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Guest
9:40
Any substance to trade talks involving Barger, or is it pure speculation on the media's part?
Mark P
9:41
Between Barger's breakout at the plate and his roster value in being able to capably play both 3B and RF, I would be very surprised if the Blue Jays moved him
I don't doubt that tons of teams are asking the Jays about Barger, but expect him in Toronto on Opening Day
Guest
9:41
What was the reasoning behind optioning Yariel given that the 40 man wasn't full?
Mark P
9:42
I think the Jays have a few things percolating and may need multiple 40-man roster spots soon.  That's what makes the timing of the Yariel outright so intriguing.
Nick Krall
9:45
Should I send Brady Singer packing for a middle of the order hitter if I can’t sign Schwarber?
Mark P
9:45
Not sure if Singer can bring back such a quality bat, but yeah, he'd probably the most expendable member of the Reds staff
Gavin Cordes
9:45
could the padres get a return on Conenworth or is it just a salary dump if they trade him?
Mark P
9:48
It wouldn't be a salary dump, since as mentioned earlier, Cronenworth is a decent player.  (He had an under-the-radar 117 wRC+ last year.). I think Preller is creative enough to work out some kind of undesirable contract swap that addresses another team's needs while perhaps bringing back some pitching to San Diego
Billings
9:48
Did Delgado's performance in this year's HOF voting bode well for him getting in eventually?
Mark P
9:50
I wonder how many people looked at Delgado's numbers and went "man, he was really good!  Who knew?!"  It seemed like Delgado was overshadowed because he played in the steroid era, yet he might now be getting his day in the sun via these Era Committee votes.  Hard to imagine he won't be included on the next ballot in 2028 after getting nine votes this time.
Angels Fan
9:50
Can Okamoto realistically play 3B long term for us?
Mark P
9:51
Okamoto isn't considered to be Scott Rolen or anything, but it seems like the majority of scouts feel he's at least a decent third baseman.  So in terms of fielding, the Angels shouldn't have any huge concerns.
George
9:52
What free agent do you think is worth Atlanta giving up the PPI pick?
Mark P
9:54
Of the nine QO free agents, Cease is already signed, and we can safely rule out Tucker, Schwarber, and Diaz.

That leaves Suarez, Valdez, King, Gallen, and Bichette.  Any of the pitchers would help stabilize Atlanta's rotation, and obviously Bichette fills the shortstop hole in a big way if the Braves are okay with his shaky defense. From a pure need standpoint, Bichette seems like the best fit, but frankly, I doubt the Braves are going to be splurging for any of these guys.  Maybe Gallen or King since their markets could be more limited.
JustanotherAstrosfan
9:56
Do you see the Astros at least throwing a "good faith" offer at Framber like we did with Bregman and Correa before they left? Like 5/175? That would be the largest contract Jim Crane ever handed out and if so, chances he takes it?
Mark P
9:57
We only had Valdez at five years/$150MM on our top 50 list, so if the Astros made that offer, I suspect he'd happily take it.

But, it seems like there just hasn't been any real buzz linking Valdez back with Houston.  It seems like when the Astros want to keep a guy, they lock him up earlier, not let him hit the open market.
Miles Smiles
9:58
Best Hitchcock film:  Vertigo, Psycho, the Birds, North by Northwest, or Rear Window?
Mark P
9:59
I'm not a huge Hitchcock guy, but Rear Window is one of the best movies ever made
Byron Buxton
9:59
How likely do you think it is, really, that I am in Minnesota next year?
Mark P
9:59
I think it's very likely.  The Twins seem to be holding off on moving Buxton, Ryan, and Lopez, plus Buxton had reservations anyway about waiving his no-trade clause
Jayvion
9:59
Why is Lou Whitaker not a hall of famer already? Why was he left off the ballot entirely?
Mark P
10:01
Great question.  It's inexplicable to me that Whitaker isn't already in.

Alan Trammell was one of the members of this year's Era Committee, and it's funny to imagine him loudly complaining about Whitaker whenever every candidate is mentioned.

"Jeff Kent, great second baseman, eh?  Hey, you know who's also a great second baseman?!"
"Bonds and Clemens, eh?  Hey, you know who's a great player that didn't take PEDs?"
"Murphy and Mattingly, great stars of the 80's, eh?  Hey, you know who was also a great star in the 80's and who actually won a World Series?"
Richard
10:02
why does it seem like the ms do not want to start Cole Young? Just because he is young? He was a top prospect and still full of potential. This is what good teams do draft and bring up prospects ……. What am i missing?
Mark P
10:03
The Mariners think they can win the World Series next year.  Having Polanco or a more established 2B in the lineup gives the M's a better chance at that goal than rolling the dice on Young as a reliable everyday player.

And, who's to say Young won't end up being a big part of Seattle's 2026 plans?  It's still early.
Arte Moreno
10:04
Do you think with Ryne Sandberg and now Jeff Kent getting into the HOF that it paves the path for Bobby Grich and Lou Whitaker? Both have higher WAR and JAWS rankings
Mark P
10:05
Grich is another guy who is overdue for Cooperstown.  Hopefully he shows up on the next "Classic Baseball" ballot.

Also, man, it makes me feel old that everything before 1980 is considered "Classic Baseball"
Brew Crew
10:07
Did Woodruff accepting the QO throw a curve ball to the Brewers offseason plans?
Mark P
10:08
Teams don't issue a QO unless they're prepared for a scenario where the player could accept.  Especially if you're a team like the Brewers who are operating with a limited budget.  They know Woodruff better than anyone and they must've thought there was a real chance he would accept.
Mr Red Leg
10:09
When I first saw that the Reds were interested in Schwarber, admittedly I just rolled my eyes. I've been a Reds fan for a long time, and they aren't likely to spend that kind of money. However, after thinking about it, I actually think that they have a legitimate chance of pulling it off. If there was ever a time that ownership would sign off on extra spending, I think it would be for Shwarber.  This is their time to strike.  He seems to want to go there,  considering that he is from the area. They wouldn't have to outbid other teams to get him to sign. I think that if their offer was competitive, he would accept. Also, they have some ways that they could shed some payroll by trading Singer, Lux, Trevino, etc.  They could even defer some money, as they have done before.  I think attendance would get a big boost and the  image of the ownership group would get a boost as well. Am I crazy for thinking that this is feasible?
Mark P
10:10
They will have to outbid other teams, namely one specific team in the Phillies.  If the Phils are willing to top basically any offer Schwarber receives, the Reds are out of luck.

It does seem like Schwarber is a special case for the Reds due to his hometown ties.  Unfortunately for them, Schwarber probably isn't likely to take a hometown discount since he also loved his time in Philly
Guest
10:11
Do you think it’s a possibility the Orioles use Jordan Westburg to acquire a center fielder or a starting pitcher?
Mark P
10:11
Feels like Westburg is someone Baltimore sees as a building block, not a trade chip
10:12
Time to wrap things up for the evening.  Thanks so much for all of your questions, and let's all strap in for what might be a very fun and newsworthy Winter Meetings!
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