Though earlier reports suggested the Mets’ pursuit of catcher J.T. Realmuto was a “long shot,” MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro tweets that the team is “considered” one of only three teams (with the other two not yet known) “in the mix” for the 27-year-old. The whirlwind of activity surrounding the star backstop, at this point, seems matched only by the Mets’ frantic pursuit of blockbuster deals in all directions, so the potential intersection of the two remains a fascinating watch indeed. Frisaro does, however, downplay the plausibility of the rumored three-team deal that would also include the Yankees.
In other news from around the Senior Circuit . . .
- Per Jon Heyman of Fancred, none of the Dodgers’ glut of outfielders are unavailable in trades, including 2017 NL Rookie of the Year Cody Bellinger. He does imply, though, that 23-year-old Bellinger would be most difficult to get; other options, like Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson, and youngster Alex Verdugo have most often found their names circulating in the swirling winds of trade season, though Chris Taylor, who’s averaged nearly 4.0 fWAR over the last two seasons, is apparently on the table as well. One of Pederson or Verdugo would, as quality lefty bats capable of handling center field, seem the most logical candidate to be moved, but the notoriously coy Andrew Friedman, long a sucker for homegrown talent, may be setting his sights elsewhere. Pederson, for one, has a value difficult to gauge precisely – his frightening platoon splits (129 career wRC+ vs RHP, 61 wRC+ vs left) at times mask a steadily productive output (10.1 fWAR since ’15) in the four years since his debut. LA, of course, is thought to be seeking upgrades at the front of the rotation.
- The Diamondbacks, who earlier today indicated to blood-smelling clubs that they aren’t interested in a full rebuild, may react to core departures by shuffling current regulars to different spots across the diamond. Indeed, as GM Mike Hazen indicated to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert this morning, current third baseman Jake Lamb may shift to first, while incumbent second baseman and sometimes shortstop Ketel Marte could see time in center field. The club is still exploring trade-market upgrades in center, and hasn’t completely given up on resigning A.J. Pollock, but Hazen explicitly pinpointed Marte as a legitimate, “full-time” option at the position in 2019. Marte, who signed a 5-year, $24MM extension just days prior to last season, put together a solid, 2.5 fWAR season for the Snakes last year, slashing .260/.332/.437 (104 wRC+) in nearly a full season’s worth of time.
- The Cardinals appear to be comfortable with outfielder Dexter Fowler opening the 2019 season as the starter in right field, per President of Baseball Ops John Mozeliak via MLB.com’s Jennifer Langosch. Fowler, of course, is owed nearly $50MM over the next three seasons, and just completed a dreadful, injury-marred ’18 campaign with the Redbirds. His -1.2 fWAR, muffled by a career-worst .118 ISO, was among the worst in baseball last season, though the 32-year-old had been above-league-average offensively in each of the seven seasons prior to last. With left field still manned by Marcell Ozuna, and center earmarked for the burgeoning Harrison Bader, outfield additions seem to have been put on the St. Louis back burner for the time being.
xabial
Even if trade gets completed I worry about Wilpons the most. Something tells me, they’ll have a change of heart and veto it.
Slevin
It’s getting hard to tell the real account from the fake…talk about a dirty mirror effect.
MetsYankeesRedSox
Hi!…just woke up.
Did I miss medication time?
Just heard on local radio Yanks talking to Manny Machado.
Or was I dreaming?
MetsYankeesRedSox
@ Slevin
With all the fake Xabial accts floating around, it’s like I’m watching the X-Files.
Slevin
Don’t hit the snooze on your rooster-crow. ey just checked into the golden gate mission..she loves the smell of urine in the morning, afternoon, and evening..Bong!!
khopper10
The Fowler contract could turn into deadweight if he starts slow, but I think O’Neill deserves a chance to play every day at some point in 2019.
jimbo504 2
Ideally I’d like to see Harper in RF and O’Neill get his chance when Ozuna walks next year, let him be the 4th OF this year. Fowler is already dead weight.
dhud
29 other teams would ideally like to see Harper in RF as well
Cardinals17
I sure can’t see trying to start Fowler again! He was an offensive and defensive dead weight and complainer problem. I guess if he has a good Spring and proves he needs another shot, give it to him. However, he’s been a big disappointment his entire tenure with the Cards.
