The 2021-2022 Offseason Thread

[moonslav59]

I think this is a bad sign of things to come for the Sox. The fact that E Rod signed so quick looks like there wasn’t much negotiations back, and forth with the Sox, and he wanted out. If the Sox won’t spend on one of their own then I don’t see them spending for anyone else, which means bargain hunting like last year.

 

If there is one thing the Sox have been very good at (except for Lester) is valuing their own players when they reach free agency.

 

I don't share your view that this winter will be a frugal one for Bloom. It may be, but I think we may go large on long on a FA or make a big trade.

[Old Red]

If there is one thing the Sox have been very good at (except for Lester) is valuing their own players when they reach free agency.

 

I don't share your view that this winter will be a frugal one for Bloom. It may be, but I think we may go large on long on a FA or make a big trade.

 

And you are basing your big FA signing, and trade on what? I basing my opinion on what the brass said at year end press conference, which was same blueprint as last year. I hope you are right, but hoping, and wishing won’t make it so.

[mvp 78]

I’m going by what Sam Kennedy said at the end of year press conference that the Red Sox were going to follow the same blueprint as last year, which to me means there won’t be any big long term contracts coming Boston’s way this off season, and no big trades despite all the hopes, and wishes of all the pundits on here.

 

I think the blueprint is:

 

1. grow the farm system for sustainability

2. short term contracts for FA MLB talent

[mvp 78]

@kaitlyncmcgrath

Per a source, confirming what’s been reported elsewhere. #BlueJays agree to an extension with José Berríos, pending a physical, valued at $131 million over seven years.

[moonslav59]

If Vaz didn't get the option picked up, they could've grabbed him. Oh well.

 

They could have traded Vaz or Plawecki and his estimated $2.1M arb and essentially pay $2M a year more for Pina.

[moonslav59]

How many innings is Pina capable of playing, though?

 

He's 34. Maybe every other day or slightly more?

[moonslav59]

I’m going by what Sam Kennedy said at the end of year press conference that the Red Sox were going to follow the same blueprint as last year, which to me means there won’t be any big long term contracts coming Boston’s way this off season, and no big trades despite all the hopes, and wishes of all the pundits on here.

 

The blueprint might be we spend $40M, like last year, but we literally cannot sign 10 guys, like last winter, so something is going to be different.

 

If we spend $40M on 3 guys, we'll likely go large on one. If we spend $40M on 4-5 guys, maybe it will be more moderate deals, but I seriously doubt the most we spend on one player is $14M/2 like Kike or $10M/1 like Richards.

 

We might, but I doubt it.

[notin]

They could have traded Vaz or Plawecki and his estimated $2.1M arb and essentially pay $2M a year more for Pina.

 

If Vaz is the weak link you promote him as being, why would any other team be interested?

[moonslav59]

@kaitlyncmcgrath

Per a source, confirming what’s been reported elsewhere. #BlueJays agree to an extension with José Berríos, pending a physical, valued at $131 million over seven years.

 

Not a bad deal for the Jays.

[sk7326]

I’m going by what Sam Kennedy said at the end of year press conference that the Red Sox were going to follow the same blueprint as last year, which to me means there won’t be any big long term contracts coming Boston’s way this off season, and no big trades despite all the hopes, and wishes of all the pundits on here.

 

I think this is likely. That said, it is a very strong FA class, so there are likely a couple of true impact signings which the team will look at.

 

I am surprised but not shocked the Red Sox did not outbid the Tigers for Rodriguez. 5 years is risky with his health history. I'd have done 3 years, 50-60 million myself without much regret. While I thought Rodriguez might just take the QO and try to play his value up, that he ran to financial security makes a ton of sense.

[moonslav59]

If Vaz is the weak link you promote him as being, why would any other team be interested?

 

He has some pluses. I don't see him as a net negative player, but I do not think he's worth $7M.

 

Bloom does, and my guess is other GMs do, too.

 

I don't project my feelings on other GMs. I make suggestions on moves based on my opinions- not Bloom's.

[moonslav59]

I think this is likely. That said, it is a very strong FA class, so there are likely a couple of true impact signings which the team will look at.

 

I am surprised but not shocked the Red Sox did not outbid the Tigers for Rodriguez. 5 years is risky with his health history. I'd have done 3 years, 50-60 million myself without much regret. While I thought Rodriguez might just take the QO and try to play his value up, that he ran to financial security makes a ton of sense.

 

It's not a strong FA class for what we need: pitching.

[notin]

I still think there is a possibility Plawecki is non-tendered. It might come down to what's more valuable.

 

1. Plawecki as a $2-2.5mill backup catcher?

2. Or the 40 man roster spot?

[moonslav59]

I think this is likely. That said, it is a very strong FA class, so there are likely a couple of true impact signings which the team will look at.

