2025 Off-season - general thread

[JCA-CrystalCity]

In this fantasy scenario, why not plug Soto into his natural position, DH?

and Yepez at 1st in this scenario
 Sign Walker too

[zimm_da_kid]

In this fantasy scenario, why not plug Soto into his natural position, DH?

Frankly I wonder if he would be reticent to accept being a DH this early in his career. It’s kind of a diss.

[IanRubbish]

I mean, that's selling low on Abrams. He isn't even arbitration eligible until after next season and has to minor league options.

He's likely Super 2 which will make him arb eligible next season.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

He's likely Super 2 which will make him arb eligible next season.

we will know pretty soon now, right?

[UMDNats]

I don't think it's "selling low" on Abrams if we were to move him for like a real SP like Crotchet. He's had stretches of awesome play but also some poor play. You don't move him for nothing but you can easily shop him.

I don't blame CJ for being flippant about his terrible hitting coach who wants him to smack grounders but the end of the year casino stuff is bad. I think teams still see him as a high-ceiling player and the first half of the year he was legit electric. Easy to see a team thinking they can get him in a good environment, with real veteran leaders and a real coaching staff, and he will shine.

[Slateman]

I don't think it's "selling low" on Abrams if we were to move him for like a real SP like Crotchet. He's had stretches of awesome play but also some poor play. You don't move him for nothing but you can easily shop him.

I don't blame CJ for being flippant about his terrible hitting coach who wants him to smack grounders but the end of the year casino stuff is bad. I think teams still see him as a high-ceiling player and the first half of the year he was legit electric. Easy to see a team thinking they can get him in a good environment, with real veteran leaders and a real coaching staff, and he will shine.

Where is right now, if he really is a player with "work ethic and commitment concerns," Abrams is the throw in piece for a Garrett Crochet.

And if he's not, he's way more valuable and we shouldn't trade him.

[imref]

Nats declined Gallos’s option.

[Senatorswin]

First, what evidence is there that Soto could play first?  People keep taking this as if it's a given.  He's not tall, not agile, and has never played infield at any level.  I see no reason to suppose that he'd be anything other than god-awful there, but people seem to just assume sticking his feet on the dirt makes him competent.

Second, that bench is le poop and you've left the entire pitching staff unspoken.

Soto is 6-2. I heard he's been working some at first. I've gotta believe he's a good enough athlete to play first.

[Senatorswin]

I mean, that's selling low on Abrams. He isn't even arbitration eligible until after next season and has to minor league options.

This.

[Senatorswin]

I know you have it in for Call, and maybe Vargas too, but don't say that to Garrett where he can hear you. As for Tena, just write that message on a ball and groundit to him. I'm sure it would get by.

Call seemed to make some adjustments later in the year that seemed to make a real difference. We'll see next year. I'm pretty sure Tena won a gold glove at second base at the AA level. If so he's got the leather, might just take him a while to get used to third.

[varoadking]

Nats declined Gallos’s option.

Shocker! 

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Nats declined Gallos’s option.

[Smithian]

If some team takes a shine to CJ Abrams, I'm not opposed to moving him.

But I really do not want to trade him for a 25 year old outfielder scuffling in AA. He has massive talent, I don't want to let that value walk out the door for nothing.

[SkinsNatFan21RIP]

I think trading CJ would be a massive mistake. There's almost no way it would end up being a positive.

[Natsinpwc]

I think trading CJ would be a massive mistake. There's almost no way it would end up being a positive.

SS are hard to find.  However given his defense it's not clear he can stick in that position anyway.  Depends on the return. 

[Slateman]

I think trading CJ would be a massive mistake. There's almost no way it would end up being a positive.

I mean, the only way it does is if CJ's gambling becomes a bigger problem. I don't really want to root for that.

But this issue makes it murky on what to do with him. If he had finished the season strong without his extra-curricular activities, we could have a real conversation about trading Garcia, putting Abrams at second, and finding a quality shortstop.

[imref]

I think trading CJ would be a massive mistake. There's almost no way it would end up being a positive.

I agree. They will give CJ every opportunity to show next year that he has his priorities straightened out.  We gave Robles a ton of space, we'll give the same, if not more, to CJ.

[Senatorswin]

CJ just turned 24. Hopefully this public embarrassment will straighten him out.

[Natsinpwc]

CJ just turned 24. Hopefully this public embarrassment will straighten him out.

Yes but can it help his fielding?

[Senatorswin]

Yes but can it help his fielding?

Actually if he stops playing the knucklehead he may work harder on fielding. Seems like he's a good enough athlete.

[Slateman]

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2025-top-50-mlb-free-agents/

Fangraphs Top 50 free agents with contract predictions

Interesting that the first base market is rather low. Alonso getting 5-7 years and 140ish million would be lower than expected. Christian Walker is estimated at 3 years and 51-54 million.

Gonna be honest, I'd be good with either at those price points. I'd even be willing to go to 4 years and 65 million on Christian Walker (or some sort of 4th year with a 5 million dollar buyout)

[Slateman]

https://x.com/jeffpassan/status/1853511221867114718?s=46&t=AUfBhjveo0TTan1gmB360g

Passan] The Atlanta Braves have declined their $8 million club option on catcher Travis d’Arnaud, sources tell ESPN. He is now a free agent

Bit of a surprise. Backup catcher option for the Nats?

[imref]

https://x.com/jeffpassan/status/1853511221867114718?s=46&t=AUfBhjveo0TTan1gmB360g

Bit of a surprise. Backup catcher option for the Nats?

Atlanta can probably resign him for far less than $8 million.

[imref]

Please don't let Anthony Rizzo be our opening day 1B

[Slateman]

https://x.com/thenatsreport/status/1853465301267919082?s=46&t=jLx_YDErVHMACYESrmKQBQ

Nationals Hot Stove Rumor:  Nationals might be interested in Marlins 1st/3rd baseman Jake Burger.

Something to be on the look out!

Stove is heating up!!!