2025 Off-season - general thread

[Senatorswin]

I'd rather he'd announced that the team is up for sale again...

Hopefully not to Dave Stewart. The White Sox fans might be sorry their team is for sale despite asking for it.

[Slateman]

https://www.si.com/mlb/nationals/news/washington-nationals-know-what-they-want-at-first-base-going-forward

Starting pitching and bullpen help is something virtually every team is targeting, but with potential young cornerstones at multiple positions in the field, it seems like the Nationals are honing their attention in on upgrading first base.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Trade for O'Hearn, sign Walker, ... ?

[Slateman]

Trade for O'Hearn, sign Walker, ... ?

Sign Soto and play him at first

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Deal for Lowe and Diaz ...

[Slateman]

Deal for Lowe and Diaz ...

Only need one, to be honest.

[OfftheBat]

Sign Soto and play him at first

Is there a possibility that the Lerners will outbid the Mets and/or Yanks on Soto? Can't tell if you're being e-sarcastic or not lol

[Slateman]

Is there a possibility that the Lerners will outbid the Mets and/or Yanks on Soto? Can't tell if you're being e-sarcastic or not lol

It's possible. Highly unlikely, but possible.

[varoadking]

Is there a possibility that the Lerners will outbid the Mets and/or Yanks on Soto?

Not a chance in hell...he means so much more to NY now.  He'll have his name/number in Monument Park one day...

[Natsinpwc]

Not a chance in hell...he means so much more to NY now.  He'll have his name/number in Monument Park one day...

He could go to the Mets and be the King of Queens. 

[OfftheBat]

It's possible. Highly unlikely, but possible.

I see. Oh well, one can always dream.

[OfftheBat]

Not a chance in hell...he means so much more to NY now.  He'll have his name/number in Monument Park one day...

Didn't Steinbrenner hint that they can't afford him though?

[JCA-CrystalCity]

What struck me a bit after the NYY winning celebration was that Soto seemed a little bit like an outsider. Judge and Stanton were more the focal point. HE was off to the side. It's almost like they felt he was a rental so don't make him central.

[Slateman]

What about trading Drew Millas, Daylen Lile, and a pitching prospect for Brandon Lowe (play at 1B or DH), and signing Danny Jansen to a 3 year, 12 million dollar deal?

Gives you a LHH at DH/1B for 10.5 million, and a quality, veteran backup for 4 million AAV.

Nats can try and sign Christian Walker, Tyler O'Neill, or Joc Pederson as the alternative. I'd even be willing to just go with Yepez and/or Chapparo, and invest that money in a starting pitcher.

[varoadking]

Didn't Steinbrenner hint that they can't afford him though?

They are done with Stanton after 2028...they can backload the deal cash wise, even though the Ohtani-type deal door is closed...which seems stupid since there is that presidence...

[Slateman]

They are done with Stanton after 2028...they can backload the deal cash wise, even though the Ohtani-type deal door is closed...which seems stupid since there is that presidence...

OfftheBat is referring to this: https://www.si.com/mlb/hal-steinbrenner-yankees-payroll-unsustainable-juan-soto-speculation

"I’m gonna be honest, payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially,’’ Steinbrenner said Wednesday at the owners meetings about the payroll. “It wouldn’t be sustainable for the vast majority of ownership [groups], given the luxury tax we have to pay."

While that's mostly posturing, this was also back in May.

[varoadking]

OfftheBat is referring to this: https://www.si.com/mlb/hal-steinbrenner-yankees-payroll-unsustainable-juan-soto-speculation

While that's mostly posturing, this was also back in May.

They aren't gonna let him go somewhere else for nothing...they will find a way to keep him.  That's my story and I'm stickin' to it...   

[OfftheBat]

OfftheBat is referring to this: https://www.si.com/mlb/hal-steinbrenner-yankees-payroll-unsustainable-juan-soto-speculation

While that's mostly posturing, this was also back in May.

Thanks Slate, that's exactly what I was referring to. Tbh even though that was back in May, I think the Yanks' financial situation gives an advantage to the Mets as far as Soto is concerned, especially if they don't re-sign Alonso.

[Smithian]

Steinbrenner is negotiating in the press.

I will never believe they're at unsustainable spending level until they start letting guys walk. It's unsustainable if they think they can't contend for a World Series, but I can't see them winning the World Series and letting Soto walk. I don't think their fanbase accepts that.

[Natsinpwc]

I actually think it’s easier for them to let Soto go if they win. If they lose the pressure is even greater to win next year.

[varoadking]

I actually think it’s easier for them to let Soto go if they win. If they lose the pressure is even greater to win next year.

The Yankees are always under pressure to win...not like some teams that will remain nameless...

[Natsinpwc]

The Yankees are always under pressure to win...not like some teams that will remain nameless...

Cubbies?

[varoadking]

Cubbies?

That's actually a good example...

[Slateman]

The Yankees are always under pressure to win...not like some teams that will remain nameless...

Meh, this was the first year Cashman had any real concern over his job. He had a big payroll in 2023 and didn't get to the playoffs. A WS win totally resets expectations. He would be fine for a decade.

[Natsinpwc]

That's actually a good example...

I saw a car today with Illinois White Sox plates. Wanted to tell them how sorry I was.