Red Sox: Off Season 2024-2025

[moonslav59]

15 minutes ago, notin said:

Skubal?  No.  Detroit might make the postseason this week.

 

Crochet? Absolutely.  I’ll be surprised if he’s on the White Sox 5 months from now.

Other interesting names that might be available include: Aaron Civale, Tyler Anderson, Jon Gray, Sean Manaea.  Quite possibly Framber  Valdez and/or Zac Gallen,  but those last  two are only in July and only if each’s resoective team collapses. Tough to do with a third wild card…

It is very likely an Astros pitchers is traded this winter. Much might depend on their choice to keep Bregman and or Tucker, and at what cost. If they keep both, Framber may be on the block.

They had so many pitchers on the IL and a few who did well in their place, that when everyone is expected to be healthy to start 2025, someone has to go.

Verlander will be a FA, so we could assume he goes, especially if it comes down to only being able to keep him or Framber. The Astros are known for letting big stars walk (Springer, Correa, Cole...)

Here is a look at who they have going into 2025:

Framber: 1 arb left (made $12.1M in '24) 27 GS 2.85 ERA

McCullers: 2 x $17.7M ($17M AAV) always injured and certainly trade bait. (28 GS in '21 w 3.16 ERA, 8 GS since.)

Javier: 3 years left on deal at $43M/3 and $12.8M AAV ('22-'23: 56 GS and 3.59 ERA/112 ERA+)

Urquidy- 1 arb left ($3.8M in '24) '21-'22: 48 GS 3.81 ERA

Luis Garcia (The other one) has 2 arbs left (career 63 GS 3.61 ERA/113 ERA+ at age 26)

Hunter Brown: pre-arb (29 GS 3.57)

Ronel Blanco: pre-arb (28 GS 2.88)

Spender Arrighetti: pre-arb (27 GS 4.68)

JP France: pre-arb (23 GS in '23 at 3.83 ERA)

That's 8 SP'ers- 7 if you want to throw out McCullers.

 

 

[moonslav59]

12 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Everyone who thinks Abreu is such a solid all-around rookie and Rafaela is a hopeless hacker realizes that Wilyer's K-rate is 29.0% and Ceddanne's is 26.6%?

The only regular with a worse K-rate than Abreu is O'Neill, at 33.6%. That is, unless you count Casas, whose 34.1% K-rate includes 40% looking (O'Neill's 25.2% looking, Abreu's is 13.8%, Rafaela's is 11.6%).

One can overlook a 29% K rate of the guy hist .820 and plays near GG defense.

[Maddie Landis]

3 minutes ago, harmony said:

The Red Sox and Mariners might not match up in a trade.

I've always thought the Phillies and Red Sox might match up in a trade since we have a surplus of outfielders and their OF seems to be a weak point for the team. 

[Randy Red Sox]

1 hour ago, moonslav59 said:

It's a Catch 22 situation.

We are doomed, if we don't improve our pitching.

Anthony is the one guy who could be traded to greatly improve our pitching.

Do not trade Anthony at any cost.

BTW, I do think Fitts and Priester plus maybe Dobbins are MLB ready. It is their skill level that is in doubt- not their readiness.

What I'm afraid of is that JH & Co. views one of these three as our 5th starter on opening day, instead of being the much needed minor league rotation depth than are viewed as the 7th through 9th starters on the depth chart, or possibly 6th through 8th, if we add an ace.

 

i agree with you here

[Randy Red Sox]

11 minutes ago, Maddie Landis said:

I've always thought the Phillies and Red Sox might match up in a trade since we have a surplus of outfielders and their OF seems to be a weak point for the team. 

but what young quality SP do they have to offer in return?

[win red sox]

3 hours ago, Bellhorn04 said:

I can't see it.  We have Duran, Rafaela and Anthony, and I'm thinking if they're prepared to make any splashy signings it will be pitching.  Soto will command a massive chunk of budget.

I admit its hard to see with how Boston has handled free agency recently, But Soto is probably going to be the biggest free agent in recent memory.  Boston has positioned themselves in the best situation to sign him compared to any other team in the league.

Duran and Abreu wont stop you from signing a generational talent that's just entering his prime. You could move both for pitching and run with a OF of LF Soto, CF Campbell, RF Anthony with Rafeala a super sub.

[Bellhorn04]

7 minutes ago, win red sox said:

I admit its hard to see with how Boston has handled free agency recently, But Soto is probably going to be the biggest free agent in recent memory.  Boston has positioned themselves in the best situation to sign him compared to any other team in the league.

When the other 2 teams in the bidding are the Yankees and Mets, I don't see how that's a good position.  Not only because of their money and willingness to spend it, but because they would probably be more appealing to Soto to begin with.  