 

I am surprised but not shocked the Red Sox did not outbid the Tigers for Rodriguez. 5 years is risky with his health history. I'd have done 3 years, 50-60 million myself without much regret. While I thought Rodriguez might just take the QO and try to play his value up, that he ran to financial security makes a ton of sense.

 

$60M/3 is pretty "secure," even when compared to $77M/5.

[moonslav59]

I still think there is a possibility Plawecki is non-tendered. It might come down to what's more valuable.

 

1. Plawecki as a $2-2.5mill backup catcher?

2. Or the 40 man roster spot?

 

I think we trade or non-tender Plawecki. We may go with Wong or make a trade for a defense only catcher.

[notin]

He has some pluses. I don't see him as a net negative player, but I do not think he's worth $7M.

 

Bloom does, and my guess is other GMs do, too.

 

I don't project my feelings on other GMs. I make suggestions on moves based on my opinions- not Bloom's.

 

Well, if he is dealt, the $7 mill price tag is part of the deal.

 

We all make trade proposals based on our own feelings about players. But when the deal is based on the strategy of "we need to get rid of this guy," we enter some flawed territory thinking his is movable at all.

 

And salary dumping is certainly a good reason to unload a player that can be outside his abilities, but the Sox are typically a team positioned to take advantage of salary-dumping as opposed to engage in it. Mookie Betts trade notwithstanding...

[notin]

I think we trade or non-tender Plawecki. We may go with Wong or make a trade for a defense only catcher.

 

There is no trade market for Plawecki. Every team has at least one Plawecki on their 40-man already, and if they want another, free agency always carries a few who can be had for less than $2mill...

[mvp 78]

I still think there is a possibility Plawecki is non-tendered. It might come down to what's more valuable.

 

1. Plawecki as a $2-2.5mill backup catcher?

2. Or the 40 man roster spot?

 

If I was GM, I'd keep Plawecki for another year. He's cheap enough that you can move on from him during the year if Wong/Hernandez shows they're ready.

[sk7326]

The blueprint might be we spend $40M, like last year, but we literally cannot sign 10 guys, like last winter, so something is going to be different.

 

If we spend $40M on 3 guys, we'll likely go large on one. If we spend $40M on 4-5 guys, maybe it will be more moderate deals, but I seriously doubt the most we spend on one player is $14M/2 like Kike or $10M/1 like Richards.

 

We might, but I doubt it.

 

Looking at the top of the FA class ... obviously they could use Carlos Correa, but so could everyone else, and they likely would want to trade one of Bogaerts/Devers to make it happen. Javier Baez is probably the other premium guy I'd give a superstar contract to because of his ability to defend in the middle of the field. If the team can work with him to improve his batting eye a LITTLE, there is an MVP level player there. Chris Taylor is super interesting for 2B as another Kike type who can play a bunch of positions reasonably well. Scherzer on a short deal would be great of course, though I think with what Bloom wants to do - making an upside/development play on Carlos Rodon might make more sense.

[notin]

I think we trade or non-tender Plawecki. We may go with Wong or make a trade for a defense only catcher.

 

If the Sox non-tender him, it is probably to free up the 40 man space, which means Wong might be the backup. Sure, we once traded Leon to get Plawecki, but this is just re-arranging backup catchers and is about as low of an impact as trades get...

[mvp 78]

I think we trade or non-tender Plawecki. We may go with Wong or make a trade for a defense only catcher.

 

We'll see a bigger change after 2022 when Vaz and Plawecki are both FAs.

[notin]

Looking at the top of the FA class ... obviously they could use Carlos Correa, but so could everyone else, and they likely would want to trade one of Bogaerts/Devers to make it happen. Javier Baez is probably the other premium guy I'd give a superstar contract to because of his ability to defend in the middle of the field. If the team can work with him to improve his batting eye a LITTLE, there is an MVP level player there. Chris Taylor is super interesting for 2B as another Kike type who can play a bunch of positions reasonably well. Scherzer on a short deal would be great of course, though I think with what Bloom wants to do - making an upside/development play on Carlos Rodon might make more sense.

 

I think two names often overlooked at 2B that won't command $200-300mill are Eduardo Escobar and Jonathan Villar. Neither are going to win a Gold Glove (and maybe both will look like they are fielding with one instead), but both have pros and cons that make them intriguing candidates.

 

I liked the Taylor idea but I think the QO is a deal-breaker for the Sox.

 

The incredibly underrated and often underappreciated Cesar Hernandez is another very interesting 2B candidate. Last year, he signed a 1 year $5mill deal, which seems pretty light for a reigning Gold Glover.

