Click here to read a transcript of Tuesday’s chat with MLBTR’s Steve Adams.
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Steve Adams
1:51
I think so. The Rays are trying to clear payroll.
The Rays literally said that they were open to INCREASING payroll.
I still think Glasnow is traded, because that has been the Rays previous M.O., but they still said they were open to increasing, not deceasing payroll.
Being open to it and actually doing it are two different things.
25 million dollars for Glasnow is a lot for a team as frugal as the Rays. 25 million can go to like 4 or 5 guys, considering how they operate.
I saw that. Rays have been clear that they are willing to spend more to keep key players around, not trying specifically to clear payroll like they have in the past. If he was healthy, Glasnow would certainly be considered a key player.
Like you, I think they will trade Glasnow but mostly because he is making $25 million and can’t be counted on to pitch a full season. That makes him a very expensive starter for any team both in terms of dollars and roster spot.
The Rays had a $79MM payroll in 2023 and project to nearly $130MM In 2024. There’s a difference between “we’re open to increasing payroll” and “we’re open to increasing payroll by $50MM.”
They’re open to upping payroll because they effectively have to do so in order to retain a fraction of their core. Trading Glasnow would still leave them at $100-105MM (prior to any subsequent additions) — an increase of $20-25MM over the prior season.
They finished the 2023 season at $135.4 million.
legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/
Scroll down to 2023.
They are projected with Glasnow at $148.6 million.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f7IcjW2zaeekwzASX-…
A 9% increase.
You’re looking at their CBT (luxury-tax) payroll. I’m talking about the actual bottom-line dollars they spent/are projected to spend in 2024.
Rays finished the season at $135 million. They are projected to be at $144 million including Glasnow. So to keep their core they would see an increase of less than 10% from 2023.
I understand them trading Glasnow, but not because they have to clear payroll. I would trade him because his $25 million salary would be taking up nearly 20% of their $144 million payroll and based on his injury history there is very little chance that he makes more than 2/3 of his starts.
I find the relationship between front offices and agents interesting, even if Steve downplays their effects on negotiations.
Friedman and Boras have had some bad experiences together recently. Bellinger brought out a fight in the press, Urias blew up, Seager left reportedly after being unhappy about his treatment and LA with his injuries, with JD Martinez on a 1 year deal being a time it went well for both sides.
I don’t think anyone reasonable is implying Friedman and Boras won’t deal with each other, but it’s obvious their relationship is strained.
When I see guys like Pepiot and Miguel Vargas sign with Boras, I have to wonder how long they’ll be in dodger blue.
In my opinion the SF Giants needs to sign a combination of these players: Matt Chapman,Teoscar Hernandez,Juan Hoo Lee, Michael A.Taylor, Marcus St Roman,Luis Giolitlo, and Eduardo Rodriguez. Again this is just my opinion
“Juan Hoo Lee” – isn’t autocorrect a beautiful thing?
Again I’m 0-for-Steve.
And I asked a gimme softball about the free agent contest!
I swear, that man has it in for me…..
If you keep this up in the comments, he might make a point of avoiding you.
Maysn Winn for Logan Gilbert. Who says no? Cardinals or the Mariners?
Mariners
Mariners. That is a silly offer.
I would like to compliment Steve Adams on a very eloquent (for a chat environment) and reasoned argument in defense of the Eugenio Suarez trade made by the Mariners. Also congratulations on being a new father (for the second time!) Get your naps in, when you can. And remember to exercise!
Steve, As recent subscriber to Front Office, how do access posts and chats restricted to us? Thank you.
Subscriber chats are on Fridays. Anthony will email a link to members every Friday a few hours before the chat begins.
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