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Rocky

9:18

What are the chances the Tigers blow the whole thing up and go full rebuild (again)? I’m a huge Tigers fan but no one is off limits. In my eyes. Any speculation on who their new GM would be? (I appreciate the Whittaker love… we feel the same way in the D)

Mark P

9:20

As disappointed as I was to not get hired as the president of baseball ops, I would also humbly take the GM job. In other words, there hasn't been any news yet on who the Tigers might hire if I'm still sticking with this "hire me!" running bit.

Restarting a rebuild would be a real blow to the fanbase, since the team would basically be writing off three more seasons.

9:21

Which is why they won't rebuild entirely, but 2023 does seem like a year for Scott Harris and the new GM to evaluate everything and see the Tigers really stand

Publius

9:22

How much longer does Chaim Bloom last in Boston if he's not able to re-sign Bogaerts or extend Devers?

Mark P

9:24

When it comes to big contracts like that, Bloom is going by ownership's orders. But, given how impatient ownership has been with Red Sox front office bosses in recent years, it can't help Bloom's chances of lasting beyond 2023 if the team doesn't turn things around

Jason

9:24

Will cleveland make any moves this offseason

Mark P

9:24

Yes!

....oh, you wanted more elaboration? Well, for some ideas...

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/11/offseason-outlook-cleveland-gua...

Always need 1

9:25

Jo Adell for Amed Rosario?

Mark P

9:26

Moving Adell for just one season of Rosario doesn't seem wise for the Angels

DoubleA

9:27

Matt Chapman gets a long term extension with Toronto?

Mark P

9:28

Feels like there's always been a perception among Jays fans that Chapman would only be in town for the two years of his arbitration control, and yet locking him up would make some sense. Depends on how well the Jays think his glove could age, or if they think one of their in-house infielders could also fit at third base

9:29

Am I wrong in assuming that because of financial considerations the Braves are about to have a quiet offseason?

Mark P

9:31

They're already operating at record high payroll levels, and given how they're generating revenue hand over fist, we can't rule out the Braves spending even more.

In general, AA prefers to work the trade market rather than in free agency, so he might find some creative way to unload a contract or two if there actually is a payroll crunch.

Harry the K

9:32

Thanks for the chat before the hangover. Quintana to the Phillies? Makes a lot of sense

Mark P

9:32

Philly seems like a good fit, indeed

Connie Mack

9:33

Two years in are there still some MLB owners are not a big fan of Steve Cohen? Maybe 5 at least? LAA, CHW ... small mkts etc. George Steinbrenner lite?

Mark P

9:34

The four NL East teams probably don't love the idea of the Mets suddenly being a big-spending, 100-win team

Mookie 2B

9:35

Do you really think the Dodgers would install Mookie at 2B in favor of signing Judge ? Seems risky to me.

Mark P

9:35

Betts wouldn't necessarily play second base every day. He could play some 2B, play some CF, and be back in right field on days that Judge is in CF or getting a DH day

Walton Dilcox

9:36

D’Backs have some premium trade chips with 3 LHH, + CF defenders and McCarthy. What does trading for Varsho cost someone?

Mark P

9:39

Varsho is arb-eligible for the first of four times this winter, since he gained Super Two eligibility. He's become an excellent center fielder, might still have some appeal to another team as a part-time catcher, and he has some pop, even if his overall hitting skills are only a bit above average.

So there's plenty of value there, and the Diamondbacks are known to be looking for an MLB-quality talent if they move any of their outfielders. Only Carroll has more trade value than Varsho does, I suspect, give or take how another team might feel about Alek Thomas.

MKH

9:40

In the post-Pujols and Molina era, it seems the Cards’ can’t miss prospects are underwhelming. Do the Cards have a legit star in the minors now?

Mark P

9:42

Potentially several, with Jordan Walker being the best of the bunch.

To be fair, "superstar" players are naturally really hard to find. The Cardinals' ability to generate a steady pipeline of MLB-caliber regulars is very impressive, even if few have become true stars. Plus, the Cards have done well to package their prospects for actual stars like Arenado or Goldschmidt

Sleepless in Seattle

9:43

Was this year an illusion or are the M’s contenders for the foreseeable future?

Mark P

9:43

The Mariners seem like they have a nice core in place. They're for real.

Matt V

9:44

Reported that the White Sox have interest in Sean Murphy - what would the return look like? If the Sox deal Vaughn, don't they just create another hole? Or does it create an opening for an Abreu return?

Mark P

9:45

That report was interesting, since the White Sox don't have a particularly deep farm system. In theory, other teams would be able to outbid them for Murphy. Since the A's tend to want at least one MLB-ready type in their biggest deals, Vaughn actually might make the most sense as a centerpiece, and it would take a big player like Murphy for the Sox to consider moving a cornerstone prospect

Acuna

9:46

MLB network suggested the Braves trade Acuna. I think it would be dumb for the Braves to do that given his youth and contract. Hypothetically what do you think the best package back the Braves could get for him if they did trade him?

Mark P

9:47

If I'm another team listening to AA float an Acuna trade, I'm immediately suspicious. Given that Acuna was good but not great in his first season back from the ACL tear, I'd want to see him get back to superstar level before I consider giving up what would surely be a major trade haul in return

9:48

Now, there is an argument to be made that this might be the only window available for Acuna to ever be obtained. So if a team takes the risk, maybe only pays 90 cents on the dollar due to the injury concerns, and then Acuna gets back to normal? That's a big win.

Orioles

9:50

Given some regression is likely in store for next season, what do they need to do to claim one of the wild card spots in your opinion?

Mark P

9:51

Add pitching and at least one proven everyday MLB player to the starting lineup. I'd suggest more, except there's a real possibility the Orioles keep getting better from within, and (like Mike Elias) I don't want to necessarily cut off playing time for up-and-coming players

Remember the Royals?

9:52

Just wanting to get a mention of the Royals. I think the new pitching regime will make a difference and they'll be dark-horse contenders in '24. Agree?

Mark P

9:52

They'd need a lot to go right, but KC does have a good deal of talent and potential already in place. If the AL Central keeps being a weaker division, 2024 isn't out of the question

9:52

Bees?

Mark P

9:53

Beads?!

Judge

9:54

Who is the biggest darkhorse to get Judge? Mariners? Orioles? Rangers? Would make it that much more exciting if a smaller fish got him

Mark P

9:54

I wouldn't rule out Texas. They're willing to spend a lot of money, and they want to win now.

Ken