The back of the baseball card reference, again. This time it's not Baggie. I wonder who has the better collection.
What are thoughts on Dylan Cease. The guy has had only 1 really good year last year and falling back to the almost 5+ ERA territory. He's pitched 32 games the last 2 years each, which is what the Astros need (stability in the lineup) and perhaps he's at a low-point with value. I'm not convinced he's a 4+ ERA pitcher yet.
I don't see anyone else they can get as a pitcher other than Zack Wheeler that would make any sense. Sale made some sense if they could have gotten him through a few more starts injury-free. Bieber's stuff has fallen off. Burnes doesn't look that great any more. Don't see anyone else on a struggling team that would fit the bill. I would trade for Wheeler and Kyle Schwarber in the same deal. Shouldnt cost a ton with their salaries. Schwarber has a 0.160 BABIP so I would expect his numbers to turn around..Taking on his salary lessens the amount you have to trade back in the deal.
With one year left on his deal and his peripherals still intact, I imagine the competition for Wheeler would be stiff. I would love to add him, but he seems like a target we would be outbid for by a team more in need of front end starting. No thanks on Schwarber. He would qualify as a strong lefthanded platoon bat we need, but he makes a ton of money and is a repulsive fielder. We could find a player of similar value much cheaper.
As bad as the Phillies have been they are only 4.5 games out from a Wild Card spot. Considering their run last year as a Wild Card team and their heavy spending in the offseason they aren't likely to be sellers unless it gets really bad for them.
I don't agree that Wheeler is the only pitcher that makes sense but he would be a huge upgrade for the playoffs and next year. He would take a painful bite out of the talent in the minors though. Huge NO to Schwarber. He has 2 more years @$20M. He would be good as DH only this year, but severely limit position versatility and Block some young outfielder(s) in 24 and 25. Plus of Yordan has nagging injuries and has to DH you have a $20M butcher in LF or on the bench. I still think a guy like Giolito who has top of the rotation stuff but hasn't performed up to that level and is a rental is the best choice. As for a bat, it should be easy to find a bat first (or only) guy who is very good vs RHP but bad enough vs LHP that his trade cost is low.
I don't see it with Giolito. He's like adding a potential Urquidy I guess. Giolitos k% has gone down each of the last three years. His average exit velocity against has gone up each of those three years. Wheeler is a decided upgrade in a potential playoff rotation. Giolito is not. Schwarber would of course be a gamble but he would likely lessen the return needed substantially in order for us to get Wheeler. Let him play in left at home and be the designated Maldonado pinch hitter on the road. When he was causing havoc in the playoffs last year, I wasn't thinking about the fact that he might not have stopped a runner from stretching s single into a double back in August. He was just destroying baseballs in the post season and changing the complexion of series.
If the Astros were 4.5 games out from a playoff spot would you want them to be sellers? Phillies spent big on Trea Turner. Plus they also added Kimbrel, Taijuan Walker, and Gregory Soto. Even if they fall out of the race I don't see them trading guys with another year of control left like Wheeler or Schwarber who has 2 more years. They might move their pending free agents in Aaron Nola and Craig Kimbrel but they will be looking to compete next season.
This. No way Philly does anything that hurts their chances to win next year. It would be a huge waste of money and the fans would completely rebel.
Bieber, Nola, and more recently Giolito have struggled compared to previous performance and what their teams will expect in trade. Starting pitching is getting more and more convoluted as a trade option. Maybe the Astros should just get an innings eater like Lance Lynn and hope being on a winning team with the chance at a ring rejuvenates him. Liam Hendriks would also be a great rental. they would likely be reasonably affordable, though pitching will be the White Sox's biggest need for 2024
Hendriks isn't really a rental. His club option next year is 15 million. His buyout is also 15 million but with deferred payments all the way until 2033. It was a strange contract.
Nah. Philly fans are rational and pragmatic and would definitely take the longterm view if they decided to sell because management didn’t think they could catch lightning in a bottle twice.
They have 7 players under contract for next year @ $18M or more. They also just lost a WS last season but have not won one in 15 years. I can see them understanding that it's not in the cards this year, but not giving up on next year before it even starts.
Honestly, I think we should look into Ohtani? Think about it. He solves two problems. SP and Bat. For the amount we will end up moving away from we could ship for him. And Sign him to the mega deal. This would almost make us unstoppable. With the way he plays it would be a win win. I get it he doesn't hit so well in Minite maid. But I think he would be the best overall bang for your buck. The Angels need everything. Across the board as far as players. Sure the package is gonna take alot to acquire him. But would it be worth it? Y. Diaz, C. McCormick, P. Leon, J. Melton, S. Arrighetti, C. Gordon and JULKS? Might have to add alittle more but hey it's worth a try? I would even consider taking a contract back if possible For Ohtani and Logan O'Hoppe?
Alex Verdugo Has another year. Red Sox want to compete next year so will prioritize more advanced over high ceiling prospects. Shawn Dubin, Joe Perez, and Justin Dirden?
By this measure only the As and Royals are true sellers right now then. I was sort of extrapolating things out a bit to consider teams that might reasonably be sellers by the all star break.
Read again and then think about Philly fans booing Santa. Or think of Charlie Day from Always Sunny as their avatar.
Zach Plesac? Needs to be waived or traded. Hasn't done much the last two years but could just need a new scene? Something anyone has any interest in?
Salvador Perez C Royals Signed through 2026 at $20.5 million per year .831 OPS (projected 35 HRs 95 RBIs) Aroldis Chapman RP Royals 33 Ks in only 20 1/3 IP (3.10 era) (Offers versatility to close games as well) Or Liam Hendricks RP White Sox (Offers versatility to close games as well) Brent Rooker LF/DH A's .260/.866/11 HR/32 RBI Controllable through 2027 Time to move on from Brantley SP Mackenzie Gore (LH SP) Nationals 3.66 era 80 K in 64 IP Controllable through 2027 Or Shane Bieber SP Guardians Signed through 2024 (Strikeouts are alarmingly down since 2021)
