Major League Pickleball: Keepers, Drops, and Free Agency Insights
The world of Major League Pickleball (MLP) is abuzz with excitement as teams have submitted their keepers and drops for the upcoming season. This pivotal moment sets the stage for an intriguing free agency period, where teams will look to bolster their rosters and compete for pickleball supremacy. Let’s dive into the key developments, surprising moves, and potential strategies that could shape the MLP landscape in the coming months.
Trade Window #1 Recap
Before we delve into the keepers and drops, it’s worth noting that there was a flurry of activity during Trade Window #1. Teams were wheeling and dealing, looking to position themselves optimally before the keeper deadline. For a comprehensive breakdown of those trades, including analysis and grades, be sure to check out MLP Trade Window #1 – Tracker & Grades.
Biggest Surprises
1. St. Louis Shock Drops Kate Fahey
One of the most perplexing moves of the offseason came from the St. Louis Shock, who decided to part ways with Kate Fahey. This decision has left many pickleball pundits scratching their heads. Fahey, who would have cost $8,500 to retain, is widely regarded as one of the top female players in the league. In contrast, the team opted to keep Gabe Tardio at a much steeper price of $92,500.
From a financial perspective, this move raises eyebrows. It’s quite possible that Tardio could have been acquired for less than Fahey will likely command in the open market. The Shock’s decision has inadvertently made Fahey one of the most coveted free agents, particularly for teams looking to bolster their female roster spots.
2. New York Hustlers Clean House
In a bold and unexpected move, the New York Hustlers decided to drop their entire roster. While it was somewhat anticipated that high-priced players like Jack Sock and Riley Newman (both carrying a $275,000 price tag) might be let go, the decision to part ways with Lea Jansen at a relatively modest $77,000 retention cost came as a shock to many.
This clean slate approach gives the Hustlers maximum flexibility heading into free agency, but it also raises questions about their strategy and willingness to spend. It’s worth noting that the team made significant profits during the trade window, so they may be positioning themselves for some aggressive moves in the free agent market.
Best Available Players
Women’s Division
The women’s free agent pool is particularly intriguing this year, with a noticeable drop-off in skill level after the top-tier players. This scarcity of elite female talent is likely to drive up bidding for the best available players. Here’s an early look at the top 10 available women, based on expert opinion:
- Lea Jansen
- Kate Fahey
- Vivienne David
- Callie Smith
- Genie Erokhina
- Bobbi Oshiro
- Dominique Schaefer
- Yana Newell
- Megan Fudge
- Emily Cederquist
Men’s Division
The men’s free agent market also features some intriguing names, with a mix of established veterans and up-and-coming talents. Here’s an early ranking of the top 10 available men:
- Riley Newman
- Jack Sock
- James Ignatowich
- Jay Devilliers
- Quang Duong
- Thomas Wilson
- Max Manthou
- Noe Khlif
- Donald Young
- Michael Loyd
Team-by-Team Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at each MLP team’s keepers, drops, and potential strategies heading into free agency.
Premier Level Teams
Atlanta Bouncers
Current Roster Cost: $0
Keepers: Jaume Martinez Vich, Vivian Glozman, Todd Fought
Dropped: Emily Cederquist
Biggest Need: A left-side woman for women’s doubles
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$$
Potential Targets: Lea Jansen, Kate Fahey, Genie Erokhina, Angie Walker
Carolina Pickleball Club
Current Roster Cost: $450,000
Keepers: Ben Johns, Kaitlyn Christian, Collin Johns
Dropped: Yana Newell
Biggest Needs:
- Right-side woman
- Strong mixed doubles male player
Estimated Spending Budget: $
Potential Targets:
- Women: Vivienne David, Genie Bouchard
- Men: Jay Devilliers, Michael Loyd, Noe Khlif
Chicago Slice
Current Roster Cost: $0
Keepers: None
Dropped: Allison Harris, Megan Fudge, Brendon Long, Jack Munro
Biggest Needs: Complete roster overhaul, with a focus on acquiring two women before addressing male spots
Estimated Spending Budget: $
Strategy: Likely to employ a “Moneyball” approach, seeking undervalued players. Total roster cost may come in under $100,000.
