There’s been no division in baseball more active than the National League East this offseason, as the Mets (Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz, Wilson Ramos), Phillies (Jean Segura, Andrew McCutchen), Nationals (Patrick Corbin, Anibal Sanchez, Yan Gomes, Kurt Suzuki) and Braves (Josh Donaldson, Brian McCann) have each made multiple additions with an eye toward contending in 2019. That said, with the New Year fast approaching, each of those teams — and the cellar-dwelling Marlins — still have work to do and various needs to address. Here’s a look at what work remains to be done in one of the game’s most competitive divisions (teams listed in order of 2018 standings)…
Atlanta Braves
- Add a starter to the top half of the rotation. Mike Foltynewicz had a breakout season in 2018, while Sean Newcomb showed plenty of potential. The July addition of Kevin Gausman gave Atlanta another quality mid-rotation option, they’ve also lost arguably their most effective (and certainly their most surprising) rotation member in Sanchez, who has agreed to terms with the division-rival Nats. The Braves aren’t lacking on intriguing options to round out the rotation (e.g. Touki Toussaint, Luiz Gohara, Kolby Allard, Max Fried, Mike Sorokia, Kyle Wright), but there’s a clear lack of an established top-of-the-rotation arm.
- Address the vacancy in right field. Nick Markakis is a free agent and wasn’t able to sustain the eye-opening power surge he displayed through the season’s first six weeks. The venerable 35-year-old would be a fine option to return and man the position even if he shouldn’t be expected to repeat his 2018 numbers. The recent contracts for Andrew McCutchen and Michael Brantley subtracted two quality options from the open market, leaving top free agent Bryce Harper and a host of part-time veterans (e.g. Adam Jones, Carlos Gonzalez) as open-market alternatives.
- Bolster the bullpen. Arodys Vizcaino currently slots in as the projected closer, with A.J. Minter and Dan Winkler among the intriguing younger options. Veterans Darren O’Day and Jonny Venters bring plenty of talent but plenty of injury risk. Many of the young starters who don’t land in the rotation could be ’pen options, as well, but there are obvious opportunities for a veteran arm to solidify the relief corps.
Washington Nationals
- Solidify second base. Howie Kendrick and Wilmer Difo are the Nationals’ top two options at present, but the former is coming off a season mostly lost to a ruptured Achilles tendon while the latter has yet to prove he can hit Major League pitching. Short-term veterans like Brian Dozier and Josh Harrison could serve as a bridge to top prospect Carter Kieboom, who could very well be the Nats’ long-term option there.
- Explore options for the fifth spot in the rotation. Adding a fifth starter isn’t necessarily an imperative for the Nationals, but a veteran to push Joe Ross and Erick Fedde for that slot could prove prudent — especially with Ross entering his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. Starting pitching is a clear strength, but the Nationals’ upper-level options in Triple-A are largely underwhelming, which makes a veteran addition, even on a minor league deal, all the more logical.
- Continue to monitor Bryce Harper’s market. It’s quite possible that Harper’s time in D.C. is legitimately over, especially considering the fact that he rejected a 10-year extension offer worth a reported $300MM in late September. But if Harper’s market doesn’t develop as strongly as agent Scott Boras hopes, the Nats should be looming on the periphery of the market to see if there’s a possible compromise to be had with their longtime star.
Philadelphia Phillies
- Acquire an impact bat. Wise or not, the Phillies set their fans’ expectations as high as possible when owner John Middleton said earlier this offseason that he could get “a little stupid” with the money that he spent in free agency this winter. Philly has been connected to Harper and Manny Machado for so long, that some fans will consider it an outright failure if at least one of the two isn’t in manager Gabe Kapler’s Opening Day lineup.
