MLBTR Chat Transcript

Mark P

• The Weekend Chat is here!  /trumpet sounds

  We’ll start taking questions once a few file into the queue…

AstrosFAN

• How big of a left handed bat do you think the Astros will get? Abreu tier? Tauchman tier? What do you think?

Mark P

• Tauchman tier seems more likely.  It feels like (gamesmanship notwithstanding) that the Sox are viewing Abreu more as an everyday player than as trade bait, so something like a trade package centered around Abreu and Paredes may be less likely, if not impossible.

Ben

• Did the Giants materially improve with Bader and Arreaz?

Mark P

• Yes, since there’s a ton of value in putting Bader in CF and (just as importantly) getting Lee out of CF.  The outfield defense should be enormously improved by having Bader in CF and Lee in RF, which in turns makes the rotation better.  If Bader hits anything like he did in Philadelphia, that’s just icing on the cake.

  Arraez I’m not really sure brings more to the table overall than Schmitt, but Arraez does have more of a track record.

Jason

• The Cardinals need a veteran starter, no question, is a 1 year Scherzer worth the price to them since they are shedding money?

Mark P

• Scherzer’s not going to sign with a rebuilding team.

Rick

• Snell’s injury doesn’t really affect the dodgers right? Just an improved role for wrobleski?

Mark P

• Snell at this point isn’t a realistic candidate to throw a full season.  The Dodgers probably knew this before they acquired him in the first place, and are trying to manage his health and innings so he’ll be good to go for the end of the season and the playoff stretch.

Sam

• Eugenio is confirmed as going to Cincinnati, why did the Mariner’s allow him to sign elsewhere, leaving them with Williamson whom I think is not ready to play 3B everyday?

Mark P

• Williamson is an everyday player in terms of defense, though I agree that his bat is very much a work in progress at best.  The M’s may feel Suarez’s best days are behind him, or is just too inconsistent a player for a big financial commitment.

  That said, I wonder if Suarez’s willingness to take one year and $15MM was limited to just the Reds due to his past familiarity, because if that offer was also a possibility for Seattle, the M’s should’ve jumped

Dan

• Verlander to Detroit at 1 year 10 million?

Mark P

• His deal with the Giants was one year and $15MM, and I’m sure he doesn’t feel the need to take a $5MM paycut after delivering a quality season

Oldgfan

• Will the Twins rethink trading Ryan now that the PBO left ?

Mark P

• It is anyone’s guess as to how the Twins might process in the wake of Falvey’s surprising departure.  But, the fact that the team wants to make some effort at competing in 2026 probably means Ryan stays put.  Ryan, after all, is still inexpensive and in his arb years.

Prince

• I am disappointed that the Dbacks didn’t add Suarez for such a good price, Their offense seems very light to me, Does this make the Dbacks a longer shot to make playoffs?

Mark P

• Now this would’ve been a creative way for Arizona to add a RHH first baseman.  Re-sign Suarez and use him primarily as a DH, but also in a platoon at 1B.  Again, however, not sure if the price was right for the D’Backs or any other team besides the Reds, especially if Suarez was turning down a larger offer from the Pirates

Padres

• Any chance you think Preller has not been extended bc new potential ownership might have other ideas on the FO?

Mark P

• Preller implied that an extension may be coming soon, so it could be a moot point.  Preller should certainly take a new ownership group into consideration when determining his future, but since we don’t know who that might be yet, my guess is he wants to stay with this winning organization he has helped build into a contender.

Ken

• More likely – A’s sign somebody like Chris Bassitt or Lucas Giolito OR trade for somebody like Brady Singer or Kris Bubic?

Mark P

• A trade seems more likely, just because I find it doubtful that Bassitt or Giolito would sign to pitch in a hitter-friendly minor league ballpark if they had other options elsewhere

TigersFan

• Are all the fan duel sports teams just gone go to mlb?

Mark P

• That seems like the most plausible outcome
• Maybe not every single one, but you have to imagine most or all of the teams are very fed up with all of the bankruptcy drama over MSS in the last few years

Craig E.

• What do you think the Phillies do with Alec Bohm

Mark P

• I thought they should’ve moved on from his last offseason, let alone this winter.  Now it might create a bit of an awkward situation since the Bichette attempt made it clear that Bohm (and even Realmuto) were the team’s second choice
• Of course, it’s easier said than done to just say “the Phils should get a new third baseman” who’s a clear upgrade over Bohm at this point

Bw

• Brendan Donovan and JoJo Romero situations ?What’s  holding deals up? Cards asking too much or just not getting what they want exactly? Thanks.

Mark P

• There appears to be enough interest in both guys that the Cards are holding out for the best possible offer, or to see if a team with an offer on the table is willing to go a bit further.

