2024-25 Off-season (Non-Nats)

[Slateman]

Are they dumping them for prospects or different major league pieces? If it's the former I agree it doesn't make sense.

Neither makes a lot of sense to me. They already have a top system.

Maybe they convince Suzuki to DH. If so, this makes some sense. I just feel like Parades is a lot to give up for a team that doesn't have a proven major leaguer for third base.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Neither makes a lot of sense to me. They already have a top system.

Maybe they convince Suzuki to DH. If so, this makes some sense. I just feel like Parades is a lot to give up for a team that doesn't have a proven major leaguer for third base.

i saw one lineup on MLB network showing Busch at 3rd, opening a slot for Belli at 1st and Suzuki at DH.

Maybe they clear Belli's contract and get into the Bregman sweepstakes? There really aren't many 3B alternatives. Moncada, Polanco, Rojas, maybe Rosario . . .

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Actually, the Cubs have a Terp in position to be their next 3rd baseman:

Per Michael Baumann:

While I was asking Eric for his input on Smith, he went out of his way to communicate his excitement about Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ first-round pick in 2023 out of the University of Maryland. He called Shaw “among the twitchiest, most fun to watch players in the minors” and “a 5-foot-9 stick of dynamite who plays with all-out effort.” Shaw, a middle infielder in College Park, has apparently taken to third base in the pros and shows the potential for plus defense there.

With Paredes out of the picture, Shaw — who started 2024 in Double-A and went on to make 35 appearances for Triple-A Iowa — is now the presumptive Opening Day starter at third base for the Cubs.

Unless they do something wild, like sign Bregman.

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/tucker-trade-brings-astros-back-to-earth-wakes-cubs-from-hibernation/

Cubs are about $30 million below last year's payroll, even before dealing Belli.

Kind of hope they cut a deal with the NYY quick so to dissuade them from chasing Walker / Alonso.

[imref]

Hector Gomez says the Yankees are working on a deal to get Bellinger from the cubs

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Hector Gomez says the Yankees are working on a deal to get Bellinger from the cubs

been rumored for a day or two. Problem has been on how much money the Cubs will eat

[HalfSmokes]

been rumored for a day or two. Problem has been on how much money the Cubs will eat

Hank is certainly not Hal

[IanRubbish]

Tyler O'Neill drawn to new LF wall in Baltimore.

https://www.mlb.com/news/tyler-o-neill-on-joining-orioles-camden-yards

[JCA-CrystalCity]

O's sign Sugano for 1 year, $13 million. I love this move for them. He could turn in a season like Iminaga for peanuts compared to the market. They could still land another starter.

https://www.mlb.com/news/tomoyuki-sugano-orioles-contract

[zimm_da_kid]

Every team in baseball should’ve matched that offer for bellinger

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Every team in baseball should’ve matched that offer for bellinger

are the NYY taking on the whole contract for only Poteet?

Answer : $2.5 million this year, $2.5 million next year going to the NYY.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/yankees-to-acquire-cody-bellinger.html

Doesn't take them out of the 1B hunt. Bellinger lines up to be  their new CF, per MLBTR (clipping from Nightengale at USAToday).

[JCA-CrystalCity]

playing bellinger in CF makes his current bat more tolerable. Even last year, he was a 111 wRC+ hitter. That's fine for CF but light for 1st. This upgrades the D by moving Judge back to right. Now if they sign Walker, they substantially  upgraded the D from last year.

[imref]

Stanton-Bellinger-Judge in the OF could be really good, or really bad.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Stanton-Bellinger-Judge in the OF could be really good, or really bad.

my guess is Stanton is still the DH and they go with Dominguez in left.

[Natsinpwc]

playing bellinger in CF makes his current bat more tolerable. Even last year, he was a 111 wRC+ hitter. That's fine for CF but light for 1st. This upgrades the D by moving Judge back to right. Now if they sign Walker, they substantially  upgraded the D from last year.

Seems like a guy who will wilt under the NY spotlight.  Will be compared to Soto. 

[imref]

https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-arenado-blocks-trade-cardinals-astros

[imref]

Christian Walker to the Astros, 3 years / and north of $50M per Passan

[Slateman]

https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1870167840218853745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1870167840218853745%7Ctwgr%5E80021c881e24d38b0b63bc3050ace8e640bd1c58%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redditmedia.com%2Fmediaembed%2F1hippks%2F%3Fresponsive%3Dtrueis_nightmode%3Dtrue

Walker to the Astros. 3 years, 60 million

[JCA-CrystalCity]

https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1870167840218853745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1870167840218853745%7Ctwgr%5E80021c881e24d38b0b63bc3050ace8e640bd1c58%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redditmedia.com%2Fmediaembed%2F1hippks%2F%3Fresponsive%3Dtrueis_nightmode%3Dtrue

Walker to the Astros. 3 years, 60 million

Good contract. Fair price for a good player. I hope we went at least to that level but he just wanted to go to a near-term contender.

[varoadking]

Good contract. Fair price for a good player. I hope we went at least to that level but he just wanted to go to a near-term contender. didn't want to be part of a dumpster fire.

FIFY

[JCA-CrystalCity]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/yankees-to-sign-paul-goldschmidt.html

1 year, $12.5 million

[Slateman]

https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1870605853944058010

Full trade, per ESPN sources:

Arizona acquires: 1B Josh Naylor

Cleveland acquires: RHP Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance Round B draft pick

[Lintyfresh85]

Marlins trade Luzardo to Phillies. Marlins should be contracted for their crimes against baseball

[Natsinpwc]

Marlins trade Luzardo to Phillies. Marlins should be contracted for their crimes against baseball

The SS they got is highly rated. Of course in a few years they will flip him also.

[Slateman]

Marlins trade Luzardo to Phillies. Marlins should be contracted for their crimes against baseball

Be thankful. With this trade, their payroll slips under ours.

[SkinsNatFan21RIP]

So the Philly Nats continues lol