- Upgrade the middle of the rotation. Of course, even if Bryce and Manny end up elsewhere, the Phils could still craft a winning path. Beyond pursuing any and all creative options that can be placed on the table, Matt Klentak and company would do well to bolster an already solid rotation. While it was generally an area of strength in 2018, and could be again without modification, the rotation is also an obvious place for the Phillies to slot in a significant (or even blockbuster) addition. Opportunity remains in both trade and free agency. If an acquisition results in a hurler such as Nick Pivetta, Vince Velasquez, or the rehabbing Jerad Eickhoff being knocked into the bullpen for some or all of the season, well, that’s a nice luxury to have.
- Add to the back end of the bullpen. The Phils have some interesting youthful power arms along with a few respected veterans in their current bullpen mix, but it’s far from a standout group on the whole. Given the whispers regarding the team’s willingness to part with Tommy Hunter and/or Pat Neshek, it does not seem as if the front office is entirely satisfied with the current unit, either. This is one of a few clubs that could easily afford to splurge on Craig Kimbrel, not that we’ve seen any real indication of a connection. A variety of other notable relief targets are still floating around the market as well.
New York Mets
- Figure out who’s playing center field. On paper, it’s possible to imagine a situation where Michael Conforto or Brandon Nimmo shares time in center with the right-handed-hitting Juan Lagares. And the Mets have already added center-field-capable veterans Rajai Davis and Gregor Blanco on minors pacts, perhaps hinting that they’ll be looking for a budget reserve piece to help keep up appearances while Yoenis Cespedes works back to health. But these are really half-measures, and the Brodie Van Wagenen-led Mets have set their sights on more than mediocrity. Will the team really fall back on Lagares in a significant role? Or is there another move yet to come? There were plenty of rumors about A.J. Pollock, who’d certainly fill the need, but Van Wagenen has also hinted the team may not put big money on the free agent table after already adding a few reasonably expensive pieces.
- Improve the bench/pen depth. When you’re trying to take a team from 77 to 90+ wins in a competitive division, every little bit counts. If another more significant addition isn’t to be made, then perhaps the way to get better is to add a few lower-priced assets that can add major value in part-time roles. At present, the position-player reserve competition is set to include players such as T.J. Rivera, Dominic Smith, Gavin Cecchini, Luis Guillorme, and Dilson Herrera along with Davis and Blanco. Meanwhile, relievers battling for MLB spots include Drew Smith, Tim Peterson, Corey Oswalt, Chris Flexen, Paul Sewald, Jacob Rhame, Bobby Wahl, Kyle Dowdy, and Daniel Zamora. Put it all together and … there’s not a lot in the way of established MLB performance in those areas.
- Trade Travis d’Arnaud or Kevin Plawecki. Re-shuffling things a bit might help the Mets make better use of resources. Having decided to go with Wilson Ramos behind the dish, the club seems to have one MLB catcher too many, particularly with Tomas Nido also available (with options) on the 40-man. A deal of either d’Arnaud or Plawecki seems all but certain. Turning one of those players into a decent reliever or worthwhile prospect would be a nice outcome.
Miami Marlins
- Find a trade partner for J.T. Realmuto. Last winter, the Fish played coy on Christian Yelich but ultimately dealt him.They nevertheless held Realmuto — a decision that actually seems to have worked out. While he’s now just two years from free agency, Realmuto also firmly established himself as the game’s best overall catcher in the interim. Now, we’re seeing more talk about hanging onto him entering another rebuilding season. That seems only to be cover, though, because the risks greatly outweigh the upside (if any) in holding on to Realmuto to open the season. Several suitors have moved on, but others remain. The Marlins ought to pick the best bid in the coming weeks.
- Acquire veteran outfield depth. This version of the Marlins is obviously going to be young and inexperienced. But that doesn’t mean that Derek Jeter and co. are interested in a re-boot of the Major League series set in South Beach. The new regime has spoken about the need for winning mentalities and the like. Meanwhile, it has a variety of talented young outfielders who’ll need time to finish their development and guidance in making the leap to the game’s top level. Last year, the Fish secured the services of Cameron Maybin. It seems a similar move would again be wise.