cards81
Actually Fowler has a pretty good 2017 with the cardinals…once again cardinals 17 you seem to have no clue when it comes to the cardinals
JimtheEsquire
Whole 2 year tenure. 2017 he batted .264 with 18 HRs (career high). O’Neill strikes out almost half his ABs. Cards aren’t getting Harper so I would hope for a Fowler bounce back from his one down year than start O’Neill. I would also rather resign Ozuna than start O’Neill. He’s a 4th outfield.
cards 82
We better resign Ozuna. I doubt if Goldy is here more that one season.
kbarr888
Ozuna has Boras as an agent, and is going to require a serious overpay to get him. Be careful what you wish for.
As a S. Florida resident, and someone who has seen Ozuna play…”A Lot”…..
– I think he might be one of the most overrated OF’s in the game. He just turned 28 in November.
– He’s durable. He has played 5 1/2 years, and played 801 games.(145/yr)
– He has 119 HR’s (21.6 average/yr)
– But only ONCE has his OPS been over .773
– His defensive metrics look fine, but the eye test will cause some palpitations from time to time.
– He had a right shoulder issue in 2018….and he throws righty.
He’s going to required a Much Larger Contract than Fowler (prob in the 8/200 range). Anybody think that’s a good idea?
Cards should hope he plays well in the 1st Half….then plan on trading him for a decent package in July.
JFactor
He won’t be getting an 8/200 unless he wins an MVP this year.
Think more like 5-6/115 range
Payne Train
Makes the most sense – why push for a guy to start in right field just because you owe him money. MO was the one who decided to give Fowler that awful contract, swallow the pill and move on. Turn Fowler into your 4th outfielder
JFactor
Fowler dealt with injuries, and had a horrible year.
But just 12 months ago we wouldn’t have considered starting anyone else in right.
Fowler deserves more chances to win that job. O’Neill can try to take it from him by being productive.
Bader and O’Neill both have regression concerns. Ozuna has injury concerns and one year before free agency.
Fowler rebuilding his value and playing like he did in 2017 should be the only thing Cards fans want. Be is what we need. A 3 win season, and I’m thrilled
Nuggethoarder
Yes, Fowler rebuilding his value and providing 3 WAR would be great. But it seems a risky bet, given how awful he looked last year. Hope he figures out whatever it was that caused him to go from above average to nearly league worst in one off-season.
Thankfully, O’Neill is a decent backup plan if Fowler shows he has completely lost it again this season. I think a big fear is that he is given a long leash, and that long leash could be the difference between making the playoffs in 2019. We don’t really know how Mike Shildt will treat struggling veterans. If he is in the lineup, I’ll be rooting for him.
tealmarlin
Hopefully Realmuto gets dealt to LAD, Verdugo sounds good, Belli too.
Dagoat
You mean Bellinger AND verdugo?
jt3z
lol No not even Bellinger straight up would work Sorry LAD says nty
mannyl101
Wow! You serious?
thinkblech
Bellinger is a top 5 CF, and a top 3 defensive 1B with 5 years of control left. The Marlins would have to send someone with Realmuto to get him.
bronxbombers
Catcher is a more valuable position than 1b
thinkblech
But he’s an excellent defensive CF with a cannon (topped 100 mph on throws) and 5 years vs 2, it’s not close. Realmuto for Bellinger is ridiculously lopsided.
Friarfaithful117
Top 5 CF is a little much for a guy who saw less than 500 innings there last season. He is above average depending on if you prefer DRS or UZR.
jleve618
Bellinger wasn’t even good enough to bat against lefty and righty pitching in the world series.
pinstripes17
Bellinger AND Verdugo? Lay off the kush, they are not trading for Babe Ruth here.
kbarr888
teal…..ease up buddy……you’re making Marlin Fans Look Bad.
Take off the glasses and you’ll realize that your suggestion is ridiculous.
Verdugo could be in the package, but the Dodgers aren’t moving Bellinger (especially for 2-years of Realmuto)
J.T. is an awesome player, and a valuable trade chip.
But the Marlins are NOT getting what they are asking for in return. No Team is biting, they are all signing other catchers. The market is drying up. Jeter is about to “overplay his hand”……..
He’d better make a deal soon.
Realmuto’s value drops significantly in April.