  The risk, of course, is that one of those interested teams could pivot elsewhere, like the Giants with Arraez

Tim

• Pitchers and catchers report in 10 days and spring training games start in 20 days.    Give me a ‘yeah’

Mark P

• This seems wild to me, haha.  It feels like the 2025 season only just ended, but perhaps that’s because I’ve replayed Game 7 of the WS about a million times in my head.

Walk out song

• As a batter what would your walk up song be? As a closer what would you pick as your walk out song?

Mark P

• I feel like I’ve answered this question in many different ways over the years in these chats.  My current answers are either Ghostbusters or the Log Driver’s Waltz

Sleepy Tiger

• It would be nice to see some great leaps forward from many of Detroit’s young talent (Greene, Keith, McGonigle, and co.), but do you feel as though Harris’ risk aversion to signing marquee talent will cost them in the end?

Mark P

• It has already cost them in the sense that I can’t believe the Tigers have done so little to try and strike while Skubal is on the team.

  The Tigers have plenty of very good prospects in the pipeline, but the chances of them all working out is virtually nil.  Maybe even none of them work out, since that’s just how prospects can roll.

Krall

• Should us as reds fans be happy we got Eugenio back or should we be worried for another candelario, just as a one year deal

Mark P

• I think Cincy fans should be delighted at Suarez, and at a bargain price, no less.  “There’s no such thing as a bad one-year deal,” as the cliche goes.

Guest

• Do you think Gallen should’ve just taken the QO? Can’t imagine teams are willing to give up a second round pick just to give him a prove it deal

Mark P

• I wonder if he might be thinking the same thing at this point.  Gallen probably still finds a multi-year deal with opt-outs, but since that might just take the form of a one-year deal anyway, he might’ve saved himself a few months of stress by just taking the Diamondbacks’ QO

M. Stipe

• The Yankees are really quite good…correct?

Mark P

• Correct

Toby

• Hey Mark. How are you? Do you think the Yankees moves are enough to significantly make them much better this year?

Mark P

• More or less standing pat is a justifiable stance, especially since Cole and Rodon will be back to bolster the rotation.  But, the Yankees are banking a lot on Caballero holding his own at SS, Volpe being better when he does return, Grisham still hitting, Judge still being incredible, Stanton staying healthy, Schlittler holding up over a full season, etc.
• It just makes for a lot of maybes, and while that’s true of a lot of teams, the Yankees still don’t look like the best team in even the AL East, let alone the AL

Jack

• How angry should Phillies fans be at this offseason? Our GM insulted our star player. After missing out on Bichette, John Middleton decided to just pocket that $200 million (minus Realmuto’s cost) instead of spending it elsewhere. It just feels like the team is more interested in selling merch than winning a title.

Mark P

• Say what you will about the Phillies’ offseason, but it is impossible to argue that the club hasn’t made a big push to win over the last few years.  The issue is, somewhat similar to the Yankees, the Phillies might already think they have a championship team that just hasn’t broken through yet.  When, in fact, they might instead be a very good team that has some clear holes.

JJ Piccolo

• Angular a fit in KC? RH bat options have dried up

Mark P

• I assume you mean Miguel Andujar, and not some new ballplayer who adheres to the Pythagorean theorem.  But yeah, Andujar would be a wonderful fit for KC.

Pedro4eva

• What do you think about the White Sox picking up Jordan Hicks? To attach sandlin I think the Red Sox made a terrible trade

Mark P

• I like the trade a lot more from Chicago’s side than Boston’s.  If Hicks is moved back to relief pitching on a full-time basis, he might be quite valuable if he gets back to his pre-2024 form.  Plus, the Sox basically paid to acquire Sandlin in the process, so that’s another interesting young arm in the fold.
• Maybe the Red Sox simply had no faith in Hicks being able to contribute to their bullpen, or they’re not that high on Sandlin. But giving away a pitching prospect just to save $16MM (a relatively minor sum if you’re the Red Sox) seems misguided.

Evan D.

• Who do the Orioles end up adding to the starting rotation and does it happen before pitchers report?

Mark P

• Yes

Still an A

• Does devers play 1st base full time this year?

Mark P

• Devers and Eldridge will each get a good chunk of DH time, so it won’t be a “full-time” first base assignment for either

George

• Could the Giants use Casey Schmitt in a deal

Mark P

• This is certainly a possibility, if the team is comfortable having Fitzgerald or Koss as the backup infielder.

Golfmets

• I’m surprised that the Mets weren’t not pursuing Hays because of the question mark in LF. Is Benge ready and if not can Baty play Left? Also, how about signing Goldschmidt for late inning defense at 1B and an occasional start at DH?