- Be opportunistic on relievers late in the offseason. It’s never wise for a losing team to blow money on relief pitching. On the other hand, value bets in the bullpen are quite a nice strategy for a rebuilding organization. For one thing, a decent pen helps the club avoid depressing, late-game losses. For another, it is an easy and cheap avenue for infusing some of that ever-loved veteran presence into a locker room. And every contender in baseball will be looking for reliever reinforcements this summer, so it’s always nice to have a stock of potential trade chips on hand. Landing a few interesting arms shouldn’t be too hard to pull off. The Marlins have plenty of opportunities to offer up (including late-inning roles, potentially) and can use that, moreso than money, to lure a few hurlers who otherwise have slipped through the cracks.
Was that a legitimate 300M extension offer by the Nats?
It was only for show to placate fanbase? No opt outs, or NTC and probably Nats’ trademark deferrals made it worth less.
Guess trying to say is, u give the Nats too much credit in trying to retain Bryce w/ that reported 300M Sept offer
Thanks for all that you do!
Maybe not enough?
Lack of opt outs and NTC hurt value-wise?
If has deferrals, not enough by at least 100M?
I was not aware about the deferrals in the offer but given their history that may be the case.
Harper could have countered with opt outs if he wanted. They did not counter.
Personally I do think it was a legitimate offer. They did not trade him at the deadline thinking it would hurt their chances as well.
$300 million guaranteed is a lot of dough. It was their initial offer and though the Nats said that was pretty much what they could do there was some room for negotiation
Agreed. Certainly feels like one of those empty gestures to save face so the fan base doesn’t think you just let one of, if not the biggest star in franchise history walk without even an attempt to retain.
Empty or not, I like that level offer for Bryce but we WANT opt out, fool leaves early, before he cost us too much when old.
For sure. I think when it comes to these mega deals like ARod, Stanton, Pujols, Hamilton, Cano, and soon to be Machado and Harper, the opt outs actually can benefit both the team and player as long as the player performs reasonably as expected.
That’s not how opt-outs work.
He stays if he’s playing under his contract value. He generally would only leave when you’d want him to stay (when he is expected to play over his remaining contract value).
Or he gets hurt and does not opt out and you are stuck. Its risky.
300 mil for 10 years is credit enough. NTC and opt outs are nice options, but can be worked around.
Definitely a face-saving empty gesture. 10 year contract with no opt outs that isn’t even the top AAV contract NOW, let alone years down the road? The Nats knew that was never, EVER getting accepted. Harper’s agent could have been Borat, instead of Boras, and that deal wasn’t happening.
Borat +1 = )
You mean like the Yanks hosting Corbin in the Bronx? Nothing but a publicity stunt.
I guess that’s possible… but there’s no reason to think the Yankees weren’t legitimately in on Corbin. 10/300 with no NTC or opt outs would clearly be a non starter, especially so early in the proceedings.
Don’t forget potential deferrals included with most Nats’ contracts
0 upvotes, 16 down. You’re the worst.
Sounds like the fake Stanton news in STL last year.
Considering Stanton himself confirmed meeting with the team and was the one who nixed the deal I am having a hard time understanding what “fake” means in your world.
Stanton was NEVER going to play in STL. He went through the motions. Mozeliak knew this, but he had to show the sheeple that he was bound and determined to finish 2nd again. It was all to appease the sheeple. If anyone thought that guy was going to play in this town, they don’t know much about Stanton.
So it wasn’t fake? Got it
Hmm..I don’t recall any counter claims from Harpers camp.
Not a counter, per se, but believe it was floated around that Harper’s camp is looking for 400M.
I know that but I don’t think Harpers camp denied that Washington made a contract offer of $300 million.
The fact that Harper is looking for something north of $400 million seems irrelevant as this was known before the Washington offer was known to be made.
it’s entirely possible the offer was forwarded as an invitation to a counter offer if Harper was really that interested in staying with the Nats. Teams are usually not the ones who propose NTCs or opt outs, usually it’s the player who makes it known if he wants any of that stuff
So Nats offer the contract to let him know what they’re comfortable paying and for how long, he sends back what he’s comfortable accepting and what perks he wants, and then the real negotiation begins
Or He just says ‘no thanks’ and at that point yes, the Nats really did try.
assuming they were just trying to save face is really naive.