Dagoat
Although it is not a need, I’d like to see joc in pinstripes. Yanks need a lefty bat for the lineup…. not named ellsbury.
Gray and ellsbury with cash to LA
Pederson and beatty to NY
yogineely
You can keep both! Why would the dodgers want that?
mannyl101
Right!
TheTrotsky
Yeah buddy that doesn’t make sense for LA.
zachgwest
Ellsbury needs to play before he can get traded… I like Joc but I don’t think trade value is high. Dodgers don’t need to do anything keep the same team and go back to the WS
sname_james
The dodgers won’t be back in the series.
yogineely
Oh we’re going back!
Dagoat
You are probably right.
MrStealYoBase
Any Pollock rumors? I feel like this is the first time I’ve read his name all offseason.
thinkblech
Seems fishy.
joshb600
Pederson is a lot like Adam Lind…
I still must know, why is Pederson seemingly unavailable?
Ejemp2006
He’s unavailable because the Dodgers aren’t going to trade a cheap and effective youngster who still has room to grow. OPS of .843 last year in his age 26 season. Plus their poised to repeat as NL champs if they spend their fat roll on FA instead of going the trade route.
thinkblech
Nah, everyone is available for a price, especially slow platoon LFs.
kbarr888
Pederson is not like Adam Lind. He has more value than that, for sure.
His defensive skills in the OF far exceed what Lind could ever dream of. Not saying that Joc is awesome out there……..just that Lind wasn’t very good. Bad comparison.
fondlyremembering2016
Got excited about winter meetings started and spent the day writing up my thoughts:
Let’s Make a Deal 12-10-18
AL East
Boston Red Sox
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: JT Realmuto for Rafael Devers, Michael Chavis, Blake Swihart, + Pitching prospect
Reflexive Move: Have to add a 3B
Moustakas Perfect if he still can’t find a market for a long term deal
Nunez/Holt Platoon, Josh Harrison on the cheap for 2B/3B depth
Conservative Route: Bullpen via Free agent market
Pieces that don’t fit: Blake Swihart
New York Yankees
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: Corey Kluber and Jason Kipnis for Clint Frazier, Estevan Florial, Jonathan Loaisiga
Reflexive Move: Sonny Gray for Kirby Yates, Craig Stammen, Jose Castillo
Conservative Route: Adeiny Hechevarria or Jose Iglasias to cover short for a year, Bullpen via Free Agency
Pieces that don’t fit: Sonny Gray, Clint Frazier
Tampa Bay Rays
Competitie Window: Always hoping for now, Financial Freedom allows for mobility
Splashy Move: None, trading Blake Snell makes no sense for them. No free agent worth the price
Conservative Route: Pitching: Wait out free agent market for players that will have to resort to cheap one year deals
Pieces that don’t fit: None
Toronto Blue Jays
Competitive Window: 2021
Splashy Move: None right now, trade Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman at deadline if they have rebuilt any value
They could trade every short term asset, Kevin Pillar, Randall Grichuk, Justin Smoak, Kendrys Morales, Russell Martin; but likely small to no returns and still have to fill a team
Conservative Route: Commit no money until the youngsters are ready
Pieces that don’t fit: Anybody not likely to be useful in 2021
Baltimore Orioles
Competitive Window: 2023+
Splashy Move: Chris Davis, Mark Trumbo, Alex Cobb, Andrew Cashner untradable right now without eating huge amounts of money, probably wait until deadline
Conservative Route: Do NOT try and patchwork this team with any long term free agents, they are in no position for any short term fixes to matter
Pieces that don’t fit: None
AL Central
Cleveland Indians
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: If they remain committed to trading Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer, which I think is a mistake; to make the trade is to assume that the other AL Central teams will remain lame ducks
Kluber for Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez
Kluber for Cody Bellinger
Bauer and Kipnis for Alex Verdugo, Yasiel Puig, and Julio Urias
Spashy Move I’d prefer: Surprise Everyone and add payroll and add Bryce Harper
Conservative Route: Wait out the market to add a 4th outfielder with offensive upside, maybe like a Carlos Gonzalez as well as any bullpen arms