Mark P

• Goldschmidt seems superfluous for the Mets with Vientos already there.  It’s possible NY might get an outfielder with more upside than Taylor as their first line of defense in the event that Benge needs more time and Baty isn’t a fit for the position, but I think the Mets are ready to see what the kids can do

Windy 1

• If Horner is a Cub on opening day do you think they will extend him or let him walk?

Mark P

• Leaning towards no, due to Shaw’s presence.  (Or maybe depending on how the Cubs feel about Jefferson Rojas.)

Pirates fan

• Now that the Pirates have fallen out on Suarez, who do you see as a possible player that is left in free agency or trade that could bring in a bat and decent glove?

Mark P

• Since we just mentioned him earlier, Miguel Andujar would work for the Buccos as well, as a third baseman/corner OF

Kramer

• Hey Mark, best guess – Donovan traded prior to season or at the deadline?

Mark P

• I think he’ll still get dealt during the offseason

AA

• Or should I grab verlander on a one year deal?

Mark P

• He’d be a terrific fit in Atlanta, sure

Tom

• Hey you only answered half of Evan D’s question! As an O

Mark P

• Kirk Van Houten: Excuse me, you just trailed off there!
  Chief Wiggum: Heh, I sure did, didn’t I

  Valdez or Gallen are still possibilities for the O’s, and it could be Valdez takes some kind of high-AAV, short-term deal with opt-outs in lieu or no other real options elsewhere.

preller

• padres trade for mark vientos? what would htey have to give up for that

Mark P

• Hard to say, since Vientos has his great 2024 performance on his resume and little else.  The Mets don’t want to sell low, but other teams surely aren’t going to offer something they would’ve for Vientos at this time last year.

  In regards to the Padres, don’t think it’s a great fit for their needs.  They’d be much more interested in a young pitcher from the Mets than Vientos

Ronald Burgundy

• With the Reds carrying three catchers into Spring Training and Duno down the pipeline, is it possible Stephenson is moved in the coming weeks?

Mark P

• Seems unlikely, since a catching tandem of Trevino/Rortvedt isn’t exactly elite.  While Stephenon’s 2025 season wasn’t great, he still has more upside.

petev

• Should the Guardians fans be concerned over the lack of offensive moves ?

Mark P

• Adding just one prominent bat would do a world of good for the Guardians.  Refiguring Ramirez’s contract opens up more short-term money for such an addition, but it still feels like a half-measure.

  Maybe DeLauter, Kayfus, or Valera break out in 2026 and that’s the offensive boost, but that’s asking a lot

Strike 4

• If there is no baseball in 2027, what are the chances the players ensure that a year of service time is subtracted? Also, will we see an influx of in-season extensions this year as a result of that possibility?

Mark P

• I’ll sidestep this question by stating that I highly doubt the 2027 season doesn’t happen.  That would kill the sport.

Dustin Pedroia

• Matt Shaw from the Cubs to the Red Sox for Kristian Campbell.  Who says no?

Mark P

• Chicago.  Why trade your own prospect who’s cost-controlled for another prospect who might be a worse player, and is already guaranteed serious money

Brewers Fan

• Pat Murphy is entering the last year of his deal, are lame duck managers more common in MLB than other sports? I think in the NFL coaches almost never go into the last year of a deal.

Mark P

• I don’t think it’s super common, and in Murphy’s case, the Brewers will surely work out an extension in the next couple of months.  Don’t forget, teams routinely table all extension business (for players, managers or executives) until closer to the midpoint of Spring Training, when almost all the offseason work is done.
• If you want a rundown of which managers and top front office executives are entering their lame-duck year, well hey, a certain MLBTR writer published a post on this topic the other day….

  https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/01/managers-top-front-office-execu…

SC Nats Fan

• Abrams to Seattle makes so much sense… what am I missing? Seattle has prospects, Nats have a ton of young hopeful SS, although years away and Seattle is in the cusp.

Mark P

• It does seem like a decent move.  The Mariners are known to be wanting to trade prospect depth, and the Nationals (as one of the few teams not aiming to contend) should be looking to add longer-term young talent.  The hold-up might be that perhaps the Nats are asking for too much for Abrams, or maybe Seattle isn’t sold on Abrams as a clear answer to their infield needs

JaysFan

• Now you’ve got me ‘birling down and down white water’. Thanks lol

Mark P

• That song is such a nostalgic earworm.  If Carney wanted to make it the new national anthem, I wouldn’t complain.

Ben Krett

• What are the chances Konnor Griffin starts the season in Pittsburgh?

