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Mark P
7:07
It's the first official Weekend Chat of the 2025-26 offseason! Let's take a minute for some questions to roll in, and then get....uh, rolling
John
7:08
Has the window to trade Coby Mayo closed?
Mark P
7:09
It'll take a lot more than 340 plate appearances before the Orioles (or other teams) decide that the Mayo has gone bad.  Mayo started to hit a lot better in September, indicating perhaps that he was starting to figure it out against MLB pitching.
7:10
If the O's did want to move Mayo for a more proven talent, there would be plenty of takers
Guest
7:11
Do the Jays sign any of their FAs?
Mark P
7:13
They already kinda have, if you count Bieber as a free agent.  And I think we all did, since nobody had Bieber passing on the opt-out on our bingo cards.

Bringing back one of Scherzer or Bassitt is a possibility.  IKF/France/Dominguez are all likely gone, with Dominguez maybe the only one who'd draw some interest for a reunion since the Jays still need relief help.  Of course Bichette is the big question, and his choice will determine the rest of Toronto's offseason
Armand
7:14
what happens first a big free agent signing or a big trade?
Mark P
7:14
Trade.  I guess it's a matter of what you'd consider a "big" signing or trade, but most of the top free agents will wait a while to gauge their offers.  A larger trade could technically happen at any time.
Oz
7:15
What is your opinion of the Braves decision to not pick up the options on Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley?
Mark P
7:17
Pretty surprised, since when I wrote the Atlanta offseason outlook, I saw it as basically a foregone conclusion that both would be retained.
7:18
The Braves could pursue a reunion at a lower price tag with either pitcher, but seemingly just in the name of saving some money, declining both options left the Braves with even more to address in their pen
Guest
7:19
Chris Sale extension for ATL?
Mark P
7:20
Possible, but the Braves might've already been learned their lesson about committing extra money to a pitcher with Sale's injury history.
Bart G.
7:20
You said "Mayo has gone bad" on purpose! I saw you!
Mark P
7:21
I swear I'm not trying to steal Jacob Wysocki's thunder as Mr. Mayo
HARRIS
7:22
Without a doubt my staff is thin. how much grace and goodwill would I recover after last summers debacle would I achieve if I sign J.V. for the back end of the rotation. we can certainly afford the 10-11 mill I believe. I mean I gave Cobb 15 and got nothing. Smart move for the club and the fan base?
Mark P
7:23
(The name refers to Tigers PBO Scott Harris, btw)

A Verlander reunion would make a lot of sense for both the Tigers and presumably JV himself if he wants to pitch for a clear-cut contender.  It'd be such a fun storyline to see Verlander try and complete some unfinished business in winning Detroit a ring
Sox Fan
7:24
Follow up to my original question:  With the Sox finally having a shot at the #1 pick this draft, can they trade it?
Mark P
7:24
The only draft picks that can be traded are the Competitive Balance Round selections.
Dub
7:25
Mark: Good evening. Are you bullish on the Marlins being a tad proactive on free agent spending?
Mark P
7:26
They'll spend a bit more than usual, but "a tad" is about the right description
Danny boy
7:26
Would Tucker or bellinger be a bigger priority for the Yankees?
Mark P
7:28
I actually think Bellinger's a better fit for the Yankees' particular needs since he can play 1B and CF. Plus, he's less expensive than Tucker will be, and the Yankees already know Bellinger can handle playing in the Bronx
Dr. Mustard
7:28
What noise do you see the A’s making this offseason? Not a total game changer but a bold move they could make.
Justin credible
7:29
if your the GM of the A's  how do you address the pitching staff?
Mark P
7:30
Pitching is definitely the top need, and it'll more than likely have to come through the trade market.  After the Severino fiasco, there will be several pitchers that simply won't even consider the A's as a free destination.

btw, Severino being traded is another way for the A's to fill another need, maybe to get a 2B/3B
Cubbies
7:31
Any chance the Cubs go after Murakami to play 3rd?
Mark P
7:32
Sure, I think there's a possible fit there.
Smokin Joe
7:32
Will the cards trade Donavan?
Wtf mate?
7:32
Could Brendan Donovan bring back a mid-rotation pre-arb starter or MLB-ready mid rotation
Mark P
7:34
Donovan appeals to so many teams that I think his price tag will be a bit higher than some expect.  He's under team control for two years, so the Cardinals can hold out to see if they can land a more controllable type of pitcher.

They could wait until the deadline if the right offers aren't there this winter, but there's no reason for a rebuilding team to hang onto Donovan too much longer
Guest
7:35
How about the Giants trading for Brendon Donovan and Sonny Gray? They could take on all of the Gray’s contract and give up less prospects for Donovan. They need pitching and second base!
Mark P
7:35
Gray's tax number is so outsized that the Cardinals probably can't close the door on a scenario like this.  But, moving one of their better trade chips just to save money isn't a great look for a team that surely wants to bring in all the young talent they can
Guards4Life
7:36
After today's news, on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being worst, how screwed is the guardians offseason now?
Mark P
7:37
1 or a 2 at most?  I don't think the Guardians were counting on Clase or Ortiz playing any role in their 2026 plans (or beyond)
Dodger Dave
7:37
Mark, can you explain how Tony Gonsolim was DFA'd as opposed to non-tendered by LA? He would've been under team control through 2026. Why wouldn't they have just non-tendered him?
Mark P
7:38
You can't non-tender a player until the actual non-tender deadline on November 21.  Before then, if you want to get rid of the player, you have to release him entirely or DFA him first.  I suspect the Dodgers went the DFA route to give them a little more time to find any potential trade partners.
Guest
7:40
A serious question.  Why do managers wear watches in the dugout?
Mark P
7:41
So they can theatrically toss the watch on the ground, then yell "hey ump, even a broken clock is right twice a day, and that's still better than you!"

Real answer: I dunno, they just like wearing watches?
68 Tigers
7:42
Are the Tigers even in the Bichette, Bregman or Suarez sweepstakes?  They need to sign one of the top free agents to show the fan base a continued commitment to winning.  What are your thoughts??
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