Pieces that don’t fit: Jason Kipnis
Minnesota Twins
Competitive Window: Perpetually hoping for now, if Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are good, window would be now in a weak division
Splashy Move: If a market for a long term deal doesn’t materialize, a shorter, higher AAV contract to Dallas Keuchel
Conservative Route: Free Agent Bargain hunt a 4th/5th starter and bullpen arms
Pieces that don’t fit: None
Detroit Tigers
Competitive Window: 2021+
Splashy Move: Selling the last 2 tradable assets, Michael Fulmer and Nick Castellanos, though Fulmer’s star is fading and Nick Castellanos should really be a DH
If the Astros don’t like the price on Nelson Cruz, Castellanos for Freudis Nova and Jairo Solis
Michael Fulmer probably a better mid season trade candidate
Fulmer for Matthew Liberatore and Shane Baz
Fulmer for Keston Hiura and Brice Turang
Conservative Route: Exactly what they’ve already started in the Matt Moore and Tyson Ross deals; Hope to turn these lottery cards into midseason tradable assets
Pieces that don’t fit: None
Chicago White Sox
Competitive Window: 2020 (Even if they don’t trade Kluber/Bauer but especially if they do, could go all in to start trying to compete now)
Splashy Move: Sign Bryce Harper AND Manny Machado, call up all the kids, maybe Dallas Keuchel to anchor the young arms
Conservative Route: Sit out one more year and push the chips in next year, after you see what you have in Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, Dylan Cease and the return of Michael Kopech
Pieces that don’t fit: None
Kansas City Royals
Competitive Window: 2023+, Not built to win now and behind the Tigers and well behind the White Sox at amassing young talent
Splashy Move: Accept the bleak outlook for this team and trade Whit Merrifield and Salvador Perez; Danny Duffy and Alex Gordon
I see refusing trading Merrifield given glut of free agent 2B, Royals need to get ahead of the market, ditto Salvador Perez with JT Realmuto, Yasmani Grandal, and Wilson Ramos out there
Conservative Route: For a mid market team, stop wasting money, even small sums, on Chris Owings and Billy Hamilton and the like
Pieces that don’t fit: None
AL West
Houston Astros
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: A starter after JV and Cole hit free agency? Kluber is reportedly available but he’s getting old too. How about:
Kyle Tucker and Forrest Whitley (maybe a little more) for Blake Snell
Conservative Route: Hitting the free agent market for starters to not touch the organizational prospect depth
Pieces that don’t fit: None
Oakland Athletics
Competitive Window: Now; Moneyball is 24/7/365
Splashy Move: Not the A’s MO. Goal is to make smart moves no one pays any attention to
Conservative Route: Scour the free agent pitching market to rehab some starters and bargain bin pricing. Trevor Cahill/Edwin Jackson/Brett Anderson Redux Candidates: Drew Pomeranz, Ervin Santana, Shelby Miller
Pieces that don’t fit: None
Seattle Mariners
Competitive Window: 2021
Splashy Move: Jerry Dipoto needs no suggestions from me. His goal to clear as much money as possible before 2021 is quite evident. That leaves just Dee Gordon and Kyle Seager to trade. Carlos Santana, Mike Leake, and Jay Bruce all expire before 2021. As the market stands, probably going to have to wait for midseason to trade anymore players in lieu of attaching anymore palatable players to less attractive ones, especially since the goal is 2021 and not further down the line.
Conservative Route: Obviously to not commit to any long term money
Pieces that don’t fit: None not mentioned above
.
Los Angeles Angels
Competitive Window: Now? The roster is a mess, but how can you not try to win with Mike Trout on the team
Splashy Move: How about Jo Adell and Kole Calhoun OR Zack Cozart for Michael Fulmer and Joe Jimenez, then take the savings and sign Dallas Keuchel
Conservative Route: Pray for bounce back years from Cozart and Calhoun and stick to adding lower end starters from the free agent field
Pieces that don’t fit: Albert Pujols
Texas Rangers
Competitve Window: 2021+ I think Jon Daniels clearly recognizes where his club is in relation to the Astros.
Splashy Move: The tradable assets are Mike Minor, Joey Gallo, Jurickson Profar, and Jose LeClerc.