[Larry Cook]

5 hours ago, notin said:

What if Seattle wants Roman Anthony for Bryce Miller?  Or, more likely, Roman Anthony plus.  Should the Sox agree to that deal?  Should they switch targets  to (likely) more available Castillo, who will cost less?Or just refuse to upgrade the pitching altogether?

Anthony, teel, Campbell and Montgomery would be the 4 that I do not trade under any circumstance. 
I think we have to be honest about how successful castillo can be pitching in Fenway 

[moonslav59]

39 minutes ago, Larry Cook said:

Anthony, teel, Campbell and Montgomery would be the 4 that I do not trade under any circumstance. 
I think we have to be honest about how successful castillo can be pitching in Fenway 

No circumstance?

Anthony for Miller and Woo? You'd say no?

Montgomery for either one? No?

[Randy Red Sox]

7 hours ago, win red sox said:

I admit its hard to see with how Boston has handled free agency recently, But Soto is probably going to be the biggest free agent in recent memory.  Boston has positioned themselves in the best situation to sign him compared to any other team in the league.

Duran and Abreu wont stop you from signing a generational talent that's just entering his prime. You could move both for pitching and run with a OF of LF Soto, CF Campbell, RF Anthony with Rafeala a super sub.

NO NO NO--the Sox need to spend on PITCHING, PITCHING, AND MORE PITCHING  !!

[Randy Red Sox]

6 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

No circumstance?

Anthony for Miller and Woo? You'd say no?

Montgomery for either one? No?

Why even post that question when there is no chance in hell the Mariners ever even entertain that trade ??

[Randy Red Sox]

7 hours ago, Bellhorn04 said:

When the other 2 teams in the bidding are the Yankees and Mets, I don't see how that's a good position.  Not only because of their money and willingness to spend it, but because they would probably be more appealing to Soto to begin with.  

the Sox have ZERO need for Soto

[moonslav59]

38 minutes ago, Randy Red Sox said:

Why even post that question when there is no chance in hell the Mariners ever even entertain that trade ??

My point was that nobody is totally off limits, if a team offers more value in return. 

I exaggerated the return to make a point, but why would you refuse any deal that gives back just slightly more value than we give, especially if that value is in an area of greater need than the Sox OF?

[moonslav59]

39 minutes ago, Randy Red Sox said:

the Sox have ZERO need for Soto

Not even at DH?

How about LF Soto, CF Duran, RF Anthony and trade Abreu and Rafaela for a pitcher.

(Note: I am not for spending a penny on any position player, except a small amount on a 1 year back-up catcher to bridge to Teel or a RHB, assuming we trade a LHB or two.

[win red sox]

10 hours ago, Randy Red Sox said:

the Sox have ZERO need for Soto

The Sox have no need for one of the best hitter's baseball? Do you honestly believe that the Sox are going to give a long term contract to a free agent pitcher?

[notin]

20 hours ago, Maddie Landis said:

I've always thought the Phillies and Red Sox might match up in a trade since we have a surplus of outfielders and their OF seems to be a weak point for the team. 

Maybe the Phillies like the Sox outfielders, but they aren’t breaking up their staff to acquire one.  And their minor league pitching begins and ends with Abel and Painter - not much depth…

[notin]

50 minutes ago, win red sox said:

The Sox have no need for one of the best hitter's baseball? Do you honestly believe that the Sox are going to give a long term contract to a free agent pitcher?

The Sox absolutely need Soto.  But so do 29 other teams.  And given the Sox current OF, need for RHH bats, and probable budget limitations, it’s an unlikely pairing.

 

It’s a shame, because there is a short list of hitters in MLB that could replace Betts on this team, and Soto is near (if not at) the top of it…

[moonslav59]

19 minutes ago, notin said:

Maybe the Phillies like the Sox outfielders, but they aren’t breaking up their staff to acquire one.  And their minor league pitching begins and ends with Abel and Painter - not much depth…

I'd be interested in Abel or Painter for Abreu, DHam and Wikelman.

[notin]

12 hours ago, Randy Red Sox said:

NO NO NO--the Sox need to spend on PITCHING, PITCHING, AND MORE PITCHING  !!

If the signed Soto (not happening), they could theoretically deal an OF or two for pitching…

[notin]

47 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I'd be interested in Abel or Painter for Abreu, DHam and Wikelman.

I don’t think Philly is killing their pitching depth for Abreu, a utility infielder, and what’s left of Wikelman…

[Nick]

I tend to be optimistic. 

We'll find out shortly what JH's plan is going forward.

If they come out and say that our starting pitching is fine with the following;

Giolito

Bello

Houck

Kutter

Fitts

 

Well you know then we'll be treading water for foreseeable future.

 

[Bellhorn04]

4 minutes ago, Nick said:

I tend to be optimistic. 

We'll find out shortly what JH's plan is going forward.

If they come out and say that our starting pitching is fine with the following;

Giolito

Bello

Houck

Kutter

Fitts

 

Well you know then we'll be treading water for foreseeable future.

