It balances the lineup, fixes the IF logjam, but does these changes improve our offense output? I’m dubious and might rather keep Walker and myers. I’m not totally out on Walker and I don’t mind finding out how much Altuve can play LF and Paredes at 2B. I don’t love losing Arrighetti as the cost bc SP depth is a major concern for me and he actually has upside.
Those are all fair points. Over the course of the season it is probably not a huge improvement in the offense, but it does balance the lineup and let them play everyone at their best defensive position, letting them field their ideal lineup more regularly. It probabiy doesn’t make much difference in the playoff lineup. My rough guess is that it probably would equate to a 1-3 win improvement in the regular season. It definitely will not be the end of the world if Houston enters the season with their current roster. They will be able to keep their best players rested. They will have a deep lineup with a lot of upside. And they will have a deep pitching staff. The have achieved a passing grade for the offseason even if they don’t make any further moves.
@Snake Diggit Not a bad idea at all, but why would the Brewers trade Frelick and what might they trade him for? What do they need that we have to give away?
Altuve's money was front loaded. It's going to be backup money in 2 years. The tax is calculated on the average, so we benefit from it now.
as a fan, I do like shakeups more than staying with status quo, all things being equal. So I’m not totally against the frelick move. I just don’t know enough about him other than he is one of those annoyingly effective Brewers.
It was a severe down year for Walker, but in line with diminishing performance from the previous 3 years. He had the lowest OBP among all MLB 1B last year... winning teams will avoid that at $20 mil/yr and a new CBA coming up. As we get closer to a lockout we'll know more about what leverage the owners have over the MLBPA on salary caps. The best argument is raising the minimum cap so teams like Oakland have to pay someone. MLB weighs salary cap as potential 2026 lockout looms Mets already had a mini firesale in anticipation of steeper penalties. I don't see any real benefit to trading Walker when you'll have to eat some of the salary and get nothing in return. I'm certainly not interested in losing more prospects after the Burrows trade. Health will be a big issue for the rotation. Don't need elite SP if you have inning eaters throughout the regular season. We'll see who rises to the occasion for the #2 and 3 spot.
