Meyers is worth that money only if you don't have someone cheaper to fill that role. But good defense, bad bat CF is a pretty replaceable commodity with a decent farm system. I think they'll pass their need for his services pretty quickly with all of our OF possibilities on the farm. Valdez is going to get $35m/yr from someone, as that's the going rate for a SP of his caliber. He definitely gets in his own head, and I can see why you'd have doubts about giving him that much long term. But he's essential to our 2025 chances. I hope that Hunter, Spaghetti, Blanco, and the rest perform so well that he's expendable in 2026. I have my doubts about that, but am optimistic.
Because it frees up money for the Astros to use to fill starting outfield holes. The Astros hopes to deal Caratini and Pressly to get enough money to sign Santander. No - but there are other back up catchers available including Salazar for almost nothing. Last year was the best season of Carantini's career, he will likely not be as good this year. Having said that, Caratini is a fantastic back up catcher - but it depends on what you prioritize. It doesn't quite work that way - it is the penalties involved. They have debated being under this year and then going over next year and for several years after that. Name them - the Astros have been trying to sign and trade for outfielders for a long time.
Assuming the Astros are able to move Pressly and then trade Caratini right after to open up the $20M, do you think it's Santander or bust? Is it worth it to make those two trades to acquire perhaps two lesser players at that combined value? Or is it better to just keep Pressly and Caratini then roll the dice with Gamel and Dezenzo in the LF.
No - I think if they move those two players they will spend most of the money - be it in free agency or even a trade for expensive players.
Projecting Caratini to underperform this year because he had a good season last year is just a chestnut to prop up a bad argument. If Diaz is injured Caratini can seamlessly step in. With Salazar we would be searching for a starter or the season would be sunk. Trading Caratini would be irresponsible at best and really would not add enough salary space to pay a good outfielder in any case.
Santander and Verdugo should would round out the roster: 2B Altuve 3B Paredes DH Alvarez RF Santander 1B Walker C Diaz LF Verdugo CF McCormick SS Pena Bench: Dubon, Meyers, Salazar, Singleton Rotation: Framber, Brown, Blanco, Arrighetti, Garcia, Wesneski Bullpen: Hader, Abreu, Scott, Ort, King, Whitley, Dubin
I'm good with Santander but only on a 4 yr deal. Would prefer 3 yrs but that's not going to get it done. Also, thank you for putting Yordan hitting 3rd instead of these clowns who keep putting him 2nd (as well as Espada).
