MLBTR Chat Transcript

Mark P

• The Winter Meetings are about to begin, so there’s plenty to discuss!  Let’s take a minute for the questions to pile up, and then launch the Weekend Chat…

Tim

• We going to see alot more signings and trades the next few days?

Mark P

• Oh heck yeah.  While the Winter Meetings aren’t the epicenter of offseason activity, it will be very busy over the next few days

Zach

• If the Rangers were to trade Jung and a couple of lower level prospects to the pirates could they get Joey Bart and some RP?

Mark P

• I don’t think the asking price for Bart would be all that high, but a Jung/Bart swap would be interesting given their shared history as top prospects.

Every fan in Cincinnati

• We are all dying to know what the Reds will realistically do this week. Any clues? Is Schwarber going to shock everyone and come hit 60 plus bombs each year?

Mark P

• As fun as it would be to see Schwarber return to his hometown team, it would be stunning to see him leave Philadelphia.

  I do think the Reds will add at least one reliable, everyday-ish type of hitter to the lineup.  Whether that add comes in the next week or two months from now, who knows, but some kind of an upgrade would be immensely helpful.

• For teams like the Reds and Pirates who might be willing to stretch the budget for Schwarber, they should still be willing to spend that money but spread around over multiple players (assuming Schwarber goes elsewhere).

Dave

• Now that the Mariners traded Harry Ford, who is the backup catcher? Would they consider a reunion with Garver and/or Murphy, and if so, who is more likely to come back?

Mark P

• Either of these guys or another clear-cut backup type is possible.  Frankly, a backup catcher in Seattle is likely to play infrequently enough that it might not be a priority for the team right now.

guest

• how series are the red sox in their pursuit of Bichette and Marte?

Mark P

• Marte seems more likely just because there have been rumblings that the Sox are being wary about spending.  Y’know, since the BOSTON RED SOX might not turn a profit if player payroll is too high.

  Now that I’m done scoffing, this doesn’t mean Marte is a likely add, but just that he’s perhaps “more” likely than Bichette.  The Red Sox now have built up some rotation depth and might be more open to moving pitching for Marte

Giants Fan

• Do you see the Giants really signing Kyle Shwarber and trading Bryce Eldridge?

Mark P

• No to the first, maybe to the second

Nolan

• Hello, if you were Scott Harris, would you deal Skubal this offseason? I worry our fanbase would be calling for him to be fired, even though I think he has done a good job so far for the Tigers.

Mark P

• I’d keep him, since it’s a lot easier to win the World Series when you’ve got a star ace at the front of your pitching staff.

RoyalsCenter2024

• With the news of royals wanting to sign Adam Frazier and Yaz is it understandable for fans to worry that might be all they do for the outfield? Or should the Royals not be worried?

Mark P

• I find it hard to believe that KC would consider Yaz/Frazier to be a suitable answer to their outfield problems.  Bringing back one to address one OF slot and then obtaining a bigger everyday type for another OF slot would be far more helpful.

Hagen

• Do you think the dodgers could work a trade for Ketel Marte? Why or why not? What would be a ideal trade?

Mark P

• If Marte is dealt at all, it sure won’t be to the Dodgers, of all teams.

RocktheRed

• Now that Harry Ford is a Nat, what happens to Kilbert Ruiz?

Mark P

• Ruiz’s trade value is pretty low right now, given his contract and his lack of production.  What I could see the Nats doing is shopping him as part of an unwelcome contract swap, or perhaps as salary offset as part of a larger trade.  Like, a catcher-needy team sends a big contract or two to the Washington along with some prospect depth, and the Nats move Ruiz out as part of the return to help even out the money.

Walter

• is there a world where the Jays sign Tucker AND Bo Bichette?

Mark P

• That seems a bridge too far, even considering how aggressive the Jays have been about spending.  They’d have to figure out some way to unload at least one other big contract (i.e. Santander, Berrios) to make that feasible.

Matt S

• Would you have voted for Jeff Kent for the Hall of Fame?  I’m disappointed Murphy and Mattingly didn’t make it.

Mark P

• Kent, Delgado, Bonds, and Clemens were the four of the eight candidates that clear the HOF bar in my book.

