There's a consensus emerging in a few threads that the team has two real needs: a platoon partner for Young in LF that can move Holt back to the super-sub bench role where he's thrived, and another starting pitcher. There's a already a great thread for discussing LF possibilities. Let's talk about pitching targets here.
As I've mentioned in another thread, I'm skeptical that there are any appropriate SP targets, so I doubt a deal gets done. There are a few inter-related reasons for this: the lack of a strong FA SP market this offseason, multiple wildcards keeping decent teams plausibly in contention, and a high number of total rebuilds in the NL. I expect those that are out there to draw a lot of demand and thus prohibitive prices in trade. I'm not eager to send Swihart+ to San Diego for Drew Pomeranz, but I suspect that's how the market's shaping up.
We need to find a starting pitcher who is:
I'm sure there are at least a few more interesting candidates. Who did I miss?
As I've mentioned in another thread, I'm skeptical that there are any appropriate SP targets, so I doubt a deal gets done. There are a few inter-related reasons for this: the lack of a strong FA SP market this offseason, multiple wildcards keeping decent teams plausibly in contention, and a high number of total rebuilds in the NL. I expect those that are out there to draw a lot of demand and thus prohibitive prices in trade. I'm not eager to send Swihart+ to San Diego for Drew Pomeranz, but I suspect that's how the market's shaping up.
We need to find a starting pitcher who is:
- More plausible as a playoff starter than Buchholz, Kelly, et al, and
- On a non-contending team (defined semi-arbitrarily as OAK, SD, ATL, HOU, MIN, PHI, CIN, LAA, MIL, ARI), which
- Does not expect to contend again while the pitcher in question is under contract.
- Rich Hill (OAK); it's now a 12 start run of excellence dating back to last September. We should make sure to get team options on Bannister's experiments going forward.
- Drew Pomeranz (SD); tough to evaluate, due to his home parks (COL, OAK, SD) — has he turned a corner? A 2019 FA, his cost in trade is likely to outstrip his actual performance.
- Sonny Gray (OAK); having a terrible season; I assume he'll recover unless something is wrong healthwise, but I can't see Beane selling low on a premier asset.
- Julio Teheran (ATL); Teheran's under a very reasonable contract; the price would likely be insane.
- Rubby de la Rosa (ARI); I'm only sort of kidding. The Diamondbacks sank a lot of resources into starting pitching, but Rubby's been their best SP. The team isn't that bad; I don't think they're selling.
- Ervin Santana (MIN); the best of a very bad lot in Minnesota, he's been allowing a ton of baserunners. I think I'd prefer Buchholz.
I'm sure there are at least a few more interesting candidates. Who did I miss?