DECEMBER 19: The deal is now official.
Brantley will receive a $2MM signing bonus and $15MM salaries in each year of the deal, per Rosenthal (via Twitter).
DECEMBER 17, 6:01pm: The terms have been agreed to, per Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, who tweets that the deal will not come with any options.
5:48pm: The Astros are “closing in” on a deal with veteran outfielder Michael Brantley, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (Twitter link). It’s expected to promise Brantley something in the range of two years and $32MM if completed, per the report.
Entering the offseason, MLBTR graded Brantley the tenth-best free agent on the market. We predicted both he and Andrew McCutchen would secure three-year deals at $15MM average annual values. If today’s rumored pact goes through, though, McCutchen will have topped Brantley handily with his own three-year, $50MM agreement with the Phillies.
For the ’Stros, this signing would deliver another veteran, left-handed-hitting corner outfield to a mix that already includes Josh Reddick. Both Brantley and Reddick are best with the platoon advantage, as is younger lefty-swinging outfielder Tony Kemp, which will make it interesting to see how the remainder of the roster is structured.
Brantley is certainly a polished offensive piece. The 31-year-old slashed .309/.364/.468 last year and is among the game’s best pure hitters, as reflected in his lifetime .295 batting average. He’s good for fifteen to twenty long balls annually, which is useful but hardly elite for a corner outfielder, but makes up for any shortcomings in that regard by rarely striking out (10.7% career K rate).
It certainly doesn’t hurt, either, that Brantley contributes in the running game. He swiped a dozen bags last year and has typically graded out as an above-average to excellent overall baserunner. In the field, Brantley has mostly drawn average marks for his work in left field.
The largest demerit, clearly, involves health. Brantley was limited significantly in 2016 and 2017 owing to a string of injuries and related surgeries. That, perhaps, is the most significant point of distinction between Brantley and McCutchen.
Even if the Houston club has its qualms about Brantley’s health outlook, it’ll have more flexibility than its peers to keep him rested and make the most of his skillset. Brantley can spend time at DH and perhaps even at first base, with the right-handed-hitting Yuli Gurriel potentially operating in a similar fashion but as a right-handed hitter.
The broader slate of Houston stars definitely hues right-handed, so it’s not as if there’s an over-abundance of lefty bats generally. Still, as hinted above, this acquisition poses some interesting questions regarding the outfield mix, in particular. Brantley, Reddick, and Kemp aren’t the only pieces to consider, after all. In terms of righty bats, George Springer will continue to get regular time while Jake Marisnick could work as a platoon piece.
That works well enough on its own, particularly if we assume Brantley will see action in other areas, but leaves two players (both left-handed hitters) unaccounted for. 25-year-old Derek Fisher struggled badly last year in the majors, but is still an intriguing talent. And Kyle Tucker is widely viewed as one of the better all-around prospects in baseball. The 21-year-old had a forgettable first attempt at the big leagues, but laid waste to Triple-A pitching in 2018 and could well be a major factor next season.
It’s tough to know exactly how this’ll all shake out. For now, suffice to say, the Astros still have plenty of options. It’s not hard to imagine another significant bat fitting on the roster. And it’s also not difficult to picture a trade — whether a blockbuster or one of lesser significance — that’d make use of the backlog of lefty outfield bats.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Wahoo What a Finish!
2 and $32 million. Thanks Dolan for being a worthless cheapskate of an owner. You are the absolute worst.
possible donkey
I’m confused. Was that not the beat deal he got offered? I’m sure I’m missing something.
possible donkey
Never mind. Just saw my own mistake. Can I delete. Ha
deweybelongsinthehall
One solid year in how many? Cleveland can’t afford paying good money to someone who odds are will spend considerable time on the DL. I expect the Astros to now shop Reddick which will be a mistake. I still say a salary cap is needed to keep the balance. Combination NFL and NBA cap. Allow teams to go over to resign their own but prevent over the cap teams from signing other free agents. Make the cap high enough and with a minimum floor to keep the union happy.
CobiEven
Reddick has not been good for a bit.
J.D.
Reddick wanted to stay in oakland alot with u runners on. Trade him now and get chris davis a year later
davidcoonce74
Yeah that NBA and NFL salary cap structure has really been a boon for competitive balance. How man years in a row did the same two NBA teams make the finals? Didn’t some NFL team go 0-16 just like two years ago, while the Patriots have been in the Super Bowl five times in the last nine years or something?
Salary caps put more money in owners’ pockets; they don’t help “competitive balance” in the slightest and they don’t make ticket prices cheaper (you may want to check out how much it costs to see an NFL game some time).
dugdog83
Your point is wrong. Salary caps do keep it competitive. Leagues need a HARD cap. A soft salary cap like NBA is a joke.
There’s only 8 home games so naturally NFL tickets cost more.
southbeachbully
And yet in the NBA, 6 teams have basically won everything the last 30 years. How has the helped create parity? Also, the NBA’s salary cap has worked out so well that at times a guy like Mike Conly was the highest paid player over LBJ, Curry, Durant and others. it’s not that simple. A lot more moving pieces.
tjritter79
Salary caps ONLY will work in MLB if a salary minimum is maintained….there is where competitive balance can be maintained. Serves no purpose if half the National league bank the season, save money and decide to spend once they have bolstered their minor league system. Really, today you can take 10-15 teams right off the top and know they are not making the playoffs this season.