Completely Correct.
Nats made one last ditch effort to get a conversation going, and Harper walked away. Let’s see if it was a smart decision
love seeing your posts so I can not read and downvote. now reply angrily, since you readily take commands
Not sure who you’re referring(I hope it’s me), but one of us got the wool on your neck to stand on end.
Look at indents, daved
This clown was replying to me. As pinstripes17 said it best: “rent-free”
Rent free
There really is nothing wrong with deferrals in a contract, Ask Bobby Bonilla how its working out for him. Receiving a million a year later in life after a playing career? Sign me up.
Even if there was NO opt-out clause in the offer, he gains 10/5 rights in 3 yrs (if he stays in DC.).
300M is legitimate. it may not be the best offer he’ll get and no one will fault Harper for not taking it. But 300M is still a legitimate offer.
Hard to believe JTR still firmly seems entrenched in Miami. Marlins seem intent on getting something ridiculous. It’s known that JTR is unhappy and wants out and the Marlins are so far off from being competitive. The only leverage they have is that he still has 2 years of controls compared to 1 or less. Have to believe that they are going to get less than they want and the longer they hold, the more irritated other front offices are going to be and might just look elsewhere.
Once Grandal signs other GMs will be more desperate to get Realmuto.
Dodgers should see if the Fish would accept a trade of Verdugo, Will Smith and Yadier Alavarez for JTR. Then let the Rockies sign Grandal and have his power play even better in the thin air than the haze of LA.
The Dodgers should put together a package to get both Realmuto and Marlin Castro. It would be expensive, but they have the prospects and money to absorb the hit. This would solve 3 problems the Dodgers have in 1 fell swoop. It fills holes at 2nd & catcher, & gives them some much needed RH hitting.
once Grandal signs it’s also one less team bidding on Realmuto, so that really cuts both ways.
I couldn’t believe what they were asking for from the Mets. I legit laughed when I saw those names.
Realmuto isn’t going anywhere until Grandal signs.
Lol @ Marlins though, they’re going to be terrible in 2019.
They were terrible with Realmuto, so it won’t matter much to the standings.
Or they’ll fleece another team in trading for JTR. Time will tell
Head on over to STLTODAY.COM CARDS FORUM and read all about JEFFY25 tell you how Jon Jay is the answer to every team’s needs. I’m sure some team in the NL EAST can use his power, speed, cannon arm, and Clemente type defense. 🙂
Ummm Dilson Herrera hasn’t been a met in years. Get it together mlbtraderumors
He signed with them a few weeks ago.
Nick, pay attention, the stove is on.
Just signed him back this offseason on a minors deal. Don’t worry, mlbtraderumors is very gracious when accepting apologies from posters who rip them for being bad at their job, only to turn out to be embarrassingly wrong in front of the whole baseball world. Good luck.
Good job pjm. Love that retort.
Um they resigned him to minor league deal after reds non tendered him or something. I’d add something snide like “get it together Nick Marter” but there’s no trolling during the holiday season.
Kirby Yates for Maikel Franco
They will want Gabe’s head on a stick even more if they don’t sign any other big names
Front office/ Owners played horrible poker going into the offseason
Gabe may not be around much longer if he is indeed targeted in the Federal Grand Jury investigation in the reported potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
This ^. Would be a plus for the Phillies IMO…
Jeff McNeil will be on the Mets bench once Peter Alonso is at 1B – unless McNeil replaces Frazier at 3B. Either way, not so desperate as you portray…
They need an OF, 2 RPs (one LHP at least) and starter depth.
I think the Phillies need a Machado or Harper, whereas the Nationals need a 5th starter and bullpen arms and the Braves, like the Nats, could use another starter and a reliever or two plus an outfielder. All in all, on paper Nats still look best but they have for awhile now and havent really done anything.
