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The Montreal Gazette
March 27, 2024
By Chris Davenport
Montreal Expos Revamp Minor Leagues, Betting on Development
MONTREAL – As the Montreal Expos prepare for their return to Major League Baseball, General Manager Fred Bergeron and his front office have made it clear that the rebuild extends far beyond the major league roster. In a sweeping overhaul of the minor league system, the organization has released 10 players and signed 24 new additions, reshaping the depth and structure of their developmental pipeline. The message from the Expos brass? This isn’t just about filling roster spots it’s about building a developmental culture.
“We’re not just bringing in bodies,” Bergeron said when asked about the moves. “We’re bringing in the right bodies. Guys with good habits, strong work ethics, and the right mindset to push each other and help develop our younger players.”
While the Expos have not publicly named the players signed or released, a noticeable trend has emerged. A large number of the new acquisitions hail from Venezuela, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, reinforcing the club’s commitment to international scouting and player development.
“These are players who have been around winning cultures, who know what it takes to grow in a competitive environment,” said Assistant GM Mike Rizzo. “We’re not looking for guys to just fill out a roster we want players who will make their teammates better. The goal is to create an atmosphere where everyone is pushing forward.”
For Bergeron, the approach reflects a broader philosophy of developing talent the right way rather than simply chasing immediate results.
“Player development isn’t just about raw talent,” Bergeron explained. “It’s about habits, attitude, and the ability to adapt. We want to give our young players the best possible environment to thrive whether that’s through better coaching, smarter scouting, or bringing in guys who have been through the grind and can share their experience.”
The promotion and demotion of several players within the system also signals the organization’s willingness to make tough decisions early in its rebuild. While some young players will be given bigger opportunities, others will be asked to refine their game at a lower level before earning another shot.
“Some guys need more time, and that’s okay,” said Rizzo. “It’s about finding the right fit for each player’s development. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this.”
With the overhaul now complete, attention turns to how these changes will impact the long-term growth of the organization. While Montreal’s farm system remains in transition, the Expos’ front office remains confident that this wave of moves will help lay the groundwork for future success.
“This is just the beginning,” Bergeron said. “Development is an ongoing process. What we’ve done here is take another step in the right direction. Now it’s about seeing who steps up and takes advantage of the opportunity.”
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