What makes both the NBA/NHL look competitive is when half the league make the playoffs…it also makes the reg season nearly worthless. Why does San Antonio bench half their team when they go to Cleveland….that’s why!
a-a-a-astros
Baseball hasn’t had repeat Champions since the beginning of this century. So they don’t need a hard cap the luxury tax is working. Even seeing the Dodgers and Yankees trying to stay under. The other sports aren’t nearly as competitive even with the tanking.
smoss
Huh? If Brantley accepts, that means $32m was the MOST any team thought he was worth.
batty
Or, perhaps he turned more money and even years down to play with a very serious contender.
Wahoo What a Finish!
Which is a phenomenal value that the Indians just let walk away. Most overrated front office in baseball IMO. They always get credit for making “smart” moves but they have zero rings to show for it.
bigkempin
It’s only fantastic value if he can stay on the field for 140+ games.
Polish Hammer
Hold that thought, when he pulls up lame the same fantasy baseball GMs will be flipping the script.
MrStealYoBase
bigkempin. I mean, Cleveland already showed they were willing to bet on him for 11.5M last year and he put up a 121 OPS+ over 141 games. He’s worth 16M a year so this is them either saying that was a fluke or they wouldn’t bet on it happening again.
indiansfan44
That’s the big question. I loved Brantley but his age and injury history are big risks. The Astros have the enough outfield options that if he does get injured and if they do plan to use him at 1st it would be hard to find a cheap replacement with the way the market has been in recent years. They took a risk the Indians weren’t willing to take.
Mikel Grady
Yankees and dodgers big money have won how many rings last 10 years?
Basebal101
Red Sox highesy payroll in baseball last yr and who won the WS?
Prospectnvstr
Do you even realize what a contradiction your comment is compared to reality? Brantley was the 4th piece,the ptbnl,in the return fr the brewers for CC Sabathia in 2008. The key piece was to be Matt Laporta. Brantley was a 2 time all-star,not to shabby for 1/2 of a season (11 starts) of Sabathia.
debubba
Agreed. Not offering the qualifying offer looks pretty smart now. If he accepted it, he would have been paid well above market value. If he didn’t, there is no comp pick coming back anyway. I think the Indians did the right thing. Great bat, but lost a few steps in the outfield. IF he stays healthy then it will be a good pick up by the Astros.
Wahoo What a Finish!
What are you talking about? The QO would have been $18 million over 1 year and that’s basically what the Astros paid. The Astros got a slight discount in return for 2 years of control instead of one… that’s all
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
To be fair the Yankees had the Jason Giambi curse. Had him for 7 years and went on a 9 year world series drought. The Phillies were just dumb in 2009. Pedro should have never pitched to Matsui.
And currently the Dodgers are the buffalo bills of baseball.
debubba
Huh. It appears that you don’t understand how numbers work. 18 apples is greater than 16 apples. If people think 16 apples is the perfect amount, then your 18 apples seem to be a bit high.
debubba
I know, this “new math” thing is super confusing.
hojostache
With Cutch already signed, I was really hoping the Mets would make a push for him. While not an ideal fit, when healthy he absolutely mashes and would be a valuable corner outfielder. At two years it makes the deal much more reasonable. His numbers when he finally got healthy last year were solid and he could be yet another impact bat on an already solid HOU lineup.
Mikel Grady
Unless the 16 apples are Granny Smith apples and 18 are Washington red apples
Syndergaarden Cop
Paul “Show Me the DOUGH-lan” he is not, apparently
JFactor
And yet, Indians attendance went down this year…
aruckman
But we still have Kipnis, who couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat…
Owners complain about the fans, make financially stupid moves, and wonder why the fans bash them…
norcalguardiansfan
The Indians look really bad if you only look at their failures. Huh. Imagine that.
wrigleywannabe
Exactly. Had they let Kipnis get away, at the time, everyine would have thrown a fit.
iverbure
Nope doesn’t work like that. Fans can only use hindsight when it fits their narrative.
JFactor
And yet, Indians attendance went down this year…
Astros bring in 60M more per year
hockeyjohn
Houston is a much bigger Metropolitan area than Cleveland. They should make more money. The economy in Cleveland has nit been great lately also.
a-a-a-astros
I bet it’s more of their lack of competition they have.
