2:01
: Welcome to our 2nd RosterResource Live Chat! Thanks for joining us. Not much has happened since last week, other than the Snell/Kikuchi signings and mostly unsurprising non-tenders. Still, there are plenty of fun topics to discuss. Here we go …
2:01
: Bellinger opting in has put a bit of a wrinkle into Jed’s offseason plans. If you were Hoyer, how would you approach improving the offense while trying to allow room for some of their top-100 guys to emerge?
2:03
: This situation wasn’t ideal for Hoyer, who would prefer to have the Bellinger money to spend elsewhere. Improving the offense will be challenging without just hoping for internal improvements. Trading Hoerner would have been an option, but his surgery complicates things. Adding a catcher with offensive upside to pair with Amaya seems like the best way to add a starter without trading someone else.
2:03
: I haven’t heard much about the Twins. Where do you think they need to upgrade, and how do you think they can do it? Is a Correa trade possible?
Jason Martinez: I don’t think Correa will be traded. It would require a lot of creativity, and either the Twins eating a lot of money or taking on another big contract in return. Building a competitive team without relying on Correa/Buxton/Lewis will be key. The emergence of Brooks Lee and other young players will be crucial. They also have pitching prospects who could take the next step.
2:06
Jason Martinez: I don’t think Correa will be traded. It would require a lot of creativity, and either the Twins eating a lot of money or taking on another big contract in return. Building a competitive team without relying on Correa/Buxton/Lewis will be key. The emergence of Brooks Lee and other young players will be crucial. They also have pitching prospects who could take the next step.
2:07
: The offseason will likely be quiet for the Twins, and they might rank low in free agent spending. Improvements will come from internal sources and additions on the margins, such as a right-handed outfielder and a lefty reliever.
2:07
: How do you think the Padres will approach the offseason, considering they are up against the luxury tax?
2:09
: The Padres don’t have a big contract to move to lower payroll. They may have to commit to being a luxury tax payer and address needs like a catcher and left fielder. They might need to make some adjustments to stay under the tax threshold.
2:09
: Have there been discussions about assuming less optimistic Playing Time in the Depth Chart projections? What’s the reasoning behind this assumption?
Jason Martinez: Adjusting Playing Time in the projections is an interesting topic, but it’s better suited for specific players. When it comes to pitchers, the projections can be less optimistic due to the likelihood of injuries. Position players might be too optimistic, considering factors like injuries and performance history.
2:12
Jason Martinez: Adjusting Playing Time in the projections is an interesting topic, but it’s better suited for specific players. When it comes to pitchers, the projections can be less optimistic due to the likelihood of injuries. Position players might be too optimistic, considering factors like injuries and performance history.
It’s essential to consider the depth chart and plan for possible scenarios with injuries and player performance levels.
2:13
: Do you think the Pirates would benefit from spending on a few impact players rather than multiple average players?
2:14
: Yes, investing in a few impact players would be more beneficial for the Pirates. Adding a true offensive threat in the lineup would be crucial. Bringing back McCutchen and looking at free agents like Walker, Santander, and O’Neill could provide a significant boost to the team.
2:15
: The Cardinals called up Tink Hence from AA. Do you think he will make his MLB debut this year, or does he need more time in the minors?
Jason Martinez: Tink Hence is talented enough to force his way into the mix, but the Cardinals may tread carefully due to limited innings pitched last season. They need to manage his workload and development strategically to ensure he can contribute effectively when called upon.
2:17
Jason Martinez: Tink Hence is talented enough to force his way into the mix, but the Cardinals may tread carefully due to limited innings pitched last season. They need to manage his workload and development strategically to ensure he can contribute effectively when called upon.
2:18
: It’s possible to balance building up innings with making his MLB debut, as seen with how the White Sox handled Crochet. The Cardinals could gradually increase Hence’s workload and potentially bring him up later in the season to make an impact.
2:18
: Have the Dodgers given up on Lux as a shortstop?
2:19
: There’s a possibility the Dodgers could give Lux another shot at shortstop during Spring Training. However, his defensive performance may limit his chances in that position. It could be more feasible to have Lux platoon at shortstop with Rojas and have Betts play second base, which could be a better fit. Alternatively, the Dodgers could consider signing Adames to address the shortstop position.
2:19
: Are there any low-cost free agents that could see playing time? Could Crochet fetch two Top 100 prospects?
Jason Martinez: Acquiring Crochet could potentially require two Top 100 prospects. There are several teams interested, including the Red Sox, who are likely favorites. The free agent market offers low-cost veterans who could provide value. Players like David Peralta or Randal Grichuk and pitchers like Cal Quantrill or Griffin Canning could be options for the White Sox.
2:24
Jason Martinez: Acquiring Crochet could potentially require two Top 100 prospects. There are several teams interested, including the Red Sox, who are likely favorites. The free agent market offers low-cost veterans who could provide value. Players like David Peralta or Randal Grichuk and pitchers like Cal Quantrill or Griffin Canning could be options for the White Sox.
2:25
: Sócrates Brito is another interesting option, as he has drawn MLB interest after a stint in the KBO. Veterans returning from overseas leagues always bring some intrigue to the offseason.
2:25
: What are the realistic options for the Mariners at 3B, 2B, and 1B/DH? Ownership appears to prioritize profits over winning.
2:27
: While the Mariners may not make big splashes in free agency, they could target players like Gleyber Torres, Jurickson Profar, Joc Pederson, or Michael Conforto. Additionally, reports suggest they have interest in reuniting with Justin Turner or Carlos Santana.
