Nimmo and Judge are the higher end OFs. I'd say it is doubtful the Astros sign Judge. Nimmo's market will be weird with his injuries (though better than a lot here think or want). Anyone else would possibly still be an option with or without Contreras. I'd say odds for others go up.
I was using “higher” somewhat loosely. Above replacement level. Signing Abreu early allows us to be patient with the rest of the market. I’m inclined to pass on Nimmo in favor of cheaper options with Benintendi or Brantley. Given our prospect depth with outfielders, I’m ok not getting a “star” type OF in free agency.
Has anyone thought of Luis Arraez as a lefty bat who can play multiple positions? He fits the Astros mold of not striking out, can play 1B, 3B, 2B, and LF, is controllable for 3 seasons and the Twins look to be willing to trade him for pitching. I am against trading Garcia or Urquidy unless another starter is signed but he is an intriguing option to me.
If the Astros don't get Contreras, why would it benefit the Astros to go with cheaper options? The other OF options either have bad injury track records as well or aren't likely better than internal options. The Astros don't have much space for okay players (i.e., it is better to get best player that Astros can find PT without taking it from a good/decent player).
All relative to price. If Benintendi only gets 4 years $56 million, and Brantley just 2 years $32 million, I think those are both good signings that aren’t so restrictive that you can’t make changes if certain players emerge. Also you keep your picks. I don’t put Contreras in the same category as Realmuto, who got $23 million per year with better offense and defense and who also cost his new team a pick. That seems to be roughly the same price we’re looking at with Contreras.
He's an interesting utility guy. I guess it just depends what the Twins would want. He has a career 120 OPS+ and coming off a 130 OPS+ season. I'm guessing they would want too much and they've said they want a top tier pitcher in return. I think you pretty much have to trade Garcia to get him.
I'm not trading for the batting champ and giving away a starting pitcher and then we are having to find a way to get him into the lineup as a utility guy. Unless he's gonna be our everyday LF, that's about it
That would be a solid pick up. Follow it up by: Sign Rodon for 150/5 Sign Contreras for 80/4 Trade one of Garcia/Urquidy for Arraez 2B Altuve SS Peña DH Alvarez 3B Bregman RF Tucker 1B Abreu LF Arraez C Contreras / Maldy CF McCormick / Leon Rotation: Rodon, Framber, Javier, McCullers, Brown/Garcia or Urquidy That would put us ~9mil over the tax. 8 deep lineup, 3 ace rotation.
