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Mark P
9:12
It's time to launch the Weekend Chat, though I'm operating in fear of having to cut this thing short if another big move occurs.  Can teams stop signing free agents for just a couple of hours, geez?!

(How ironic to be saying this a year after the lockout, when we at MLBTR were just aching for any transactions to write about!)
Chris
9:12
Would you have traded JD Martinez for Justin Turner if you were the redsox?
Mark P
9:12
Yes, since Turner gives you more flexibility in the field, and Martinez is pretty much a DH-only guy at this point
Optimistic Ms fan
9:13
I know we’ve made a few trades and improved.  But our payroll hasn’t really adjusted after finally making a playoff push.  Should we be disappointed???
Mark P
9:14
Payroll has gone up to some extent, but Jerry Dipoto recently said that the team planning to increase spending gradually, not immediately have a huge surge.  Still plenty of time in the offseason to spend more, plus you figure the Mariners will certainly be active in looking for big additions at the trade deadline
Ek
9:15
Where does Brandon Drury sign?
Mark P
9:16
Hard to say, since a lot of teams are fits for a player who can handle multiple positions.  It could be a bit of a repeat of last winter, where Drury signs with a non-contender who can guarantee him a lot of playing time (perhaps to set up a midseason deal)
RJ go braves
9:17
Do teams have insurance for these guys who sign long lucrative contracts in case they suffer a career ending injury?
Mark P
9:17
Most teams have some kind of insurance in place for bigger contracts, yes
Sonny721
9:17
Why hasn’t Swanson signed with the Cubs yet?
Mark P
9:18
It isn't uncommon for a player's deal to take a few days (or even a couple of weeks) to become official.  It usually hinges on when they get their physical.  Swanson actually just got married recently, he might be out of the country on a honeymoon for all we know
Pitch and Catch
9:18
With the jays woes at 2B…Espinol was a terrible hitter is the 2nd half. I heard Joe Siddall suggest Moreno could find regular at bats at 2B….thoughts?
Mark P
9:20
I'm not sure about regular at-bats, but the Jays have floated the idea of having Moreno play at several positions (not just catcher) in order to get his bat into the lineup, and allow the Jays to keep all of Moreno, Kirk, and Jansen.  Moreno is good enough of a defensive catcher that I'm not sure a permanent position change would be a wise move, unless he really takes to another spot on the diamond.
Angels Fan
9:21
Please don’t tell me David Fletcher is going to be our opening day shortstop
Mark P
9:21
Don't worry, it could be Rengifo!  Or Gio Urshela!
Dave
9:22
Will Gleyber Torres be on the NYY on opening day?
Mark P
9:22
Will Gleyber Torres still be a Yankee by Opening Day?
Yes (63.4% | 1,098 votes)
 
No (36.6% | 635 votes)
 
Total Votes: 1,733
9:23
I'll say that DJ LeMahieu's health is probably the biggest factor in a possible Torres trade.  If LeMahieu isn't going to be ready for Opening Day or needs surgery or something, Torres is likely retained
Bloom
9:24
Why Turner over Drury?
Mark P
9:24
Because Turner has a far longer track record of MLB success.
Frank the Tank
9:24
What’s up with Nelson Cruz? Career over or does he sign?
Mark P
9:25
Cruz is in a tough spot as a DH-only 42-year-old coming off a poor season.  Teams aren't going to have him as a first-tier or even second- or third-tier option, so the market might have to clear up a bit more before Cruz lands a new deal.  I don't think his career is over since his history will earn him another look from someone
Concerned Jays fan
9:26
There is a 100% chance that Gurriel Jr., Springer and Kiermaier will all end up on the DL next year at some point.  Springer in particular is put together by paper clips.  If we don’t sign Conforto or trade Jansen, please tell me what the plan is.
Mark P
9:27
Merrifield, Biggio, and Nathan Lukes are the top backup options for the outfield, and i agree that isn't exactly the most inspiring group of depth options.  However, Conforto coming off a season-long absence also doesn't add a lot of security
9:29
The Blue Jays are in a bit of a tough spot in attracting higher-tier utility types, since with every position basically filled, those kind of players might prefer a team that has more opportunity available for a guy to win an everyday job
Oz
9:29
What’s your guess as to the likelihood that the Braves trade Travis d’Arnaud?  And is there anything to these rumors that Max Fried might also be dealt?
Mark P
9:30
Anthopoulos said earlier this week that d'Arnaud isn't being dealt, fwiw.  Doesn't mean AA's tune might change if another team made a great offer, but I think keeping d'Arnaud is indeed the plan.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/12/braves-rumors-travis-darnaud-tr...
As for trading Fried, it seems quite unlikely.  Putting together this World Series contender of a roster and then trading the ace would be a curious move.
Pedro Grifol’s lineup card
9:32
Now that I’ve got Andrew Benintendi, please give me a bit of hope for someone other than Leury Garcia at 2B - like, say, Jean Segura or a guy from TB’s middle infield surplus.
Mark P
9:32
Since Drury was mentioned earlier, he's the kind of player who would look like a good fit for the ChiSox.
Guest
9:33
Why would the dodgers sign Martinez when they seemingly love multi positional guys (Muncy, Taylor, Betts, and that fever dream of Lux in the OF) instead of spending the money on Senga in an area of need?
Mark P
9:34
Getting mostly a DH-only player is a bit of a departure for the Dodgers, but they likely think Martinez can rebound. An in-form Martinez hits well enough to make up for his lack of defensive utility, plus he could also chip in as an outfielder once in a while.
9:35
As for the Dodgers' pitching, don't forget that L.A. has a lot of interesting young arms (Pepiot, Grove, Miller, etc.) on the way up.  Between the prospects and Noah Syndergaard, the Dodgers might've thought that was a better use of resources than signing Senga
Walter
9:36
Are the Guardians done this off season?
Mark P
9:36
Probably not.  Any of Civale, Plesac, or Rosario could still get moved. If anything, Rosario's trade market could get cooking now that the big four shortstops have all been signed
Orbit28
9:37
Do you think the Astros continue the search for an outfielder aftersigning of Michael Brantley?
Mark P
9:37
Probably not, since the Astros likely feel they have enough in-house depth for now.  If a need or an injury arises at midseason, Houston can pick someone up at the deadline.
Scott
9:38
It seems many are “celebrating” the Turner, Boegarts and Correa signings.  Why are they ignoring the giant red flags, and media giving them a pass?
Mark P
9:40
Because those players will make the Phillies, Padres, and Giants better in 2023 and beyond, if in all likelihood not the full length of those extra-long deals.  There's risk, sure, yet no fanbases will be complaining (much) down the road if those players decline, but after winning a championship or two
Dreifort for $11M Alex
9:40
Are the Dodgers secretly worried about payroll, trying to bluff the rest of the NL West into spending more money by pretending publicly not to care that much about luxury taxes?
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