Jose LeClerc and Rougned Odor to Dodgers for Julio Urias and Ross Stripling
Conservative Route: With no sell high candidates and no team in need of a DH at Shin Soo Choo’s price tag, you stand pat and see if a market develops for anybody by midseason. 1 or 2 SP free agents for depth only
NL East
Atlanta Braves
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: Bryce Harper
The Braves have the spending money and plenty of pitching prospects I would think to get out ahead of the Phillies if they wanted to go the free agent or trade market route. I think it would be better to be aggressive and go get what you want/need before the Phillies make a push, not to mention that the Nationals and Mets are also trying to win now
Conservative Route: Spread the money to cover a RF, a SP, and some relief arms.
Pieces that don’t fit: Johan Camargo (displaced to the bench)
Washington Nationals
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: AJ Pollock may make more sense to fill out Center than bringing back Bryce Harper. The money could then be used to bring in a second baseman
Conservative Route: Bryce Harper money can buy a lot of extra players…
Pieces that don’t fit: Michael Taylor
Philadelphia Phillies
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: The obvious is Manny Machado +/- Bryce Harper.
I think a much more auspicious way to spend stupid:
Obtain hometown hero Mike Trout from the Angels
Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Justin Upton for Zach Eflin, Tommy Hunter, Odubel Herrera, Sixto Sanchez, Alec Bohm, Adonis Medina, Adam Haseley
Conservative Route: Moustakas, Brantley, Pollock, Keuchel, Robertson
Pieces that don’t fit: Aaron Altherr
New York Mets
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: Sign Yasmani Grandal or Wilson Ramos, Call up Peter Alonso, David Robertson to set up Edwin Diaz
Conservative Route: Too late for that….
Pieces that don’t fit: Jeff McNeill???
Miami Marlins
Competitive Window: Seemingly Never
Splashy Move: Obviously whatever they get for JT Realmuto
Forrest Whitley and Garret Stubbs
Alex Verdugo, Keibert Ruiz, Ross Stripling
Conservative Route: Something that further alienates baseball fans
Pieces that don’t fit: None
NL Central
Milwaukee Brewers
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: If moves they make must be cost neutral, it might be easier to add relievers than starters to round out their Super Pen. If the Rotation includes Jhoulys Chacin, a returning Jimmy Nelson, Chase Anderson, Zach Davies, Freddy Peralta, and promoting Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes; trade out of this group for
Craig Stammen, Kirby Yates, Matt Strahm, or Jose Castillo
Jose LeClerc
Conservative Route: Leave Woodruff and Burnes both in the bullpen, then perhaps reunite with Gio Gonzalez
Pieces that don’t fit: Keon Broxton, Domingo Santana, Eric Thames
Chicago Cubs (This is my team, I am biased)
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: Apparently out of cash, the Cubs are looking at, like Kramer said, “Interesting Trades Considered”
Russell Martin and Cash for Tyler Chatwood, Brandon Kintzler, Ian Happ
Blake Treinen for Mike Montgomery, Ian Happ, Victor Caratini, Dillon Maples, Alex Lange
Craig Stammen for Tyler Chatwood, Mike Montgomery
Conservative Route: Spend absolutely no more money and hope that a healthy Darvish and Bryant can improve a team that somehow still won 95 games
Pieces that don’t fit: Victor Caratini, Ian Happ, Addison Russell?, Mike Montgomery(b/c he wants to start full time), Tyler Chatwood
St Louis Cardinals
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: With Goldschmidt on board, would they look to a more experienced closer than young flamethrower Jordan Hicks? This would mean Kimbrel (too many years). I think they hope for a one year high annual value prove it deal for either Andrew Miller or Zach Britton
Conservative Route: Again, they already got splashy with Goldschmidt, so they can reasonably stick to smaller transactions at this point
Pieces that don’t fit: Jed Gyorko
Pittsburgh Pirates
Competitive Window: I guess now; they never tank, they never have the money to compete with big market clubs
Splashy Move: As a team that neither goes into full buy or full sell mode, I expect nothing.
Conservative Route: Do nothing until the trade deadline
Pieces that don’t fit: They do have 2 above average catchers, neither deserves to be a strict backup
Cincinnati Reds
Competitive Window: Tough one, the lineup is good, but probably 3 good starters short of a team. 2021 if they want to wait on their own prospects
Splashy Move: Dallas Keuchel should be a finishing piece of a rotation, not a starting one. Signing him alone would be a mistake. If they use up their prospect depth and say, trade for Zach Greinke, Trevor Bauer or Cory Kluber, and then sign Keuchel, sure you’ve sunk a lot of dollars, used up your prospect depth, but you get one more 3 year window to get Joey Votto a ring.
