Offseason thread

[SilenceS]

I think if the cubs get bregman and trade Hoerner which sounds like it may happen the cubs will be really fun to watch next year. But jed is also creating a 1 year window (in his contract year) but also doesn't appear to have financial flexibility to also add a TOR guy to truly be able to compete in this 1 year window

More than a one year window with the prospects. They have payroll shedding and a ton if tradeable assets. Cubs have built themselves a contender for next few years at lease unless everyone shits the bed.

 

[CSF77]

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[CSF77]

More than a one year window with the prospects. They have payroll shedding and a ton if tradeable assets. Cubs have built themselves a contender for next few years at lease unless everyone shits the bed.

That is possible. Bergman to the Cubs seems fallback and pushed by Tucker and Pressley.

Yes it would cause another trade to move Hoerner and his full deal. 30M AAV is the whole CBA and then some. So I can not see going into spring with out a offload or Jed saying that he got approval to go over tax again.

 

[CSF77]

That said I love Bergman at 3B and Shaw at 2B. Hoerner needs to hit around .300 to work for the Cubs. .270 with a sub 10% walk rate and low slug is not a MLB standard that demands playing time.

That said the Cubs might have to toss in a add to get a team to take the whole deal. Nico has low value right now. Low production and a injury going in on his throwing hand. I can not see a team hooking up Jed even on a garbage return with out Jed paying up

 

[CSF77]

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[knoxville7]

Luckily Ballestroes is a lefty too! Problem solved. Bye bye Busch.

I do think Ballestroes has potential to be a very good bat. He's just blocked by Busch at 1b, Suzuki at dh and Amaya a C. Idk that he can play C everyday at the big league level, so he probably either gets traded or you could move Busch to make room for him. (I also didn't realize he's only 5'8" apparently but his bat is going to be good)

i didnt realize hes a lefty. thats awesome and i think kinda rare at Catcher

 

[knoxville7]

I don't think you realize how rare it is for a top 100 prospect to become a top ten at their position, which is what we need to compare to Busch as that is what he is.

its really not, though...lets be real

 

[CSF77]

Luckily Ballestroes is a lefty too! Problem solved. Bye bye Busch.

I do think Ballestroes has potential to be a very good bat. He's just blocked by Busch at 1b, Suzuki at dh and Amaya a C. Idk that he can play C everyday at the big league level, so he probably either gets traded or you could move Busch to make room for him. (I also didn't realize he's only 5'8" apparently but his bat is going to be good)

Best projection has him catching 60 games per. If Amaya becomes a everyday catcher that is a great back up with the ability to flex over to 1B and DH.

I do not see Ballestroes in the plans this year. He is 20 and they have time to hone his catching skills. Age works in his favor where his bat got him to Iowa fast and he can work with pitchers with MLB exposure.

I totally get why they are not pushing it with him. Schwarber was rushed due to his advanced bat and age. It is not the same case.

 

[CSF77]

On Busch. I will give him .240/.340/.445. So high .700 OPS. His D was solid. So I see that as his floor.

So Happ might be a good comp. Solid player but not a all-star. I would not have given up 2 top 100 for that. But at the time neither were and just because they broke into it doesn't mean that they will become top talented players.

Prospect rankings are a viotile thing. Stud one day and bust the next. Cubs have a long line of this. So trading from fringe (at the time) for semi established is fine.

Like I said, if he busts I really don't care. 1B is a position that you can get a solid turn over for $ spent. Vlad Jr will not command the same as Tucker based off of the value of the position

 

[CSF77]

An Important Clarification on Alex Bregman, the Cubs, and Competitive-Balance Tax Numbers

As the Cubs and the top remaining free agent circle toward one another, I need to take a moment to correct and clarify something with regard to the contract structure the team and agent Scott Boras have discussed. It could have big ramifications.

northsidebaseball.com

So this is wonky

If year 1 pays 35M and Alex opts out then the CBA goes towards 2026 not 25.

So from what has been reported they are looking at a 4/105 deal. So 26+M on CBA. But year 1 will be 35M of it and every year after Alex can opt out

I am guessing 35M/25M/25M/20M.

That gives them 5.5M under tax

After that you have to look at the pen. Some of these players given arb are going to be bubble guys with no options left.

Thompson and Merryweather are not the clear favorites.

Ranking the pen right now

9th is Pressley all the way
8th as is has to be Brasier
7th Hodge

That leaves 5 pen arms.