Ejemp2006
Huge over pay for a player destined to be on the DL for at least 60% of the contract
tmengd 2
630 plate appearances in 2018 :p
Solaris601
Tribe was VERY fortunate Brantley was on the field and successful most of last year. I was against CLE picking up his 2018 option, but they rolled the dice and got lucky. Brantley is one of the best when healthy, but he has a history as a slow healer and very prone to re-injury. Tribe can’t afford that risk, but HOU can.
imgman09
1st comment,please grow up,find a different hobby because your not good at This one
Youtube.com/@PINGTR1P
you’re*
thebare54
Troll s
pacman alan
Nice
lsujedi
I’m all aboard on this. Contending teams can’t bank on a prospect turning into a regular. Any prospect. Window closing sooner than we think…
Yankeepatriot
Astros could lose verlander AND cole next year. Not to mention Dallas probably won’t come back. Morton is already gone as we all know
Astros have some big choices to make soon
MrStealYoBase
Whitley will replace one of those guys but you’re right that they’ll need to pony up for a big FA starter if they want to stay competitive in the AL, which probably means letting Springer walk.
bastros88
I would imagine resign Verlander and have Whitley replace Cole
Yankeepatriot
Verlander is aging though. Wouldn’t extending cole make more sense ?
tmengd 2
if Cole wants to be extended. Usually pitchers want to test the market
Yankeepatriot
If he repeats his 2018 number he would be crazy not to test it unless the stros make him a offer he can’t refuse
ldfanatic
You imagine the opposite of what’s correct. Cole is the long term guy.
a-a-a-astros
The other way around makes more sense.
Ejemp2006
The Astros didn’t completely obliterate their farm system in order to get into this window and they have a great development system. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them maintain a steady influx of young players and stay competitive for a long run. Whitley looks destined for greatness and their current core is still a year or two from their prime, which is to say I expect Springer, Correa, Altuve, and Bregman to continue to growth.
Mishimacool
A long competitive run is an almost false impression. As the parent club succeeds over time, it’s minor league assets will dwindle.and your talent pipeline will diminish. Just the way it is.
a-a-a-astros
2021 who will be left? Bregman and Altuve. We are already a high payroll. What this does is allow us to get Realmuto for 2 years and be the 1st team since the Yankees to repeat.
hojostache
100% true, but they have a core of young healthy positions players to build around. While TOR pitchers aren’t exactly plentiful, I’d rather have the position players as the foundation, try and develop arms internally, with the understanding that a couple/few outside pieces will be needed. I actually think SP is a good place to invest now since BP arms keep getting more and more expensive and the vast majority of top BP arms are failed starters.
nmendoza7
Do they not need a starting pitcher or a left handed reliever? Are they just gonna endlessly add bats?
PhanaticDuck26
pretty sure an OF does not prevent them from pursuing those additions as well
Christian Larsen
They needed a Left fielder lol
OnlyRaysFan
Well a starter will likely have to come from trade and those take longer than FA signings and Luhnow already said they will likely go with internal options for a LHP. They also have to fill in all those starts by MarGo and Gattis
Cam
It boggles my mind that people think front offices can only focus on one player at a time, start to finish.
It’s not like the Astros GM hung up on a bunch of people saying “Sorry, can’t talk Pitchers now, signing Brantley”.
coldgoldenfalstaff
They had to replace Marwin Gonzalez’s production and there’s a good chance Altuve and /or Correa could miss time recovering from offseason surgeries.
a-a-a-astros
Cionel Perez covers the lefty and we have plenty of guys to fill out the staff. Get Realmuto and Cruz and we are set.
xabial
Ok.. I hope they add many incentives for staying on field
They were made for players like him. I have greater worry about him staying healthy, than hitting .300
Joseph12992
2yrs and 32 million seems reasonable, I don’t know if your gonna have the leverage as an organization to make incentives to hit that number. I do agree that more teams should start thinking like this but it is difficult when there is widespread interest in a player. I feel he simply had to much leverage for that.
MetsYankeesWhiteSox
Called it! Go back 3 and half years in a thread about Brett Gardner. I swear I said “book it!”
Cam
Someone’s desperate for a little love.
carlote
3 years?? I don’t even go back to yesterdays threads
puigpower
No.
Cole Shepherd
Astros guy here. Hmmmm.. Very interesting.
You guys would be astounded at how much some of us implicitly trust Luhnow and the brain-trust.
clubberlang
They won a Chip and contended for another. They earned some trust.
Cole Shepherd
Yep. Most of their moves have been gold. I have zero trepidation going into 2019. Might win it, or possibly, might not. but we’re gonna give it our best shot.
2017 & 2018 were COMPLETELY different than each other. I’m not sure 2019 will much resemble either!
astros_fan_84
Agreed
Cole Shepherd
If Bregman has the last word on the matter, we’ll win about 130 games.
himyojimbo
BOUT TIME.
First?
nymetsking
wow, nice move
Jakey
Wow, way less than I expected him to get. Great signing. If Tucker forces himself onto the team, Brantley can play 1B.
batty
So you just assume Brantley has the defensive chops to play 1`st? Despite only having played a handful of games there in the minors long ago?
sname_james
People seem to think that they can just stick anyone at first base in order to make some ridiculous move for another player. I don’t get the mentality.
JFactor
Because first base is the easiest position to play on a baseball field by a mile
Zach725
Or maybe it’s because Brantley himself said he would be willing to play 1st base.
batty
Willing doesn’t always equal able.
batty
Sticking with the Bill James position rating system, i see.