  In terms of actual votes, it’s more of a “read the room” situation.  Remember, each member of this committee can only vote for as many as three candidates.  So if I’m at the meeting and hear like eight or nine people openly say they’re not voting for Bonds/Clemens, then I’m probably not going to bother putting both on my list, since neither are getting elected.  At most I’d vote for one, then spend two votes on Kent and Delgado.

Sox Fan

• Would Mayer straight up be enough to get Joe Ryan?

Mark P

• The Twins might want a couple of low-level lottery ticket guys included just so the pressure isn’t entirely on Mayer, but if he’s the centerpiece, I think Minnesota leans towards saying yes

mcg

• Will we have more Breaking News tonight besides Kent going into Hallmto.

Mark P

• From past experience, the first night of the Winter Meetings is usually not very busy news-wise, as everyone is getting there and settling into the hotel.  Not wanting to step on the HOF announcement is also a factor, possibly.

  Now, as I write this, watch some big blockbuster trade happen, lol.  Good thing Charlie Wright and I are both on MLBTR duty tonight, giving me some flexibility to run this chat!

Bill B

• What can the Phillies reasonably expect to receive for trading Castelanos and Bohm

Mark P

• Barring a bad contract swap, I think the Phils will end up just releasing Castellanos and eating the money.  Bohm could bring back a decent but unspectacular return, like a reliever or something.

Dana Brown 4 Advice

• Can I get a catcher in the Rule 5?

Mark P

• Taking a catcher in the R5 is an added risk because since you can’t send him down to the minors, you’re putting a lot of faith in an unproven player if your starter ends up getting hurt.

  Yainer is a pretty good starting option already, so the Astros are much more likely to play it safe and just sign a veteran backup

Guardians fan

• Chances Guards sign Alonso or Bellinger with how little they have committed in payroll?

Mark P

• As much as this makes sense, the Guardians simply aren’t willing to make those financial splashes in free agency.  It would take a real market collapse for either of those guys to get into Cleveland’s price range.

Dr. socks

• No clue why pirates bothered to offer schwarbs a contract.  Maybe to make it look like they are actually trying

Mark P

• To be fair, you can’t criticize the Pirates for not trying to spend on bigger free agents and then turn around and roll your eyes when they do make the attempt.  It doesn’t seem likely that Schwarber will end up in Pittsburgh, but it costs the Bucs nothing to ask, or make an offer.

fascinating

• Are teams allowed to negotiate with players on other teams prior to making a trade agreement? I seem to remember the Dodgers conditional agreement to trade for Glasnow was dependent on whether or not he would sign an extension. Is this permitted? Thinking about my Giants trading Eldridge for someone on a one year deal like Peralta but only making the move of Freddy agrees to an extension first.

Mark P

• This is allowed, under certain circumstances like the one you mentioned.

Paxton

• Does Mitch Keller to the D-Backs for Ketel Marte makes sense for both team?

Mark P

• Keller is a perfectly decent starter, but the D’Backs would want way more than “perfectly decent” back in exchange for Marte

Boras

• Do you think Alonso will hold out until near or spring training this year like he did last year? It sounded like larger offers kept disappearing that were below what his expectations were as the offseason went on and had to settle for the mets deal which was lower than what was originally offered earlier in the offseason.

Mark P

• Knowing Boras, he’s got a new game plan in place given how last offseason went, and he has more of an idea about how the market as a whole evaluates Alonso.  And, that market may have changed since Alonso is no longer tied to a qualifying offer, and because he’s coming off a much better platform year.

Troy

• is Otto Lopez a trade option for the Braves at SS? They could even pursue Sandy in a package deal. Thoughts?

Mark P

• The Marlins probably aren’t trading Alcantara at all, and if they did, it definitely won’t be to a division rival.

  Secondly, this is the first time I’ve heard Alcantara described as an add-on in The Otto Lopez Trade, lol

Tiger Lover

• Do you think the Tigers will make any moves at the meetings, or, is it all smoke we are hearing?

Mark P

• This is true of the Tigers and every other team, but if they don’t do anything major (or at all) over the next four days, their offseason isn’t a bust.  There are still months to make transactions.

