2020-2021 Offseason Thread

[notin]

And his performance in 2020 didn't really elicit a pay increase. Seems like a reasonable contract to me.

 

It's not an unreasonable deal, but it might not be an indication of contracts to come. At best, we will probably see more 1-2 year deals from players hoping the situation can rebound in the next couple years, especially among the free agents 30 and younger...

[mvp 78]

Collusion

[moonslav59]

What's the hold up on trading DHern (aside from being a cost controlled asset)? It seems pretty obvious he doesn't have starter upside anymore.

 

In reality, who wouldn't trade anybody for a better return?

 

I put DHern on the list, because I do think he has great upside, if he can lower his BB/9. I also think he can be an Andrew Miller type, who can give us 2 and maybe 3 IP.

 

[moonslav59]

I don't think Sale is all that tradable...

 

I wouldn't trade a guy when his stock is so low. I expect him to bounce back. Unlike many here, I often consider trading players that are doing well- not poorly.

 

Of course, he's "tradable," but I wouldn't, as of now.

[harmony]

In reality, who wouldn't trade anybody for a better return?

Perhaps the team that got the lesser return?

[moonslav59]

In the past decade trades have presented the most efficient means of adding talent because the free agent market was getting increasingly expensive.

 

With the rumored crash of the free agent market, trades may become less appealing because trade assets have salaries largely set before the crash of the market.

 

If in fact free agent bargains can be found this offseason, those underpriced assets can become valuable in the future trade market if the free agent market recovers.

 

Or not.

 

If teams are looking to cut their budgets, we may see a lot of decent players that are not really overpaid or grossly overpaid, being shopped around via trades.

 

I'm also guessing that once most of the major players have been signed, there will be some bargain signings late in the off season. Signing a bunch could be the best strategy, even if you end up trading some in July.

[moonslav59]

Perhaps the team that got the lesser return?

 

LOL. You are correct, but I often think of the posters who say, "I'd never trade ____!" aren't think of the possibility of a better return.

 

Also, some trades can be "better returns" for both sides, if they fill specific needs for both teams.

[harmony]

Also, some trades can be "better returns" for both sides, if they fill specific needs for both teams.

That elusive match explains why so few trades happen.

[Bellhorn04]

LOL. You are correct, but I often think of the posters who say, "I'd never trade ____!" aren't think of the possibility of a better return.

 

Also, some trades can be "better returns" for both sides, if they fill specific needs for both teams.

 

I don't like the idea of trading Bogaerts, because it instantly creates a significant new need.

 

As far as getting a better return for Bogaerts, other GM's aren't in the business of doing us favors. They see all the same pluses and minuses we do, and they probably know how to use Baseball Trade Values just as well as us, too...

[moonslav59]

I don't like the idea of trading Bogaerts, because it instantly creates a significant new need.

 

As far as getting a better return for Bogaerts, other GM's aren't in the business of doing us favors. They see all the same pluses and minuses we do, and they probably know how to use Baseball Trade Values just as well as us, too...

 

I've never been high on Bogey's D at a position I have a strong bias towards excellent defense, but I don't like trading him, either. With no Betts and an aging JD, we need his bat in the line-up.

 

It's only his opt-out that gives me reason to consider a trade.

 

Yes, trading him would create a big need area, but signing someone like Simmons would actually save money and add to our future spending budget while greatly improving our SS defense. Now, filling that offensive gap will not be easy, even with the added budget space. However, if the savings helps fill a pitching need, then considering a trade might make sense:

 

Lose Bogey's offense

Gain a player or two in return that maybe fills 2 need areas or one with a good prospect.

Sign Simmons (gain on SS D) and a pitcher for the same money Bogey is making.

 

We could see 4 pluses for losing Bogey's offense.

 

I AM NOT for handing him away.

 

[moonslav59]

That elusive match explains why so few trades happen.

 

Pretty much all trades are made with both sides thinking they got what they needed, even if the "what they needed" was just cutting their budget.

 

Many trades are made every year.

[notin]

I don't like the idea of trading Bogaerts, because it instantly creates a significant new need.

 

As far as getting a better return for Bogaerts, other GM's aren't in the business of doing us favors. They see all the same pluses and minuses we do, and they probably know how to use Baseball Trade Values just as well as us, too...

 

And by being owed $40 mill over the next two seasons, he’s really not a great trade chip. Again, Brad Hand passed through waivers unclaimed. If not one team will take a $10mill All Star closer for free, how many are willing to give up significant talent for two years of a $20 mill shortstop?

[moonslav59]

And by being owed $40 mill over the next two seasons, he’s really not a great trade chip. Again, Brad Hand passed through waivers unclaimed. If not one team will take a $10mill All Star closer for free, how many are willing to give up significant talent for two years of a $20 mill shortstop?

 

Yes, we used to think Bogey had signed a team-friendly contract. It may not be so, as of right now.

 

Like I said, I'm not for handing him away. Maybe we trade him for a pitcher making $8M/yr and a prospect and then sign Simmons for $12M/yr. We break even on the money, add a pitcher and improve the farm.

[mvp 78]

And by being owed $40 mill over the next two seasons, he’s really not a great trade chip. Again, Brad Hand passed through waivers unclaimed. If not one team will take a $10mill All Star closer for free, how many are willing to give up significant talent for two years of a $20 mill shortstop?

