@Snake Diggit @Nook https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-rumors-phillies-ranger-suarez-astros-cardinals-all-star/ Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan figures to be a popular trade target this winter, given his track record (career 117 OPS+), defensive versatility, and remaining years of cost control. You can count the Astros among the interested parties, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. In general, the Astros are known to want to add to their lineup. They ranked 21st in runs scored in 2025, though they did grade as a league-average offense through the lens of FanGraphs' park-adjusted wRC+ metric. "I think we're going to be giving guys more of a break this year, and there will be moving parts, but when we move the parts, (creating an) offensive lineup is going to be a big focus," general manager Dana Brown said. "When we score four or more runs, the team is really good. We want to put some more runs on the board."
A 7th, 8th, and 9th of Kerkering, Abreu, and a *healthy* Hader has the potential to be the best back end bullpen in baseball. After the botched play that ended the Phillies season- a change of scenery would probably be best for him. If Philly loses Schwarber, I wonder if they’d also show some level of interest in Christian Walker. There’s been some talk of Philly potentially moving Harper to more of a DH role. Being a certified Dodger killer may also intrigue a couple national league teams slightly more to pull the trigger on a potential move- especially if the Astros eat a bit of salary.
Astros have wanted Donovan for over a year. The Astros love him for a few reasons. Problem is that a number of other teams want him. Also someone said they thought that the Astros would keep Sanchez if they get Yaz. Astros are aggressively trying to not need Sanchez and confirmed that Astros would like to find a replacement for him if possible.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6806523/2025/11 One theory I have is that free agents (especially older ones) who might be in position for only 2 or 3 year deals might be more interested in 1 year deals due to the uncertainty for 2026. Lockouts hurt the players worse than the owners; owners can make up lost revenue in the long term, but players lose a year that makes up a big % of their career. Some guys this might apply to that Houston might be interested in: Trent Grisham Merrill Kelly Zac Gallen Ryan O’Hearn Jorge Polanco JT Realmuto Victor Caratini Justin Verlander Zach Littell
Rule 5 roster setting is tomorrow. I imagine if Houston is going to trade Miguel Ullola, Alimber Santa, Jesus Sanchez, or Ramon Urias, they are probably working to get that done today.
I’d do it if we had an agreement on another 5 years. Too much for a 1 year rental. Substitute Walker for Paredes and I might do it as a rental.
Giants, Orioles, and Mets would be my odds favorites. I think Framber would do horribly in Boston, even though he knows the manager already.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/11/rays-release-forrest-whitley-to-pursue-npb-opportunity.html Very interesting. I don’t expect him to have much success over there, but you never know, he’s an elite talent.
I don't know that the Giants are looking for a TOR starter given they've got Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. They've also said explicitly they aren't interested in nine figure deals for pitching, which should rule Framber out, unless he's going to take a short term deal.
I think you should re-calibrate your use of the word elite. As well as talent. He does have an arm… that’s all that can really be said.