  Undoubtedly the Tigers will explore some things at the Meetings, but if they don’t close on a notable move, it isn’t the end of the world.

TheHurricaneBen

• Do you think the Cardinals will make a trade this week? Lot of smoke around Donovan and KC

Mark P

• Derrick Goold made the interesting point in a recent piece that the Cards, Rays, and D’Backs are all shopping second basemen to some extent, leaving the market a little clogged.

  Now, that doesn’t mean St. Louis wouldn’t or couldn’t be the first to make a trade here, since there’s so much interest in Donovan that the Cards have probably already received a few interesting offers….it’s just a question of whether any of these offers are deemed enough, or if Chaim Blooms thinks more than be found in a counter-offer, or from another team entirely.

Cashman

• am I finally going to make a real move this offseason

Mark P

• Fried, Bellinger, Devin Williams, and the umpteen other huge moves Cashman has made over his long career aren’t “real moves”?

Pete

• Are the Giants really not interested in committing big money to top free agent SPs or is just a bargaining strategy

Mark P

• Every team would prefer to not sign pitchers to long-term deals, since the majority of them turn out to be poor investments.  That said, just enough of them turn out great that several teams still feel willing to take the plunge.

  I don’t doubt that the Giants would so big on a starting pitcher if they’re really particularly keen on a guy, but maybe nobody in this year’s market strikes their fancy.

buhlake

• Would it make sense for the Rangers to try and bring back Garcia for much less if they can’t find another outfielder?

Mark P

• I think the ship has sailed on Garcia in Texas.

IM

• I keep seeing suggestions on MacKenzie Gore to the Orioles trades…are the Nats and O’s likely to hook up on any trade, much less for someone like Gore?

Mark P

• Highly unlikely.  Even after the ownership change, there’s way too much bad blood between the two organizations.

Mariners

• Why do you think that Harry ford’s value was so comparatively low? He was traded, along with someone else, for a young, intriguing but unproven reliever, and not even to be a closer. Do you think the could have gotten more for ford?

Mark P

• It was a fascinating trade, since I agree with you that it seemed like the M’s would be able to get a lot more back for Ford.  That said, perhaps it’s a sign of just how much the market value controllable relievers with Ferrer’s stuff.  Plus, the Mariners are certainly in “last piece of the puzzle” mode.  A LH reliever was a clear need for them, so perhaps they felt giving up Ford was worth it to land a pitcher like Ferrer they so clearly coveted

Dbacks Fan

• Since Ketel is an MVP level player and on a defeated team friendly deal for only a few more years, is any return good enough to actually trade him? I know the Snakes need pitching but can the return include a controllable mlb established arm and a quality bat at the corner infield?

Mark P

• It feels like that unless there’s a lot of smoke behind those reports of clubhouse discontent, there’s no reason for Arizona to move a star player like Marte.  And like I said earlier, I doubt they send him anywhere unless they receive an absurd trade offer.

  It costs the D’Backs nothing to at least listen to trade offers, even if they aren’t actually shopping Marte themselves.

CT

• Ruiz for Cronenworth?

Mark P

• San Diego did some to mind when I was floating that Ruiz scenario earlier.  But, Cronenworth is still a useful player, if overpaid within SD’s payroll limitations.  Ruiz can’t be relied on as a starting catcher, so he wouldn’t be much of an answer to the Padres’ search

Pete

• Super bowl predictions?

Mark P

• Rams over Broncos

Mr. Red

• Is there a player who, when signed, would be the first “domino” and other signings would quickly follow? How about the same for a traded player? Or does it even work like that?

Mark P

• This is pretty common in many offseasons.  This year, Schwarber leaving the market will get a lot of teams turning their attention more fully to other hitters.

Kyle

• Coulda package of Donovan and Arenado make sense for Boston, assuming STL takes on enough of the money? Donovan and Mayer have both had their injury issues, and Arenado wouldn’t be the worst backup option. Would STL even consider moving both in the same deal?

Mark P

• There’s no way the Cards are diminishing the return on Donovan by linking him to Arenado.  If they were in the same deal, the Cardinals also aren’t eating any of Arenado’s salary….but by the same token, STL isn’t moving Donovan just to unload Arenado’s money

Marky Mark

• Mark, you’ve been ignoring me buddy! Weekend Chat Nation want to know – what’s on your playlist?

