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Mark P
8:29
The Winter Meetings are about to begin, so there's plenty to discuss!  Let's take a minute for the questions to pile up, and then launch the Weekend Chat...
Tim
8:31
We going to see alot more signings and trades the next few days?
Mark P
8:31
Oh heck yeah.  While the Winter Meetings aren't the epicenter of offseason activity, it will be very busy over the next few days
Zach
8:31
If the Rangers were to trade Jung and a couple of lower level prospects to the pirates could they get Joey Bart and some RP?
Mark P
8:32
I don't think the asking price for Bart would be all that high, but a Jung/Bart swap would be interesting given their shared history as top prospects.
Every fan in Cincinnati
8:33
We are all dying to know what the Reds will realistically do this week. Any clues? Is Schwarber going to shock everyone and come hit 60 plus bombs each year?
Mark P
8:34
As fun as it would be to see Schwarber return to his hometown team, it would be stunning to see him leave Philadelphia.

I do think the Reds will add at least one reliable, everyday-ish type of hitter to the lineup.  Whether that add comes in the next week or two months from now, who knows, but some kind of an upgrade would be immensely helpful.
8:35
For teams like the Reds and Pirates who might be willing to stretch the budget for Schwarber, they should still be willing to spend that money but spread around over multiple players (assuming Schwarber goes elsewhere).
Dave
8:35
Now that the Mariners traded Harry Ford, who is the backup catcher? Would they consider a reunion with Garver and/or Murphy, and if so, who is more likely to come back?
Mark P
8:36
Either of these guys or another clear-cut backup type is possible.  Frankly, a backup catcher in Seattle is likely to play infrequently enough that it might not be a priority for the team right now.
guest
8:37
how series are the red sox in their pursuit of Bichette and Marte?
Mark P
8:39
Marte seems more likely just because there have been rumblings that the Sox are being wary about spending.  Y'know, since the BOSTON RED SOX might not turn a profit if player payroll is too high.

Now that I'm done scoffing, this doesn't mean Marte is a likely add, but just that he's perhaps "more" likely than Bichette.  The Red Sox now have built up some rotation depth and might be more open to moving pitching for Marte
Giants Fan
8:40
Do you see the Giants really signing Kyle Shwarber and trading Bryce Eldridge?
Mark P
8:40
No to the first, maybe to the second
Nolan
8:41
Hello, if you were Scott Harris, would you deal Skubal this offseason? I worry our fanbase would be calling for him to be fired, even though I think he has done a good job so far for the Tigers.
Mark P
8:41
I'd keep him, since it's a lot easier to win the World Series when you've got a star ace at the front of your pitching staff.
RoyalsCenter2024
8:41
With the news of royals wanting to sign Adam Frazier and Yaz is it understandable for fans to worry that might be all they do for the outfield? Or should the Royals not be worried?
Mark P
8:42
I find it hard to believe that KC would consider Yaz/Frazier to be a suitable answer to their outfield problems.  Bringing back one to address one OF slot and then obtaining a bigger everyday type for another OF slot would be far more helpful.
Hagen
8:43
Do you think the dodgers could work a trade for Ketel Marte? Why or why not? What would be a ideal trade?
Mark P
8:43
If Marte is dealt at all, it sure won't be to the Dodgers, of all teams.
RocktheRed
8:43
Now that Harry Ford is a Nat, what happens to Kilbert Ruiz?
Mark P
8:45
Ruiz's trade value is pretty low right now, given his contract and his lack of production.  What I could see the Nats doing is shopping him as part of an unwelcome contract swap, or perhaps as salary offset as part of a larger trade.  Like, a catcher-needy team sends a big contract or two to the Washington along with some prospect depth, and the Nats move Ruiz out as part of the return to help even out the money.
Walter
8:46
is there a world where the Jays sign Tucker AND Bo Bichette?
Mark P
8:47
That seems a bridge too far, even considering how aggressive the Jays have been about spending.  They'd have to figure out some way to unload at least one other big contract (i.e. Santander, Berrios) to make that feasible.
Matt S
8:47
Would you have voted for Jeff Kent for the Hall of Fame?  I'm disappointed Murphy and Mattingly didn't make it.
Mark P
8:49
Kent, Delgado, Bonds, and Clemens were the four of the eight candidates that clear the HOF bar in my book.  

In terms of actual votes, it's more of a "read the room" situation.  Remember, each member of this committee can only vote for as many as three candidates.  So if I'm at the meeting and hear like eight or nine people openly say they're not voting for Bonds/Clemens, then I'm probably not going to bother putting both on my list, since neither are getting elected.  At most I'd vote for one, then spend two votes on Kent and Delgado.
Sox Fan
8:50
Would Mayer straight up be enough to get Joe Ryan?
Mark P
8:51
The Twins might want a couple of low-level lottery ticket guys included just so the pressure isn't entirely on Mayer, but if he's the centerpiece, I think Minnesota leans towards saying yes
mcg
8:52
Will we have more Breaking News tonight besides Kent going into Hallmto.
Mark P
8:54
From past experience, the first night of the Winter Meetings is usually not very busy news-wise, as everyone is getting there and settling into the hotel.  Not wanting to step on the HOF announcement is also a factor, possibly.

Now, as I write this, watch some big blockbuster trade happen, lol.  Good thing Charlie Wright and I are both on MLBTR duty tonight, giving me some flexibility to run this chat!
Bill B
8:57
What can the Phillies reasonably expect to receive for trading Castelanos and Bohm
Mark P
8:57
Barring a bad contract swap, I think the Phils will end up just releasing Castellanos and eating the money.  Bohm could bring back a decent but unspectacular return, like a reliever or something.
Dana Brown 4 Advice
8:58
Can I get a catcher in the Rule 5?
Mark P
9:00
Taking a catcher in the R5 is an added risk because since you can't send him down to the minors, you're putting a lot of faith in an unproven player if your starter ends up getting hurt.

Yainer is a pretty good starting option already, so the Astros are much more likely to play it safe and just sign a veteran backup
Guardians fan
9:00
Chances Guards sign Alonso or Bellinger with how little they have committed in payroll?
Mark P
9:00
As much as this makes sense, the Guardians simply aren't willing to make those financial splashes in free agency.  It would take a real market collapse for either of those guys to get into Cleveland's price range.
Dr. socks
9:01
No clue why pirates bothered to offer schwarbs a contract.  Maybe to make it look like they are actually trying
Mark P
9:02
To be fair, you can't criticize the Pirates for not trying to spend on bigger free agents and then turn around and roll your eyes when they do make the attempt.  It doesn't seem likely that Schwarber will end up in Pittsburgh, but it costs the Bucs nothing to ask, or make an offer.
fascinating
9:04
Are teams allowed to negotiate with players on other teams prior to making a trade agreement? I seem to remember the Dodgers conditional agreement to trade for Glasnow was dependent on whether or not he would sign an extension. Is this permitted? Thinking about my Giants trading Eldridge for someone on a one year deal like Peralta but only making the move of Freddy agrees to an extension first.
Mark P
9:05
This is allowed, under certain circumstances like the one you mentioned.
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