Craig Kimbrel as closer and Ryan Pressley as setup man (or vice versa) will give me warm fuzzies for the next 1.5 years.
This likely means the Astros will at least kick the tires on any big name pitcher on the market. Both relievers and starters. Being willing to go “way over” the tax could mean taking on more salary for less prospect cost. Unlike the odd year last year, there are nearly a dozen teams that can be clearly considered “sellers” at this point in the year- weeks leading up to the deadline.
They may well lose Greinke, Verlander and Correa..... but if they do, they will be adding at least one star to replace Correa... I could see a situation where they go after Bryant if the cost of Correa reaches too high. The point is, they intend to compete next year and do have some payroll flexibility. With the improvement of internal starting pitching options, they have the luxury of targeting a single starting pitcher or even waiting for an in season trade.
Its also just as big a presumption that they'll just outright sign a big name free agent for their first big contract if they can't work out any extensions. Crane has actually executed more extensions than he has ever signed an outright prime free agent for market value. Brantley is the closest... Reddick is the second closest... that's it. More curious how the CBA negotiations impacts things. Verlander would still likely prefer playing for a contender at this stage. Same with Correa, but the money has to be there.
I disagree. I don't think Toro, Abreu, and Whitley get it done for Kimbrel. This to me is similar to the Chapman trade the Cubs did in 2016. Kimbrel is actually even better this year than Chapman was in 2016. PLUS, Kimbrel has an extra year via the option. The Cubs gave up Gleyber Torres who was a top 40ish prospect heading into the 2016 season. They are going to expect at least one big time prospect or high quality young MLB player. If I am the Cubs and the Astros call on Kimbrel I want a package led by one of Leon, Lee, or Cristian Javier and then add a Bryan De La Cruz and a lower level arm. I do not believe Toro or Abreu get you there. Whitley is a throw in at this point. I have mixed feelings on going after Kimbrel. None of it has to do with the luxury tax either. I think they should go over. I think several other teams are able to give up that top prospect or young MLB player moreso than the Astros to land Kimbrel. If the Astros are going to make a BIG move and give up some of their top prospects go get me Cedric Mullins. He's got 4 more years of control after this season and doesn't hit arbitration until 2023. He would be a direct replace for Correa's offense as well based on this seasons numbers... He's actually outperfoming Correa in OPS, OPS+, WRC+, slugging, average, hits, stolen bases, and trails Correa in WAR by 0.2. Then get me a rental bullpen arm like Raisel Iglesias, Ian Kennedy, Yimi Garcia etc... Sure, who doesn't love the idea of Pressly/Kimbrel at the end of games. I just think the price is going to be stupid and then the money is a ton too for next season. I'd rather spend top prospect capital on a young and cost controlled player.
Chapman was a 28yo relief ace - one of those rare guys with incredible stuff who was consistent year to year. Kimbrel is 33, and was terrible in both 2019 and 2020. He isn't worth anywhere close to what Chapman was 5 years ago. If the Cubs are holding out for that, I'd pass.
Kimbrel this season is way outperforming Chapman in 2016 and Chapman was a rental while Kimbrel is controlled next season with an option. Kimbrel is worth more. Remember, the Cubs were the team that paid that massive price for Chapman. They are the team with Kimbrel and will want a high price like they paid. Chapman in 2016 with NYY before trade 2.01 ERA, .894 WHIP, 12.6 K/9 Kimbrell this season 0.59 ERA, .652 WHIP, 15.6 K/9
I believe Gordon signed with the Pirates… but man… I’d be cool with not seeing Robel Garcia in an Astros uni anymore. Aledmys Diaz is a very valuable piece. The good news is Breggy and Diaz will be starting rehab assignments next week.
I don't care where he played in the minors this year, he has been a bad SS for several years now. and is not much of a hitter, why would you replace crap with crap? Just wait for Diaz to come back.
"late-July" according to Dusty. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/astros-aledmys-diaz-beginning-rehab-assignment/
I love @The Cat and I expect this might be true ... but there is no one whose opinion on the Astros I case about less than Ken Rosenthal's these days.
