JotCast | Chat with MLBTR's Steve Adams 7/14/21

Chat with MLBTR's Steve Adams 7/14/21

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Steve Adams

2:34

I think the Twins, Mariners, Cardinals, Reds, Indians, Angels, Braves and Marlins are all candidates to add current MLB pieces controlled beyond 2021 even if they also sell off some short-term veterans. None of those teams are punting on 2022. I say every year at this time, but the straight "seller" label is only ever going to apply to a few teams.

Mike Rizzo

2:35

do Nats buy or sell at deadline?

Steve Adams

2:36

Doesn't really seem to be in Rizzo's DNA to aggressively sell. Most everything right now comes with the "barring a catastrophic losing streak" caveat, but I think the Nats will be looking to add pieces. Probably not as aggressively as if they were leading the division by three games, but it's still winnable, especially with Atlanta losing Acuna.

That Acuna injury is a total bummer, by the way. Such a fun player.

Moe Jaddon

2:38

How long do you see Shohei as a starter? It would seem at some point he becomes full time DH and then closes out games. You have his bat all game and his arm to close it out (as needed).

Steve Adams

2:39

Until his performance proves he can't do both. I get questions like this in every chat, and I don't understand why so many people don't want to accept him as a starter/DH. Not a knock on you, specifically, to be clear. I just am perplexed by this "Well this isn't sustainable so let's talk about when he's going to stop."

Enjoy the present. It's remarkable. I would expect it'll be increasingly hard to sustain, sure, but I'd also have said there's no chance we see a first half like the one he just gave us.

Rougned’s Odor

2:40

Does a team option have to be accepted by a team at the seasons end or can they accept it mid-season? (Thinking about Kimbrel’s option and how that affects his trade value.)

Steve Adams

2:41

They're all between three and five days after the conclusion of the World Series (the individual contracts specify the dates). The Cubs or any other team could proactively pick up the option, I suppose, but there's no point in doing so. You just open yourself up to the risk that Kimbrel blows out his arm in September and you're stuck paying him $16MM next year while he rehabs from Tommy John surgery.

Matt

2:42

If you were to guess: how many trades happen between now and the 30th, and how many happen on the 31st alone?

Steve Adams

2:42

Deadline this year is the 30th

I'll say ... 16 trades on the day of the deadline.

Completely random, very-little-thought-put-into-it answer, ha. I'm already sitting here thinking "That might be low"

Jimmy K

2:43

What would it take from the Padres if they did indeed trade for Joey Gallo?

Steve Adams

2:45

I think you're looking at one of the org's premium prospects as the headliner in any Gallo deal (Abrams, Campusano, Hassell, Gore for the Padres -- though Gore's stock has to be down right now). Then add on multiple pieces from the middle tiers of the system. Someone like Ryan Weathers in play as well. Gallo is arguably the best combination of all-around talent, remaining club control and affordable salary who'll be moved at the deadline.

2:46

And knowing Preller, he'd probably just try to combo up with Kyle Gibson, too, because A.J. Preller does not make straightforward trades, ha.

Curb the enthusiasm

2:47

Too much love for the SF Giants. They have played a Cupcake first half schedule. Top 5 easiest schedule, based on multiple Strengh-of-Schedule website. They are 3-6 against us ( Dodgers ), played the A's and other tough teams at home, and have not played the Mets or Brewers yet. Stop fawning over them. We will pass them up shortly. They are fools gold and all of their ancient players will soon break down and be injured by Sept. 1st.

Steve Adams

2:47

Tell us how you really feel, though.

2:48

I'll buy that the Giants aren't as good as their current record, but I wouldn't write them off as some fluke, either. Especially since their record to date is only going to embolden the front office to add players at the deadline. So even if you say the current iteration of the Giants is overrated, the composition of that roster will change in the next sixteen days.

Twins

2:49

Kenta Maeda has been much better in his last few starts. Do the Twins leverage his improvement for additional help at the deadline, or do they trust his improvement is real and keep him?

Steve Adams

2:50

Still feels like they'd be selling low on Maeda. And, as I've said all along with the Twins, this isn't a team that's going to tear it all down and rebuild. They probably view Berrios and Maeda as integral pieces to competing in 2022, meaning they won't move them just for prospects who are years away.

Hawk Harrelson

2:50

You expect White Sox to make a move? If so pitcher or bath or both?

Steve Adams

2:51

Yeah they're not going to sit back. I think with Eloy mending and Robert expected back in 2021, the OF isn't as great a need as 2B. Could see them adding some bullpen help, too, sure.

But second base is the spot for me, and Adam Frazier is the guy I've been saying they should be looking at since Madrigal went down.

West Coast Mets Fan

2:51

What is the reason for this season's 7/30 deadline

Steve Adams

2:52

7/31 is a Saturday, and the league doesn't want the deadline scheduled on a day where a bunch of day games would be scheduled. It's been on 8/1 and 7/30 in the past as well to avoid scheduling it on a weekend.

Trader Jerry

2:53

Should the M’s trade Graveman?

Steve Adams

2:54

I'd probably be trying to sign him for something similar to what Boston just gave Barnes -- maybe a bit lighter. But I'm buying Graveman's breakout, and the Mariners want to be good starting now, basically.

If they can't come to terms on a deal and they're still 7-8 games back of the division, you could justify trading Graveman but acquiring another reliever at a lower cost.

Javy

2:55

What $ and years do I get in my next contract?

Steve Adams

2:56

He's really struggling of late, and the .284 OBP is brutal. I'm increasingly wondering whether he won't go the pillow contract route. He's already fallen out of the Correa/Story/Seager, with Semien overtaking him in terms of free-agent stock/earning power.

Farce Zahidi

2:56

hey Curb win a REAL WORLS series then speak

Steve Adams

2:57

The Dodgers beat an awesome Rays team in a best-of-seven series, just like every other World Series winner has done. Hell, they had to beat MORE teams in the playoffs to win last year's World Series. It is every bit a real World Series, and would be no matter who won it.

Scary Perry

2:58

Corbin Burnes for Jered Walsh. Who says no?

Steve Adams

2:58

Brewrs.

Brewers

David Peralta

2:59

Looks like I'm headed out of Arizona. Am I headed to ATL?

Steve Adams

2:59

Yeah I think there's a decent chance Peralta goes. Braves work as a sensible fit... immediate Acuna "replacement" -- not that you can replace Acuna's production -- and the cost of acquisition wouldn't be too crazy.

Manny

3:00

Would the Mets really bring in Cole Hamels?

Steve Adams

3:00

If he looks decent, some contender will.

Alex Avila Sr.

3:00

Which Tiger player will fetch me the biggest return in a trade?

Steve Adams

3:01

Casey Mize or Tarik Skubal. But if we're talking people who actually have a chance to be traded, I'd say Boyd (assuming he's healthy)