JotCast | MLBTR Live Chat: 10/7/19

MLBTR Live Chat: 10/7/19

Connor Byrne

6:00

Hey everyone, this Cardinals-Braves series is fun, isn't it? We'll get going shortly.

SoxGuy

6:01

Who should the White Sox target in free agency and who could they realistically get?

Connor Byrne

6:03

They should be targeting all the top starting pitchers and outfielders. I know the ChiSox have never signed anyone for more than Jose Abreu's 6/68, but they should nonetheless be players for a guy like Gerrit Cole, who may end up with triple that guarantee.

They at least made some effort on Machado and Harper last winter.

M’s Fan

6:03

What will be Mariners strategy for this off-season?

Connor Byrne

6:04

GM Jerry Dipoto has suggested they won't be nearly as busy as they were last winter. Whether or not you want to believe him is up to you. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/mariners-rumors-gordon-mallex-s...

6:05

There are clearly fewer trade chips on hand than there were a year ago, though, and it's obvious they're not in position to be all that active in free agency.

Redsfan

6:05

How close are the Reds to the top of the Central heap? Grandal? Didi and Grandal?

Connor Byrne

6:06

Definitely two guys the Reds should aggressively pursue, in my opinion. I like both fits.

William

6:06

Please tell me Markakis will not be a starter in Atlanta next year? I just can't anymore. And I'm sick of the media's obsession with him. THEY ARE ALL PROFESSIONAL HITTERS

Connor Byrne

6:07

Off the top of my head, I think ATL has a $6MM option or a $2MM buyout on him, so it's basically a $4MM decision. Markakis isn't exactly exciting, but you could do worse than him as a regular for that sum. I guess part of this depends on whether the Braves re-sign Donaldson. If so, they could kick Riley into a starting OF job.

Jake

6:08

Do you think the Mets could get both Aroldis Chapman and Daniel Hudson? They obviously need bullpen help...

Connor Byrne

6:09

Hudson's probably not going to cost all that much. Chapman obviously will; that is, if he gets to free agency. Wouldn't be surprised to see him opt out of the 2/30 left on his deal. If he does, the Mets should go after him. We know he can handle NY.

Dodgers

6:10

Does Rich Hill get offers for next season?

Connor Byrne

6:10

Without a doubt. Still very good when he takes the mound, though that obviously doesn't happen enough.

Blue Nation

6:10

How much pressure is on Theo to win now?

Connor Byrne

6:11

Cubs pres Theo Epstein has two years (and a lot of $) left on his contract. I don't think he'll be going anywhere before the deal expires, barring an absolute implosion next season.

Halo88

6:11

Is this a make it or break year for billy eppler

Connor Byrne

6:11

I think so. Angels GM Billy Eppler is entering a contract year. Put up-or-shut up time.

Papa D

6:11

Is Verlander starting on short rest a sign of confidence in him or lack of confidence (understandably) in the rookie Urquidy?

Connor Byrne

6:12

Probably a combination of the two, though "lack of confidence" sounds kind of harsh.

Jacob

6:12

How much will Ryu get in free agency with his injury concerns?

Connor Byrne

6:12

3 years/50-some mill?

PATigersFan

6:13

Jordy Mercer had a solid year (when healthy). Major league contract? Might he just be content re-signing with the TIgers?

Connor Byrne

6:13

Mercer got 1/5.25 last offseason, if memory serves. Another guaranteed deal's probably in the offing, but I don't think he'll do as well this time.

PATigersFan

6:14

Tigers trade-chips this winter.. um.. are there any?

Connor Byrne

6:14

Matt Boyd and Buck Farmer come to mind.

Ryan From PA

6:14

What do the Phillies have to do this offseason to make the playoffs in 2020?

Connor Byrne

6:15

Figure out the managerial situation, add pitching (SP/ and relievers)....

Cardinals win

Game 5 should be great

Anyway, Phillies also need to figure out 3B & OF

JDF

6:16

Would Angels do Kris Bryant and Ian Happ for Jo Adell?

Connor Byrne

6:16

No, I don't think so. Adell's probably close to untouchable.

Buck Showalter

6:16

where might i end up?

Connor Byrne

6:18

Doesn't seem any team's been strongly connected to Buck (not that I've seen). If the Phillies fire Kapler, Showalter does have connections there in Matt Klentak & Andy MacPhail, but obviously, that doesn't mean they'd hire him.

Baseball Guy

6:18

Will the Orioles trade Jonathan Villar this off-season

Connor Byrne

6:19

They should if they can. He has one year of control left. That said, there reportedly wasn't much interest in Villar at the deadline this year.

Aj Preller

6:19

Any chance I can get Cole or Strasburg

Connor Byrne

6:20

I expect the Padres to be in on those two if they're free agents. Both So Cal guys.