Did not get through the entire show, but certainly agree with the risers and fallers. The ability for the Top 25 to rise through the ranks depends a lot on what is above them in the system.
Concerned regarding the number of MI's we have at the AA, AAA, and MLB levels. I counted 12 of which 4 may not have much value in trade (Jarvis, Glenn, Acuna, Alvarez). At the MLB level, Nick Gonzales has put into every day play at the MLB level what the Pirates had hoped for when drafting him with the 7th pick in the first Round of the 2020 draft. His play has relegated Jared Triolo back to where he started in 2023 - a Utility IF with especial D at 3B where the Bucs have needed it most with Ke'Bryan averaging missing about 30 games a year. Oneil Cruz at SS. At AAA I can see Peguero at SS/2B and possibly Cheng at 2B/SS. Pichardo may also play a role at AAA. Looking at the folks from A+ being the starting MI's at AA.
That leaves Ji-Hwan Bae. Alika Williams, and possibly either Cheng and/or Pichardo as possible MI trade pieces. Pitching is probably the largest group of VG trade pieces. Maybe enough to find a young CF - strong D and the ability to possibly hit 20-25 HR/yr?
I was going through the 2025 MLB UFA last night and I already got a wish list.
My wish list would be a big deal with Max Fried(very unlikely). Something like 6 years 130M(21.6M AAV). Eeeekkkk, I know., but that’s just short of Aaron Nola’s 7 year, 172M deal.
And I’ll move on quickly from my pipe dream and go with Anthony Santander as my second wish. He a switch hitter that plays everyday and Baltimore puts him 3rd or 4th in their lineup and just forgets about the spot; it’s taken care of. He’s “table clearer” and RBI machine. He also plays some 1B. Something like 4 years, 50M(12.5AAV). Very reasonable for an everyday player that hits 3rd or 4th in a playoff teams lineup.
I’m not as big on defense like others and Philly proved that concept last year with mostly horrible defensive players. So I wouldn’t mind an OF of Reynolds, Suwinski and Santander(from left to right). Bae can back up CF and I even think Gorski is good enough defensively in all 3 OF positions(plus some 1B) and provide some thump to viable MLB 4th OF.
I would also like to see them sign Clay Holmes. They are gonna have to pay up but that would solidify the backend of the bullpen with Bednar, Holmes and Holderman.
They also need to sign another LHRP. AJ Minter would be ideal. Or Tanner Scott or Aaron Bummer. I think Danny Coulombe is gonna be very sought after and be expensive. Will Smith seems reasonable though so I’ll go with Will Smith on a 2 year, 15M deal(7.5M AAV).
I would also love for them to sign JD Martinez to a one year deal. Stick him at DH batting 5th. He’s still super solid and he would be my “cheap option” to fill the DH spot and middle of the lineup. One year, 8-10M.
Spend big on Fried and Holmes, fill out the middle of the lineup with Santander and Martinez and add a LHRP and roster complete!!
And I know it’s a huge ask but imo it’s shouldn’t be.
Did not get through the entire show, but certainly agree with the risers and fallers. The ability for the Top 25 to rise through the ranks depends a lot on what is above them in the system.
Concerned regarding the number of MI's we have at the AA, AAA, and MLB levels. I counted 12 of which 4 may not have much value in trade (Jarvis, Glenn, Acuna, Alvarez). At the MLB level, Nick Gonzales has put into every day play at the MLB level what the Pirates had hoped for when drafting him with the 7th pick in the first Round of the 2020 draft. His play has relegated Jared Triolo back to where he started in 2023 - a Utility IF with especial D at 3B where the Bucs have needed it most with Ke'Bryan averaging missing about 30 games a year. Oneil Cruz at SS. At AAA I can see Peguero at SS/2B and possibly Cheng at 2B/SS. Pichardo may also play a role at AAA. Looking at the folks from A+ being the starting MI's at AA.
That leaves Ji-Hwan Bae. Alika Williams, and possibly either Cheng and/or Pichardo as possible MI trade pieces. Pitching is probably the largest group of VG trade pieces. Maybe enough to find a young CF - strong D and the ability to possibly hit 20-25 HR/yr?
I was going through the 2025 MLB UFA last night and I already got a wish list.
My wish list would be a big deal with Max Fried(very unlikely). Something like 6 years 130M(21.6M AAV). Eeeekkkk, I know., but that’s just short of Aaron Nola’s 7 year, 172M deal.
And I’ll move on quickly from my pipe dream and go with Anthony Santander as my second wish. He a switch hitter that plays everyday and Baltimore puts him 3rd or 4th in their lineup and just forgets about the spot; it’s taken care of. He’s “table clearer” and RBI machine. He also plays some 1B. Something like 4 years, 50M(12.5AAV). Very reasonable for an everyday player that hits 3rd or 4th in a playoff teams lineup.
I’m not as big on defense like others and Philly proved that concept last year with mostly horrible defensive players. So I wouldn’t mind an OF of Reynolds, Suwinski and Santander(from left to right). Bae can back up CF and I even think Gorski is good enough defensively in all 3 OF positions(plus some 1B) and provide some thump to viable MLB 4th OF.
I would also like to see them sign Clay Holmes. They are gonna have to pay up but that would solidify the backend of the bullpen with Bednar, Holmes and Holderman.
They also need to sign another LHRP. AJ Minter would be ideal. Or Tanner Scott or Aaron Bummer. I think Danny Coulombe is gonna be very sought after and be expensive. Will Smith seems reasonable though so I’ll go with Will Smith on a 2 year, 15M deal(7.5M AAV).
I would also love for them to sign JD Martinez to a one year deal. Stick him at DH batting 5th. He’s still super solid and he would be my “cheap option” to fill the DH spot and middle of the lineup. One year, 8-10M.
Spend big on Fried and Holmes, fill out the middle of the lineup with Santander and Martinez and add a LHRP and roster complete!!
And I know it’s a huge ask but imo it’s shouldn’t be.