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Mark P

7:46

Basically to see if anything major happened after tomorrow's option deadline. Like, say, if Cole actually became a free agent, or if any other extensions happened (like Wacha and KC)

Pat

7:47

Does the success of teams like the Tigers, Guardians and Royals mean more teams may start trying to compete quicker instead of rebuilding and sitting out the FA market (Pirates, A's, Marlins)

Mark P

7:48

While I agree that every team should be more willing to spend to compete, not sure this is exactly the right argument to make. The Guardians have been more or less in constant contention for the last decade, KC just had its first winning season in almost a decade, and the Tigers had their first winning season in years, so "compete quicker" doesn't really apply.

Also, the AL Central teams did benefit by having the literal worst team in modern history in the division. Or, at least the Tigers and Royals strongly benefited, whereas the Guardians lost I think five or six times to Chicago.

Royals fan

7:49

Royals GM said leadoff hitter and more offense from corner outfield are priorities. Who fits those needs? Trade for India or Hoerner? What slugger?

Mark P

7:49

Landing a good outfielder can check both of those boxes, in theory. Hoerner is a question mark due to his surgery and I'm not sure India provides much of a boost over what KC already has.

Re: Nats

7:50

How competitive will the Christian Walker market be?

Mark P

7:50

Very. I think he'll get a lot more action than Alonso, actually.

Eovaldi

7:52

Did he opt out of his option or is that still pending...if he did could you see him back in boston?

Mark P

7:53

No word yet on that option, though it would be stunning if he didn't opt out.

Boston seems like a possibility, sure. I think a lot of clubs would have interest in Eovaldi, but the Red Sox I'd imagine would have some extra appeal to him.

Shark bait

7:53

Will the Marlins make a push for Gleyber Torres?

Mark P

7:54

The Marlins have given no indication that they want to contend in 2025, so a Torres signing doesn't make much sense

Finn

7:55

When will Termarr Johnson come up

Mark P

7:56

His numbers were ok but not great last season, and he only just started at Double-A. Good AFL numbers, which is a good sign. My guess is that if all goes well and Johnson is promoted to Triple-A and keeps hitting, he gets to the big leagues for a cup of coffee or two in September

Pudge

7:57

Would a Cody Bellinger for Jordan Montgomery make sense?

Mark P

7:57

If you're the Cubs, you'd have to be pretty confident that Montgomery just had a "season from hell" and is prime for a bounce-back. That trade would favor Arizona, in my view, as much as I do think Montgomery actually will bounce back pretty strongly in 2025.

Vince

7:58

Do you really think the Mets will go "all in" on Juan Soto? David Stearns seems like the type of guy whod rather spread the money around..

Mark P

8:00

That's ultimately Steve Cohen's call, but I find it hard to believe that Stearns would object to having a special talent like Soto on the roster for the next decade plus.

Don't forget, Stearns even made a plunge for star talent in Milwaukee, when Yelich was locked up on that big extension.

Guest

8:00

Who says no. Josh Naylor for Luis Gil

Mark P

8:00

Four years of control over Gil for one season of Naylor. Hmmm, Yankees probably say no to that one.

Tristan S

8:01

Do you see the Angels finally pulling the trigger on Snell? Was close last year, but now no QO attached.

Mark P

8:02

I've made this point before in chats, but beyond just money, the Angels face a larger perception problem when it comes to free agents. Snell will get big offers from multiple contenders, so with all being equal, why would he sign with a team that seems a long ways from being competitive?

Mr. 121

8:03

There were rumblings the Phils wanted Luis Robert at the trade deadline. Could he net either Justin Crawford or Starlyn Caba this offseason?

Mark P

8:04

Robert had such a rough season that his stock has dropped, and I highly doubt the Phillies would move Crawford in such a scenario.

Marge

8:04

Is there a world where the Yanks mis-out on Soto and Cole?

Mark P

8:05

Maybe there's a world where the Yankees let Cole walk, and Soto isn't keen that the team would just let the reigning Cy Young winner (who pitched so well in October, to boot) go in order to save money.

Walton Dilcox

8:08

Any thoughts on the RP trade market? The Cubs could use a power arm like a Duran if possible

Mark P

8:08

Since the Cubs are reluctant to spend on a free agent reliever, trading for one might indeed be a logical move

J.M.M

8:09

Which teams would be interested in Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander?

Mark P

8:10

I think both garner a good amount of interest. Despite the injuries and the less-than-stellar results in 2024, it is easy to think that if healthy, both have more left in the tank for at least one more season.

Astros fan

8:10

Framber Valdez for Spencer Steer…who says no?

Mark P

8:11

The Reds. Four years of control over Steer for one year of Valdez doesn't seem like a logical trade.

Tiger Paw

8:13

How about Sean Manera to the Tigers

Mark P

8:14

Hitting is the bigger need for the Tigers than pitching, but sure, Manaea would still naturally be a nice fit. Detroit's pitching staff looks better with another proven arm to join Skubal.

Dodgers

8:16

Why on earth would the Dodgers go after Soto? He's only marginally better than Teoscar Hernandez, who is a fraction of the cost and the heart and soul of this team. 4 years 120 mil vs. 13 years 500?

Mark P

8:17

Soto is six years younger and a way better player. With all due respect to Teoscar Hernandez, he isn't going to the HOF, whereas Soto is already on that track.

So if you're the Dodgers and have the resources to be "in on" literally anyone you want, there's no harm in checking into Soto's market and seeing if a deal can be worked out. If not, Hernandez might well still be available, given how he made it very plainly clear that LA is his top choice for his next destination.

Polar Scare

8:18

If the market for Pete Alonso is light, is there a chance he takes the $21M qualifying offer from the Mets and bet on himself for a better 2025 and then a better deal?

Mark P

8:19

There is no chance he takes the qualifying offer. But Alonso has enough red flags that he's the big name I'd pick to sign a shorter-term, opt-out heavy type of contract rather than a more straight-forward nine-figure mega-deal.

Finn

8:19

Do you think Pirates will be active

Mark P

8:19

Yes, but probably not to the extent that their fans are hoping

Doug M

8:21

Braves are clearly trying to free up money. Is the move to try and resign Fried?

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