 

Do you really expect them to be straight with us about anything?  Get ready for more soothing platitudes and non-specific gibberish about building out and exploring all avenues to improve.

 

[mvp 78]

11 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Do you really expect them to be straight with us about anything?  Get ready for more soothing platitudes and non-specific gibberish about building out and exploring all avenues to improve.

 

Sounds good to me. 

[Old Red]

8 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Do you really expect them to be straight with us about anything?  Get ready for more soothing platitudes and non-specific gibberish about building out and exploring all avenues to improve.

 

I sure Sam has his end of season presser speech all written out, and ready to go. It most likely won’t sound much different from the last two years.

[Nick]

15 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Do you really expect them to be straight with us about anything?  Get ready for more soothing platitudes and non-specific gibberish about building out and exploring all avenues to improve.

 

I hate to think the'd lie to us but maybe that is the plan.

[notin]

23 hours ago, moonslav59 said:

It is very likely an Astros pitchers is traded this winter. Much might depend on their choice to keep Bregman and or Tucker, and at what cost. If they keep both, Framber may be on the block.

They had so many pitchers on the IL and a few who did well in their place, that when everyone is expected to be healthy to start 2025, someone has to go.

Verlander will be a FA, so we could assume he goes, especially if it comes down to only being able to keep him or Framber. The Astros are known for letting big stars walk (Springer, Correa, Cole...)

Here is a look at who they have going into 2025:

Framber: 1 arb left (made $12.1M in '24) 27 GS 2.85 ERA

McCullers: 2 x $17.7M ($17M AAV) always injured and certainly trade bait. (28 GS in '21 w 3.16 ERA, 8 GS since.)

Javier: 3 years left on deal at $43M/3 and $12.8M AAV ('22-'23: 56 GS and 3.59 ERA/112 ERA+)

Urquidy- 1 arb left ($3.8M in '24) '21-'22: 48 GS 3.81 ERA

Luis Garcia (The other one) has 2 arbs left (career 63 GS 3.61 ERA/113 ERA+ at age 26)

Hunter Brown: pre-arb (29 GS 3.57)

Ronel Blanco: pre-arb (28 GS 2.88)

Spender Arrighetti: pre-arb (27 GS 4.68)

JP France: pre-arb (23 GS in '23 at 3.83 ERA)

That's 8 SP'ers- 7 if you want to throw out McCullers.

 

 

Framber has one year left but is their ace.  Still he’s the most tradable.

Brown isn’t going anywhere.

McCullers is always hurt and has a big contract.

Javier is owed $53mill over the next 3 seasons, but had TJ in May and is probably out until August, 2025 at the earliest 

Urquidy is in the same boat as Javier, except without the contract.

Garcia had TJ in May, 2023.  He at least could pitch in 2025.

That leaves Blanco and Arighetti.  Both are question marks IMO.

It’s a shame that Houston’s depth might not actually be there, with Javier and Urquidy likely starting next year still on the IL.  Because Houston could probably use an outfielder.  Or two…

 

 

[notin]

9 minutes ago, Old Red said:

I sure Sam has his end of season presser speech all written out, and ready to go. It most likely won’t sound much different from the last two years.

“We feel the fault this year lies with the fans…”

[mvp 78]

42 minutes ago, notin said:

“We feel the fault this year lies with the fans…”

We didn't want it enough. 

[notin]

11 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

We didn't want it enough. 

If the fans were just more positive, it would become contagious.  And as it spread from person to person, it would eventually infect the umpires, many of whom are people.  Once the umpires bought into it, they’re going to be more generous with calls to help the Sox.  More calls going their way means more wins for the Sox.

So you see, Squealer is right.  It’s all the fans fault…

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

2 hours ago, notin said:

Javier is owed $53mill over the next 3 seasons, but had TJ in May and is probably out until August, 2025 at the earliest 

Urquidy is in the same boat as Javier, except without the contract.

Garcia had TJ in May, 2023.  He at least could pitch in 2025.

That leaves Blanco and Arighetti.  Both are question marks IMO.

It’s a shame that Houston’s depth might not actually be there, with Javier and Urquidy likely starting next year still on the IL.  Because Houston could probably use an outfielder.  Or two…

Are Urquidy me? He's perfect for the Red Sox: damaged goods -- maybe even damaged bads -- but probably eager to ink a pillow contract to get paid while he rehabs, with a target date return at the end of next summer... when "he'll be better than anything on the trade market; and we don't have to deal prospects for him!"

There has to be a whole conference table of Asst. VPs in Boston who've already conspired to offer him a lowball, scrapheaping helping of salad bar greens, and are now plotting how not to leave cyber footprints as evidence for tampering (counting, of course, on the MLB to look the other way at any possible transgressions toward the Astros... forever).