Rea will get a slot. Most hope that Brown takes the 5 as he is not just a innings soaker but you want that piggy back pitcher to lessen Brown's total innings.

Morgan I see as the main 6th inning arm.

Theibar main lefty.

2 left.

Assad and Wicks are bubble guys at this point. Good depth arms at Iowa to fall back on for injury

Now 2nd lefty. Little is in the mix. Has options.

Miller is another bubble guy. Side arm so a little variance from the typical pitcher.

My opinion is keep it flexible and kick Merryweather and Thompson to DFA. Cubs are not losing much keeping Pearson, Miller, Little, Roberts, Killian etc all on a situational list.

Say the Current series is left hand heavy so Little and a RH pitcher that pitches well against lefties. Next series adjust to attack their weaknesses. And so on.

Locking in on players with no options and not better is foolish. Plus they are soaking needed payroll flex

 

[CSF77]

Current MLB min is 740k

Merryweather 1.225M
Thompson 850k

 

[CSF77]

Some of the take away on this

He is ready and the injury is in the past.

That injury was all season long and it go to the point of a shut down due to the pain.

Tyler Zambrano said he has the best death ball curve in baseball. Brown said all it is is his natural curve thrown harder. So it is hard to pick up by hitters. Add to it he did throw some change ups last year so that is a pitch in his arsenal. But he said it is not a pitch to take away from his top 2 pitches. So 1-5% might be the take away. It would be a good pitch for hitters that are on his fastball to give them something to be worried about.

Other than that, another talented kid that has impact potential

 

[CSF77]

Jed Hoyer, Craig Counsell Discuss Cubs' Third Base Plans

Amid a rumored pursuit of Alex Bregman, Cubs officials discussed their plans for prospect Matt Shaw and third base. Read more at MLBTR.

www.mlbtraderumors.com

In short.

Shaw has not been given 3B but there is no other internal option.

And

If Hoerner is delayed Shaw is at 3B. Not for him to be concerned about 2B

And on Bergman. We are concerned with who is on the team. Not who could be. But we are always looking at opertunity.

So here is the take away

It is Shaw's gig. But they are not saying it to take themselves out of the Bergman market. Wether this is leverage on Boras to take the deal presented or they are content with Shaw at 3B. I guess it doesn't matter. What matters is today it is Shaw and that is what we should expect opening day

I for one am fine with it. All of his numbers are well rounded and do not have glaring holes. Even Bryant was pushing 30% strike outs in the minors and kept that pace after. Shaw is less than 20%. So we might have a far better over all talent at 3B.

 

[TL1961]

It’s Bregman!

(And Alzolay)

 

[CSF77]

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Fate has a way of forcing decisions.

And w.g.a.f. about Burgerman. We got a Shaw

 

[TL1961]

Bregman to Red Sox for 3/$120million.

I don't regret the Cubs not doing that.

He's been in decline, though still good. But $40 million AAV. No thanks!

Let the kid play!

Meanwhile, the Cardinals lost their best suitor for Arenado.

 

[CSF77]

Red Sox, Alex Bregman Agree To Three-Year Deal

The Red Sox are signing Alex Bregman to a short-term contract. Find out more at MLB Trade Rumors.

www.mlbtraderumors.com

 

[CSF77]

Bregman to Red Sox for 3/$120million.

I don't regret the Cubs bot doing that.

He's been in decline, though still good. But $40 million AAV. No thanks!

Let the kid play!

Meanwhile, the Cardinals lost their best suitor for Arenado.

I felt that Bregman was not going to be a thing. Too much has been put into Shaw making the next step. Turner makes more sense for the Cubs. Cost about 7M and gives legit vet depth at the IF corners and DH.

I am all about Jed letting Brown and Shaw develop. 215M is a bit short to break camp with but if it is to allow development to work and have that flex available mid season it is fine

Well thank you Boston for ending that drama

 

[CSF77]

SD just said that they are holding King and Cease. So that speculation has been axed early post Pivetta signing

Time to play the kids. Get Turner at min also.

 

[CSF77]

So Tigers went 6/172
Cubs 4/120
Sox 3/120.

Cubs put out the worst offer of the 3.

All said and done I am fine with it

Jed also said that that payroll increase was for Alex only. Right now they are looking at internal options for back up CF/3B/1B roles. Which ties into Canario getting reps at 1B. Canario also has played some CF so he fits the role needed if he can play up to MLB standards.