DeGrom has touched 140+ IP in 6 out of 8 full MLB seasons. And one of the injury-riddled seasons, in 2021, he was still an all-star with an absurd 1.08 ERA. DeGrom is also 5 years younger than JV, and has MUCH filthier stuff. With our pitching staff and depth, I have faith we would be able to keep DeGrom fresh throughout a long season. Similar to Crane’s JV offer last off-season, if he can negotiate some incentive clauses for IP, it’s well worth the risk. We would need that HOF-level talent at the top of the rotation, if we were to lose JV.
I look at Verlander, Scherzer, DeGrom as "anchor" type aces due to their histories. They will be the unquestioned #1 pitcher on any staff they are on until proven otherwise. You need one of those types. Bieber, Urias, Framber, Javier are the next wave, need another 3-4 years at similar dominance. I would hope that we move on DeGrom if things go south in Verlander negotiations.
One gives you 200 IP, the other 165 and the other 135. Which one do you want, if the quality is relatively equal? I'll also add I think the so so year from DeGrom this past season is a stern indicator of things to come. His best years are behind him. Even Scherzer is starting to break down. 43 million for 23 starts and 145 IP in year one of that mega deal? I dunno, that would the equivalent of paying JV nearly $60 million. JV wasn't worth 60 mill even for this past epic 2022 season.
That would be great, except I don't think there is any way they go with Yainer as the #2 Catcher. Having him as 3rd Catcher allows for a lot of flexibility, however. That is why I'd love to see Vazquez signed to a contract. I don't trust Korey Lee yet as primary backup on a championship team, especially if Maldonado were injured at some point. Vazquez is a perfect fit on a 3 year deal.
If that article is accurate then I think we can scratch Contreras off the list of Astros free agent targets.
Would love to see some time at 1st. Didn’t he play some first for Boston in their WS run? I’d think with Maldonado healing up, the reg season would be a great spot to get him some playing time there.
I think it would be a lot closer to a true platoon in '23 and with Diaz as 3rd Catcher would allow Vazquez more PH/DH opportunities. And he would be guaranteed to be full time starter in '24, '25.
I just don't think they would entrust perhaps the greatest pitching staff ever assembled to Korey Lee in the case that Maldy were injured (which apparently he already needs offseason surgery). Plus, Cristian Javier is going to need Christian Vazquez as his personal Catcher as he competes for the Cy Young next year. Really seems Vazquez is a great clubhouse guy and works extremely well with the staff. Astros need to offer him a good deal.
And Crane loves him some big names. Looks like the needs will be addressed, and it'll likely be with proven vets.
I love me some Javier.. but he isn't competing for a Cy Young. Let's not get ahead of ourselves over a span of a few months.
If they go with a 6-man, they can have Maldy catch JV, Framber, and Lance. Vasquez can catch Javier, Garcia, and Urquidy.
Y sorry to be dense and not asking for divulgence. But what do you mean by “not sure either side is all that great”
He very much could if he gets the opportunity to start from day 1. Of course, we don't know exactly what the wear and tear of the season would do to his body, and how he would respond, but the potential for that is absolutely there. PSA that Javier didn't just get good over the past "few months". He's been electric since he was brought up in 20.
Already seen him as the pick for some experts to win the CY next year. Not sure what would make you think it's not even worth discussing? Of guys with 140 up or more, he led the league in xERA.
I'm very high on Javier ever since his 2021 season. This season he turned up a notch. I think he can have a top 10 potential type of season as a pitcher next year.
I heard someone...can't remember who, but reputable on mlbn pick him as their dark horse candidate. His #'s say so as well. Had a lower era than Framber and much lower whip. Elite SO9 rate. Obviously only started 25 games, but with better run support should have a much better win-loss record if he logs 30 starts and 190+ IP next year.
