JotCast | MLBTR Live Chat With Jason Martinez: December 7, 2016

MLBTR Live Chat With Jason Martinez: December 7, 2016

Jason Martinez

5:32

Thanks for joining me! I'm guessing we'll have a lot to chat about. I'll be here for the next 2 hours. You can contact me @mlbdepthcharts if I don't get to your question here.

Dat Dude

5:34

I'm not going anywhere, am I?

Jason Martinez

5:34

Not too many options. Maybe Dodgers if they can't acquire Dozier and maybe Angels if they really don't want Utley or can't trade for a younger option. Enjoy your last year with the Reds.

P.O.

5:35

What's the next move you see the Royals making?

Jason Martinez

5:36

I have a feeling that they're listening on Cain, Moustakas and a few others. Not sure something like that will come together soon. Dyson trade might be losing steam. They need one more late inning arm to go with Herrera/Soria, especially if plan is for Matt Strahm to start in '17.

Blackmon

5:37

What are the chances I get traded now?

Jason Martinez

5:37

Much higher than pre-Desmond. Price will be high, though, and it sounds like the most logical team, the Cardinals, aren't willing to deal Alex Reyes. They might not have enough if he's not included.

Al Avila

5:38

What is my problem?

Jason Martinez

5:39

Not enough pitching. Bad farm system. A lot $ tied up on veterans. You'll compete if Verlander pitches like he did in '16 and Zimmermann bounces back. Need some guys to step up in the 'pen.

Eric

5:41

Chances of a McCutchen trade now?

Jason Martinez

5:41

It was starting to sound like it was definitely happening. But with the Nats off the table, not sure. Maybe the Pirates were just asking too much. I can see the Dodgers making a run at him. Teams know he's available.

Jones

5:44

Jays fan are really optimistic that Fowler is coming to Toronto. Is their excitement justified?

Jason Martinez

5:44

Yep. That would be my pick. I think it's between them and STL. Cardinals would play him in CF. Jays would play him in LF or RF. Probably comes down to $, but could also lean towards STL if he prefers to play CF.

Mitch

5:46

Encarnacion to Indians? How likely?

Jason Martinez

5:46

More likely by the day. But if they're waiting for the price to come down further, keep in mind that a few other teams would gladly jump back into the mix if it comes down far enough. Very bad offseason to be a 1B/DH, even if he's the best one.

sturkie

5:48

What's your thought on the Eaton trade?

Jason Martinez

5:49

Cost was higher than expected, but players of Eaton's caliber (not a star, but very good, consistent and in his prime) with team-friendly contract and 5 years of control have a ton of value. White Sox are quickly stacking that farm system. I always love a good fire sale.

Justin

5:50

Has there been any connection of Tyson Ross to the braves? Could be another buy low candidate who pitched really well in SD?

Jason Martinez

5:51

Not really connected to any team at this point. My guess is that all 30 teams are interested but I don't know if any of them are willing to take the risk at his current asking price ($9MM-$11MM), which wouldn't be a buy low. If it drops into the $5-8MM range with incentives or possibly a club option, most teams wouldn't hesitate.

David

5:53

Gut feeling when does chapman or jansen sign? One before WM end?

Jason Martinez

5:53

Hoping for at least one more big move before end of the night. Focus turns to Rule 5 in the morning and then most everyone is traveling later in the day. If Chapman doesn't sign tonight, I'm guessing it'll get done by the weekend. Sounds like the Yankees and others are waiting on him before they do anything else.

Nathan Maged

5:55

Who will be the nationals closer this year?

Jason Martinez

5:55

Trading for Alex Colome makes sense, but not sure they want to deal any more top prospects after the Eaton deal. He'll be costly. I think they'll bid aggressively on Chapman/Jansen. If they don't get either, I think they'll set their sights on David Robertson.

Adge

5:57

With Nats and Rangers out. Can Toronto get in on McCutchen if they lose out on Fowler? I don't see Pit trading with Stl either

Jason Martinez

5:57

Not sure they have that elite, close to MLB ready prospect that would get that deal done. Instead, I think the Bucs would ask for Stroman or Sanchez. Not sure they'd do that. I wouldn't.

Sosa

6:00

Where do you think Rajai davis will end up?

Jason Martinez

6:00

Not sure he can land a starting job but a few teams could use a good RHH 4th outfielder. Braves or Rockies.

Trey

6:02

Will the Cubs go after more pitchers?

Jason Martinez

6:02

Yep. Still a bit light in starting depth. They have the pieces to add a controllable frontline starter but only if they find the right deal. If not, probably another veteran to battle with Montgomery for the No. 5 spot.

RiverCatsFilms

6:05

What is your opinion on Sale trade, Heston(SF->Sea) trade, and David Ortiz rethinking retirement

Jason Martinez

6:05

Heston is a good depth move for Mariners. He has options. Could win No. 5 spot. Giants were forced to sell low on him to open a 40-man spot. Sale trade was fair. Hard to see how this doesn't work for both teams. I think Big Papi is done.

Trev

6:08

Any ideas on what Padres could do before winter meetings end?

Jason Martinez

6:08

Not sure if anything will happen soon but I think they're listening on any player with value ... Solarte, Schimpf, Jankowski, Maurer, Hand, Buchter. They'll fill out their pitching staff with a few veterans who they can flip at the deadline. So basically accumulating as many assets as possible and hope to compete in 2018 or 2019.

Vinnyduff

6:09

Are Jays really interrested to let go Stroman ?

Jason Martinez

6:09

I think it's their best shot at adding an impact hitter (Blackmon, McCutchen) through a trade. I think they'd rather sign Fowler and hold on to Stroman, though.

Andrew S

6:12

is it likely Yanks move gardner before the season? or stays?

Jason Martinez

6:13

Not unless they acquired another OF. And the FA market is getting thin. Signing a guy like Bautista makes less sense with Holliday there since both should be DHing more often than playing the OF. Looking less and less likely.

Rick Hahn

6:16

What kind of package should I expect from the astros for quintana?

Jason Martinez

6:16

Francis Martes is the must-have guy. Big time arm to go along with Giolito, Kopech and Lopez. After that, the Astros have plenty of very good prospects to include in the deal. Maybe Joe Musgrove, Kyle Tucker and A.J. Reed. Price will be extremely high. Not sure if that's enough.

Curt

6:19

Are the Angels going to do ANYTHING about second base? I heard San Diego was a team who might deal them onw. Thoughts?

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