Here's the latest from ESPN's Buster Olney (Insider req'd)…
- Some executives and agents predict that Anibal Sanchez could sign for anywhere from $30MM to $60MM as a free agent this offseason. I'd expect something closer to the high-end of that range.
- The Royals desperately need at least two quality starting pitchers, though Gil Meche's shoulder problems could make GM Dayton Moore tentative on the free agent market. Otherwise players like Sanchez, Kyle Lohse, and Edwin Jackson would make sense.
- Olney says no one should be surprised if the Royals deal one of their core hitters – Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer, Billy Butler, Mike Moustakas, etc. – to acquire pitching this winter. Hosmer presumably has the most value of the group despite his down 2012 season.
- The Rays could match-up for such a trade with the Royals since they have a wide array of starting pitching to offer. The Mariners, Diamondbacks, and Athletics could be matches as well.
KC has plenty of young hitters and TB plenty of young pitching. Issue is that TB will probably only look to try to trade Shields who they can’t afford now and Price, who they can’t afford now and definately afford in 2014.
TB probably should be looking to move younge pieces to another team like KC for young and controllable hitting if that is how that want to go, cause that team in Tampa isn’t going to win anything with one of the worst offensive games in all of baseball and hoping to find half of it’s lineup (once again) off of the scrap heap.
Moustakas Trevor Cahill
That’s a very interesting blog name. However, I don’t see the Royals doing that. I could see the Royals trading Butler for pitching, but no one else.
I’m a D’backs fan and I think it would take a little more than Cahill to pry Moustakas away from them. We can add Matt Davidson who can replace Moustakas in the future for them all they would have to do is find a stop gap for this season. A Cahill and Davidson for Moustakas deal would seem to be good for both teams
KC should NOT trade any of their hitters. Build a team that hits like the Rangers and the pitchers will come to you as free agents. Good lineup already and with Myers in 2013, look out.
That plan is too risky and takes too long. They just need above-average production from all these arms that they’ve drafted so high (i.e. Hochevar, Odorizzi (highly-touted SP they didn’t draft (got from MIL), Montgomery, Aaron Crow, Duffy, etc.). They’ve been relatively successful with some of the position players, now they need similar success with their arms.
Gil Meche?
Garza for Moustakas!
I was thinking the same thing
Take Garza before Shields, but couple huge things against this..
1) Garza walks after next year and Moustakis has 5Y of team control left.
2) Garza is owed 10m next year and hasn’t thrown a pitch in game action after injuring his fore arm think it was.. Ouch…
Sounds like a deal KC would make. Cubs will want more than Moustakis. A high A pitcher might finish the deal. KC can’t resist it!
1 year of garza?
no way
cubs are way high on baez, they wouldn’t trade garza for a 3B. if I read correctly this week, baez is already at 3B in the fall league.
With Toronto’s need for a DH/1B, Butler would be a good fit hitting in the 2 spot before Bautista and EE for Lind and Escobar.
TOR needs arms more than KC. They won’t be trading anyone, though they’d love Butler, as any team would.
fantasy-league dump KC need Lind and Escobar even less than Jays need Joe Blanton and Joe Saunders (from an earlier MLBTR post)
I’m still hoping the Red Sox make a push for Anibal; I think he would be a good alternative to someone like Greinke. He obviously wouldn’t give them a pitcher on quite the same level as Greinke, but he still gives them and easily-above-average pitcher, and given the difference in years and money he would be a much better deal than Greinke. And if he could be had on a 4 year deal (say 4/60) he would only be under contract through his 33yo season.
I agree, if they can get him for maybe a 3-4 year deal, it’ll be a good signing. He’s been pretty dependable the last 3 seasons getting close to 200 innings in, in each of those seasons. I think it’ll be a smart signing.
Yeah, he had a few injury issues early in his career, but like you said he’s pitched 195+ innings each of the last three years, and been a well above average pitcher as well. A front three of Lester, Buchholz, and Sanchez doesn’t look as good on paper as a Greinke, Lester, Buchholz front three, but given the difference in contracts I think it makes a ton more sense.
