While there've been a ton of 100 win seasons since 2017, proceeding that was a massive drought of 100 win seasons from 2016 to 2006, where there were only 6 in 10 years. In total, 114 teams have won 100 games or more, what's really impressive are the 100 win seasons from when they only played 154 games, I'm sure there would be many more if they always played 162. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseball_100_win_seasons Typically, there's always a team that wins 100 games, but now it's 3, or 4 teams that do it.
If I had the inclination and stamina, this would make an interesting study of the standard deviation of the records over time. But I have neither.
To quote you, "a little perspective". There isn't an Astro fan on here who wouldn't trade a 100 win season(s) for a World Series title(s). Not downplaying the accomplishment at all (winning 100+ gms) but at the end of the day the goal is to win a WS. So pointing this out I now need to be a Yankee fan? SMDH
It is definitely true that people don't care (mostly) how many 100 win seasons you had. They care about the rings. The hypothetical of trading one for the other is silly though.
Astros (9) Phil Maton (5.047): $2.5MM Ryne Stanek (5.038): $3.1MM Framber Valdez (3.163): $7.4MM Josh James (3.110): $800K Kyle Tucker (3.079): $5.6MM Jose Urquidy (3.049): $3.2MM Cristian Javier (3.000): $3.3MM Blake Taylor (3.000): $800K Mauricio Dubon (2.162): $1.2MM
I know it takes two to tango but I would love to see some of these recent Braves extensions here in Houston
Alonso was ROY, All Star and 7th in MVP voting his 1st season. Tucker had to be sent back down to AAA. I think the number might be a little low but not terrible.
Tucker’s number is a couple mil lower than I would’ve guessed but otherwise no major surprises. That would put Houston at ~$140M in salary commitments not including Verlanders $25M player option which he will not pick up. Houston should have $30M-$70M in available payroll depending on how much room they want to save for the deadline and how close to the tax (or how much over the tax) they want to go.
Alonzo 3 pre arb seasons: 2019: 5.5 WAR, 147 OPS+ 2020: 0.2 ( 0.5 per 162g) WAR, 122 OPS+ 2021: 4.2 WAR, 133 OPS+ 2019 ALL STAR, 7TH MVP. ALL MLB 1st team, rookie of the year. Tucker 3 pre arb seasons: 2020: 1.9 WAR (5.1 per 162/g), 124 OPS+ 2021: 5.7 WAR, 147 OPS+ 2022: 5.2 WAR, 128 OPS+ 2022: ALL STAR, ?MVP , ?GG, ? SS 2021:20th MVP, player of month Sept., ALL MLB 2nd team. Especially considering defense and baserunning I think they are very close.
Potential Astros trade targets on that list: Ramon Laureano Sean Murphy Teoscar Hernandez Danny Jansen Hunter Renfroe Rowdy Tellez Keston Hiura Ian Happ Franmil Reyes Christian WAlker Garrett Cooper Brian Anderson Luke Voit Anthony Santander Cedric Mullins Rhys Hoskins Ji-man Choi Yandy Diaz Randy Arozarena Austin Meadows Scott Barlow Joe Jimenez Gregory Soto Jose Cisnero Shawn Armstrong
Astros should go over the CBT next season. They have no free agents after next season that will warrant a qualifying offer (Stanek, Maton, and possibly Neris if his option is picked up). So you don't have to worry about getting the higher compensation pick. Also, they aren't repeat offenders so the cost for going over will be minimal especially if you stay under 40 million above the luxury tax which moves your top draft pick back 10 spots. Going 10 million over the first CBT level would cost 2 million in tax... big deal.
I am thinking Verlander will dominate Houston’s offseason plans. They really don’t have glaring needs. They return 5 proven big league starting pitchers, 5 proven relief arms, and hitters 1-5&8-9 in their lineup. They have intriguing young players at their two open lineup spots of 1B (Diaz, Matijevic) and OF (Meyers, Leon), and plenty of solid AAA depth to fill their bench and bullpen. But Verlander is an irreplaceable type of player; a hall of fame ace starting pitcher with proven playoff credentials who is pitching as well as ever. I wouldn’t be terribly disappointed if re-signing JV was Houston’s only move this offseason.
This is not a spending contest. It is about winning ball games. Unless Verlander is re-signed there is no way to justify getting anywhere near the CBT level. It would be plain stupid to go into an off-season hoping to overspend.
I am confident with our in house options in the outfield and first base too. After JV my priorities are extending Altuve and Bregman for one more year with an option for a another at a team friendly rate to be on the table for as long as either of them care to play. Lastly I would spend some time negotiating with Tucker on an extension similar to the one Alvarez got, and regardless of the outcome of those negotiations call it a successful off-season.
I think JV coming back is 90% That will leave the payroll within $25M of the CBT. I still believe the team's 2023 1B will have over 1 full season in MLB going into the year.
You don't have to "overspend" to get over the CBT level. Yordan makes 7.83 million next year. His AAV is over 19 million which is what counts for the CBT. You bring back Verlander and extend Tucker and Framber you will be pushing the CBT.