1st base is much more difficult than a lot of people believe. Just the fact that a 1st baseman handles the ball the third most on the diamond alone should tell you that.
Wannabekillerb
I would argue that the corner outfield positions are much easier to play. I would say LF is the easiest.
Tom Rito
It is easy to see that all you wise guys have never played baseball. Every player knows that wherever your worst fielder is, that’s where the ball will be hit over and over again. 1b or RF it just doesn’t matter.
batty
So the ball was hit to you a lot then.
Samuel
@ JFactor
“Because first base is the easiest position to play on a baseball field by a mile”
_ _
No.
It’s the most forgiving position by the fans that never played the game, because when a 1B screws up said fans excuse him because he’s perceived to be a bopper with the bat.
Other then the P and C, the 1B handles the ball the most in a game. He has to charge bunts; hold runners on (then sprint to his position as the P is releasing the ball); act as a cutoff man as do the SS and 2B; clean up bad throws from the P, C, 3B, SS and 2B: handle hot smashes – primarily from LH hitters; and often makes decisions on where to throw the ball if he gets it with runners on base and less then 2 outs.
A 1B impacts a teams defense tremendously. To play it well, a 1B has to make quick decisions; have quick reactions; good hands; an accurate arm; an understanding of the tendencies of all other defenders other then the LF; and on each pitch with a runner on base, and be abreast of the game situation on each pitch.
Brantley will be a fine 1B as he is an high Baseball-IQ player with superior instincts (missing in most MLB players today).
A true professional. A great signing by the Astros. Their fans are going to love watching him play.
Samuel
@ Tom Rito
“Every player knows that wherever your worst fielder is, that’s where the ball will be hit over and over again. 1b or RF it just doesn’t matter.”
_ _
LOL
For years I’ve read posters here confuse MLB with rotisserie-league baseball.
This is the first time I’ve seen it confused with slo-pitch Sunday-morning softball.
wrigleywannabe
He handlrs the most because he takes a lot of throws.
Disagree, if you want. But use better evidence
Samuel
@ wrigleywannabe
“He handlrs the most because he takes a lot of throws.”
__
Eric Clapton got a lot of attention because he took a lot of solos.
My evidence? This should lose you…..
Branch Rickey learned about the value of a great defensive 1B when he had George Sisler as a college baseball coach at Michigan
You probably never heard of George. When Rickey became GM of the St. Louis Browns, he signed Sisler to play 1B. Sisler was a pretty good hitter. He hit .400 twice, finished with a lifetime slash of .340 – .379 – .468 – .847 in 15 years. He’s in the Hall of Fame.
Sisler was an excellent defensive 1B. Rickey saw how instrumental that was to a team winning. When he became GM of the Cardinals (and among other things – started the farm system) he instituted a system of play used by both the Cardinals and the Dodgers (that later stole him to be their GM). The Cardinals still use some of that system, the Dodgers got away from it when Peter O’Malley sold the franchise in 1998. That system emphasized having a quality defensive 1B.
Over the decades the Rickey system (also known as “The Dodger Way’ and ‘The Cardinals Way’) was in place, those 2 franchises were constantly competitive and pretty much ruled the NL. Players staffing 1B for those teams included Jackie Robinson, Gil Hodges, Wes Parker, Ron Fairly, Steve Garvey, James Looney, Stan Musial, Bill White, Keith Hernandez, and Albert Pujols – many known for their hitting, but all very good to great 1B’s.
More recent “evidence”?
The Red Sox took off this year when they dumped Hanley Rameriz and installed Mitch Moreland as their primary 1B. Moreland is an excellent defensive 1B, and covered for the poor Red Sox infield.
The Rameriz/Moreland action came at the behest and lobbying of manager Alex Cora – telling his bosses that it would help the team win. Mr. Cora learned his baseball playing in the Branch Rickey system as a minor leaguer with the Dodgers. (Probably just a coincidence.)
Samuel
P.S.
Branch Rickey was using OBP in 1915.
Who knows? Maybe some day Brad Pitt will play him in a movie.
Tom E. Snyder
Harrison Ford already did (42).
live42day
Love the Sisler reference. This is exactly why I am so happy the Cards have a year to convince Goldy to sign a long term deal. His defense and Sisler type base running skills are exactly what the Cards need.
I 100% agree a gold glove caliber first baseman solidifies the infield defense saving potential throwing errors and turning them into outs
Great comment.
iverbure
Gotta wonder why every old hurt guy who has a unmovable contract is moved to 1st base and how that’s been the case for decades now. Man wonder why you guys aren’t hired by front offices sense you’re ahead of the curve of this. I’ve played every position on the diamond in various levels of baseball. 1st base is the easiest any age after 4 when you learn how to catch. I realize some of you can’t catch but I can and 1st base is the easiest to play. End of debate.
JFactor
No, it’s because all it takes is basic foot work, is super easy to learn, requires no throwing and not much mobility.
It’s literally just catching the ball and having your feet organized before the ball is thrown.
And yes, I played.
Any collegiate level athlete can learn first base in a matter of weeks. Brantley certainly could.