Mark P

• He has never played a day at Triple-A, and he has only 21 games of Double-A ball to his name.  It would be mighty bold of the Pirates to have Griffin break camp, even if he has a huge spring.  The PPI might be tempting for the Pirates, but I’d lean towards Griffin starting the year at Triple-A

RedSox4Life

• Am I completely off base thinking Masataka Yoshida could thrive in a place like Pittsburgh or Colorado?  Boston could send some salary relief and a decent prospect.  Everyone wins right?

Mark P

• The DH spot is already too full for Yoshida in Pittsburgh, but since the Rockies are an open book, sure.

  The issue with dealing Yoshida, however, is either that the Red Sox will have to eat a lot of money, or sent more than “a decent prospect” to get the other team to cover more of Yoshida’s contract.  Look at the Hicks trade as a model, then consider that Yoshida makes $12MM more than Hicks does

Guest

• The O’s gave Ramirez a legacy contract as the Cards did with Yadi and Wainwright.  Good for PR but bad for the team as aging players disappoint.

Mark P

• As noted, the restructuring gives the Guardians more money right now, plus the deferred money allowed them to kick the financial can down the road to some extent.

  J-Ram hasn’t at all started to slow down, so it’s not out of the question that he’ll keep being a productive player for some time yet.  Also, the organization surely doesn’t mind giving Ramirez a bit of “legacy” money if it comes down to it, since he’s been such a galactic bargain for them over the years

Zach

• How will the Rangers go about adding one more right handed bat that can play either 1B, 2B or 3B ?

Mark P

• How about a switch-hitting bat in Luis Rengifo, who remains unsigned?  I’ve had Rengifo pegged as a good bounce-back candidate all winter, but maybe front offices don’t share my opinion, lol

Carl

• How does the Reds starting lineup shake out after the Suarez signing? Who is the odd man out? Bleday, Steer, Stewart, others?

Mark P

• Bleday didn’t hit at all last year, and there’s no guarantee he’ll bounce back.
• Maybe because he’s “the new guy,” the Reds are also less committed to giving him at-bats than their own prospects or a big signing like Suarez
• Correction: Steer isn’t really “their” prospect, but you get my drift

Stu

• Interesting moves by the White Sox. Do they see Hicks as a tradeable commodity or do they want the pitcher at the term?

Mark P

• If Hicks pitches well enough to draw attention at the deadline, the ChiSox will absolutely move him

Pavin Smith

• Why is everybody looking for a platoon partner for me when I haven’t proven I’m even worthy of being the long side of a platoon? Should the Diamondbacks be looking for a better full-time 1B?

Mark P

• This is a fair point.  Smith hasn’t played all that much over the last two years, due to both his platoon usage and the injuries that cost him basically the entire second half of 2025.

  He has done enough damage against RHP that he makes sense as at least a platoon first baseman, so I can understand why the Snakes still want to give him regular playing time.  Don’t forget, Smith is a former seventh overall pick, so there’s maybe some institutional desire to see such a high draft choice (Hazen’s first pick as Arizona GM) make good

Yusuf B

• Is the goal for the athletics to essentially target to actually be competitive next season? If they are competitive this year its a bonus

Mark P

• If the A’s get more from their pitching staff, they can absolutely contend in 2026
• The issue is that it’s February 1 now, and the A’s have still not done a thing (apart from Mark Leiter) to add to their rotation or pen

Pawpaw

• Any news on who will broadcast the Braves this year?

Mark P

• For old time’s sake, they should be at 7:05 on the Superstation

Jarvis

• Is Freddie Freeman a HOF lock when eligible?

Mark P

• Most definitely

AA

• Market has fallen for gallen and valdez can i afford them now ?

Mark P

• This would be an interesting pivot for the Braves, and we can’t entirely rule it out given how Valdez/Gallen are both still available.  While signing a Verlander or a Bassitt would be a cleaner fit due to the lack of draft pick compensation, Atlanta might see Valdez/Gallen as having a higher ceiling.

Dana Brown

• Need trade advice!  Do I get the best return I can for Parades, save some salary with Walker and get nothing in return, or just deal with my infield mess??

Mark P

• If there’s a salary dump kind of trade out there for Walker, I’d consider taking it.  But my answer is really “just deal with it,” since it is entirely possible that at least one of the infielders gets injured, thus solving the playing-time issue.
• After two hours of chatting, time to shut things down for another week.  Thanks so much for reading and submitting questions!
• If you’re interested in more baseball Q&A, one of the many benefits of our Trade Rumors Front Office subscription is the exclusive weekly live chats. The more limited field means you’re about 10 times more likely to get a question answered, as opposed to battling for space with hundreds of other questions in today’s chat. For more on our memberships, check out this link:

  https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/membership?ref=chat-2-1-26