Offseason thread

[TL1961]

Cubs predicted to land a trio of high-profile free agents this offseason

MLB Trade Rumors predicts the Chicago Cubs will be in on several free agents this offseason, including Max Fried, AJ Minter and Danny Jansen.

cubbiescrib.com

Not directed at you,but the author-

Fried is an elite ground ball pitcher so he can benefit from having PCA behind him? What?

 

[TL1961]

Yeah **** that Jansen “could be a step in the right direction” idea.

When you have to hope for the upside of “okay”, PASS.

What does “pair him with Patterson for Hodge” mean?

Is that “or”?

Another Jed “he’s hurt but cheap” move?

C’mon Cubs! Get talent not bargains!!

 

[CSF77]

Pairing AJ Minter and Pederson as set ups for Hodge

Hodge put up elite numbers last year

.189 BABIP. LOB% 80.1%. ERA 1.88. FIP 2.75

I feel pretty good letting him roll out as the closer

Alzolay in 2023:

.288 BABIP. LOB%: 74.6% ERA: 2.67 FIP: 3.02

He is clearly the superior closer and still has to pitch a full season

 

[CSF77]

Fried is a upgrade to what they have. I have some issues with 3 lefties at the top. But if it works w/e.

Hitting much is dependant on Busch and PCA taking it to the next level. Both could regress. Both could get up to Bellinger type production.

Payroll will be a issue. I don't see Jed being able to break tax. Add to it every Arb cases that they sign will cost a 2nd and a fifth. Plus 1M of international cash. So it would be one guy at most and it would have to be a impact signing

That said I hate the Jansen idea. Blows hard. If they don't view Ballestroes as a everyday catcher then they should trade him for one that is a clear upgrade to Amaya.

I am not stuck on most prospects as do or die. I see them as cost cuts in general. 1. To play at a lower cost. 2. Used to aquire a cheaper than free agent equivalent talent.

Ballestroes is a tweener. He lacks a plus D spot and can fill a few shoes. But that is not where the Cubs are currently at. They need a bat that can blast 30-40 HR or catch at a avg MLB level and add a plus bat.

I am not stuck on him

Caissie is not going to equal Bellinger. Last year or the year prior. His SO rate was a bit high and it will worsen vs the next level. Add to it he has not tapped into this plus power that was expected

I do question his top end right now. If he goes into the show it will be ugly

Shaw has the toolbox. 20 HR power. 20 SB plus BA around .280. He should be a clear upgrade to Hoerner. That said I don't see him getting his clock started unless there is a cleared up playing time created.

They do need a power hitter. Sure Paredes hit 30 in 2023. I can't go into Japan thinking best clean up option. 5 hitter I can get behind.

The problem lies in creating payroll space and do you use your top 100 to get cheaper talent to keep payroll in check?

Locked on tossed out Anthony Santander. He has a Q offer attached. Like I said Jed might do one. Say he targets Flarity and Santander. Both might get 22AV and costs 1 Q offer ding. Santander takes over RF. Cody to 1B. Busch becomes a trade chip to get a catcher. Sign Minter. Offer Steele, Paredes and Pederson. Cut the rest.

There are a few ways of approaching this off season. I don't want to see cheap and cheaper. Or another bad signing that makes the team meh and locked into it