Mets trade Travis D’arnaud and low prospect for Keon Broxton and Thames
Good thing you don’t run a team. what a foolish trade
What would that do fro the Brewers? I’d rather have Kratz and Pina then Darnaud
If they’re willing to trade either straight up, sign me up.
I think the Braves should hold onto their prospects and see who steps up into that ace role. They are very deep in pitching prospects and they have a chance to be good for a long time with all that young talent.
They need to shed O’days salary and go get Greinke from ARZ. Trade them O’day, Pache, Wilson, and Intl money for Grienke with Arz absorbing 8 mil a year of grienkes contract
Trade Teheran too and get $12M per year.
How high are you to think thats a good deal for the Braves to trade to get Greinke?
It won’t take that much in prospects to get Grienke. The more salary absorbed, the lesser the prospects will be.
Nationals could use a left handed starter and one more solid lefty reliever. If they make the playoffs, they will need to find a way to stop the Dodger left handed hitters. Mets have some good left handed hitters too.
Drew Pomeranz has a history of being good against left handed hitters…. not last year though. Jorge dela Rosa was good against lefties. Maybe Xavier Cedeno as a LOOGY.
I think Jorge de la Rosa would be a good addition. The Nats had Cedeno years ago, so I’m not sure they’d bring him back (although they did bring Kurt Suzuki and Matt Adams back). Pomeranz could be an interesting bounce-back candidate.
If the phillies do not end up with one of harper or machado , the offseason is a failure. They also need to add Britton or Kimbrel for the bullpen. They started off good by trading for Segura and getting rid of the santana contract. They need to finish off the offseason on a high note.
Actually, I somewhat agree..I agree they need that “BIG” bat more than anything…I disagree on the arms..would be nice, but not the real need..The Phillies have a pretty good rotation, and the pen doesn’t suck either..all teams can always need more arms…however, that lineup is still anemic..
I have this sinking feeling that Cigar Guy’s ‘stupid money” isn’t gonna be stupid enough to sign Harper or Machado. Frankly, I’d be more in the camp of a trade for Kluber because, after Nola and Arrieta, I don’t have a ton of confidence in Velasquez, Pivetta or Eflin. Fact is, I think the former two project better as fire balling late inning relievers.
If the Phillies can trade for Kluber, I’m ok with the offense as it is right now. Starting line up right now figures to be Segura, Hernandez,, Hoskins, McCutchen, Odubel, Franco, Williams and Alfaro. Figure Quinn and Altherr will get starts in place of Odubel and Williams vs. LHP. Kingery will be Kapler’s play-all-over-the-field utility guy. Also need a veteran back up catcher (Todd Hundley?).
I don’t think the offense is enough as is but I agree that they are better with Kluber and a few other pieces instead of going all in on a Machado/Harper/Kimbrel. The amount of money they would be committing to Machado or Harper would go much further with 2 or 3 key pieces in my opinion.
1. That offense is not very good.
2. Kluber is not a free agent. He’s signed for 3 years at a team-friendly contract; healthy; 3-time Cy Young award winner. The Indians want back a young cheap run-producing OF or 3B, a top-tier prospect almost major league ready, and a 3rd decent prospect – reasonable for a SP like Kluber.
So who do the Phillies have to offer?
I’m all in for signing Todd Hundley….they could play him in left field as well…..in 1999
SMH HAHA
His team mates should have let him swing away in the clubhouse after the 1999 playoffs ended.
They need to reorder the braves needs from bullpen first, RF 2nd, and starting pitcher 3rd. Regardless, is adam Jones really only a part time option? He’s pretty consistent, his pop was down last year but that might change in atlanta ballpark? Just thinking out loud, never even considered him an option to be honest
Why would going from one of the best hitter parks in Camden Yards to a worse park for hitting help Jones? Is it supposed to also help in his aging? Or his clearly declining abilities?
Jones would be like adding Markakis. Lateral move
True. Wasn’t thinking. And yea, idk if it’s like adding Markakis … I still feel like Jones has a lot more to offer than Nick. But it’s not like either should be long term options.
nick’s WAR was higher, but that’s because he had an incredible first 2 months. Then he fell off a cliff.