Now, how would he compare to other 1B around the league? That’s up for debate. But he won’t go over there and miss throws or not catch balls thrown and hit at him.
Netflix&RichHill
I think you’re correct in that a lot of people underestimate how hard 1B is. However, it’s still easier than other positions, hence the harsher positional adjustment in defensive metrics. It’s a lot of catching chest high throws and not a lot of throwing.
davidcoonce74
I think just a cursory glance at the starting first basemen in the majors, throughout history, would argue against this absurd notion that first base is a really hard position to play. Especially in 2018, when nobody bunts anymore. Teams put guys at first because they tend to be slow and can’t throw. Sometimes guys like that turn into good first basemen – Steve Garvey comes to mind immediately ; he was considered a terrific first baseman but he couldn’t have been remotely successful at any other position on the field simply because he couldn’t throw and he was slow as molasses.
But this narrative that is popping up on this thread – that first base is a really hard position to play, and unless you played the game you don’t know this – is absurd. I played baseball from age six and through high school (I was a center fielder) and first base is where coaches always put the tall kid or the fat kid. It’s at the bottom of the defensive spectrum for a reason.
Curtis Beale
Yuli had never played 1st base before Astros. Struggled for 1/2 year and pretty good now.
a-a-a-astros
Not at MM
Jakey
It’s by far the easiest position to play. It’s very likely he can play at least close to an average 1B.
Wannabekillerb
I think you’re wrong. The glove work required to play 1B is much more difficult than playing the corner outfield positions. It just requires less mobility to play 1B. The skill set isn’t easy to learn especially if you’ve only ever played OF.
live42day
@ wannabekillerb
I completely agree
iverbure
Someone should tell the Phillies they’re moving Hoskins from the easiest position to a harder position. I mean like come on. Like obviously you want a great defensive 1st basemen but you people that don’t think 1st base is the easiest position on the field are something else.
Wannabekillerb
Hoskins is slow. Like I said, you need less mobility for 1B. The skill set is what makes it a more difficult position. OFs aren’t used to screaming grounders down the line. They aren’t used to being fearful of a few teeth getting knocked out by an ugly finder. It’s much easier, if you’ve got adequate speed, to play the corner OF. If you’re too slow to play there you get moved to 1B. Simple.
Curtis Beale
Agree. If not, why do they always move the guy who can’t play anywhere else to 1B?
ldfanatic
Good move by Luhnow. LH bat is a serious need.
LyricalAssassin
But who is gonna pitch for them now?!?!
wrigleywannabe
Someone rhey add in the next two months?
OnlyRaysFan
What are you talking about?? The season alreary started
Syndergaarden Cop
And they might get Cruz too. SICK lineup if that happens, easily best in MLB.
Wildboyz
Tucker+ to Miami for Realmuto?
bigkempin
Tucker + too much for what HOU is likely willing to pay. It would shock me if MIA asked for Tucker and Whitley. They asked LA for Bellinger and 1 of Puig/Verdugo. They asked NYM for a straight up Thor deal.
Mjm117
They also asked Angels for Trout, 80 million plus Ohtani, Adell and Griffin.
They asked Rays for their top 10 prospects plus Blake Snell.
Mr_KLC
I’m wondering if this makes Tony Kemp available also.
DannyP
I think he could be a solid pickup. If i was a team looking for second base help i might try and get Kemp as he is versitle, has speed and decent pop at a very low price.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
Does this now free up Kyle Tucker to be traded in a package for Realmuto?
That’s the move.
houston turmoiler
I think its possible they try to find a way to move Josh Reddick now.
Cole Shepherd
that was the first thought that occurred to me too – but I do not even pretend to know what Luhnow might do any longer. I was pretty sure they would try to keep Morton and Marwin, and thought they’d try to keep Maldonado, too.
Syndergaarden Cop
Michael Brantley swung at 1008 pitches last season and only missed 111 times. His 11% whiff rate was 3rd lowest in MLB. Alex Bregman was 7th lowest.
frankiegxiii
That is impressive, damn impressive. Who were first and second? I would check myself but I don’t have time, I’m supposed to be working right now…
Syndergaarden Cop
1. David Fletcher
2. Joe Panik
wiggysf
If only Joe Panik could hit the ball hard
joshb600
So did they sign Brantley, or “Bratley” ?
Michael Chaney
This brings me back to a point I made a while ago in a thread about the Indians possibly attaching Kipnis to Kluber/Bauer in a trade. If they’re cutting payroll — even drastically — then that’s fine. (The moves they’ve made to this point don’t really bother me anyway.) But if they won’t reinvest any of that back into the major league roster and they’ll just pocket the savings, then I have a problem with that.
The outfield for next year currently looks pretty terrible. I can live with Leonys Martin playing center because of his defense, and maybe Bauers will play a corner spot if he doesn’t play first or DH, but the other 1-2 spots are up for grabs between a bunch of platoon bats and guys who provide more questions than answers. They need help there in the worst way.
sufferforsnakes
I’m really hoping that Greg Allen takes a big step up in his development.
