Despite the recent migration of business school graduates to baseball’s front offices, the best and the brightest have yet to devise a foolproof method of creating clubhouse chemistry.

Sometimes the addition of a light-hitting backup catcher can be the answer, as was the case for the Chicago Cubs in 2015 with the signing of David Ross, the designated godfather of the youth brigade.

And sometimes a bona fide star can be more trouble than he’s worth, as closer Jonathan Papelbon proved last year when he wrapped his hands around the neck of teammate Bryce Harper in the Nationals dugout.

Besides assessing whether a new addition is worth the money he’ll command, executives make educated guesses on whether a personality will help or hinder the club’s chances of winning.

It’s not as easy as it looks.

“It’s hugely important, but it’s an inexact science,” Cubs President Theo Epstein said. “If it were more precise then you could build your team based on chemistry, knowing that all these players are really talented. You can’t do that …

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“Our approach is you’re never going to have 25 guys with perfect makeup, but you have 25 opportunities to add to your clubhouse culture, 25 opportunities to bring in supportive teammates who are invested in their teammates and want them to succeed.”

So which teams added the perfect personalities who will help their teams succeed in 2016?

We’re about to find out.

It all starts this week when pitchers and catchers report to spring training, beginning the long slog till November.

Along with the Cubs’ quest to end their drought, here are a few other intriguing storylines to watch:

Baker’s comeback

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The disastrous Matt Williams era ended in Washington with no tears.

Everyone seemed to agree the manager had to take the fall for the underachieving Nationals, who somehow missed the playoffs.

But instead of bringing in a fresh face with little or no managing experience, General Manager Mike Rizzo bucked the trend, turning to 66-year-old Dusty Baker to try to right the ship.

“We didn’t hire him because he’s 66 or nostalgic,” Rizzo said. “We hired him because we think he is the best choice for us to win baseball games.”

Baker shrugged off his age, cracking that he’s the best-looking 66-year-old he knows.

He said he has no problem communicating with modern players.

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“I would like to think I transcend different generations, like some musicians,” Baker said. “I mean, Stevie Wonder still sounds good. The Doors might sound even better. I believe in old morals and ideas, but you translate them in modern ways so they can understand.”

You dig?

If Baker doesn’t succeed, we may not see another sexagenarian hired for quite a while.

Fold, spindle or mutilate

The Yankees sat out the free-agent bidding wars but still could wind up as the team to beat in the American League East.

Adding dominant closer Aroldis Chapman to a bullpen that includes Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances could make them virtually untouchable from the seventh inning on.

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The lineup is still full of 30-somethings, with the exception of former Cub Starlin Castro, so health always will be a concern.

And starter CC Sabathia, who checked himself into rehab before the postseason, is a big question mark as spring begins.

But with three closers, Manager Joe Girardi should be able to manage blindfolded with a late lead.

Burning money

After a shocking last-place finish, the Tigers did the unthinkable and kept unpopular manager Brad Ausmus.

Then they signed free agent Jordan Zimmermann to a five-year, $110 million deal, even though Zimmermann ranked 32nd among starting pitchers in 2015 with a 3.0 WAR.

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Undaunted, they doubled down, giving Padres free-agent outfielder Justin Upton a six-year, $132.75 million deal.

Upton hit .225 away from Petco Park last year.

Owner Mike Ilitch, 86, reportedly is worth $4.6 billion. Apparently he plans on spending it all on the Tigers before he leaves this earth, no matter if the moves make any sense.

Test case

Sometime soon, Commissioner Rob Manfred will decide on disciplinary measures for Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes, who was arrested on a domestic violence charge after the 2015 season ended.

MLB instituted a domestic violence policy last August after several high-profile NFL arrests, so all eyes will be on the Reyes decision.

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“We felt good about the policy when we negotiated it,” Manfred said after Reyes’ arrest.

“This will be the first test, and I think it will stand the test.”

Reyes’ trial is set to begin April 4, which is also opening day.

Human Bond-ing

Barry Bonds’ return to baseball as the Marlins’ new hitting coach may bring the national media to their camp for the first time in years.

Padres bench coach Mark McGwire and Cubs hitting consultant Manny Ramirez both returned to the game despite their steroid-tainted pasts, and players have lauded their teaching skills.

Maybe Bonds can repair his image.

If so, is there still hope for Sammy Sosa?


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