JotCast | Chat With MLBTR's Steve Adams: 1/14/20

Chat With MLBTR's Steve Adams: 1/14/20

Steve Adams

2:55

New year -- slightly new interface on the back end of our chat software apparently! Exciting times.

Guest

2:55

Is Nolan Arenado about to be a Cardinal?

Steve Adams

2:56

If we felt he was about to be a Cardinal, Jeff Todd wouldn't have framed the MLBTR post in the way he did, and Jeff Passan wouldn't have dumped all over the initial report.

I'm sure the two sides have spoken, but we've done our best not to overplay anything and to present the reporting on Arenado with the proper contextualization that we feel necessary. A deal isn't likely for a multitude of reasons.

TwinsFan20201

2:57

who do you see the twins possibly still signing

Steve Adams

2:57

No reason to think they're out on Donaldson

Giantsfan24/7

2:57

Can you see the Giants signing Betts next offseason

Steve Adams

2:59

I can see them heavily pursuing him. They were in on Harper, after all, and while Betts is older, the Giants will be a bit further along in their rebuild-that-they-won't-call-a-rebuild. Not saying they'll be any kind of favorite, and I'm sure there'll be steep competition, but I'd expect them to be in the running anyway.

Jays fan

2:59

Cora: Same punishment as Hinch or worse?

Steve Adams

3:00

Based on nothing more than my own speculation and gut feeling, I'd say worse.

I mean ... Manfred's report basically says that Cora architected the whole setup, and then he went to a new team who is now also under investigation for ignoring Manfred's explicitly clear memo on utilizing technology to steal signs.

It doesn't look good for Cora

SeanD

3:01

How competitive might the Rangers be this year? Is there any hope of an Arenado to Texas deal?

Steve Adams

3:02

I find an Arenado trade quite unlikely

Ross

3:02

With the penalties handed to the Astros, is this the year and years to come the A’s take over the division?

Steve Adams

3:03

I don't think the Astros will be a demonstrably worse team just because AJ Hinch isn't managing them. Their lineup is still stacked to the rafters, and Verlander/Greinke is a formidable top of the rotation pairing.

They're more vulnerable in terms of starting pitching than in past seasons, but they're still the favorites in the AL West

Jesse

3:04

Once the Kris Bryant grievance is resolved, assuming the Cubs retain 2 years of control, who do you see as likely landing spots. Do you think he is more likely to be traded or retained?

Steve Adams

3:05

Braves, Rangers, Nationals, Dodgers ... Twins to a lesser extent.

Unlike Arenado, I think there's a pretty decent chance Bryant is moved, yes.

Heaverlo

3:05

Are there any takers for J Happ?

Steve Adams

3:05

If there were any takers at his current $17MM, he'd have been moved by now. If the Yankees want to eat a good bit of that salary maybe there'll be interest -- perhaps more in Spring Training as injuries pop up with other clubs.

Pablo Sandoval

3:06

Will anyone give me a major league deal?

Steve Adams

3:06

Minor league deal for the Panda is my expectation

Chris

3:07

When will dipoto do something?

Steve Adams

3:08

I still think the Mariners will add another veteran starter between now and Opening Day -- someone on a cheap one-year deal. Taijuan Walker reunion would look quite nice

SDP

3:08

If you were the Padres, what would be your splashy move before Spring?

Steve Adams

3:09

Do they need to do anything particularly splashy? How about extending Tatis?

Blahville

3:09

Any buzz about Seattle matching up with the Braves on Haniger or Seager?

Steve Adams

3:09

The Seager deal is SO hard to move since that $15MM club option becomes a player option if he's traded. And I don't think Seattle has any intention of selling low on Haniger after a freak injury ruined much of his '19 season

Jon Daniels

3:10

Am i signing Castellanos or Ozuna?

Steve Adams

3:10

Is this a "yes/no" or "which one" question?

I think one of those two will land with the Rangers, yes. I don't have strong feeling as to which one.

3:10

Do you think the Twins will sign another SP to MLB contract?

Steve Adams

3:10

Trade is likelier

Mr. Clean

3:11

Are the Nats out on Donaldson?

Steve Adams

3:11

Nats, Braves, Twins all still seem to be in play

Pastor D

3:12

Will Josh Donaldson be another FA who doesn't sign until after the season starts?

Steve Adams

3:12

Nah -- he's sitting on multiple four-year offers. Keuchel and Kimbrel didn't have that kind of cushion last winter. They were struggling to find anything more than two years

Thomas

3:13

what are your thoughts on the rays cardinals trade?

Steve Adams

3:16

I think the Rays generally place more value on MLB-ready players with reasonably high floors. Martinez is what he is -- lefty masher with a weak glove -- and Arozarena might not be a star in the making, but I'd imagine they feel the variance with this pair is (relatively) limited.

Liberatore is a steep price to pay, but pitching prospects are so enormously volatile, and they're adding immediate wins which are obviously more valuable than future wins given their current situation. Plus, moving up 30 spots in a deep draft class doesn't hurt them

Cardinals make a trade! It's not for Arenado!

Marlins traded Austin Dean to STL

3:17

Going to get a quick headline up on that -- one minute

thebaileyman

3:20

are the Jays done with major aquisitions

Steve Adams

3:21

I would say they're done with major moves, yes, but there could still be some depth pickups or small deals for relievers/bench help

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