Conservative Route: SP free agency dumpster diving
Pieces that don’t fit: None
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: So many possibilities….great depth to trade from the major and minor league systems. Presumably cash in waiting
JT Realmuto seems the most obvious position that could use help
Conservative Move: Wait until midseason to use depth to patch holes
Pieces that don’t fit: Either Yasiel Puig or Joc Pederson
Colorado Rockies
Competitive Window: Now
Splashy Move: Sign Yasmani Grandal or Wilson Ramos
Conservative Move: I think DJ LeMahieu returns after getting the free agency cold shoulder. Maybe a depth starter
Pieces that don’t fit: Ian Desmond
Arizona Diamondbacks
Competitive Window: Uncertain after punting Goldschmidt
Splashy Move: Wouldn’t expect any additions, just further subtractions. But if they full sell, what a wildcard wrench they pose
Conservative Move: Replace Goldschmidt with Matt Adams, look for other likely bargain bin free agents
Pieces that don’t fit: None
San Francisco Giants
Competitive Window: Now, with a caveat
Splashy Move: If they have room to sink more money, the obvious is Bryce Harper
Conservative Move: With few meaningful tradable assets, let the overpaid roster play out the year and see what happens; start tearing it down at the deadline if not hacking it
Pieces that don’t fit: None
San Diego Padres
Competitive Window: Realistically 2020, but then what the hell was that Eric Hosmer deal for?
Splashy Move: Resist the urge to dip into the prospect vault unless it’s for a controllable starter past 2020. No more insane free agent deals
Conservative Route: Ditto above
Pieces that don’t fit: Wil Myers
Going through every roster, I think there are going to be very few teams looking at free agents aggressively. I think this year might be an even bigger bloodbath than last year’s free agency, unless the players and agents get more proactive about taking deals quickly for either very few years or very little money. Unfortunately for many, I think it will be both.
riffraff
This post made me finally understand why some websites have a cap on length of users comments.
thinkblech
Seriously. tl freaking dr
angler
Lol … wasn’t LAA’s Competitive Window in 2012??? Just saying ….
simschifan
You could just scroll, the dude out effort into it. That’s more than I can say for some commenters
JFactor
And guys that don’t take the time to read well thought out posts continue to post every thought on here in four word sentences like it’s a contribution.
I read it, he did a good job of breaking down every team in a very short statement.
Jesus, someone actually makes a content contribution, and people get upset? This is why comment threads online are a waste of time. Not because of him, but because the stuff he just posted isn’t appreciated and is ignored.
I don’t have any follow up comments to his post, but I did read and appreciate it
Cat Mando
fondlyremembering2016….kudos for such an effort but at the same time….seriously?
I won’t address all, just the Phillies. ” think a much more auspicious way to spend stupid: Obtain hometown hero Mike Trout from the Angels
Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Justin Upton for Zach Eflin, Tommy Hunter, Odubel Herrera, Sixto Sanchez, Alec Bohm, Adonis Medina, Adam Haseley”
Why would they trade for and tack on $46M+ for the next few years in AP and Upton. Plus to do so you have them trading a high upside young starter and their top 2 SP prospects as well as a needed BP piece . The whole thing makes no sense. Also Trout alone would require a kings ransom. Why would the Angels throw in Upton?
My head still hurts from thinking about it and the many holes, and questions. Forget I asked.
riffraff
hope you cleared some time in your day to read his response – if its anything like the original post you may have just lost your lunch break lol.. I give him props for the attempt but a lot is really absurd.
fondlyremembering2016
Trout alone i think would cost way more than anything the phillies have, except aaron nola. Thats why i tacked on albert pujols dead money; the phillies would just release him. In terms of achieving financial flexibility for the angels, thats why i added upton, a player the phillies could actually use, as quinn, herrera, and williams is a truly uninspiring outfield. Didnt think the phillies would want cozart or calhoun. Angels have to get pitching back. The phillies can keep tommy hunter, i threw him in there to offset some money. The angels will never trade Mike Trout anyway, for anything. I just threw this out there because i dont think harper or machado are worth the money, and i think the phillies are earnest about going all in
Cat Mando
fondlyremembering2016….
