JotCast | 2023-24 Top 50 Free Agents Live Chat With Tim Dierkes

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Tim Dierkes

10:41

So, those FA were so good, so consistent, and so young that it is just nuts that all 30 teams left so much value on the table. Haven't seen it since. I don't necessarily see such a FA this winter. We put out a huge Belli number but we absolutely think there's plenty of risk in it. I suppose if he signs for the $144MM I've seen in some places, I'd feel like that team got a nice deal.

Rob

10:42

Mets predictions were pretty light. If you had to pick a top tier free agent that they might sign who would it be?

Tim Dierkes

10:42

It'd be Yamamoto

Red Sox

10:42

You listed Brandon Belt prediction as Red Sox. How do you see him as a fit at all? Do you expect them to trade Casas for pitching? Last thing they need is another LHH

Tim Dierkes

10:43

I see Belt as a DH, so I don't see a problem there. But with Story being the only RH regular in this lineup I think you make a good point on the handedness here and the pick was likely a misfire.

Ignorant fan

10:43

You all are much more versed in talent than most of us (despite how we argue otherwise), so I won't quibble on the rankings. I just have one question about it, though, how did Jakob Junis get in the top 50 and guys like Clayton Kershaw, Matt Moore, Craig Kimbrel, James Paxton and Hyun Jin Ryu fall outside the top 50?

Tim Dierkes

10:44

I appreciate that am I'm always up for well-meaning debate and argument.

Each case is a bit different. I made the call to bounce Kershaw. Darragh was cool with it, Anthony protested it, Steve I don't think felt strongly.

10:45

I looked at his statement where he's hopeful to return in the summer, and I predict/guess a decent chance he does not pitch in 2024. So in the same vein that Cutch or Votto didn't make the list, I didn't see big earning power or impact here.

10:46

Junis I think is a Lugo/Strahm type sleeper but I think Steve disagreed. Honestly he was the last player to join the list after Morton's option was picked up, and we didn't love any of the options.

Paxton and Ryu were on the list initially but we bounced them in thinking they get one-year deals. I like Paxton more than the other guys because he did have a strong 16-start stretch this year. But then, he's also James Paxton and 96 innings was considered a lot.

Steve liked Moore to take Junis' spot I think, he's totally fine.

10:47

Kimbrel I see as a one-year guy that a lot of teams will probably be like, "Nope, not putting that dude in key spots."

Steve's Baby

10:47

Am I a boy or a girl? Healthy? Momma healthy? You know, the important things in life.

Tim Dierkes

10:47

Boy, and yes! Steve has two boys. He is sleep-deprived and his growing family is doing great.

10:48

It's been a couple hours here so I've got to run. Thanks for joining and being respectful too!

Looking forward to this offseason.

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