He’d be a solid 2-3 for them, but not enough to make a difference and Detroit is going to make him a qualifying offer.. boston would lose it’s 2nd round choice and that is almost like losing their 1st round pick in previous seasons.
Most any other year? Yep.. Grab him and some here know I like Anibal, he has been nothing short of solid over the last 3 years, but a rebuilding team probably doesn’t need to fork over their 2nd round pick for that luxury.
Would it break my heart if they did sign him? Course not, but don’t see it any longer as much as did before.
The only other options I see who are worth adding are Greinke (who will take too much money and years to sign), Haren (who is risky given how last year went, and is older), Kuroda (who is pretty old and doesn’t make any sense at all for a team looking to the future), or trades (which would take away the prospects they are hoping to build their future around).
Even assuming they aren’t going to compete next year (which I’m not 100% convinced of) Sanchez is still young, and would be around after next year as well to help once the team does start competing again. And while you’re right that it would hurt to lose a high pick in the second round, this is supposed to be an exceptionally weak draft class, and it’s still a second rounder; the thing that would hurt the most in that scenario is losing the draft pool money, but when you can add a guy like Sanchez at a young age and on a short deal it makes too much sense not to do it in my opinion.
maybe they try to be competitive, but I don’t see it happening. They gave up alot in Agon and Beckett. Sure they were having bad years, but it will take alot to be able to even put the question mark filled team last spring back.
No way, there is more than enough talent available for them to be able to put together a competitive team next year; if they aren’t competitive it will be a conscious decision not to be. I’m not saying that trying to compete next year is the best course to take (I’m not sure that it is), but just with what is available through free agency – so they wouldn’t even have to give up their prospects to do it – they could compete again next year.
actaully sanchez wouldn’t require compensation as he was traded midseason. and he is young enough to help a rebuild and will give them 200 IP of solid work.
Oh, good call. Signing him makes even more sense then.
Not to mention acquiring someone (like JJ) would take a boat load of prospects and my 2c? Anibal was nearly as good this past season with JJ barely scratching 95mph and working 92-94
Yeah, Johnson has more upside than Anibal does, but he’s far riskier and would cost prospects to acquire instead of just money.
Some other Marlins fans may not like this, but I watch nearly all of their games also and the JJ on the mound this year ain’t the one from previous years.. He didn’t just lose a tick or 2 from his FB, but 3-4 and I got to wonder if all those injuries to his arm have not been a factor.
Am thinking the Marlins are going to be pushing pretty hard to move him this winter and that is the reason, not Buehrle as some writers are fantasizing about in some far fetched (wish) swap for Rodriquez, but JJ instead probably if not before the winter meetings, then shortly afterwards he probably will be gone, but they are going to have to get back young pitching very close to the MLB level in return with pretty much just Jacob Turner close to ready.
Lester had the bad year as well and yes.. Pitchers lose a bit from their FB due to age, but not like that.. When you see a drop like that, one thinks injury or mechanics and in my eyes, his mechanics looked fairly close to the same. Not that they couldn’t have been off some, but they looked ok to this fan.
I think something is wrong with him medically IOW..
Exactly why I would never give up alot for JJ. When he is healthy he is one of the best pitchers in baseball. But there is too many times he isn’t healthy, that you need a significant plan B for his rotation spot.
JJ’s problem was his control. He missed bad a lot. In normal years his stuff is so good that he can get away with that occasionally This year his stuff wasn’t as sharp AND he served it up far too often. Something is still wrong with the guy. He’s far too good to pitch like he did this year.
Settle for lack of command some, but also losing 3-4mph on his heater over night gave hitters a much longer chance to sit back and wait. JJ isn’t going to be close to the same guy he was throwing 92-4 as he was throwing 95-7 and touching 99.
Was command an issue? To a degree, but not all of it by any means. He was dealing with a lot more than that am pretty sure.
