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Front Office Chat: August 15th, 2025
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Darragh McDonald
2:07
On Albies, I think they have to pick up the option. As you mentioned, it's just 3MM to pick it up. (For anyone curious, the option is 7MM but it's a 4MM buyout.)
2:08
After picking it up, they could trade him or keep him. Maybe they're ready to move on but then what are you doing up the middle? Paying a bunch of money to bring in Gleyber or something?
I'd be tempted to just keep Albies, hope for a bounceback and then spend that money somewhere else.
Angel
2:09
With the probable move of Aaron Judge to first next season, what do you see the yankees doing with Ben Rice? Do you think they trade him or install him at catcher and move on from the disappointing regression that is Wells?
Darragh McDonald
2:09
I lean towards putting Rice behind the plate.
2:10
I don't have it in front of me but I saw some stat the other day about Wells being the worst hitter in the majors on breaking balls or something.
2:11
There you go. .045 batting average against sweepers and a .085 against sliders.
If he can't adjust to that, he's cooked, right?
2:12
With Judge, I don't know what the next steps are. Maybe his arm is fine but maybe he'll end up doing the Bryce Harper thing.
As you'll recall, Harper had an elbow thing. For a while, he was just hitting. Then he had surgery, came back as a DH, then a first baseman, then stayed there.
2:13
Judge is 33 years old and can't play the outfield forever, so maybe this is a good time to make the move. Or maybe he's fine and I'm overblowing it. We'll see.
Pudge
2:13
Does Lawlar get time at 2nd as well as 3rd when he gets the call?
Darragh McDonald
2:13
I guess they could give him some time there for versatility but the Snakes have Ketel there for years.
Youkilyptus
2:13
Where do you think Bregman’s contract ends Up this offseason?  Weak class has to help.
Darragh McDonald
2:14
Last winter, he was getting offers in the 150-170 range from the Astros and Tigers. Detroit's offer had deferrals, but still. Teams were willing to go well into nine-figure territory for him.
2:15
This year, he had the injury absence but has otherwise been better than in 2024.
He'll be one year older but coming off a better platform, so I think he can get back to that 150-170 range.
Guarded Indian
2:17
Is there a realistic chance that Bieber resigns with Cleveland?  He has stated that he loves it there.
Darragh McDonald
2:17
Sure. I mean, he already re-signed with them once. He could do it again.
2:18
I guess it depends how he finishes. If he comes back dealing and shoves through the playoffs, winning World Series MVP or something, then he would probably look to max out his deal, get as much guaranteed money as possible. But if comes back in a Sandy Alcantara style, then that's obviously different.
Guest
2:19
Skubal is lined up to start the first game of a three game set in Sacramento. Given he'd pitch on regular rest if he were to pitch the prior Sunday in Kansas City and there have been issues with Sacramento playing conditions, is it likely he would pitch the prior Sunday instead?
Darragh McDonald
2:19
Sounds like a logical move to me.
Rangers plans in ‘26
2:20
Any ideas on what moves the Rangers can make to improve next year? Their offense and retooling and they desperately need an experienced closer or develop one from their farm system.
Darragh McDonald
2:21
I would assume they have fewer financial restrictions this winter. Last year, they were really trying to avoid the tax but wanted to bring back Eovaldi and shake up the lineup. That left them to fill the bullpen with a bunch of fliers on one-year deals.
2:22
RosterResource has next year's CBT number at $148MM. That's almost $100MM below the tax. Some arbitration raises will bump that up but they won't have a massive class.
2:23
They should be able to do some more concrete stuff instead of just fiddling around the edges.
2:24
Okay, I have to wrap it up. Sorry about all the questions I couldn't get to.
Thanks as always for the support. We'll have two more of these chats next week, as usual. Enjoy the weekend!
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