[mvp 78]

Looking at the top of the FA class ... obviously they could use Carlos Correa, but so could everyone else, and they likely would want to trade one of Bogaerts/Devers to make it happen. Javier Baez is probably the other premium guy I'd give a superstar contract to because of his ability to defend in the middle of the field. If the team can work with him to improve his batting eye a LITTLE, there is an MVP level player there. Chris Taylor is super interesting for 2B as another Kike type who can play a bunch of positions reasonably well. Scherzer on a short deal would be great of course, though I think with what Bloom wants to do - making an upside/development play on Carlos Rodon might make more sense.

 

Rodon is an interesting case. He put it all together last season and became dominant (more heat, more k's, less bb's). However, he just can't stay on the field. Steamer is projecting 163 innings in 2022, but the most innings he's ever thrown is 165. I can't see a team giving him more than 2 years, just because you can't count on him to be in your lineup.

[moonslav59]

Looking at the top of the FA class ... obviously they could use Carlos Correa, but so could everyone else, and they likely would want to trade one of Bogaerts/Devers to make it happen. Javier Baez is probably the other premium guy I'd give a superstar contract to because of his ability to defend in the middle of the field. If the team can work with him to improve his batting eye a LITTLE, there is an MVP level player there. Chris Taylor is super interesting for 2B as another Kike type who can play a bunch of positions reasonably well. Scherzer on a short deal would be great of course, though I think with what Bloom wants to do - making an upside/development play on Carlos Rodon might make more sense.

 

MLBTR estimates $20M x 5 for Baez. To me, that's one of the best value deals out there. Trade Bogey or move him to 2B or 3B (Devers to 1B and trade Dalbec or casas for pitching).

[mvp 78]

I think two names often overlooked at 2B that won't command $200-300mill are Eduardo Escobar and Jonathan Villar. Neither are going to win a Gold Glove (and maybe both will look like they are fielding with one instead), but both have pros and cons that make them intriguing candidates.

 

I liked the Taylor idea but I think the QO is a deal-breaker for the Sox.

 

The incredibly underrated and often underappreciated Cesar Hernandez is another very interesting 2B candidate. Last year, he signed a 1 year $5mill deal, which seems pretty light for a reigning Gold Glover.

 

Yes, just get a cheap full time option for 2b.

[mvp 78]

MLBTR estimates $20M x 5 for Baez. To me, that's one of the best value deals out there. Trade Bogey or move him to 2B or 3B (Devers to 1B and trade Dalbec or casas for pitching).

 

Why trade Bogey and downgrade to Baez?

 

Also, 5 years is kinda long when we may be talking about Mayer in 3.

[sk7326]

I think two names often overlooked at 2B that won't command $200-300mill are Eduardo Escobar and Jonathan Villar. Neither are going to win a Gold Glove (and maybe both will look like they are fielding with one instead), but both have pros and cons that make them intriguing candidates.

 

I liked the Taylor idea but I think the QO is a deal-breaker for the Sox.

 

The incredibly underrated and often underappreciated Cesar Hernandez is another very interesting 2B candidate. Last year, he signed a 1 year $5mill deal, which seems pretty light for a reigning Gold Glover.

 

Escobar is a good choice. Defensively he is better than Villar and on a short deal he makes sense. Baez is likely the middle infielder worth going big on (from a Red Sox perspective) but failing that, this is a good idea.

[moonslav59]

If the Sox non-tender him, it is probably to free up the 40 man space, which means Wong might be the backup. Sure, we once traded Leon to get Plawecki, but this is just re-arranging backup catchers and is about as low of an impact as trades get...

 

It's hard to know their views on Wong, but that makes the most sense.

 

It's highly doubtful we carry 4 catchers on the 40.

 

Vaz

___/Plawecki

Wong

R Hernandez

[moonslav59]

Why trade Bogey and downgrade to Baez?

 

Also, 5 years is kinda long when we may be talking about Mayer in 3.

 

You know my answer: defense.

 

Be pre-emptive on losing Bogey.

 

When Mayer is ready, Baez can move to 2B.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Escobar is a good choice. Defensively he is better than Villar and on a short deal he makes sense. Baez is likely the middle infielder worth going big on (from a Red Sox perspective) but failing that, this is a good idea.

 

Baez long term in Boston is asking for trouble. In his eight-year career, the guy has struck out 29.3% of the time. That's more than Schwarber, JD, Renfroe, Devers -- every regular in last October's starting lineup. In addition, playing in a new league facing and learning new pitchers can be a struggle initially (ask JBJ, a career 25.9% whiffer).

 

Imagine Baez having issues adjusting, fanning continually in big spots, and hearing boos -- will he react the way he did for the Mets? Red Sox fans won't be so forgiving, especially if he's owed nine figures.