That is one big sticking point IMO. The Phillies want to build from within, through FA and good trades. Taking on and then releasing $87M does not accomplish that. They aren’t going to do a trade to acquire Trout and help the Angels out financially.
Every team knows that even just 2 years of Trout will cost plenty in MLB players/prospects. The Phillies will just wait until 2020 mid-season or, more likely go after him in FA after 2020.
Again I appreciate the thought and effort you put forth but for the Phillies it doesn’t fit.
TrumpisMyGawd
How does a guy have an OPS against rhp of 900 for consecutive years and four of his six be a “piece that doesn’t fit?”
fondlyremembering2016
I think maybe you are referring to Puig? Doesn’t fit doesn’t mean not good. Just the dodgers have 5 outfielders for 3 spots. No one is gonna take Kemp. Chris taylor more versatile. Leaves someone as likely an asset to be moved
hojostache
Could a team use a pre-arb 2B/3B who last year hit .329BAA, .381OBP, 852OPS, 140OPS+ making the league minimum? That was Jeff McNeil last year for the Mets. He is 26, so a late start for a guy who has raked at every level. There is a reason multiple teams have tried to pry him away from the mets during the off-season.
fondlyremembering2016
I liked McNeil’s at bats. But where will he play? I’m presuming third, but then why not package the toddfather’s contract into the trade instead of swarzak? If the mets push cano to first, it ices out peter alonso, which makes me sad. Doesnt fit doesn’t necessarily mean not good, like the poor displaced johan camargo
Cardinals17
This is the times of bad contract trades. I’ve heard rumblings of a Giants-Cardinals trade. Longoria for Fowler. After this article, would you think that’s still a consideration?? It would make Carpenter that super Utility man again with that lefthanded bat.
thinkblech
Longoria is owed 5/73, Fowler is owed 3/49.5. If the Cardinals were willing to take on all of Longoria’s contract, well, that’d be something.
quxdraw
Rays owe $11 of the $73 million. Brings it closer, but why would anyone take Longoria. He has been in decline for three years now. Trading for him probably the move that got the GM fired.
Ski to Coors
But its Dexter Fowler we’re talking about, you could say some of the same things about each player declining.
Between Carp and Gyorko though, it really isn’t very logical for the Cards. Gyorko is probably just as good as Longo at this point, sad to say.
I also don’t see the Giants being desperate to move Longo’s contract just yet. He ensures 3B won’t be a disaster for them in 2019. Only motive for them would be clearing salary.
cards81
Lol that would not make Carpenter a journeyman…yea let’s take Carpenters bat out of the everyday lineup to put yet another righty in the lineup…Carpenter is the third basemen..Why would the Cardinals take on Longorias contract with no where to put him…I’m glad you’re not the GM Cardinals17…good job this year Mo…can you sputter those words Cardinals17
Slevin
Carpenter is a worse third baseman than Andujar…
StlSwifty
Andujar was the worst defensive 3B in baseball last year and carp graded out slightly above average. He just didn’t play there all year but was decent when he did play there.
kbarr888
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Carpenter has a shoulder issue, and ends up on the DL by the All-Star Game.
It’s not “The Glove” that I’m concerned about…….it’s the wear-and-tear of being the everyday 3B that just might affect his ability to be a productive hitter. He’s had issues before…..and he’s not as young as he used to be.
STLBaseballFanSince2020
Carpenter has been our MVP since ’13 and puts butts in seats. He’s going to likely retire a Cardinal. He represents everything the Cardinals stand for – especially defensive versatility paired with a lack of ability!
socalbum
Heyman’s tweet does not indicate that Dodgers are willing to trade Bellinger, only that he is the most desired by other teams.
kbarr888
True.
No harm in making the inquiry……
“If You Don’t Ask The Question, The Answer Is Always NO”…..
Kennypowers999
The dodgers won’t make a very big trade this off season. Freedmen need to go and so does kershaw, Roberts, and the five sorry ass owner they have also. I’m tired of her the dodgers this and the dodgers are doing this. They’ll be in ever rumor almost. You know they won’t get Harper or kulber. They’ll get a mid level guy for the bullpen. I need to change teams
roundtree
The Dodgers need to trade with the Indians for Corey Kluber.