The Marlins ‘develop’ a guy to the majors, then trade him for a bunch of prospects, when those prospects make it to the majors they trade them for prospects…
Sound just like what Padres have done that for over a decade .
The difference is the Fish manage to sneak in a WS win before rebooting lol.
I think Nationals need more relief help than Harper back now.
“The venerable 35-year-old would be a fine option to return and man the position even if he shouldn’t be expected to repeat his 2018 numbers. ”
No, absolutely not.
As a Braves fan, really wish the FO would move their a$$es. Boring offseason, make some moves you bums
They started off well with Donaldson but nothing has happened since which is kind of surprising to be honest but there is more off season to be had
But I want action nowwwwww
“….which is kind of surprising to be honest….”
@ Yankee Patriot;
Ah, yes……
Are we to assume that unless you note that you’re being honest, your posts are less then honest?
The marlins will get fleeced, just watch. They are losing more and more trade partners this off season the longer they wait to trade JT
Or they’ll fleece whichever team gets JTR, just watch.
“There’s been no division in baseball more active than the National League Least ”
Fixed that for you.
Still looks like the NL Least to me. If the Phillies don’t sign Harper then the division will lose it’s biggest star. Cano is an old man on PEDS. McCutchen is an old man trying not to crater. Nothing has happened. Those moves by the Braves aren’t even a warm up for Ted Turner.
This nonsense about the NL Least getting stronger is classic old school baseball media propaganda.
Aren’t you clever.
Whether Harper is the biggest star in the NL east is debatable – DeGrom and ,Scherzer. jump to mind. Harper most talked about but how much of that is because of his free agent status? At least you didn’t hit us with the whole ” phillies go up when mets go down” crap you have posted few dozen times.. and for that I thank you.
The Mets have set themselves up to go bust after this season and then they will tank for many years.
My point is spot on with over fifty years of history behind it. A writer for the New York Times used my point back when it was forty years of history.
If the Mets had stopped this cycle they would be fighting with the Phillies over both Machado and Harper and would sign at least one. My point is there is never even a five year stretch wherein the Phillies and Mets battle for the division title. They are always headed in opposite directions. That is exactly what you see now.
Next winter both Syndergaard and de Grom head out the door for prospects while the Mets play out Cano’s contract through their rebuild, which will be long just as the Phillies was.
The Phillies had Howard whiffing for five years of their rebuild.
You listen to conspiracy talk radio too much.
I guess the New York Times does too.
CNN has a talk radio station?
bet you he has an art bell poster over his bed lol
and George Noory too.
@ScottRolen
You clearly have an agenda which starves your post of credibility.
NL most definitely stronger and extremely competitive.. Gonna be a horse race all season although of the projected 4 battles, I think the Phillies aren’t there yet and may not get the super star bat and closer they crave. They upgraded however moving Hoskins to first base – his best position – and adding solid, proven options in A.M and at SS.
Cano’s in fantastic shape, showed no signs of offensive decline even after return from 80 games suspension which by the way was for Lasix – a water pill. prescribed in his native Dominican Republic by a physician for a medical condition. Cano’s mistake was taking it without checking with MLB.
Cano might hit for average but 20 hrs is about his limit. Could be less.. For his paycheck that doesn’t get it done.
“The recent contracts for Andrew McCutchen and Michael Brantley subtracted two quality options from the open market…”
That’s an incredibly generous labeling of two overpriced outfielders, one of which is on an obvious and sharp decline, while the other missed most of two of the last three seasons and is guaranteed to miss chunks of the upcoming seasons.
I’m glad the Braves passed on both of them. They weren’t worth it.
Cutch, yes, 100% the Phillies got ripped off. Brantley is beast, if healthy.