Burgeezy
Same here. He reminds me of a young Kenny lofton. I hope he gets some legit playing time to develop.
hockeyjohn
It is only mid December. Let’s see what outfield options they have come the end of spring training. We can be excited or pitch a fit then.
JFactor
So the astros are placing Gattis and Gonzalez’s $11M and their starts for Brantley at $16M
Not bad. If Brantley can keep his health, it’s a solid deal
JJ Wattcha Going to do Brother
They have a Gattis 2.0 on roster already with White. Plus I’m guessing Gonzalez gets more than Brantley.
stretch123
This is a great signing! Makes me think Astros are now more likely offer Tucker for Realmuto.
JJ Wattcha Going to do Brother
I’d dangle him for Kluber.
astrosfan4life
I’m fine with Kluber or Realmuto. Tucker doesn’t impress me at all and it’s better to trade him while his value is still very high.
Mjm117
Tucker and J. James for Realmuto should do it
Wannabekillerb
He impresses me. He hit into a lot of bad luck last year. Not saying he was crushing the ball but he definitely looked better on the field than on paper. I saw him starting to get his groove. He needs another shot before we sell.
Tom E. Snyder
If you aren’t impressed with Tucker what makes you think his value is still very high? Do you think everyone else is dumber than you? 😉
newman2079
I would be sad if they traded Tucker. The kid is going to be quite good. Marlins asking price for Realmuto is ridiculously high and I wouldn’t pay it.
newman2079
No please no. James is going to be in the rotation.
stretch123
Or Whitley and Alvarez
R-U-K-D-N-M-E
Dude, James is a keeper. An overpowering pitcher that throws strikes in clutch situations toy don’t trade.
astrosfan4life
Of course I do! Kidding, but he doesn’t impress me and I hope I’m wrong though. Like his brother, he has a very long, slow swing that won’t translate to the big leagues. You can get away with it in the minors, but not with the big boys. He may hit 30 HRs in AAA but he is a 10-15 HR guy with his noodly arms. I think Yordan Alvarez will be a better MLB player.
wrigleywannabe
The point is, yes, some people love him and another bad year at the majors level will dectease his value
johnrealtime
I bet a lot of people were unimpressed with Trout after his rookie year as well. Not saying Tucker is or will be a Trout but I feel people have crazy expectations for 21 year olds having their cup of coffee after the success of Acuna/Soto and others before them
houston turmoiler
James and Whitley are must keepers for the Stros IMO with the uncertainty in the pitching staff beyond this season. I’d rather trade Tucker for Kluber if he’s going to be dealt as well instead of Realmuto.
stretch123
They should dangle Tucker for Realmuto and try to get Steckenrider also. I’d propose Realmuto and Steckenrider for Marisnick, Tucker, James, Armenteros and Stubbs.
astrosfan4life
The Marlins don’t want Marisnick back. They traded him away to Houston.
lowtalker1
I had a feeling he’d be the next to go
Young, so much upside but too many injuries and no qo attached
lowtalker1
But I’d was thinking maybe a nl team
Tom E. Snyder
With injury history an AL team with the DH makes more sense.
PhanaticDuck26
CLE seems to have missed out here–they are in serious need of OF and couldn’t even lock up their own homegrown star? for only 32 mil? were they really that ready to move on from him, or are they just that cheap? I guess his injury history was just too much of a concern for too many teams…
realgone2
Probably means the damn Braves are gonna resign old ass Markakis…………
raykraft88
Exactly what I was thinking. Unless the Astros are in love with Teheran and would give us Tucker for him. Lol
newman2079
hahahahaha… no
Youtube.com/@PINGTR1P
If anyone can turn Teheran around, it’s the Astros. He could easily improve his spin rate, mph, and his overall stats.
BallzDeep
i like a trade for Damingo Santana. 250-280 avg with 30 HR pop… should be cheap to get him.
wrigleywannabe
So, you think a guy who hits .280 with 30 homers will be cheap to get?
BallzDeep
a lot cheaper than other options.the brewers have 0 need for him. their outfield is loaded. dont think it would take too much to get him…
brave from the woods
I wouldn’t be surprised at all with Markakis coming back. Donaldson/McCann were the “big” moves. Gonna be business as usual from here on out. Hope I’m wrong, but if not, hope those prospects start producing big time…
southi
I’m really shocked that Atlanta didn’t pony up a comparable offer (or if they did Brantley didn’t bite). Perhaps the Braves didn’t think Brantley could stay healthy.
sufferforsnakes
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
JJ Wattcha Going to do Brother
Have the Astros inquired about Miller or Britton? They’d be perfect fits if price is right.
PhanaticDuck26
every contender or even potential contender has likely inquired about those two…
TooToughToScuffle
Good to see the Stros still trying to do their best to make their team great. I like the strong Astros franchise.
Cole Shepherd
same
Rich Hill’s Elbow
Guessing Gonzalez is good as gone now, right?
Tom E. Snyder
He has been as good as gone since the season ended.
newman2079
I think he was the entire time. Gurriel and Dias are filling the super utility role.
scnye1
Professional hitter, thank you Dr. Smooth for all the seasons as an Indian. Sorry to see you go…
swanhenge
Wow, who woulda thought Cutch would get more years and higher AAV than Brantley?
