Offseason thread

[Diehardfan]

Giving up Cam Smith may be huge

I would have preferred it be Seiya, given a choice.

But they have a lot of prospects so it’s not the end of the world.

Just seems odd to give up two 3B. They must figure Shaw is ready.

Unless they shock everyone and put Busch at 3rd and Bellinger at 1st. But most everyone figures Belli is as good as gone, especially now.

You're right about Smith, he does look promising. But they couldn't get rid of Paredes fast enough for me. The guy was crap. One of Hoyer's dumbest trades....matches up nicely with his trade for Candelario.

 

[SilenceS]

You're right about Smith, he does look promising. But they couldn't get rid of Paredes fast enough for me. The guy was crap. One of Hoyer's dumbest trades....matches up nicely with his trade for Candelario.

Parades helped that trade IMO. Extreme pull hitter that works in Houston not so much in Wrigley. Same with Belli if he goes to NY with short porch. They lost very little in this trade considering Horton was a main talk. They kept him with multiple OFs ready behind in case he leaves. Tucker is a really good RF as well. Cubs D is one of the best in the league and easily could be the best

 

[TL1961]

They arent going over the luxury tax. There is a log jam. Suzuki or bellinger. One is going and the we have 2 OF ready to either make it or dont.

I am not asking why trade Bellinger. (or Suzuki)

I am asking why they need to do it before acquiring a closer.

Would having both temporarily cost them luxury tax? I have never really looked into how that is calculated. If so, I can see why they'd need to do one move before the other.

 

[TL1961]

You're right about Smith, he does look promising. But they couldn't get rid of Paredes fast enough for me. The guy was crap. One of Hoyer's dumbest trades....matches up nicely with his trade for Candelario.

Paredes may be a good fit in Minute Maid but dead pull at Wrigley was not a fit. But we also don't miss Morel.

 

[TL1961]

Payroll relief as Knox said.

I feel there is one of 2 routes to take
1. Trade with NYY and toss in Alcantara plus 5M for that starter. He is not going to beat Brown or Assad but he hits 98 and might be a good depth piece.

Or go for Seattle and Castillo. Toss in Wicks to replace the lost innings while adding a 1B.

Of the 2 IDC TBH. One you get a SP out of it that slots in at the two. Other you give Jed more payroll to play with.

If it was me I'm taking cash relief and using Suzuki and Wicks for Cease. I never was okay with that deal in 2017 and then need to bring him back and pay the man.

Then target Alonso. Suzuki is not going to be OKay with DH and Pete just mauls the ball. I want a 3/4 HR comp in 25.

They don't get more salary relief (or less) by trading Bellinger before acquiring a closer. That wa sthe question. I am not asking "Why trade Bellinger?" I was asking you why you assumed they needed to trade Bellinger before they acquired a closer.

GMs work on multiple deals simultaneously. They don't make a move and then try to figure out what to do next.

The Cubs better not be looking at ham-handed Alonso which lessens the chance of extending the guy they just gave up players and prospects for. We presently have two 1st basemen, and need to trade one away. We have a glut of OF and one will be DH. Acquiring Alonso would make me sick.

Who gives a flying Wallenda whether Suzuki is "okay with" playing the only position he's capable of playing?

 

[greg23]

They don't get more salary relief (or less) by trading Bellinger before acquiring a closer. That wa sthe question. I am not asking "Why trade Bellinger?" I was asking you why you assumed they needed to trade Bellinger before they acquired a closer.

GMs work on multiple deals simultaneously. They don't make a move and then try to figure out what to do next.

The Cubs better not be looking at ham-handed Alonso which lessens the chance of extending the guy they just gave up players and prospects for. We presently have two 1st basemen, and need to trade one away. We have a glut of OF and one will be DH. Acquiring Alonso would make me sick.

Who gives a flying Wallenda whether Suzuki is "okay with" playing the only position he's capable of playing?

It's likely a 40 man roster thing

If they sign or trade for a closer before moving Ballinger; they'd have to dump someone from the 40 man roster to make room for said closer

 

[CSF77]

It's likely a 40 man roster thing

If they sign or trade for a closer before moving Ballinger; they'd have to dump someone from the 40 man roster to make room for said closer

I did not think of that. They are at 40 right now.

I am not sure why Jed has not just DFA Mervis at this point. No one would pick him up and he can stuff him back on Iowa.

 

[CSF77]

They don't get more salary relief (or less) by trading Bellinger before acquiring a closer. That wa sthe question. I am not asking "Why trade Bellinger?" I was asking you why you assumed they needed to trade Bellinger before they acquired a closer.

GMs work on multiple deals simultaneously. They don't make a move and then try to figure out what to do next.

The Cubs better not be looking at ham-handed Alonso which lessens the chance of extending the guy they just gave up players and prospects for. We presently have two 1st basemen, and need to trade one away. We have a glut of OF and one will be DH. Acquiring Alonso would make me sick.

Who gives a flying Wallenda whether Suzuki is "okay with" playing the only position he's capable of playing?

