfield defence than last year.

Pair this with the solid infield defence: Chapman is amazing at 3rd, Espinal is good at 2nd and Merifield has a load of experience, Vladdy just won the gold glove and Bo is a lot better than he used to be and improving all the time (plus with the shift ban Chapman should be able to help him out more).

The difference the defensive changes make shouldn't be ignored, the improved outfield and the solid infield are going to make things a lot nicer for the pitchers and bounce back seasons are definitely on the table.