The baseball media is in the midst of an identity crisis as a result of the MLB Winter Meetings. Journalists are facing the pressure to break news first and engage in search engine optimization to stay competitive. The coverage of the drama surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s free agency was chaotic, with journalists admitting their struggles to report accurate and timely information without looking foolish.
Beat writers faced criticism and skepticism for their handling of Ohtani’s signing, leading to public apologies and accusations of being manipulated by agents. Baseball media’s strained relationship with front offices and players also affects the quality of coverage, further adding to the industry’s existential crisis.
Traditional roles within baseball media are also being challenged, with the rise of social media, player-driven communication, and the need to cater to a wide range of fans. As the industry grapples with change, it remains uncertain where it will fit in the future’s evolving media landscape.