 

Collusion

[moonslav59]

Here is one accepted by MLBTradeValues:

 

To ATL

Bogey ($20M x 2) (Bogey to 3B?)

 

To BOS

Wil Smith ($13M x 2)

Ender Inciarte (9.7M x 1)

($19.4M combined on lux tax budget)

AJ Minter(RP: 3 arbs left)

PLUS:

Contreras © prospect

Harris (OF) prospect

[Bellhorn04]

Yes, we used to think Bogey had signed a team-friendly contract. It may not be so, as of right now.

 

If so, the same principle applies to a whole lot of other MLB contracts.

[moonslav59]

If so, the same principle applies to a whole lot of other MLB contracts.

 

Yes, and that speaks to my point about maybe this being the winter to pounce on other teams' needs to cut salary, maybe to the point of being desperate to do so.

 

I'm not saying take on bloated contracts, but look for bargains on some mid-ranged contracts.

[notin]

Here is one accepted by MLBTradeValues:

 

To ATL

Bogey ($20M x 2) (Bogey to 3B?)

 

To BOS

Wil Smith ($13M x 2)

Ender Inciarte (9.7M x 1)

($19.4M combined on lux tax budget)

AJ Minter(RP: 3 arbs left)

PLUS:

Contreras © prospect

Harris (OF) prospect

 

The big obstacle being Atlanta doesn’t need a shortstop...

[moonslav59]

The big obstacle being Atlanta doesn’t need a shortstop...

 

That's why I added "move Bogey to 3B?"

[notin]

That's why I added "move Bogey to 3B?"

 

With Bogaerts having an aversion to 3b and a No Trade Clause, it’s an obstacle...

[moonslav59]

With Bogaerts having an aversion to 3b and a No Trade Clause, it’s an obstacle...

 

Indeed.

[moonslav59]

Here's another one:

 

TO CIN

Bogaerts

Beni

Chavis

 

TO BOS

Winkler

Akiyama

Bradley

(Then, we sign Simmons and a good pitcher)

[harmony]

A CBS Sports columnist predicts the Red Sox will sign righthander Taijuan Walker:

 

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/matching-one-mlb-free-agent-with-every-team-dj-lemahieu-returns-to-yankees-trevor-bauer-heads-west-and-more/

 

Boston is an unlikely destination.

[notin]

A CBS Sports columnist predicts the Red Sox will sign righthander Taijuan Walker:

 

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/matching-one-mlb-free-agent-with-every-team-dj-lemahieu-returns-to-yankees-trevor-bauer-heads-west-and-more/

 

Boston is an unlikely destination.

 

Based on what?

[mvp 78]

Based on what?

 

The BoSox were on pace for one of the worst starter ERAs in baseball history at one point last season. Simply put, they need starters -- particularly ones that won't break the bank account. In any other year, Taijuan Walker could demand a longer deal, but in this uncertain landscape, he may have to settle for a more modest one.

 

Basically, they need a starter and Walker is a starter. He's just taking each team and picking one FA to sign.

 

Despite the circumstances, we took a stab at matching one free agent with each of the 30 MLB clubs.

[notin]

The BoSox were on pace for one of the worst starter ERAs in baseball history at one point last season. Simply put, they need starters -- particularly ones that won't break the bank account. In any other year, Taijuan Walker could demand a longer deal, but in this uncertain landscape, he may have to settle for a more modest one.

 

Basically, they need a starter and Walker is a starter. He's just taking each team and picking one FA to sign.

 

Despite the circumstances, we took a stab at matching one free agent with each of the 30 MLB clubs.

 

My question was harmony’s comment about Boston being an unlikely destination. Based on what? Boston needs SP. Walker is a SP. The only reason it’s an unlikely destination will be the number of teams looking for starters. But all of them will be equally unlikely.

 

Except Seattle. That team will be the least likely, and by a lot. Too much air travel, and no one likes air travel...

[mvp 78]

My question was harmony’s comment about Boston being an unlikely destination. Based on what? Boston needs SP. Walker is a SP. The only reason it’s an unlikely destination will be the number of teams looking for starters. But all of them will be equally unlikely.

 

Except Seattle. That team will be the least likely, and by a lot. Too much air travel, and no one likes air travel...

 

Well, by harmony's standards, any player that ever played in Seattle or is from the NW would rather play for the Mariners than anywhere else.

 

Or not.

[Bellhorn04]

Yes, we used to think Bogey had signed a team-friendly contract. It may not be so, as of right now.

 

Like I said, I'm not for handing him away. Maybe we trade him for a pitcher making $8M/yr and a prospect and then sign Simmons for $12M/yr. We break even on the money, add a pitcher and improve the farm.

 

I just read that Simmons has had 3 left ankle sprains in the last 2 seasons.

 

He played only 103 games in 2019 and 30 in 2020.

[notin]

Well, by harmony's standards, any player that ever played in Seattle or is from the NW would rather play for the Mariners than anywhere else.

 

Or not.

 

You left out players who are not from the NW but went to college in that area.

 

Also, I assume it applies to anyone whose dad played for the Mariners. (I'm talking to you, Michael Brantley.)

[moonslav59]

I just read that Simmons has had 3 left ankle sprains in the last 2 seasons.

 

He played only 103 games in 2019 and 30 in 2020.

 

Even with a steel boot on his left ankle, he's probably still a better defender than Bogey, but missing time is a big concern.