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Mark P

7:46

I dunno if the Guardians would be interested in that particular package for Kwan, but sure, Imai and one of Scherzer/Buehler would be a nice boost to the pitching staff. Of the two I'd probably prefer Scherzer just because Buehler has been more of a question mark performance-wise.

Tiger Town

7:47

With a work stoppage likely after 2026, does Detroit just ride Skubal this season and let him walk with nothing in return? And is it a bad move on Skubal’s/Boras’ part to not get extended before the work stoppage?

Mark P

7:49

Skubal is arguably the best pitcher in baseball. He's going to get handsomely paid in his next contract regardless of what happens in the next CBA, even if there is a salary cap that somehow ends up in place.

From the Tigers' perspective, they're trying to win the World Series in 2026. As much as Scott Harris talks about being in perpetual contention, surely the team realizes that having a true ace gives them a much better shot of winning than rolling the dice and trading Skubal for an assortment of players. He wouldn't be walking away for nothing, per se, if the Tigers have a trophy or an AL pennant to show for 2026

James

7:49

What wluld you rate the chances of a SD firesale at?

Mark P

7:49

Zero.

Ang T

7:51

Which team signs the most “top 50 free agents?”

Mark P

7:52

In terms of pure volume? I kind of want to say the Mets, which doesn't necessarily mean a bunch of blockbuster signings. But, bringing in multiple players on relatively short-term deals (plus one or two headline signings like Diaz or Alonso) is certainly plausible.

Go Blue Who's

7:52

With the Jays making the world series, the cultural shift around the MLB seems to have changed or at least that's what it seems. Hopefully more players seem to want to sign up in Canada. Realistically, what are we getting, via trade or signing? (read the 50 agents and trade already, just didn't know if anything changed)

Mark P

7:54

Some players just don't want to play outside the US for a variety of reasons, and that won't change no matter how the Jays perform. But, the Jays have already shown that they're willing to pay top dollar for premium talent, and now they've answered whatever concerns free agents had about whether this roster was really good enough to contend.

Huh?

7:54

Would you anticipate someone like Donovan to be traded later after several free agents are signed? His versatility makes him a fit for those who miss out the FA targets.

Mark P

7:57

It makes for an interesting chess game for Chaim Bloom. For all we know, he has a couple of offers right now that meet whatever threshold he has in mind for an "acceptable" trade return for Donovan. Whenever such an acceptable offer emerges, it's then on Bloom to either decide to take it, or see if any better is still out there.

As you note, some teams are working on different timelines than others, so they might focus more on free agents before turning to the trade market. Last year's backfired Arenado trade is a reminder of how the timing of these deals and offers is a key aspect of offseason business, which also might weigh heavily on the Cardinals' minds.

Trip

7:57

How do you think the Braves will rebuild their bullpen, top free agent or try to piece together a lower budget pen?

Mark P

10:33

Hello, everyone! There was a Jotcast issue that both limited and then closed the chat entirely, but we're back up and running for a little while longer.

Given how the chat would've been interrupted by the Josh Naylor signing anyway, perhaps it all worked out for the best? What are that odds that another big signing happ....hmm, I probably shouldn't even risk jinxing things.

10:34

Turning back to Trip's question from like 2.5 hours ago, the Braves are probably going to address their pen relatively inexpensively. I can see them re-signing Iglesias if he's still around, but probably not breaking the bank for the likes of Diaz, Suarez, etc.

moose

10:34

Hey, glad the chat's back up! Burning question: Who does Naylor sign with, and how long do you think his free agency drags out??

Mark P

10:35

I think a five-year deal with the Mariners sounds about right. Expect that contract to be signed by, oh, let's say February 29th.

Mojo

10:36

What would be the cost if the Rays traded Chandler Simpson to the Giants?

Mark P

10:39

Simpson might be the kind of player that inspires a wide range of opinions from rival front offices. His 80-grade speed is obvious, but his ability to be a capable hitter or fielder is still up in the air.