It matters with Suzuki as his agent is the same as Sasaki's. You do not want to jade a guy.

Latest chatter is kicking the tires with Castillo. I do not see much traction as Seattle wants payroll relief.

I feel that Jed has priorities going on. He put Kelly on hold while working up Tucker. That resolved right after. Now Jed is working up a SP.

I feel that Jed is not putting closer as this high priority. Hodge was very good there. AJ Minter would be a solid add. Targeting a mid season closer if needed. But Hodge put up a 1.88 ERA and a sub 3 FIP. Nothing shows me that he was a fluke

 

[TL1961]

I’m so confused trying to follow your thought pattern. You are the one who said they should acquire a closer, but you also said they can’t do it until after they trade Bellinger. I asked why they had to do those two things in the order that you prescribed, and you now turn around and say they don’t need to get a closer.

 

[CSF77]

I’m so confused trying to follow your thought pattern. You are the one who said they should acquire a closer, but you also said they can’t do it until after they trade Bellinger. I asked why they had to do those two things in the order that you prescribed, and you now turn around and say they don’t need to get a closer.

Mmm I did not say that they need a closer. I said Minter. Earlier I did say trade for Miller but the A's decided to spend for some weird reason.

All said and done I do believe that they need a late inning lefty. Little misses the plate too much and lacks command. I don't want to be in high leverage with a guy that can't hit a strike

High leverage RH ya they need that. I see it as Brown if the Cubs sign a SP. Also Horton will need to break into the league and the pen is most likely scenario for him.

If you look at it right now:

Steele
Shota
Taillon
Byrd
Assad

That is decent but not going to scare teams.

Steele
Castillo
Shota
Taillon
Byrd

Then you are getting there. Cease would be better but that has more moving parts to work.

Pen

Brown added to the late inning mix is a legit weapon with his death ball. Add Minter the pen all of a sudden becomes solid

So my question to you is do you trust Hodge? It sounds like you do not trust him in the 9th and would rather target a overpriced past his prime guy

 

[CSF77]

Ie Yates. 37 one good year in Texas. Will get over paid and fall back to a 4ERA.

Sorry I would rather get a starter and roll with Hodge. Same with PCA and Shaw.

You have to show trust. Some will wreck some will fly. Not showing trust gets $$$ and no development

 

[CSF77]

So Cubs are looking at Jesus Luzardo.

Doing some research into it heavily injured. But what came up was he was using a football slider. Basically he uses a 2 seam grip and throws stiff arm fingers in no wrist bend. Guys that use to his lift the index up to the nail to throw a knuckle curve.

The benefit of a football slider is it looks like a fastball around 89 and has a late break. Then the knuckle curve follows the same tunnel at 82.

I really would like a better player that is using this but the idea holds value.

 

[CSF77]

Cubs Interested In Jesus Luzardo

The Cubs are interested in Marlins lefty Jesus Luzardo, and the two teams have been talking for a few days now. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.

www.mlbtraderumors.com

 

[TL1961]

Cubs Interested In Jesus Luzardo

The Cubs are interested in Marlins lefty Jesus Luzardo, and the two teams have been talking for a few days now. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.

www.mlbtraderumors.com

This was news last week

 

[CSF77]

This was news last week

True but there are wheels to it. Seems that Cubs are also talking to Yates.

Most deals are being held up by Cody and the Yankees. Which is crud. Cody is not a top player but he does many things well. Hits lefties. Plays solid D in all 3 OF and 1B.

It is not like he is this old wrecked player.

Cashman is wanting Jed to eat 10M plus the opt cost. Which is why this is holding up. I get 7.5M and no opt cost. Gives Jed some flex. Or 5M and next year opt that affects 2026 vs 25. That is fine.

 

[CSF77]

On Luzardo. Let's say Jed sends them Little, Triantos and say Velasquez.

Then they put him into high leverage in 2025. Leave the 5 for Brown.

You might argue this could turn into a great deal as Luzardo throws very hard and his injury risk might be a bit much going into the season to trust a rotation spot

 

[knoxville7]

they did it!!! they moved cody bellinger for a box of baseballs!!

the box of baseballs known as Cody Poteet, some guy who isnt any good

but, the word is the cubs are only eating 5 mil of Belli's contract, so that explains the low return

 

[JP Hochbaum]

Bellinger officially traded.

 

[bamainatlanta]

they did it!!! they moved cody bellinger for a box of baseballs!!

the box of baseballs known as Cody Poteet, some guy who isnt any good

but, the word is the cubs are only eating 5 mil of Belli's contract, so that explains the low return

He isn’t bad, his health is the biggest concern but if he’s a decent setup guy, then this is somewhat of a win.

 

[knoxville7]

He isn’t bad, his health is the biggest concern but if he’s a decent setup guy, then this is somewhat of a win.

ehh, Poteet is pretty bad TBH.

That 2.22ERA last year is a mirage. FIP over 4 and he has never thrown more than 30.2 innings in a season

hes also already 30 years old, so prolly not much development to come