MLB’s Front Office: Behind the Curtain of Small Market Teams

Major League Baseball: Small-Market Strategies and Success

Major League Baseball has long been a tale of haves and have-nots. While big-market teams like the Dodgers and Yankees shell out seemingly limitless sums to acquire top-tier talent, smaller-market teams must navigate their way through a complex web of strategy, scouting, and player development to stay competitive. One man who knows this struggle all too well is Neil Huntington, former General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates and current Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations for the Cleveland Guardians.

In a recent interview, Huntington pulled back the curtain on what it really takes to lead a small-market franchise, providing fascinating insights into payroll disparities, the hiring process, and how teams like Cleveland and Tampa Bay consistently punch above their weight.

The Reality of Small Market Baseball

It’s no secret that large-market teams dominate free agency, attracting the game’s biggest names with massive contracts. But where does that leave clubs like the Guardians and Pirates? According to Huntington, small-market teams must focus on innovative strategies to stay competitive.

“The big money is always going to be what plays in the big markets,” Huntington acknowledged. “Smaller markets have to rely on middle-tier free agents and internal development.”

The Guardians have excelled at this, recently adding veterans like Carlos Santana and Paul Sewald to support their young talent. Meanwhile, teams like the Pirates continue to focus on internal growth, hoping to develop future stars without being able to compete in high-stakes bidding wars.

The Critical Role of Front Office Strategy

One of the most revealing parts of Huntington’s discussion was his perspective on front-office structure and decision-making. He emphasized that while every MLB team follows similar foundational principles — such as scouting, analytics, and player development — it’s how they execute those strategies that sets them apart.

“What makes Cleveland and Tampa Bay so special is they haven’t had to go through complete rebuilds,” Huntington said. “They’ve maintained competitiveness by consistently developing talent while making savvy roster moves.”

He credited Cleveland with having one of the most exhaustive hiring processes in baseball, ensuring that every staff member brings value to the organization’s long-term vision.

The Harsh Truth About Team Spending

A contentious topic among baseball fans is team spending and why some owners refuse to open their wallets. Huntington addressed this issue head-on, explaining that while fans may want their teams to spend freely, owners view their franchises as businesses first and foremost.

“Market size is very real,” he stated. “Some teams operate at a severe financial disadvantage, and not every owner is willing to deficit spend, even when their window of contention opens.”

This reality is frustrating for fans, particularly in Pittsburgh, where ownership has often been criticized for not investing in high-cost free agents. Despite this, Huntington noted that smart financial management — rather than just unchecked spending — is the true key to success.

What Sets Cleveland Apart?

Since leaving Pittsburgh, Huntington has been a part of Cleveland’s front office, where he’s had the opportunity to observe how a low-budget team can remain competitive year after year.

“Cleveland’s front office, led by Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff, is a difference-maker,” he said. “Strong processes, meticulous player development, and a culture focused on constant improvement have allowed them to thrive.”

The Guardians have sustained success without ever hitting rock bottom, unlike teams like the Pirates, which have had to rebuild multiple times. The organization’s ability to maintain depth and survive injuries without major drop-offs has been critical to their lasting competitiveness.

The Dodgers and the Free Agency Arms Race

Switching gears, Huntington addressed the aggressive spending habits of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been signing top-tier talent left and right.

“They’re running circles around what the Yankees used to do,” he marveled. “They’re either deficit spending or their revenues are strong enough to support their huge payroll, but they’ve certainly taken big spending to another level.”

While this makes life tougher for lower-budget teams, Huntington remained unfazed, noting that small-market teams still find ways to compete through superior strategy and player development.

What’s Next for Huntington?

Despite his success, Huntington’s tenure in Pittsburgh ultimately ended, proving how cutthroat the MLB front office can be. Now, with his role in Cleveland, he’s enjoying his position while keeping the door open for future opportunities.

“If the right opportunity presents itself to lead a baseball operations department, I’d love to take another shot,” he admitted. “But I’m in a great spot with the Guardians and really enjoy this organization.”

Conclusion

The world of Major League Baseball extends far beyond the game itself. Decisions made in front offices dictate success or failure, and for small-market teams, every move is amplified due to financial constraints. Huntington’s insights provide a fascinating look into the challenges of building a contender without a deep bankroll.

While fans may continue to demand higher spending, the true key to success — as exemplified by teams like Cleveland and Tampa Bay — lies in great leadership, impeccable scouting, and strategic agility. And for anyone wondering if small-market teams can keep up with the financial giants, the Guardians are proving that it is possible to compete — and win — without breaking the bank.