Five most interesting leaders to watch at MLB GM Meetings

LAS VEGAS — As the Major League Baseball General Manager meetings prepare to heat up in Las Vegas, there are certain teams that will draw more interest in Sin City than others.

No offense to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Mets and other teams that have had the spotlight for some time now, but this week in Las Vegas, will see the lights shine on other franchises who are changing things up or stirring up headlines of their own.

Who are the five general managers/presidents of baseball operations who will generate perhaps the most interest outside of last season's powerhouses? Here are five (listed in alphabetical order) who could have plenty of microphones around them this week.

Chaim Bloom, St. Louis Cardinals

In his first offseason since taking over for John Mozeliak in St. Louis, it will be interesting to see how Bloom forms the Cardinals in his tenure.

Of course, he's well known for what he did overseeing the Boston Red Sox for four seasons and for beginning his tenure in Boston by trading Mookie Betts to the Dodgers. Will he shake things up in St. Louis with a big deal that could alter the franchise for seasons to come?

Paul DePodesta, Colorado Rockies

Arguably the most-discussed front-office hire of the offseason, DePodesta has the tall task of not only trying to turn around a Rockies team that posted 119 losses last season, but also figuring out how to build a franchise that can win at altitude on a regular basis.

He has found success in MLB front offices before, including the "Moneyball" era in Oakland. However, plenty of questions will likely focus on not only rebuilding the Rockies but also how DePodesta will use what he learned during his nine-plus years as a chief strategy officer for the Cleveland Browns that can now help him in Denver.

David Forst, Athletics

This year's GM meetings will take place on the Las Vegas Strip at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, a hotel located roughly 20 minutes by foot north from where the Athletics may be playing baseball in 2028.

The stadium is starting to take shape, but there are still plenty of questions about the Athletics really playing there in 2028. Those questions will likely be plentiful for Forst this week.

A.J. Preller, San Diego Padres

Preller just made an interesting hire for his team's manager, bringing Craig Stammen on without any managerial experience. Additionally, Preller is entering the last year of his contract in San Diego (although the rumors that an extension is coming are rampant).

Preller has never hesitated from making the big move to help his Padres get to the postseason. What is lurking in his thoughts in an offseason where the arch-rival Dodgers have consecutive World Series titles?

Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

Another NL West leader who has made headlines this offseason, Posey hired Tony Vitello from the University of Tennessee as his manager and now has future Hall of Fame manager Bruce Bochy back as a special advisor. 

Posey has already shown in his brief time as the Giants' front office leader that he isn't afraid to shake things up. Like Preller, he is trying to figure out how to compete with the Dodgers not only during the season, but the offseason as well. What is his plan to strengthen San Francisco before next season?