JotCast | Chat with MLBTR's Steve Adams: 10/29/24

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Darragh McDonald

3:18

I don't think the Cubs are doing any kind of reset.

3:19

They have a pretty solid team and are loaded with MLB-ready prospects. They could trade those guys or just sign an ace. By the time spring training rolls around, they could be division favorites alongside Milwaukee.

Curious george

3:19

FA market last year was low and slow. What's the outlook this time? I read that lots of $ coming off the books of the spenders - is this true or just the usual? And if so, will this be a hot market year?

Darragh McDonald

3:20

This is a good question. Perhaps THE question.

There are a lot of teams with bad TV situations who will do little. Twins, Rangers, etc.

3:21

However, teams like the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox and others are well positioned to be very aggressive.

Clubs like the Orioles, Tigers and Nationals can put themselves into the mix if they want to.

I feel like the market will almost have to be better than last winter.

Uncle Steve Fan

3:22

Does the return of Ronnie Mauricio and emergence of luisangel acuna make Jeff McNeil expendable?

Darragh McDonald

3:22

I feel like McNeil will just move into a utility role if someone else seizes the second base job.

Juan Soto

3:23

Will I be a dodger next year

Darragh McDonald

3:23

I'm leaning Mets, personally, but the Dodgers would be on the short list.

Kirk

3:24

What's one move you would make if you were in charge of the Nationals this offseason to help get them closer to being in contention?

Darragh McDonald

3:24

Sign Juan Soto.

Mark Polishuk

3:24

I was asked in the last chat if the Orioles will give out a 9 figure deal and answered in the affirmative. How do you feel about that? If you agree, who would you predict gets the bag from Rubenstein?

Darragh McDonald

3:25

My hunch is they give out one big deal, yeah. Rubenstein seems to have a feel that PR stuff is important. He did the Mr. Splash and there's been some things where the club buys a round of drinks at a bar, stuff like that.

My guess would be it's a starting pitcher. Could be bringing Burnes back but Snell, Fried and Flaherty are also lined up for nine figures.

Not top 50

3:26

As a Gm of your favorite baseball team, your owner has green lighted you to sign whoever you think is the best player that has not/will not appear on the MLBtr top 50 FA list. Who are you signing?

Darragh McDonald

3:27

Hmm. Max Kepler?

Henry

3:27

I saw some rumors about the Nats trading for Alcantara. Do you think that could be a fit and who would they need to give up to make a deal happen?

Darragh McDonald

3:27

Peter Bendix said Alcantara will be Miami's opening day starter, so I wouldn't get my hopes up about a trade there.

$600 for Soto?

3:28

Over or under on Soto’s deal reaching $600MM?

Darragh McDonald

3:28

I guess I'd take the under but it's basically a coin flip.

Dodgers vs Yankees

3:28

Do Dodgers pull off a 4 game sweep?

Darragh McDonald

3:29

Dodgers sweep?

Yes (62.3% | 476 votes)

No (33.5% | 256 votes)

don't know (4.2% | 32 votes)

Total Votes: 764

W’s for the South Side Sox

3:29

White Sox win more than 60 games in 2025?

Darragh McDonald

3:30

White Sox win more than 60 in '25?

Yes (43.7% | 304 votes)

No (54.2% | 377 votes)

don't know (2.2% | 15 votes)

Total Votes: 696

We all love polls, right?

Cris E

3:30

Any more rule changes rumored for the coming winter? How about CBA talk? That's looming in a year.

Darragh McDonald

3:31

Robo umps are going to get a trial run in spring training next year, I believe, but they probably won't be implemented until '26. There's going to be a period of debate and feedback and whatnot.

Bill

3:31

I remain concerned that the Red Sox's likely five best hitters are left-handed. Should I be less concerned?

Darragh McDonald

3:32

They will surely do something to address this in the coming months. If it's still an issue in March, sure, be concerned.

Matt Karle

3:32

Can we have a poll? Where does Juan Soto end up in free agency? Yankees, Dodgers, Nationals, Phillies, Other

Darragh McDonald

3:32

Where does Soto go?

Yankees (37.5% | 317 votes)

Mets (28.8% | 244 votes)

Dodgers (9.8% | 83 votes)

Nats (4.6% | 39 votes)

Phils (3.2% | 27 votes)

other (16.1% | 136 votes)

Total Votes: 846

Adam

3:32

How wild will Stevie Cohen get with free agents this off season? is there a real chance we see Soto, Burnes and Alonso in Mets uniforms next season? Or would they be better spreading the money to more players? They need at least 2 SP and 3 bullpen arms. How do you think the young kids factor into the 2025 plans?

Darragh McDonald

3:33

Even if the payroll is about the same as '23 and '24, they could add about 150-200MM in AAV. Let's say Soto takes 50 of that, there's still room for Alonso and lots of pitching. I wouldn't take anything off the table when it comes to the Mets.

CanadaWideCards

3:34

After the world series, I'm anticipating the Blue Jays to be back to their regular cadence of being "In" on every available player! That being said, who do you think has a legit shot at being a new Jay before the start of the season. Would love to hear your take on a Free agent signing and a player via trade!

Darragh McDonald

3:34

How about... Alex Bregman?

Danny in Wisconsin

3:35

Do you see Milwaukee tapping into the higher end, pitching market this offseason? Snell, Fried, Montgomery...? Or most likely the honor mention pitchers on your guys' Power Rankings; Flaherty, Severino, Montas (reunion?)?

Darragh McDonald

3:36

I wouldn't get my hopes up for anything expensive.

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