Used to be if acquired before the 7/31 there was compensation.. Gotta’ admit.. The new CBA is going to take awhile to get used to and was figuring on that when thought he was going to require compensation..
No compensation? u bet still want him.. Watched most of his starts with the Fish and he was the Ace more often than not since JJ was almost always on the DL the last several years anyway.
Hopefully, Sanchez can stay healthy and continue to provide 190+ IP for whomever ends up signing him. As a Sox fan, the ghost of Matt Clement still haunts me.
Make ’em wear a batting helmet on the mound then 🙂
I guess I’m not seeing the connection between Sanchez and Clement?
Think the poster is afraid Sanchez will take a liner off of the ‘ole beaner and then ruin his career, or become a wasted contract with Boston.
Clement went like 10, maybe 11-1 before the AS break his 1st year, made the AS team even, then took a line drive off of his noggin, came back the next year, hurt his arm, blah, blah.. Never was the same again..
Kinda’ like Boston’s Herb Score.
Sure, but the same exact thing could happen to any pitcher the Red Sox have or could sign, so unless you want them to stop having pitchers all together, it’s a pointless thing to worry about.
Oh of course.. Why my reference to “stick a batting helmet on him” nobody can tell if going to get hit in the head, or anywhere else with a line drive, much less change mechanics afterward that causes them to blow out their arm like Clement did.
Sanchez has had some previous injuries that shortened a few seasons, including his shoulder. Now he’s pitching deep into October with the Tigers and after 3 straight seasons of 190+ IP, you have to wonder if there will be another burnout, especially in the 1st year of a potential big multi-year contract…
But as @MaineSox:disqus mentions below, it is pointless to worry about some of these things – esp. if the Sox can find the right pitching coach and trainers to (finally) keep their staff well conditioned and healthy.
Dayton, Meche’s shoulder wasn’t a problem until your hand picked manager Trey Hillman decided that he should throw 130+ pitches after complaining of a dead arm, in a start right after one where he threw 120 pitches. It’s not his fault his manager and his GM don’t know how to protect arms. And then he does the classy thing and gives up the last year of his contract so you can waste it on your love-child Francoeur and then put the rest back in David Glass’ pocket.
You have to admit that was a terrible contract they gave meche. Prior except for 1 season he was a backend starter.
He had two seasons of 200 innings with a sub 4 ERA with the Royals. It looked bad at the time but actually turned out better than a lot of FA pitching signings.
Meche also had an impact on Zack Greinke. Showing him how professional prepares for his starts/
Moustakas and Hosmer to the Braves for Hanson, Teheran and a prospect.
so the royals should have no offense after this trade?
C’mon man. ATL fan and I don’t like that. What we do with Hosmer, who we have a better 1B version of in Freeman, imo. Hanson and Teheran have a lot of potential, but are coming off down years. KC/ATL could be good fits, but if we’re giving up a package like that, it better be for someone like Headley (of course, more and different players would have to be involved from ATL). Giving up Hanson and Teheran isn’t a possibility.
As Derek pointed out, we have no use for Hosmer, however I would trade Teheran for Moustakas. That could be a feasible trade.
I like that. Teheran has top of the rotation potential, plus he hasn’t yet been spoiled by KC’s lack of development in the pitching department. I don’t want for Prado to move to 3B, and Mous getting there could provide a good long-term option.
I’m not sure that the A’s are a good match for the Royals. Alex Gordon wouldn’t work because the A’s already have four quality outfielders. Butler or Hosmer wouldn’t work because they have Moss, Carter and Smith to play 1B/DH. Not sure Moustakas is worth trading a young pitcher for to upgrade over Donaldson. A’s need a 2B, C and maybe an arm or two in the bullpen. There would have to be a third team for it to work.
I agree. The biggest holes are indeed at Catcher and 2B. The A’s have a solid bullpen though so long as the A’s utilize Balfour’s option (which is a no brainer).
Taijuan Walker, Jesus Montero, Brandon Maurer and Stephen Pryor for Wil Myers and either Butler or Gordon.