Mark P

• (Fast) Slow Disco, by St. Vincent

Cubs Fan

• What are the chances of Imai to the Cubs?

Mark P

• Seems like a distinct possibility.  The Cubs have a good history of signing Japanese players, and Imai’s price tag is expected to fall within the range Chicago is comfortable paying

Ivy Walls

• Any idea how much of the Cubs rumored interest is legitimate and how much is agents and media trying to generate interest?

Mark P

• No reason to doubt the Cubs aren’t making calls or checking in on a wide range of players.  Only the front office knows which players are highest on their target list, and which are being contacted out of due diligence.

J

• Will the Rays sign a big name free agent or at least extend caminero?

Mark P

• 1. No way
  2. They hadn’t any talks with Caminero as of last August, as per his agent Rafa Nieves.  Certainly you’d think Tampa would have interest in locking Junior up, but as Nieves pointed out, the triple factors of the team sale/the ballpark mess/Wander Franco’s contract may have kept the Rays from delving into extension talks

Dallas

• How often does a team make a move that even the MLBTR writers can’t understand or endorse?

Mark P

• Happens every once in a while.  As someone who couldn’t fathom for about a year why the Orioles made that Trevor Rogers trade, we’ll often find ourselves eating our words!

Guest

• Any substance to trade talks involving Barger, or is it pure speculation on the media’s part?

Mark P

• Between Barger’s breakout at the plate and his roster value in being able to capably play both 3B and RF, I would be very surprised if the Blue Jays moved him
• I don’t doubt that tons of teams are asking the Jays about Barger, but expect him in Toronto on Opening Day

Guest

• What was the reasoning behind optioning Yariel given that the 40 man wasn’t full?

Mark P

• I think the Jays have a few things percolating and may need multiple 40-man roster spots soon.  That’s what makes the timing of the Yariel outright so intriguing.

Nick Krall

• Should I send Brady Singer packing for a middle of the order hitter if I can’t sign Schwarber?

Mark P

• Not sure if Singer can bring back such a quality bat, but yeah, he’d probably the most expendable member of the Reds staff

Gavin Cordes

• could the padres get a return on Conenworth or is it just a salary dump if they trade him?

Mark P

• It wouldn’t be a salary dump, since as mentioned earlier, Cronenworth is a decent player.  (He had an under-the-radar 117 wRC+ last year.). I think Preller is creative enough to work out some kind of undesirable contract swap that addresses another team’s needs while perhaps bringing back some pitching to San Diego

Billings

• Did Delgado’s performance in this year’s HOF voting bode well for him getting in eventually?

Mark P

• I wonder how many people looked at Delgado’s numbers and went “man, he was really good!  Who knew?!”  It seemed like Delgado was overshadowed because he played in the steroid era, yet he might now be getting his day in the sun via these Era Committee votes.  Hard to imagine he won’t be included on the next ballot in 2028 after getting nine votes this time.

Angels Fan

• Can Okamoto realistically play 3B long term for us?

Mark P

• Okamoto isn’t considered to be Scott Rolen or anything, but it seems like the majority of scouts feel he’s at least a decent third baseman.  So in terms of fielding, the Angels shouldn’t have any huge concerns.

George

• What free agent do you think is worth Atlanta giving up the PPI pick?

Mark P

• Of the nine QO free agents, Cease is already signed, and we can safely rule out Tucker, Schwarber, and Diaz.

  That leaves Suarez, Valdez, King, Gallen, and Bichette.  Any of the pitchers would help stabilize Atlanta’s rotation, and obviously Bichette fills the shortstop hole in a big way if the Braves are okay with his shaky defense. From a pure need standpoint, Bichette seems like the best fit, but frankly, I doubt the Braves are going to be splurging for any of these guys.  Maybe Gallen or King since their markets could be more limited.

JustanotherAstrosfan

• Do you see the Astros at least throwing a “good faith” offer at Framber like we did with Bregman and Correa before they left? Like 5/175? That would be the largest contract Jim Crane ever handed out and if so, chances he takes it?