“if healthy”
Babe Ruth is a great hitter, if this is the 1920s
Not sure where else to put this so here we go
What’s up with Zack Grienke? Will the Dbacks trade him, because it seems like a slam dunk for the Phillies. ZG’s contract is kind of big/ugly and wouldn’t cost a Top 5 prospect if the Phils took all the money
Just sayin’
The Phillies need for Greinke is zero.
The Phillies need for both Harper and Machado is off the charts into infinity.
Harper and Machado don’t pitch, and that’s what the Phillies need “off the charts into infinity”.
Phils need offense, hungry breakfast food shortage dude…pitching they have would go far, it’s actually a strength .With Manny and Bryce, Hoskins,Cutch,Segura, Herrera scoring 5 runs a game it just gets easier for them and they don’t have to carry the team all year….
The Phillies staff is pretty good, their offense is pretty anemic. I’m not sure how anyone looks at the Phillies and thinks “yea this lineup will win if the pitching gets better”. Those cats better be as good as the Braves staff was in the 90’s with their lineup.
Phillies are a possible fit for Greinke, but they are one of the teams on his NTC list. Still, it might work. Greinke is much more affordable than has been advertised. His true 2019-2021 salary is $21M/year, so $63M. Everything else is deferred or would be paid by the Dbacks. Deferred money would be about $25M paid over a 5 yr. timeframe (2022-2026). Compare this to Kluber, who is Not a true TOR Ace like Greinke. Greinke is only $3M-$4M more per year for a true Ace.
Multi-Cy Young winner Kluber? Under control for 3 more years at a team friendly AAV Kluber? Greinke is a horse, but he is more of a #2 than a true #1 like Kluber. Greinke can still produce, but there is no extra value bc of his contract. Kluber with his contract is more valuable and he’ll cost done top end talent.
Swap out the Marlins with the Rays and you would see Tampa being picked to win the division preseason by many. Yet Tampa is a joke compared to the Yankees and Red Sox.
The NL Least.
Maybe you should be saying AL Most rather than NL Least
Or AL Central Who Cares
The Mets own SNY in New York City.
The Nationals do not have a TV contract.
There is no chance that the Braves get less money from their TV deal than Washington. The Mets TV money is huge, top-of-the-game.
Now compare payrolls for these teams for the past few years. Let me know when you figure it out.
Hey Scott-
I figured it out.
The Coupons, aka Mutt and Jeff or Abbott and Costello are crooks.
And long time Phillies owner Ruly Carpenter was the heir to the DuPont fortune, so they had money too. The problem isn’t poor teams it’s greedy owners not investing in their teams. As I wrote before each team got 100M in New revenues last year from the Bamtech sale and the new streaming rights deal
The problem is owners pocketing that money. Any fan crying poor mouth is delusional
The Nationals own a portion of the Mid Atlantic Sports Network.
Also, according to this article from fangraphs: fangraphs.com/blogs/estimated-tv-revenues-for-all-…
The Nationals get $46 million a year and the Braves get $35 million.
If the Marlins and Rays switched divisions, the Rays would win the NL East and the Marlins may win 10 games all year.
“If the Marlins and Rays switched divisions, the Rays would win the NL East and the Marlins may win 10 games all year.”
Would all those wins be against the Orioles?
lol yup… they would play 19 times right? They can get 10 wins.
Markakis would be an acceptable fallback for the Braves for one year in lieu of making an impact trade or signing. He wouldn’t bat in the middle of the order, but his obp would play in the six or seven hole.
Rather go with Heyward any day over Markakis. Braves get Heyward ,Contreras and $25 mil. Cubs get Flowers and Teheran and have money for Harper.
The Cubs would have to send $60M for the Braves to take Heyward. I doubt they’d trade Contreras just to get rid of Heyward.
The Braves 3B prospect, Austin Riley, looks suspect at 3B Perhaps the Braves work him into RF.
First I’ve heard that his defense at 3B is suspect. Where did you read that?
From MLB.com:
“Riley also made huge strides in his defense at third and there are no longer concerns about his ability to stay at the hot corner, where his plus arm has always played well.”