M’s can’t afford to get rid of Montero with all the hitting they need and he wouldn’t be the best fit for KC considering they have Salvador Perez who isn’t going anywhere considering the deal of an extension they have with him. Though SEA has it, that’s a lot of arms to give up.
Except Montero didn’t hit and doesn’t play a position that the Mariners need. The Mariners’ best hitter in 2012 was a catcher who was not named Montero. The Mariners top draft pick was a catcher who will be in the major leagues soon who is also not named Montero. Also, Perez wouldn’t be blocking Montero whatsoever. Montero could split time between C and DH.
….that’s so one sided its almost funny.
Which side? :-S
Orioles could make sense for a trade with the Royals.
Give us an example of a trade.
Arrieta / Schoop / Wright / Britton / BP Arm (some combination) for a more major league ready guy. It’s not out of the realm of possibility. We want a high OBP guy badly and most the players on the list can be that guy.
Orioles ..u listening? Anyone not named Bundy for Butler.
Careful what you ask for there.. The old “PTBNL” with draft picks from last year, STARTING with Brandon Kline could be the cost.
See, this is how rumors get started. Plus, I still would rather have Swisher
Really, Lefty?
Swisher is either a first baseman or a rightfielder. In case you hadn’t noticed, the Orioles have a right fielder, assuming he can stay away from CC Sabathia. That leaves first. I’m not sure I wouldn’t take the incumbent 1B of the Orioles over Swisher. But you have to take Butler over both. He’s younger, and a better all around hitter. Defense is problematic. It makes no sense to prefer Swisher over Butler.
Younger, better hitter than Swisher, 2 years left on his contract, and making less money already than Reynolds and definately what Swisher will command.
Make this deal Double D!!
Dayton Moore has a man crush on Bundy and would ask for him.
I wonder what the Red Sox would have to give up for Butler or Hosmer. I think Butler would require less and he could play 1b for us. Maybe Doubront and a pitching prospect for Butler. Then the Sox could sign Anibel and someone like Brandon McCarthy to fill out the rotation. Just throwing out ideas
A much as I would like Butler, I really like Doubront. Probably because hes homegrown and is showing he can be a pretty good 3-4.
Maybe Bard and a minors bat but it’s too early to pull the plug on lefty Doubront, he took huge strides under Bobby V, which only leads me to assume he’ll take bigger strides this year under someone he greatly respects in Farrell.
I agree on Doubront, would love to see him back. But I doubt anyone would take a chance on Bard until he can show he’s straightened himself out. Brutal in AAA and in Sept. in the majors this season.
I think the Pirates and Royals could match up pretty well on a deal. I wouldn’t be opposed to them trading Taillon, another pretty good prospect, and maybe something else for Gordon and Tim Collins.
I would try to get one of their young fireballing relievers if possible, but getting someone like Gordon who they can plug in the outfield and lead off would really be a huge boost to the lineup. I also still like Eric Hosmer as well as Billy Butler. I’ve wanted them to trade for Butler for years but he’s a butcher on first base.
“I’m still hoping the Red Sox make a push for Anibal; I think he would be
a good alternative to someone like Greinke. He obviously wouldn’t give
them a pitcher on quite the same level as Greinke, but he still gives
them and easily-above-average pitcher.”
Well said MaineSox I completely agree.
Anibal Sanchez would fit in nicely in Boston’s middle of the rotation.
Dayton Moore has to go. I’ve watched and watched how he goes after silly free agents that make no sense, and an owner that won’t spend on free agents. I get wanting to produce from within, but at some point you’re going to have to pay a player to make the team better instead of constantly hoping that your farm will come around. This years free agent crop of players is not very good at all, so they’ll probably go after someone now….
Hellickson for Hosmer? I’d take a chance. An infield of Hosmer/Keppinger/Zobrist/Longoria looks pretty good to me. Just need to get a catcher now.
If Hosmer is in the deal – then the pitcher coming back better be Price.
I see the Royals going after David Price.
Because they can resign David Price at the end of his deal..
