I highly doubt it. I think one of Whitley/Bielak/Mushinki/Blanco/Tamarez, plus one of Joe Perez/Kessinger/Leon/Salazar should get us Giolito. I'm intrigued by trading for Salvador Perez. However, I have a hard time seeing the Royals trading the face of their franchise, and, given how weak that division is I wouldn't rule out the possibility of them getting back into the playoff hunt. I know I am completely fantasizing but I'd try to offer Garcia (TJS recovery) + Yainer Diaz (and Barber + another pitcher) for Salvy Perez and either Pasquantino or Pratto (both are lefty 1B). Yes, it's a fantasy but this forum is full of them.
I think I am over the Perez fantasy myself. It's going to be really tough to add another albatross type contract to Abreu's unless Jose starts picking up the value. Besides Diaz is really starting to intrigue me and getting a starter calibur catcher would just torpedo him. He needs regular playing time. The more I look the less impact starting pitching I see that may be available. Maybe Jordan Montgomery but Giolito really looks like the class of the field unless they sell a big chunk of the system for a guy who is not a rental. 3 40+ type prospects will get Giolito now and 2 will get him at the deadline. I'm thinking: Jaimie Melendez, Joe Perez, and Kenedy Corona let's get it done !
I'd totally make that deal for Giolito. Rather keep As far as "torpedoing Diaz" and not giving him regular playing time, he would be included in a hypo deal for Perez that also includes either Pasquantino or Pratto (if anything, the latter is less unlikely to be moved). The idea is, we get a smart, respected, proven catcher for 2023, 24, and 25. He's still hitting the ball well this season, too, and who knows if Diaz really will be as good as this board thinks he will be. Altuve 2B Alvarez LF Bregman 3B Tucker RF Pena SS Pratto/Pasquantino 1B Perez C Abreu (or Brantley if he's somehow healthy) DH Meyers CF But yeah, unrealistic. Let's see what happens, and Abreu will be an albatross contract unless he turns it around. I also genuinely wonder if he is hurt, Dusty's comments were very intriguing.
I really like both Royals 1B but just can't imagine the cost !! I wonder if McCormick for Montgomery would work for St.Louis? Funny thing is they traded a CF for him last year. St.Louis just can't find a CF that can hit over 625 OPS unless they keep Nootbar there and he is much more of a RF. With Brantley's question marks Chas is important, but there is enough depth to do without him. Jake has surpassed him in CF and next year Gilbert and maybe others will be knocking on the door to replace him. Chas is a valuable player who should bring an equally valuable player to fill a need.