Mark P

• We only had Valdez at five years/$150MM on our top 50 list, so if the Astros made that offer, I suspect he’d happily take it.

  But, it seems like there just hasn’t been any real buzz linking Valdez back with Houston.  It seems like when the Astros want to keep a guy, they lock him up earlier, not let him hit the open market.

Miles Smiles

• Best Hitchcock film:  Vertigo, Psycho, the Birds, North by Northwest, or Rear Window?

Mark P

• I’m not a huge Hitchcock guy, but Rear Window is one of the best movies ever made

Byron Buxton

• How likely do you think it is, really, that I am in Minnesota next year?

Mark P

• I think it’s very likely.  The Twins seem to be holding off on moving Buxton, Ryan, and Lopez, plus Buxton had reservations anyway about waiving his no-trade clause

Jayvion

• Why is Lou Whitaker not a hall of famer already? Why was he left off the ballot entirely?

Mark P

• Great question.  It’s inexplicable to me that Whitaker isn’t already in.

  Alan Trammell was one of the members of this year’s Era Committee, and it’s funny to imagine him loudly complaining about Whitaker whenever every candidate is mentioned.

  “Jeff Kent, great second baseman, eh?  Hey, you know who’s also a great second baseman?!”
  “Bonds and Clemens, eh?  Hey, you know who’s a great player that didn’t take PEDs?”
  “Murphy and Mattingly, great stars of the 80’s, eh?  Hey, you know who was also a great star in the 80’s and who actually won a World Series?”

Richard

• why does it seem like the ms do not want to start Cole Young? Just because he is young? He was a top prospect and still full of potential. This is what good teams do draft and bring up prospects ……. What am i missing?

Mark P

• The Mariners think they can win the World Series next year.  Having Polanco or a more established 2B in the lineup gives the M’s a better chance at that goal than rolling the dice on Young as a reliable everyday player.

  And, who’s to say Young won’t end up being a big part of Seattle’s 2026 plans?  It’s still early.

Arte Moreno

• Do you think with Ryne Sandberg and now Jeff Kent getting into the HOF that it paves the path for Bobby Grich and Lou Whitaker? Both have higher WAR and JAWS rankings

Mark P

• Grich is another guy who is overdue for Cooperstown.  Hopefully he shows up on the next “Classic Baseball” ballot.

  Also, man, it makes me feel old that everything before 1980 is considered “Classic Baseball”

Brew Crew

• Did Woodruff accepting the QO throw a curve ball to the Brewers offseason plans?

Mark P

• Teams don’t issue a QO unless they’re prepared for a scenario where the player could accept.  Especially if you’re a team like the Brewers who are operating with a limited budget.  They know Woodruff better than anyone and they must’ve thought there was a real chance he would accept.

Mr Red Leg

• When I first saw that the Reds were interested in Schwarber, admittedly I just rolled my eyes. I’ve been a Reds fan for a long time, and they aren’t likely to spend that kind of money. However, after thinking about it, I actually think that they have a legitimate chance of pulling it off. If there was ever a time that ownership would sign off on extra spending, I think it would be for Shwarber.  This is their time to strike.  He seems to want to go there,  considering that he is from the area. They wouldn’t have to outbid other teams to get him to sign. I think that if their offer was competitive, he would accept. Also, they have some ways that they could shed some payroll by trading Singer, Lux, Trevino, etc.  They could even defer some money, as they have done before.  I think attendance would get a big boost and the  image of the ownership group would get a boost as well. Am I crazy for thinking that this is feasible?

Mark P

• They will have to outbid other teams, namely one specific team in the Phillies.  If the Phils are willing to top basically any offer Schwarber receives, the Reds are out of luck.

  It does seem like Schwarber is a special case for the Reds due to his hometown ties.  Unfortunately for them, Schwarber probably isn’t likely to take a hometown discount since he also loved his time in Philly

Guest

• Do you think it’s a possibility the Orioles use Jordan Westburg to acquire a center fielder or a starting pitcher?

Mark P

• Feels like Westburg is someone Baltimore sees as a building block, not a trade chip
• Time to wrap things up for the evening.  Thanks so much for all of your questions, and let’s all strap in for what might be a very fun and newsworthy Winter Meetings!
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