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Mark P
6:39
It's an open question because we don't know the Astros' GM is going to be, given all the speculation about Click's future.  If there is a new GM coming, that might bring an entirely different approach to how the team pursues free agents, tries to retain its own players, etc.
Mariners
6:40
Biggest. Free agent we sign?  Saw one report of nelson Cruz and basset
Mark P
6:41
Bassitt would be a bit of a curious add, since the Mariners already have a rotation surplus.  That said, Bassitt would add some reinforcement if Kirby/Gilbert have any growing pains, and Bassitt is an upgrade or Flexen and Gonzales, so it wouldn't be a bad move for a team that wants to win in 2023.  

But, it would seem like Seattle has bigger needs on offense.  To that end, I expect them to sign a bigger bat than Cruz, who is coming off a down year
BV Legend
6:42
Dodgers are always linked to the top free agents, (for good reason) but it seems to me they’ve traded for most of their top players. Am I wrong?
Mark P
6:43
Trades and homegrown players, yeah.  Not that the Dodgers don't splurge (i.e. Freddie Freeman), but it's more that their payroll allows them to at least entertain the idea of signing anyone, if they need to fill a roster hole more immediately.
David
6:44
Are we going to see some record spending this offseason? Seems like just about every team is talking about increasing their budget.
Mark P
6:45
Some of that is for PR purposes, as saying "we're open for spending" provides more of a hedge than saying "no way we're spending, fire sale time!"

But in general, given that this is the first "normal" offseason in a few years (i.e. pandemic, lockout), several teams might be looking to get back to a usual level of business
Who says no?
6:47
Connor Wong, Alex Verdugo, Emanuel Valdez, and maybe another lower level prospect for Pablo Lopez and Avi Garcia?
Mark P
6:47
Miami.  They're not moving Lopez (their top trade asset) in what would more or less be a salary dump trade
Adam
6:48
WIth Julien rising quickly and has more pop than Arraez, would the Twins feel comfortable dealing Arraez?
Mark P
6:49
Probably not.  Julien has yet to play a game even at Triple-A, so he's not exactly a lock for the Opening Day roster.
Jays fan
6:50
Would you trade kirk for a controllable sp? Sell high?
Mark P
6:51
As a Jays fan myself, I've debated several times about which catcher I think is most expendable, and my answer has changed several times.  Kirk is a good hitter and I think his approach is welcome within Toronto's lineup, but if another team offers a good controllable starter, that's something the Blue Jays have to seriously consider.
Braves
6:52
Weren’t the Braves linked to Correa before he signed with Twins? Wouldn’t surprise me if they land him.
Mark P
6:54
As much as the Braves have boosted their spending, it would be something else if they gave Correa a big long-term deal.  (Since he likely isn't going to be taking another short-term contract with an opt-out.)  

That said, Atlanta has been so aggressive in building around its core, you're right that it can't be entirely ruled out.  But, just given AA's style, a trade for a shortstop might be more likely than a big signing
Bake McBride
6:55
What's the most likely scenario for the Dodgers:  Qualifying offer for Heaney, QO for Anderson, both get the offer, neither get an offer?
Mark P
6:56
I lean towards "neither," since I highly doubt Heaney gets one and Anderson is borderline.
Joe
6:57
Everyone is saying the Reds are gonna wait another year before the start going all in again. They will need outfield help really bad at that time. The free agents for 2024 are not that good for outfield. Should that make them maybe do something where the money is backloaded that it will be minimal in 2023? Better outfielders this offseason.
Mark P
6:58
The Reds could also make trades for outfielders, and not necessarily rely on the free agent market.

That seems to be a more realistic scenario than the Reds spending any significant money this winter
Mr KLC
6:59
Is it safe to say that the odds are better than 50% that Verlander will be in a different uniform next year?  Astros have some high quality pitching at great salaries right now without him.
Mark P
7:00
This might be another "depends on who the GM is" question, but I actually lean more towards Verlander being re-signed.  It seems like Jim Crane might step into negotiations himself to make sure Verlander stays, and having such a proven ace in a rotation is always a good thing, despite Houston's depth
Re: Reds
7:01
Reds would actually be a perfect team for adding a guy like Michael Conforto to a pillow contract and maybe flip him for prospects mid-year if he's good.
Mark P
7:02
This would make a lot of sense for Conforto.  Good hitter-friendly ballpark, plenty of playing time available for a rebuilding team.
B
7:02
Bees?
Mark P
7:02
Beads?!
beads b thing
7:03
For us novices can you explain it if we have to read it every time.
Mark P
7:03
The "explain the beads/bees thing" is becoming almost as much of a running joke in these chats as the joke itself.

It's a reference to an old Arrested Development joke.
Tiger town
7:04
Can the Tigers play 500 ball next year? Would that be enough of a step for ownership to feel conformable stepping up payroll for 24?
Mark P
7:05
Getting to .500 would be a great step forward for the Tigers.  I can't fault ownership or the front office for maybe pumping the brakes on spending after last year's disaster, since they don't really know what kind of team they have yet
David Ross
7:06
Please tell me we don't pay money on a "Superstar" SS? Hoerner is GTG, and we can spend that money elsewhere on needs.
Mark P
7:06
I mean, obviously adding a Turner/Correa/Bogaerts/Swanson to the lineup makes Chicago a better team, so it's not exactly a bad move. Hoerner can also play 2B or even the outfield, or maybe all of the above in a super-sub role.
SteveM
7:09
Pohlad has given the go ahead to pursue Correa. Is it possible they could land him for good to anchor on the infield and still go after Rodon and land him?
Mark P
7:10
If Pohlad is actually willing to spend what it'll take to lock Correa up, then we can probably abandon our pre-conceived notions about what the Twins will or won't spend.  Not saying they'll head into luxury tax country, but it would be odd for a team with so many needs to splurge on Correa and then have to nickel-and-dime it for other additions
Trout
7:12
Am I washed up yet? I suck right?
Mark P
7:12
Only a .999 OPS this season for Trout, yeah, he's clearly on the downswing.

btw, I don't think enough was made about Trout missing 43 games but still hitting 40 homers.
Cjr
7:13
Do you see Judge signing relatively quickly or dragging on (and holding up free agency)
Mark P
7:15
My gut feeling is that Judge signs relatively early, maybe before the Winter Meetings are over.  There aren't too many teams that will be able to meet his asking price in the first place, and the most interested teams would want to secure Judge soon and figure out their payroll and roster situation for the rest of the winter
As in, nobody wants to be the team that waits until late January for Judge, and then has to scramble for other upgrades if he signs elsewhere
Mark P
7:16
What does the P stand for
Mark P
7:16
Pumpkins

(Tom Hanks is my dad)
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