Hopefully still 2 months away, it's never too early for idle speculation.
The starting pitching is set already, unless Price takes a turn for the worse and needs surgery. The pen could return more or less in tact minus Reed, and with Smith and Thornburg possibly displacing Hembree or Barnes.
Internally, Chavis and Jalen Beeks are potential non-fringe contributors at some point, as well as Steven Wright.
In terms of actual free spots, Chris Young, Nunez, Abad, Reed, and Moreland, are the only true departures.
Personally,:
-I would like to see if there are any takers for a subsidized Ramirez (doubtful) to see if there is some extra money to play with.
-Spend peanuts on a 4th outfielder and have him compete with Brentz. Franklin Gutierrez is a lefty masher and will probably cost almost nothing.
-See what the market is on Duda and Bruce. If either accepts 2-3 years around 12 per, I'd do that. Otherwise see if Santana takes a one year bounce back deal. Moreland would be my plan D.
-In terms of relievers, Reed may be too pricey, but maybe Joe Smith, or Anthony Swarzak. I think they need to sign someone with all the health questions and Barnes/Kelly's volatility.
-Give Lin Holt's spot. Even with Lin's step backwards, he can bring more to the table at this point.
-My pipe dream is JD Martinez at 1b/DH but the salary structure down the line is muddled.
If this were a year they had someone coming up behind X or JBJ, I would see what their trade value was, but that isn't the case. They don't have major realistic trade assets right now.
Other thoughts?
The starting pitching is set already, unless Price takes a turn for the worse and needs surgery. The pen could return more or less in tact minus Reed, and with Smith and Thornburg possibly displacing Hembree or Barnes.
Internally, Chavis and Jalen Beeks are potential non-fringe contributors at some point, as well as Steven Wright.
In terms of actual free spots, Chris Young, Nunez, Abad, Reed, and Moreland, are the only true departures.
Personally,:
-I would like to see if there are any takers for a subsidized Ramirez (doubtful) to see if there is some extra money to play with.
-Spend peanuts on a 4th outfielder and have him compete with Brentz. Franklin Gutierrez is a lefty masher and will probably cost almost nothing.
-See what the market is on Duda and Bruce. If either accepts 2-3 years around 12 per, I'd do that. Otherwise see if Santana takes a one year bounce back deal. Moreland would be my plan D.
-In terms of relievers, Reed may be too pricey, but maybe Joe Smith, or Anthony Swarzak. I think they need to sign someone with all the health questions and Barnes/Kelly's volatility.
-Give Lin Holt's spot. Even with Lin's step backwards, he can bring more to the table at this point.
-My pipe dream is JD Martinez at 1b/DH but the salary structure down the line is muddled.
If this were a year they had someone coming up behind X or JBJ, I would see what their trade value was, but that isn't the case. They don't have major realistic trade assets right now.
Other thoughts?
Last edited: