After being in the position for six years, General Manager Brian Gutekunst is becoming more vocal about his thoughts on critical roster-construction questions. In a significant shift from his predecessor Ted Thompson's secretive approach, Gutekunst is now more forthcoming with information. This change has brought a new dynamic to the offseason, with Gutekunst offering insights that were previously unheard of during Thompson's tenure. While the shift in communication style may not have a significant impact on the team in the grand scheme of things, it is making the offseason more engaging for fans and observers.