Columbus Sliders
Current Roster Cost: $358,500
Keepers: Andrei Daescu, Parris Todd, CJ Klinger
Dropped: Callie Smith
Biggest Need: Left-side woman for both gender and mixed doubles
Estimated Spending Budget: $$
Potential Targets: Lea Jansen, Callie Smith, Victoria DiMuzio
D.C. Pickleball Team
Current Roster Cost: $383,500
Keepers: Rachel Rohrabacher, Jackie Kawamoto, Dekel Bar
Dropped: James Ignatowich
Biggest Need: Versatile male player to complement Dekel Bar
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$
Potential Targets: James Ignatowich, Jay Devilliers, Michael Loyd
Dallas Flash
Current Roster Cost: $430,000
Keepers: JW Johnson, Jorja Johnson, Hurricane Tyra Black
Dropped: Augie Ge
Biggest Need: Right-side male player
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$$
Potential Targets: Augie Ge, Donald Young
LA Mad Drops
Current Roster Cost: $315,000
Keepers: Catherine Parenteau, Jade Kawamoto, Hunter Johnson
Dropped: Thomas Wilson
Biggest Need: Left-side male player for both men’s and mixed doubles
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$$
Potential Targets: James Ignatowich, Quang Duong, Riley Newman
Miami Pickleball Club
Current Roster Cost: $0
Keepers: Milan Rane, Eric Oncins
Dropped: Bobbi Oshiro, Noe Khlif
Biggest Needs:
- Versatile woman to pair with Milan Rane
- Right-side male player (potentially left-handed)
Estimated Spending Budget: $$
Potential Targets:
- Women: Victoria DiMuzio, Dominique Schaefer, Hannah Blatt
- Men: Noe Khlif, Roscoe Bellamy, Ryan Fu
New Jersey 5s
Current Roster Cost: $450,000
Keepers: Anna Leigh Waters, Zane Navratil, Will Howells
Dropped: Amanda Hendry (Mari Humberg traded)
Biggest Need: Female partner for Anna Leigh Waters
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$$$
Potential Targets: Lea Jansen, Kate Fahey, Vivienne David
New York Hustlers
Current Roster Cost: $0
Keepers: None
Dropped: Riley Newman, Jack Sock, Lea Jansen, Susannah Barr
Biggest Needs: Complete roster rebuild, prioritizing two female players before addressing male spots
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$
Strategy: May target their previously dropped players at reduced costs, especially Riley Newman and Jack Sock
Orlando Squeeze
Current Roster Cost: $398,000
Keepers: Federico Staksrud, Dylan Frazier, Lacy Schneemann
Dropped: Vivienne David
Biggest Need: Right-side female player
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$
Potential Targets: Vivienne David, Lea Jansen, Kate Fahey
Phoenix Flames
Current Roster Cost: $306,000
Keepers: Meghan Dizon, Tyson McGuffin, Jessie Irvine
Dropped: Jay Devilliers
Biggest Need: Left-side male player to pair with Tyson McGuffin
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$$$
Potential Targets: Quang Duong, Donald Young, Jay Devilliers
SoCal Hard Eights
Current Roster Cost: $0
Keepers: Erik Lange, Irina Tereschenko, Judit Castillo
Dropped: Max Manthou
Biggest Need: Left-side male player to pair with Erik Lange
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$
Potential Targets: Jay Devilliers, Jack Sock, Michael Loyd
St. Louis Shock
Current Roster Cost: $490,000
Keepers: Anna Bright, Hayden Patriquin, Gabe Tardio
Dropped: Kate Fahey
Biggest Need: Female partner for Anna Bright
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$$$
Potential Targets: Kate Fahey, Lea Jansen
Texas Ranchers
Current Roster Cost: $491,500
Keepers: Christian Alshon, Etta Wright, Tina Pisnik
Dropped: Quang Duong
Biggest Need: Versatile male player to complement Christian Alshon
Estimated Spending Budget: $$$$
Potential Targets: Quang Duong, Riley Newman, James Ignatowich
Utah Black Diamonds
Current Roster Cost: $99,500
Keepers: Connor Garnett, Tyler Loong, Alix Truong
Dropped: Genie Bouchard
Biggest Need: Left-side female player for both women’s doubles and mixed doubles with Tyler Loong
Estimated Spending
