It's time for another edition of the weekly MLB Mailbag here at MLBTR. I'm pinch-hitting for MLBTR owner Tim Dierkes this week.
We received more questions than usual, with a heavy focus on some recent rumors/reporting on big-name NL Central players like Nolan Arenado and Cody Bellinger. We'll address that, plus questions on the Phillies' options, the Reds' outlook following a few early moves, the recent wave of non-tendered players, how the A's can actually spend some money and more.
Onto the questions!
Mark asks:
Should the Cardinals not find a trade partner for Nolan Arenado (or one that he agrees to), how do they sort out the logjam? Gorman, Donovan, Saggese--and eventually Wetherholt--at 2B/3B, and 1B/DH is kind of occupied now with Contreras and Burleson. Seems like if they plan to let the younger guys play, tough to see how there is enough playing time to go around.
Eldon asks:
The Yankees are rumored to have interest in Nolan Arenado. Wouldn't this be too much like the Donaldson fiasco of just a very short time ago Hopefully Steinbrenner and/or Cashman wouldn't dare do that again...would they? An aging player with a big contract who seems to be in decline? Why?
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Saggese isn’t someone who needs regular playing time yet. People always get hurt he will get chances to prove himself and then if he does you make room for him. Wetherholt is probably looking at mid 2026 so it’s not an issue until then. Teams need 6 infielders or 7 if a couple of them can play outfield which Burleson and Donovan can.
Contreras
Gorman
Winn
Donovan
Burleson
Saggese
That’s only 6 so if Arenado is traded and is replaced by another infielder that would work out fine. And if the team wants to give some guys on that list more playing time then they can do that by acquiring a lesser player in the Arenado trade. Long term the only infielder the team needs to make room for is Wetherholt and they can address that when the time comes.
Arenado is 2 years younger than Donaldson was at the time the Yankees acquired him. That’s a big difference.
He suck’s hard pass! The Yankees need to get younger
If Arenado isn’t playing 3b for the Yankees who is?
The Yankees might need to get younger. But they wont……
@blackpink: “If Arenado isn’t playing 3b for the Yankees who is?” Why not Chisholm again? The Yanks seem intent on bringing Caleb Durbin up to play 2B. Where do they play Chisholm if not at 3B?
Nlackpink, who is your team to root for.
Durbin has had a good fall league from what I understand but they aren’t going into the season with him as the starter. Chisholm is not a 3b he’s better at 2b.
Same one you root for fella
Soto and Walker would be first on my list for the Yanks! If Soto signs elsewhere I would sign Walker/Adames/Scott/Finnegan
Durbin should get a shot, even if it’s as the utility man..
Donovan and Burleson can both play the OF corners and it’s not like the Cardinals are swimming in Outfield depth. Lots of moving parts but i doubt Marmol is the guy to make it all work
Marmol is a bozo but I think he’s done ok with handing out playing time. Odds are the next Cardinals playoff team won’t be led by Marmol.
You have to keep Siani away from Marmol. He will play him and not
V. Scott III
I worry they are both basically the same player and therefore don’t really fit on the roster together. Even if one was a righty and one a lefty it could work but they are both lefties.
how do they sort out the logjam? Gorman, Donovan,
====================
I remember asking that at the trade deadline in 2023.
There is no logjam. That’s made up.