Altanta Barves
Me. At least Cutch plays. Brantley is an injury prone joke who misses chunks of seasons.
Wannabekillerb
Joke? What are you twelve? He’s a man and a professional ballplayer that you know nothing about. Don’t be a douche.
sufferforsnakes
You’re responding to a troll who loves to bash Cleveland.
Altanta Barves
I know that injuries kept him out the better part of two seasons. He’s worthless.
astrosfan4life
Kinda like that Ken Griffey Jr guy who was always hurt during his MLB career. I guess he was worthless too by your standards.
Altanta Barves
Ok, Mr. Straw Man.
Also, it’s laughable to compare Griffey to Brantley. Nice try though.
SoCalBrave
I thought McCutchen would get more years, but less AAV. I’m gonna guess that Brantley might be taking less money to play with the Astros.
Altanta Barves
Haha, the Astros are suckers to throw money at a guy in his 30s who basically missed ‘16 and ‘17. I’m so relieved the Braves didn’t set the franchise back by signing Brantley.
realgone2
Well, I don’t want Markakis either.
Altanta Barves
At least he plays.
realgone2
Trade for Gallo
Altanta Barves
That’s a terrible idea.
brave from the woods
Me either. All you’ll get out of him at this point is maybe a half season of good production like this past season. But he’ll probably get signed because he’ll probably take a 1 year deal which is all the Braves want to give anyone it seems.
realgone2
Being Cheap
Altanta Barves
Being smart. Don’t overpay (McCutchen, Brantley, Harper) just because they’re available. Wait for the right situation.
bobtillman
A month ago I suggested Tucker, Stubbs (who has defensive value), Blielak (kind of a 50-50 shot) and another warm body for Realmuto….something like that might happen.
Obviously the gods at Baseball America value Tucker higher than his own team does; not the first time that’s happened this month (see Bauers, Jake/Tampa).
Brantley’s a good player, at least offensively. Defensively he’s rather “meh”, and there’s of course the health issues. But the price actually seems fair.
astrosfan4life
How about Tucker, Freudis Nova, and Paulino for either Kluber or Syndergaard?
Four4fore
The quest for 0 for 50 is over.
PhanaticDuck26
Congrats!
Astros2333
Great deal! Its not lengthy so it doesn’t block Tucker if/(hopefully)when he puts it all together. In Luhnow We Trust!
astros_fan_84
I think this is a great contract. I hope Lunhow passes on Cruz and Realmuto. JTR is overpriced and Cruz blocks the DH. I would rather rotate the position players.
astrosfan4life
No one that would rotate DH on our current roster (on a regular basis) is better than Cruz. I really hope they sign Cruz.
The3ofDiamonds
Maybe a deal between the Astros and Giants with Tucker for Bumgarner being the main pieces…
Central Valley
I’ve long thought that Houstan would be a great fit for Bumgarner. Trust me, he’s still a stud and a difference maker. These last two years were hiccups, as he has been practically injury free for a majority of his career.
As a Giants fan, I’d hate to see him go, but, I would absolutely love to see him on the mound pitching in the playoffs again. What baseball fan wouldn’t?
When he comes back strong next year, multiple teams will try and pry him away from Zaidi. Mr. Zaidi will absolutely not be allowed to give Bum away for little to nothing. Giants fans would revolt. The package would have to absolutely be respectable.
Giants need young, controllable, talented outfielders. Or, they’re attaching another contract to Bum. Who knows how it’ll play out.
The3ofDiamonds
Kyle Tucker certainly seems to fit the criteria of a young, controllable, talented outfielder. If the Astros are really down on him a bit maybe this could be a fit.
Frisco500
Nice deal for Houston
bravesfan
Lot of money to commit to someone who can’t stay healthy enough to stay on the field. Kids talented, no doubt. But rather he was estimated to make this much or not, it’s hard to pay someone that much money when u can’t honestly say he will play majority of the year healthy if he plays half the year at all
AUTiger7222
Despite the whole “Brantley is always hurt thing” folks like to point out, he’s still good for 140 games a season. That’s fine by me.
OnlyRaysFan
The previous 2 years he only played a total of 101 games. That’s why people say that
puhl
The Astros may slot Brantley in at DH most of the time to help him stay healthy.
bravesfan
Just glad the braves didn’t get him. I know we were rumored to get him for quite a while
AUTiger7222
Why would you not want him on the Braves? Michael Brantley is a really good player!! He would have been such an upgrade over Nick Markakis. Watch the Braves end up bringing Markakis back because they’re being cheap with outfielders. Gonna be a disaster when that happens and we get very league average production.
STLBaseballFanSince2020
Bringing back a .297/.366/.440 gold glover is a cheap move by the FO? Might need to get your head checked out.
Bryzzo2016
Whoa! Good get. Underrated player if he can stay healthy. I thought he’d be a great fit with the Braves.
Lefty Grove’s right hand
Makes sense.
HouthonAthroths
Now they need another starter. Maybe Jose Lima?