2:27
: Mookie is listed as the Dodgers’ starting SS in the projections. With his poor metrics at the position last season and his preparation for 2B, do you think 2B is his most suitable position, or should the Dodgers explore other options at SS?
Jason Martinez: The Dodgers have Mookie playing in the infield, but his position is uncertain. Lux may not get another shot at SS due to uncertainty. It seems like the Dodgers will need to address the SS position externally for the upcoming season.
2:29
Jason Martinez: The Dodgers have Mookie playing in the infield, but his position is uncertain. Lux may not get another shot at SS due to uncertainty. It seems like the Dodgers will need to address the SS position externally for the upcoming season.
2:29
: High School Reunion in Boston? Giolito + Fried and Flaherty?
2:30
: A reunion in Boston could be possible, especially with reports linking them to several big free agents. Adding significant starting pitchers like Giolito, Fried, and Flaherty would be a substantial move for the team, albeit with some inside jokes among the players.
2:30
: Any low-cost free agents who could see playing time? Could Crochet fetch two Top 100 prospects?
Jason Martinez: Acquiring Crochet could potentially require trading two Top 100 prospects. The Red Sox are among the favorites to make a deal, but other teams might also be interested. The free agent market offers several low-cost veterans who could fill roles. Check out the free agent tracker for more information.
2:33
Jason Martinez: Acquiring Crochet could potentially require trading two Top 100 prospects. The Red Sox are among the favorites to make a deal, but other teams might also be interested. The free agent market offers several low-cost veterans who could fill roles. Check out the free agent tracker for more information.
Players like David Peralta or Randal Grichuk and pitchers like Cal Quantrill or Griffin Canning could be valuable additions.
2:33
: Do you think the Cubs will focus on free agent signings or trades, considering their need to upgrade in starting pitching?
2:35
: The Cubs have the prospect capital to explore trades for starting pitching. They could potentially target Crochet from the White Sox or a starter from the Mariners. Alternatively, they might consider free agents without Qualifying Offers attached to avoid overpaying in a trade.
2:35
: Any predictions on who the Mets might sign this offseason? Will Taylor start over Siri?
Jason Martinez: While Siri could be a potential starter in center field, his performance in 2024 was not promising. Taylor, on the other hand, finished the season strongly, making him a viable candidate to start. However, it’s uncertain if either will be regular starters for the team.
2:37
Jason Martinez: While Siri could be a potential starter in center field, his performance in 2024 was not promising. Taylor, on the other hand, finished the season strongly, making him a viable candidate to start. However, it’s uncertain if either will be regular starters for the team.
We predicted last week that Soto could sign with the Mets, potentially pushing Nimmo to center field. If they miss out on Soto, players like Teoscar Hernandez or Anthony Santander could be targets. There’s also a possibility of a Pete Alonso reunion as Cohen intends to strengthen the team this offseason.
2:39
: Even if the Mets add outfielders, there will be opportunities for all players in the outfield rotation. The Mets could distribute playing time based on matchups and rest days, providing ample chances for all players to contribute.
2:39
: What do you think the Giants’ plan will be this offseason, considering their commitment to cutting payroll for 2025? They have several positions to fill.
2:41
: The Giants’ payroll cuts won’t prevent them from making moves. They still have significant room to spend before hitting 2024’s payroll. They could potentially look at mid-range free agents like Adames and Fried, although making both signings is unlikely. Trading Yaz or Wade could clear playing time and payroll for potential acquisitions like Alonso or Walker.
2:41
: What role could Tyler Fitzgerald have this year? Will he fill in for Jung-Hoo Lee on off days?
Jason Martinez: Fitzgerald could fit well at second base or potentially first base if the Giants trade LaMonte Wade Jr. He could also serve as a utility player, rotating among different positions. If the Giants don’t acquire a shortstop, Fitzgerald might have to play in that position as well.
2:42
Jason Martinez: Fitzgerald could fit well at second base or potentially first base if the Giants trade LaMonte Wade Jr. He could also serve as a utility player, rotating among different positions. If the Giants don’t acquire a shortstop, Fitzgerald might have to play in that position as well.
2:44
: Do you have any favorite post-hype prospects who could have a significant impact in 2025?
2:45
: Jackson Holliday could be a post-hype prospect to watch for significant impact. Despite struggles at the plate and in the field, he showed improvement with a new approach at the end of last season. The Orioles might give him a chance with little blocking his path.
2:45
: Where do you think Juan Soto will play in 2025?
Jason Martinez: While the Mets are a predicted landing spot for Soto, other contenders like the Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies, and possibly the Blue Jays could also pursue him. Soto will likely seek a team with a competitive outlook and financial commitment, making teams like the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees more attractive options.
2:48
Jason Martinez: While the Mets are a predicted landing spot for Soto, other contenders like the Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies, and possibly the Blue Jays could also pursue him. Soto will likely seek a team with a competitive outlook and financial commitment, making teams like the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees more attractive options.
2:49
: The Blue Jays may not have a strong chance unless they outbid other teams. Their selling point could be the potential to pair Soto with Vlad Jr. before the latter’s free agency. However, competing with teams committed to winning annually might be a challenge for the Blue Jays.
2:49
: Which teams could use Gleyber Torres?
2:50
: Gleyber Torres could be a sought-after option despite limitations at second base. Teams like the Mariners, Red Sox, and Blue Jays could be interested in acquiring him as a bounce-back candidate. The Marlins might also consider a short-term deal if multi-year offers are not appealing.
2:50
: What starting pitcher will the Mets target via trade? Is Luis Castillo a realistic option?
2:53
