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Mark P

9:20

I think the ship has sailed on Garcia in Texas.

9:21

I keep seeing suggestions on MacKenzie Gore to the Orioles trades...are the Nats and O's likely to hook up on any trade, much less for someone like Gore?

Mark P

9:21

Highly unlikely. Even after the ownership change, there's way too much bad blood between the two organizations.

Mariners

9:21

Why do you think that Harry ford's value was so comparatively low? He was traded, along with someone else, for a young, intriguing but unproven reliever, and not even to be a closer. Do you think the could have gotten more for ford?

Mark P

9:23

It was a fascinating trade, since I agree with you that it seemed like the M's would be able to get a lot more back for Ford. That said, perhaps it's a sign of just how much the market value controllable relievers with Ferrer's stuff. Plus, the Mariners are certainly in "last piece of the puzzle" mode. A LH reliever was a clear need for them, so perhaps they felt giving up Ford was worth it to land a pitcher like Ferrer they so clearly coveted

Dbacks Fan

9:24

Since Ketel is an MVP level player and on a defeated team friendly deal for only a few more years, is any return good enough to actually trade him? I know the Snakes need pitching but can the return include a controllable mlb established arm and a quality bat at the corner infield?

Mark P

9:25

It feels like that unless there's a lot of smoke behind those reports of clubhouse discontent, there's no reason for Arizona to move a star player like Marte. And like I said earlier, I doubt they send him anywhere unless they receive an absurd trade offer.

It costs the D'Backs nothing to at least listen to trade offers, even if they aren't actually shopping Marte themselves.

9:26

Ruiz for Cronenworth?

Mark P

9:27

San Diego did some to mind when I was floating that Ruiz scenario earlier. But, Cronenworth is still a useful player, if overpaid within SD's payroll limitations. Ruiz can't be relied on as a starting catcher, so he wouldn't be much of an answer to the Padres' search

Pete

9:28

Super bowl predictions?

Mark P

9:28

Rams over Broncos

Mr. Red

9:29

Is there a player who, when signed, would be the first "domino" and other signings would quickly follow? How about the same for a traded player? Or does it even work like that?

Mark P

9:29

This is pretty common in many offseasons. This year, Schwarber leaving the market will get a lot of teams turning their attention more fully to other hitters.

Kyle

9:31

Coulda package of Donovan and Arenado make sense for Boston, assuming STL takes on enough of the money? Donovan and Mayer have both had their injury issues, and Arenado wouldn't be the worst backup option. Would STL even consider moving both in the same deal?

Mark P

9:32

There's no way the Cards are diminishing the return on Donovan by linking him to Arenado. If they were in the same deal, the Cardinals also aren't eating any of Arenado's salary....but by the same token, STL isn't moving Donovan just to unload Arenado's money

Marky Mark

9:32

Mark, you've been ignoring me buddy! Weekend Chat Nation want to know - what's on your playlist?

Mark P

9:32

(Fast) Slow Disco, by St. Vincent

Cubs Fan

9:33

What are the chances of Imai to the Cubs?

Mark P

9:34

Seems like a distinct possibility. The Cubs have a good history of signing Japanese players, and Imai's price tag is expected to fall within the range Chicago is comfortable paying

Ivy Walls

9:35

Any idea how much of the Cubs rumored interest is legitimate and how much is agents and media trying to generate interest?

Mark P

9:35

No reason to doubt the Cubs aren't making calls or checking in on a wide range of players. Only the front office knows which players are highest on their target list, and which are being contacted out of due diligence.

9:36

Will the Rays sign a big name free agent or at least extend caminero?

Mark P

9:38

No way
They hadn't any talks with Caminero as of last August, as per his agent Rafa Nieves. Certainly you'd think Tampa would have interest in locking Junior up, but as Nieves pointed out, the triple factors of the team sale/the ballpark mess/Wander Franco's contract may have kept the Rays from delving into extension talks

Dallas

9:39

How often does a team make a move that even the MLBTR writers can't understand or endorse?

Mark P

9:40

Happens every once in a while. As someone who couldn't fathom for about a year why the Orioles made that Trevor Rogers trade, we'll often find ourselves eating our words!

Guest

9:40

Any substance to trade talks involving Barger, or is it pure speculation on the media's part?

Mark P

9:41

Between Barger's breakout at the plate and his roster value in being able to capably play both 3B and RF, I would be very surprised if the Blue Jays moved him

I don't doubt that tons of teams are asking the Jays about Barger, but expect him in Toronto on Opening Day

Guest

9:41

What was the reasoning behind optioning Yariel given that the 40 man wasn't full?

Mark P

9:42

I think the Jays have a few things percolating and may need multiple 40-man roster spots soon. That's what makes the timing of the Yariel outright so intriguing.

Nick Krall

9:45

Should I send Brady Singer packing for a middle of the order hitter if I can’t sign Schwarber?

Mark P

9:45

Not sure if Singer can bring back such a quality bat, but yeah, he'd probably the most expendable member of the Reds staff

Gavin Cordes

9:45

could the padres get a return on Conenworth or is it just a salary dump if they trade him?

Mark P

9:48

It wouldn't be a salary dump, since as mentioned earlier, Cronenworth is a decent player. (He had an under-the-radar 117 wRC+ last year.). I think Preller is creative enough to work out some kind of undesirable contract swap that addresses another team's needs while perhaps bringing back some pitching to San Diego

Billings

9:48

Did Delgado's performance in this year's HOF voting bode well for him getting in eventually?

Mark P

9:50

I wonder how many people looked at Delgado's numbers and went "man, he was really good! Who knew?!" It seemed like Delgado was overshadowed because he played in the steroid era, yet he might now be getting his day in the sun via these Era Committee votes. Hard to imagine he won't be included on the next ballot in 2028 after getting nine votes this time.

Angels Fan

9:50

Can Okamoto realistically play 3B long term for us?

Mark P

9:51

Okamoto isn't considered to be Scott Rolen or anything, but it seems like the majority of scouts feel he's at least a decent third baseman. So in terms of fielding, the Angels shouldn't have any huge concerns.

George

9:52

What free agent do you think is worth Atlanta giving up the PPI pick?

Mark P

9:54

Of the nine QO free agents, Cease is already signed, and we can safely rule out Tucker, Schwarber, and Diaz.

That leaves Suarez, Valdez, King, Gallen, and Bichette. Any of the pitchers would help stabilize Atlanta's rotation, and obviously Bichette fills the shortstop hole in a big way if the Braves are okay with his shaky defense. From a pure need standpoint, Bichette seems like the best fit, but frankly, I doubt the Braves are going to be splurging for any of these guys. Maybe Gallen or King since their markets could be more limited.

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