Are they going to be able to sign ANY young controllable pitcher they get via trade? It’s what they need to do..bring in talent on the mound. I’m not sure why they can’t afford an investment in a top end starter. They will completely start the process over again if they don’t get pitching before Hosmer and Moustakas hit free agency. Honestly, their offense is solid and they’d compete in a hurry with some pitching.
If they want Price they’d have to trade some of those young cost controlled hitters. Then, if Price walks because they can’t pay him, they’ve screwed themselves over. If they want someone a bit less costly then Price they could probably put together a package with some hitting prospects.
They will have Price for 3 seasons I believe….and that is about the window they have on their current group of young players to win. They likely won’t be able to win waiting on the “potential” of Odorizzi and patching with the likes of Jeremy Guthrie. I fully expect them to try and complete this kind of deal over the winter. It’d be a complete shame to see them deal talent for anything less than a front line starter. I’m not sure how they would frame a trade..but it would include a Wil Myers. To think that their system will entirely produce a winner from within isn’t even something that the Royals seem to embrace. Unfortunately, their attempts over the past few seasons to acquire controllable arms have been thwarted by other teams…..Ubaldo Jimenez…Gio Gonzalez.
I’m not saying they will get David Price…but with a decent rotation..we might likely be looking at a serious playoff team.
Price is in his second year of arbitration. Last season he opted out of his contract for arbitration. He ended up signing a 1 year deal. Mous and Hosmer are still on Rookie deals. Myers probably isn’t someone they really want to trade due to his potential and cost control. If anything I could see them moving Butler, but I’m not sure what they would trade him for. He’s not someone who is viewed as a first baseman anymore, but I imagine a team could try him. Personally I feel like trading for 1 pitcher won’t change much as that whole rotation needs reworking. If Scott Bakers option is declined, I could see them giving him a low risk high reward kind of deal. Anibal Sanchez is another guy that they may be able to get in FA. Edwin Jackson is another guy that could settle down in KC.
89 wins would have won the AL Central this season.
Price probably would not be able to just walk away from KC without being dealt..unless the Royals were in such a pennant race that they couldn’t deal him..and in that case the original deal worked out for them. If not he gets dealt for top end prospects at the deadline and the Royals go from there.
Moustakas for Tommy milone and daniel straily.
I’m thinking Anibal gets 4 years for 48-52 million.
I feel for the team that signs Kyle Lohse. over 12 years and his ERA is at 4.45. Yes, he has had 2 back to back good seasons but this guy is going to draw ace salary and give a team maybe 1 or 2 good years out of 5. Don’t believe me? Look at his track record.
Sanchez has averaged 10 wins a year for the last 3 years and he’s worth $30-60M? Has the world gone mad?
Using Wins as evidence as to why he shouldn’t get 30-60 mil. You’re doing it wrong…
Don’t see the royals trading hosmer. He hasn’t really established himself yet and trading him now would be selling low, and giving up alot of cheap seasons. I would think the return on butler would be much better, and not sure if royals could afford/not be cheap enough to keep him once he becomes a free agent.
The D-backs are definitely looking to upgrade 3B, so they would love to get Moustakas. Royals would obviously want a ton for him, so instead of a package of 3 or 4 very good players, how about straight up Moustakas for Trevor Bauer. D-backs have ton of pitching prospects to deal from, and while Bauer is their most talented one, he is starting to rub the team the wrong way with his refusal to make adjustments, and his refusal to take advice from veterans and coaches. If the D-backs would ever consider trading Bauer, Moustakas would be one of the few they might give him up for.
If the Royals do actually dangle Moustakas I’d expect the Phillies to be all over him. The deal that makes a ton of sense is Worley for Moustakas, with likely another piece coming from Philly, either a young SP (May, Morgan, Martin) or a reliever.
Id love for the cubs and royals to match up in a deal involving Moustakas for Garza with cubs kicking in a bit more. but i dont want the royals to break up there hitters, there finally looking like a team thats having a core come together.