It’s actually not harmful for him. It’s not costing him a year or anything like that, and with the bonus pool add ons from ROY it might sort of give him a shot at cashing in big next year if he kept his rookie status. His only financial harm would be the difference between MLB minimal and minor league pay for the time he’s down there. If it’s 2 weeks that’s something like 40 or 50k. the Astros could pay him 50K over minimum next year if they wanted to in order to make him whole. note- I do not advocate this at all nor do I think the Astros will do it. I’m just saying moving past rookie eligibility for Brice doesn’t have any upside in any practical sense.
James Click was told by Crane that he wanted a GM to work with the existing staff and build a competitive but more respectful culture. The conflict between Click and Crane was that Click - once he had the job wanted to fire a lot of people in the baseball side, and he did not get along with his own subordinates or manager. Dana Brown was known as a guy that was fair but demanding with the Braves especially, and to a lesser degree with the Blue Jays. He had a temper and could be fired up, but people really enjoyed working with him because he let them do their jobs without interference. Outside of a personality clash with one employee - Dana Brown has not had any issues with his staff or coaches as far as I can tell, and he hasn't been considered a harsh boss. Even Sarah Gelles leaving was more because of a promotion to assistant GM, and an opportunity to be close to her home in Pennsylvania.
If Brice Matthews is playing well - then he needs to stay in the big leagues and in the starting lineup. I still think he will struggle - he has some big holes in his swing, and he has needed time to adapt at every level. Right now the Astros and fans are getting to see how he is when he goes on one of his tears - he can be equally as cold as well. He is such an explosive and dynamic player when he makes contact -
Congratulations!! Been an amazing experience seeing my Dad as a Grandfather. Hope you're getting tons of time with your Grandkid!
Right now Brice is a Kyle Schwarber or Joey Gallo type player. Fortunately he has lots of time and opportunity to develop into something much more if he can make more contact. What surprised me is that he seems pretty patient at the plate. It's not like he is hacking at everything that is thrown at him. His K last night was on a full count where he fouled off some pitches well within the zone and finally missed on a really great breaking ball.
I caught his first 3 at bats last night, he could’ve had 2 more hits if not for a couple nice defensive plays. Right now I’m looking for him to consistently put the ball in play. He does a good job of not chasing and swinging at strikes, it’s also positive to see he’s hit home runs on both fastball and off speed.
I'm not saying they will or should. I'm merely putting it out there for discussion because all options should be considered and researched. No way they do any of that if they are still fielding AAAA players everyday. But if done correctly it could be a positive for everyone. You don't think Brice would choose 2 weeks in the minors in August of 2025 if it could get him a R.O.Y. award in 2026? Those are forever and the 2 weeks of MLB pay and meal money will be recouped in bonuses and higher arbitration salaries.
You guys are worried about the current arbitration/super 2 system…. When all bets are off after this season when the CBA expires and there is more than enough noise that there will be massive potential changes (along with the likely work stoppage) regarding all of this.