ASapsFables
I guess it’s Bryce Harper or bust for the White Sox when it comes to a corner OF upgrade through free agency this offseason. There is no FA outfielder remaining who could help them from the left side of the plate short of 35-year old Nick Markakis.
The only other FA outfielder who could potentially make a longer term impact (3-5 years?) would be CF A.J. Pollock who would be an instant upgrade for the team until top CF prospect Luis Robert is ready for prime time in 2020 or 2021. Pollock would also fit nicely atop the White Sox batting order, one that has lacked an impacting player in that role since Scott Podsednik. Of course, signing Pollock does come with some concerns. First and foremost would be an ability to stay in the lineup with his injury history. The second problem for the White Sox would be relinquishing their second round pick next June along with 500K in international bonus money since Pollock has a QO attached to him. The same would also apply to Harper being signed but not with Manny Machado. The only other CF available in FA would be Adam Jones. The White Sox are already suffering enough with another Adam out there by the name of Engel. If the two of them could somehow be merged you might actually have a decent player with Engel’s elite defense and Jones’ still somewhat productive bat.
A trade or two would be the other alternative for an upgrade in RF or CF. The Dodgers have a couple of OF’s that they are looking to move in Yasiel Puig and Joc Pederson. Perhaps the Astros might be willing to part with one of their young MLB ready OF’s with the Michael Brantley signing. Then there’s the Cubs who might also be willing to deal from among their surplus if they dare another trade with their city rivals. Otherwise the White Sox are looking at Daniel Palka or Nicky Delmonico being Eloy Jimenez’ corner OF mates in 2019 to go along with Engel in CF. Of course, they could always try to bring back Avisail Garcia if he’s still available before spring training begins. lol
Knowthemarket
I feel conflicted as a Braves fan. On one hand, Brantley isn’t the middle of the order bat they need. On the other hand, for an AAV of $16 million I would have wanted to take a chance on the guy.
But between this and McCutchen, the upper limit to what Pollock can expect is definitely set. I can’t remember if he publicly stated what he is looking for. With Pollock being the best FA outfielder, I would rather the Braves circle back to Markakis or find a trade. So far Peralta and Haniger are both unavailable or the Braves are unwilling to meet the asking price.
SoCalBrave
Pollock wants 5/80 according to some reports.
JKB 2
Do not feel bad. The Astros are a great fit for Brantley so even if the Braves made the same offer there is more than a good chance he would have signed with the Astros.
Knowthemarket
Brantley was a good fit for a lot of teams and for the Braves too. They don’t have a right fielder yet and might have to circle back to Markakis. None of us know what was being offered by the Braves because they are always so quiet about this stuff so we will probably never know.
KD17
Smart move by Houston. Huge upside at a reasonable cost. Should help with the clubhouse and all the young players. Can relate to players who are coming back from injuries and what it takes to make it all the way back. He’s not a superstar, he’s a potential tier 2 guy for 16M. Houston GM does it again. Smart move. He’ll blow away Reddick if he stays healthy. Seems like his health is better but he is getting older so an inexpensive flip of the coin under the radar star.
JKB 2
@kd17
Yes I agree. Great signing by Houston. The Astros look real good.
Marius
I get it, but at the same time I don’t. They could have promoted Tucker and hid him in that already great line up while he adjusts.
newman2079
I don’t believe that this necessarily means that this is the end of Tucker in Houston. I do think that Riddick is NFL however.
I still think Tucker is the goods and would be a little upset if they end up trading him or Whitley for Realmuto.
BADERTOTS
Well first off the Phils overpaid for cutch and the stros are definitely take a risk signing Brantley so good luck to both teams bad deals IMO
stratcrowder
On the surface, I agree that they come with risks….however, I’ve always been of the belief that free agent signings and trades can’t be fairly judged until either the contract period has passed; and with trades, it sometimes takes several years to see if it was a good trade for either team. It’s very easy for anyone to say (in the present) that it was a good or bad signing, or one team hosed the other in a trade. As I said, it can sometimes take years to sift through all of the dominos that falls when a transaction is made. It’s the equivalent to the butterfly effect, in a sense.
BADERTOTS
This is all true statcrowder thx for pointing out the obvious. if u would plz look back on my comment I did say however that it was my opinion
stratcrowder
Furthermore, I can point out a familiar case….The Tigers were in the heat of a pennant race and needed a starting pitcher. Doyle Alexander went to the Tigers, and Smoltz to the Braves. We know how that turned out. While the landscape has changed a bit, teams are still apt to pull the trigger on moves that they believe will get them to the next level, regardless of what I may look like down the road a bit. With that having been said, I can’t blame the Astros for jumping in on Brantley, nor the Phillies for Cutch. My reasoning for the former is that it’s easy to see that their window is closing and that money isn’t huge for a proven commodity; with the latter, it’s window is just now opening and Cutch is a proven leader and producer. There’s simply a lot more than meets the eye in both cases that should be considered. Retrospect will come soon enough.
CalcetinesBlancos
Modern GM’s are getting smarter; nobody wants to pay some guy millions so sit on the DL anymore.