2023-24 Off-Season Discussion

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Joey hit 5 HRs his first 2 weeks in the majors (through 8/13/22). After that, the league more or less started to adjust and stop giving balls he could drive in the air. He hits the ball hard, but he's not selective and hits a ton of GBs. Below average barrel rate. He does benefit from a high BABIP and hits his share of liners, which probably helps him knock in runs when runners are on. If you are a big fan of RISP average and RBIs, then his ability to be productive likely remains tied to where in the order he bats and continued high BABIP.

[UMDNats]

If Soto makes it to FA we're definitely signing him.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

If Soto makes it to FA we're definitely signing him.

If by "we," you mean the NYY still. unless there's a sale, the Nats can't compete in the bidding.

[UMDNats]

If by "we," you mean the NYY still. unless there's a sale, the Nats can't compete in the bidding.

I meant next fall, I suspect he gets traded and then we sign him. If he gets traded to Toronto he's a lock to come back to DC. NYY, less so. I suspect Mark keeps the team for now and signs Soto in lieu of splurging this winter.

[Slateman]

I meant next fall, I suspect he gets traded and then we sign him. If he gets traded to Toronto he's a lock to come back to DC. NYY, less so. I suspect Mark keeps the team for now and signs Soto in lieu of splurging this winter.

Lol, what? Why does getting traded to Toronto result in him signing in DC?

Soto aint coming back unless we offer the best contract.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

does anyone know if his house sold?

[UMDNats]

Lol, what? Why does getting traded to Toronto result in him signing in DC?

Soto aint coming back unless we offer the best contract.

No chance Juan wants to play in Toronto for 15 more years, though of course a blow everyone else out-of-the-water contract could entice him. I think he is miserable playing on the west coast and would rather spend his career in DC or New York. If the Yankees get him and have a year to negotiate privately I could see them making him the best offer right before FA.

For similar reasons I don't see Ohtani signing in Toronto.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

No chance Juan wants to play in Toronto for 15 more years, though of course a blow everyone else out-of-the-water contract could entice him. I think he is miserable playing on the west coast and would rather spend his career in DC or New York. If the Yankees get him and have a year to negotiate privately I could see them making him the best offer right before FA.

For similar reasons I don't see Ohtani signing in Toronto.

not a Red Sox board, but Papi's and Pedro's experience might make Boston attractive. It's also a perfect park for a lefty who uses the whole field. Cheap pop homers over the wall make up for those lost in right.

[imref]

it is amazing to step back and think that a guy of Soto's age and talent might be playing for his 4th team starting in 2025.

[hotshot]

Miami is by far the best "cultural fit" for all Latin players that aspect might be important to. Not enough resources, I guess.

[Senatorswin]

does anyone know if his house sold?

I don't know but it was overpriced for sure and for certain.

[imref]

It will be interesting to see what the Mariners do now that they've cut some salary. Maybe they go all-in on Ohtani?

[Slateman]

No chance Juan wants to play in Toronto for 15 more years, though of course a blow everyone else out-of-the-water contract could entice him. I think he is miserable playing on the west coast and would rather spend his career in DC or New York. If the Yankees get him and have a year to negotiate privately I could see them making him the best offer right before FA.

For similar reasons I don't see Ohtani signing in Toronto.

Juan has made it pretty clear he will sign for whoever pays him the most

[Slateman]

I don't know but it was overpriced for sure and for certain.

Lol, not in Arlington. With their new zoning regs, its value is only increasing

Also, he bought a home in San Diego too: https://www.essentiallysports.com/mlb-baseball-news-juan-sotos-massive-purchase-leaves-san-diego-padres-fans-relieved-amid-turbulent-contract-situation/

[Natsinpwc]

I don’t see why having some issues with teammates in San Diego would sour Soto on the whole west coast. 

[zimm_da_kid]

I could totally see signing Soto or Alonso next offseason to DH as well as signing one of Burnes/Bieber/buehler/fried

Our outfield will then likely be crews/wood/Thomas with Pinckney and Hassell potentially also in the mix.

Infield of House at 3rd, Abrams at short, lipscomb/Garcia/budget move at 2nd, and morales probably at 1st

Add Alonso or Soto at DH and it’s looking pretty good

Rotation of
1.  Bieber/burnes/buehler/fried
2.  Gore
3.  Gray
4.  Cavalli
5.  Irvin/Rutledge/Bennett

[imref]

Via Zuck:

Some highlights from Davey Martinez:
* Luis García is not guaranteed the 2B job
* Joey Meneses will get time at both 1B/DH
* Victor Robles hasn't played winter ball yet, needs to prove he's healthy
* Trevor Williams "right now is our 4th or 5th starter."
* Seeks LH power in OF

[Senatorswin]

I wonder if Robles hasn't played winter ball yet because he's not healthy yet or decided not to.

I'm in the tank for Joey so I hope he does get a chance to succeed.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

As for LH hitting OF, Joc Pedersen I think could be a target if there is $12 million or so to spend on that slot.

[Natsinpwc]

As for LH hitting OF, Joc Pedersen I think could be a target if there is $12 million or so to spend on that slot.

Sounds good. 

[IanRubbish]

Rotation of
1.  Bieber/burnes/buehler/fried
2.  Gore
3.  Gray
4.  Cavalli
5.  Irvin/Rutledge/Bennett

This team plays the contract, so Corbin and T. Williams unquestionably will have spots.  With Gray and Gore, leaves just the fifth spot open.  Rotation was healthy last year, will get interesting if there are injuries this year.

[Slateman]

I wonder if Robles hasn't played winter ball yet because he's not healthy yet or decided not to.

I'm in the tank for Joey so I hope he does get a chance to succeed.

Not sure. But Im weirdly optimistic about him not playing winter ball. I genuinely feel like it breeds bad habits. Players can get away with more.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

This team plays the contract, so Corbin and T. Williams unquestionably will have spots.  With Gray and Gore, leaves just the fifth spot open.  Rotation was healthy last year, will get interesting if there are injuries this year.

I think that's right, but Davey saying TWilliams id 4th or 5th "right now" makes me think they are open to a rotation pick up and moving him to the pen.


By the way, anyone else see the Braves pick up Marco Gonzales and Evan White and think, "if they were looking to spin those off, those two might help here." Sad.

[Senatorswin]

I think that's right, but Davey saying TWilliams id 4th or 5th "right now" makes me think they are open to a rotation pick up and moving him to the pen.


By the way, anyone else see the Braves pick up Marco Gonzales and Evan White and think, "if they were looking to spin those off, those two might help here." Sad.

I remember seeing a quote by Davey near the end of the season that made me think Williams is a favorite of his so I would bet Williams at least starts the season in the rotation.

[imref]

Rizzo basically saying he's trying to sign Jeimar tonight.

“I’m not supposed to name specific free agents, but [Candelario] is a great guy. We liked what he did for us last year, and knowing that if you want to go after that type of player, you’re going to have to go multiple years. I think we’re prepared to do that also, in the right situation.”

Seems to make a lot of sense to sign Candelario on a 3 year deal with him playing 3rd until House is ready and then shifting over to 1st. Couple that with a one-year DH like Hoskins. And you have a spot for Morales if he's able to make it to the majors at some point next year.