It also probably depends on how the Rays feel about Simpson after seeing in the bigs for a year, and whether or not they could be already to move on. The Rays have been known to deal away ex-top prospects fairly quickly, and if you're another team getting a call from the Rays about such a player, be wary

limpbrisket

10:40

What are the chances the Dodgers hold the line in free agency this year as opposed to going for a Tucker or Bellinger? 4 of their top 5 prospects are outfielders so hearing about them having interest in an outfielder seems weird to me. Edman's ankle is supposed to be fully healthy by spring training, doesn't that make him the likely CF with Teoscar in LF and Pages in RF?

Mark P

10:41

If you're the Dodgers, you never really need to "hold the line." If you sign Tucker then need room for your prospects later, Pages or one of Teoscar/Edman could be traded. Or, a couple of the outfield prospects could be sent elsewhere in trades for other roster needs.

Oren

10:42

With a very limited SS market and teams like the Braves, Pirates and others looking, would the Jays be able to find any value trading Leo Jimenez? He's out of options and seems down on the Jays IF depth chart, especially if Bichette returns. But he was a decently ranked prospect and looks to have skills to be a potential second-division starter

Mark P

10:43

Jimenez indeed seems expendable in Toronto, but at least some other teams might not be too keen on a player who's out of options. I wouldn't expect a ton back on the trade front.

Michael B

10:43

With the potential of a Naylor signing, do you think the proverbial dam has been broken on free agent signing?

Mark P

10:45

Usually these types of early signings (Naylor, Nola to Philly, Diaz to the Mets) are players that were always pretty set on staying with their former teams, and just took a cursory look around the market before their team met their asking price. I don't think it's too much of an omen of anything, unless we see a couple of other players in Naylor's general situation following suit.

Cleveland

10:46

A bold trade target for Cleveland? Marte would be nice. Would finally give Jose the help he’s needed since Lindor left. I get Cleveland is cheap, but they have absolutely no money attached to anybody really. Even adding Marte would have the payroll below 100 mill, which they have operated at before.

Mark P

10:47

While I doubt the D'Backs will actually trade Marte, it's very true that adding even one more premium bat would make the Guardians a much bigger threat.

Mariner Masochist

10:47

With the signing of Josh Naylor, is this is offseason the Mariners dive back into the free agent pool? Owners say they have money....but....

Mark P

10:48

I would not be shocked if Naylor is basically it for Seattle on the FA front, apart from some lower-level types of deals with relief pitchers or something. Re-signing Polanco probably takes priority now, and that might still be a possibility depending on how much Naylor signed for (or, if ownership is willing to bump payroll a little higher)

What about Ann?

10:50

Why is Nick Allen looked at as a terrible option at SS. The guy has net value and is in the top 30 SS

Mark P

10:51

He is almost literally the worst hitter in baseball. Allen is a very good defensive shortstop, but even then there's a different between going "glove-first" at a position and going "just glove only."

SouthJerseySteve

10:52

Nick Castellanos (1/$20M) to the lefty heavy Red Sox for Jordan Hicks RHP. (2/$25M). Who says no?

Mark P

10:52

Boston. Castellanos just further clogs up the lineup with no guarantee of even above-average hitting.

Breslow got robbed

10:53

If the Sox can re-sign Bregman, or a free agent like Okamoto (I prefer the RH bat), could the Red Sox deal Marcelo Mayer for a pitcher? Thinking of a Bubba Chandler type.

Mark P

10:55

That would be a very fun type of trade. I don't think Boston is really ready to move Mayer before they have more of an idea of what he is

Miller

10:55

Could Paul Toboni's background in Boston make them a good fit to swing a trade for MacKenzie Gore? Toboni knows the farm to go along with younger players with MLB service time.

Mark P

10:56

This is a distinct possibility. I do think Gore will be dealt before he reaches free agency.

Aj preller

10:56

What are the chances padres sign Imai?

Mark P

10:57

Feels like his asking price will be too high for what San Diego is willing or able to spend

STL

10:58

True/False: Wetherholt makes opening day roster?

Mark P

10:59

Leaning towards false. He doesn't have much experience at Triple-A ball, so the Cards might want to give him a bit more seasoning before bringing him up.

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