Phillies make the move for Kluber. Gives the franchise credibility similar (but not the same) as Lester with the Cubs (yes I know it was a free agent signing, not a trade)
Harper and Machado both come with issues and misgivings….fabulous players, but the Phillies have already backed up the money trucks and both guys give the air they are too important for Philly.
Go all-in next year for Trout. All-in. Make it happen. Guy spends more time in South Jersey and Philly in the fall than most front runner Eagle fans
Nobody’s talking bout Kubler’s age and innings pitched over the last 5 years. He’s 32 and has thrown over 200 innings a year over that period. Add playoff innings for 3 of those seasons…he’s a good candidate for arm problems. Spend the money on everyday players and just outscore the other guys like the mid 2000 teams did…
Remember, it was pretty much just Hamels a heap of number 4’s and a strong pen that was carried by the bats to a championship in 08. By the time they had assembled the 4 aces in 2011, the offense had deteriorated and they couldn’t get out of the NLDS, That was the best staff the Phils ever assembled. Didn’t work.
The ‘pitching wins championships” mantra proved false for the Phillies for nearly every period of success the team has had. 70’s teams were offense and Carlton. The 93 team was offense and Schilling. The 08 team was offense and Hamels. This era could be offense and Nola. I say spend the cash on bats, have a solid pen and pummel your opponents….
mod, I’m with you..The rotation is a strength…the pen doesn’t suck..
they need at the least, one big bat
The NL East may not be the strongest division, but it’s one of the most competitive. Four teams have a chance to win the division.
And yet, all of this is for nothing, because the Mets have already won the division, according to their GM. The rest of the division might as well rebuild. LOL
Damn it. The Braves just emerged from their rebuild!
*Sigh* Okay, what kind of prospect package can we get for Acuna?
Phillies. Trade for Stanton. That will free up the Yankees to sign Harper and that perfect left hand swing for Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park. Stanton will play well in that nice ballpark in Philadelphia.
Stanton struck out more than 200 times last year..brutal..home runs or bust..I’d just prefer he stay in NY
I agree that the Phillies would be better with Stanton over Harper and pocketing an extra 5-10m a year.
Marlins:
1. An entire baseball team.
Hmmm … MLBTR featuring no respect for left-handed hitting 19 year old Luis Garcia! You would think ya might have learned a thing or two from Juan Soto “things” last season? Before Carter Kieboom it’s going to be the speedster with the rifle arm Garcia. You can take that to the bank. You guys can do better than this?
Braves really don’t need another starter given the number of top 100 starting pitching prospects their system can tout. They really could use Harper … that would allow them to win the NL East for the next 5 seasons if they can somehow come up with a catcher too. Top catching prospect Contreras has a long way to go still. Put him together with a top prospect starter and they might get a top catcher like Sean Murphy from the A’s who looks like he is ready.
No to Harper. The Braves aren’t going to pay one player 30%-35% of their entire payroll.
Nats should……..
Trade R. Zimmerman
Trade S. Stratsburg to the Yankees for G. Torres and the 3rd baseman.
Trade C. Kieboom for T. Bauer
Trade for N. Baumgarner.
And if Rendon is not going to sign then you trade him too, no sense in letting him walk too for a pick. Either he’s signed long term or dealt don’t mess around.
Braves need to resign kakes n trade for mad bum to teach the kids to pitch n thats it. We ahead of our rebuild n thats good. Just be happy n roll with the kids n hope for further development
As a Brave fan since 1958 I think the teams biggest need is new owners who care about baseball and not just squeezing every nickle out of the team. Donaldson and McCann were not must get players. The bullpen has been shaky the last 4 years and the starting staff is pretty average.
The Nats, Phils and Met’s have improved this winter already and will make more moves.
AA signed Donaldson trying to relive his Toronto days. The Braves priority should be getting LeClerc from Texas. And dropping Sam Freeman.
I think the Mets should stick with Juan Lagares…..I know he is injury prone but was offto a great start last year before the toe injury…..If you must trade him …wait till the deadline and see where he is