New Jersey 5’s Must Navigate Roster Challenges: The New Jersey 5’s team, the 2024 runners-up, must finalize their roster for the upcoming MLP 2025 season. They are set to keep star player Anna Leigh Waters but face challenging choices with other players due to new roster rules.
Roster Rules and Challenges
Under the new rules, teams must manage their budgets and keep a balanced roster. Will Howells has a keeper price of only $27,500, making him an obvious choice if he signs before the mid-February deadline. However, as of now, he remains unsigned. If Howells does not sign in time, New Jersey 5’s will drop him and keep Zane Navratil and Mari Humberg.
Decision on Navratil or Humberg
If Howells signs, New Jersey 5’s faces a dilemma between dropping Navratil or Humberg. Navratil’s keeper price is $82,500, while Humberg’s is $49,000. Although the price difference is not significant, it may be easier to find a replacement for Navratil. However, Navratil provides vital leadership, which is harder to replace.
Implications for New Jersey
If Howells fails to sign, New Jersey may struggle in the auction. There will be no player available at his skill level for such a low price. The team could miss out on a valuable asset, which could have long-term consequences.
News in Brief: New Jersey 5’s Must Navigate Roster Challenges
The New Jersey 5’s team must decide on roster moves for MLP 2025, focusing on keeping Anna Leigh Waters. Will Howells’s status is uncertain, impacting whether they keep Zane Navratil or Mari Humberg. If Howells does not sign, NJ may struggle to find suitable replacements.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Pickleball Experience: New Jersey Opens New Pickleball Facilities and Apparel
