Front Office Chat: 5/29/26
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Will
3:35
What do you see the Padres doing at the deadline? They desperately need at least two bats..and personally, I’m wondering if Merrill needs to go back to the minors for a couple of weeks to get his swing back.
Josh E
3:36
What type of major league ready offensive talent could the Padres get for Estrada?  Anything that could spark the offense a bit?
Anthony Franco
3:38
Not quite there with Merrill given his immense talent and their lack of alternatives in CF. He's obviously a better player than Bryce Johnson, so the demotion would only be if they think his confidence is shot and can't get fixed at the MLB level
3:39
Agree with the general idea that they need a couple bats. It's tough because nothing they do externally would be the equivalent of getting Tatis, Merrill and Machado going
But the bench is a disaster and Fermin is miscast as a starting catcher
3:41
Like the idea of dangling Estrada, especially if they make a separate trade for a rental reliever (Aroldis, Senzatela, etc.) and the standings stay so tight that there aren't many defined sellers
Vince
3:41
What was your predicted call up date for Jesus Made on opening day? Has it changed since then?
Anthony Franco
3:42
I think I would've guessed August or September? Feel free to correct me if you've got receipts from March haha
3:43
Do still think he'll be up after the All-Star Break, maybe move the timeline up slightly with the MLB infield struggling and Cooper Pratt being just ok in Nashville
Black and Gold
3:43
How did the Pirates bullpen fall so far so fast. ANY hope for the immediate future?
Ben Cherrington
3:43
Can I buy a reliever someplace?
Anthony Franco
3:45
Mlodzinski should help, still in on Mason Montgomery being a good if frustrating leverage piece. Soto's been better than I expected
3:47
Middle relief is rough and they definitely need a better righty setup arm than Dennis Santana, but I don't think it's a complete disaster on paper. Senzatela's the obvious one if you're looking for a leverage guy who could go early
who's on 1st
3:47
what would YOU like to see in the next CBA?
Anthony Franco
3:48
I'm mostly neutral on this. Have never been all that personally invested in how they divide revenues, even if I understand that the league and MLBPA obviously need to look out for their interests
3:49
I remain skeptical about a cap dramatically leveling the playing field. Worried we'd see the NBA model of star players doubling down and building super teams if we limit their top-end earning potential. It'd democratize mid-tier free agent spending but those guys tend to be pretty bad investments anyway
3:51
Would like to see more revenue sharing and draft pick trading (obviously). I'm with the league in preferring a hard-capped international draft as opposed to the bonus pool system we have now
Sandy at 90
3:51
Proposed CJ Abrams deal to Dodgers, Abrams to LA for River Ryan, Alex Freeland and M Sirotta Who says no?
Anthony Franco
3:53
Compelling package for sure. Guessing the Nats would want a slightly safer headliner than Ryan given his lack of professional innings, but it's justifiable if you think he's a future #2 starter
Giantsphan
3:53
Hi Anthony….aside from injuries, please give me your analysis regarding the horrible season the Giants are having.  There are bright spots at many positions but man, as a collective….they’re unwatchable.  Thank you
Optimistic Giants Fan
3:53
Well, hard to live up to my username so far, but at least Casey Schmitt's breakout looks legit? Probably due for a bit of regression due to the babip but he's hitting the ball really hard and visually looks much more comfortable at the plate than seasons past.
Anthony Franco
3:54
Yeah disappointed in the Giants. I talked myself into it yet again
3:55
Mahle/Houser additions have been rough, bullpen struggles lately very predictable. Offense as a collective has been way below what I expected and still think they should be on paper
3:57
I never liked their outfield but didn't see Chapman being a disaster, nor the number of times they've done the small things incorrectly (poorly timed defensive miscues, horrendous baserunning)
3:58
Easy enough to tie that to the manager hire, and it's hard to argue Vitello has done a great job so far, but this is also a veteran roster that just shouldn't be making these mistakes
33rd to Camden
3:58
With Mike Elias surely on a hot seat and Baltimore unlikely to make a playoff push when do they start thinking about trading a player or two? For one, with Henderson unlikely to re-sign in Baltimore and 2 1/2 years of control along with his value still relatively high I would think Baltimore could command a nice return of players. I would hate to see it and maybe I'm just frustrated, but something needs to be done to shake things up.
Anthony Franco
4:00
Yeah bridge too far for me. That's a blow it all up move and I think there's too much talent still for that
4:01
Not even convinced they'll sell in the short term. They've played below their potential and the AL has kept them in it
Foley
4:01
Apparently Freidl is better than Marte
Anthony Franco
4:03
I still kind of understand it with Friedl because he was such a valuable piece for them the past few years and they're desperate to get him going. Keeping Noelvi in Triple-A over Will Benson though? No idea
4:04
Alright, I'm going to wrap up here. I'll run next week's a little longer to make up for it
Feel free to throw stuff at me on X @affranco10 as well. I'll try to get back to you on there over the weekend
4:05
Thanks as always for your continued support and all the questions! I still always enjoy these
Have a great weekend everyone!
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