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