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Mark P
10:00
The chat was delayed due to the lengthy talks today between the league and the MLBPA, but, better late than never?!  Let's take some questions....
Joe
10:01
Do you think a new CBA will be agreed to tomorrow?
Mark P
10:01
In a word, no.  It seems like both sides are too far apart on so many major issues for everything to be magically wrapped up 24 hours from now.
10:03
Frankly, if such a magic deal did happen, I'd be happy and relieved first of all......but then really irritated that this lockout really was just a pure staring contest on the part of the league, and they were always willing to bend.
Padre Paul
10:03
What can fans do to make sure the jersey ads don’t happen?
Mark P
10:04
I think that'd be a small price to pay for getting this CBA finalized
Post-Talks
10:04
When do contract talks really start? When the CBA is close, do teams start sending signals or do you have to wait until the ink is dry?
Mark P
10:05
I have no doubt some backchannel "signals" have already been sent about some free agents.  Plus, plenty of teams touched base with these players prior to the lockout, so there's some early framework for contract expectations.
N
10:05
Bees?
Mark P
10:05
Beads?!
Milwaukee Proud
10:06
Do the Brewers find another significant bat? By trade or FA signing?
Mark P
10:07
I think they almost have to add more hitting.  Renfroe was a good upgrade over JBJ, but the Brewers still can't be sure about what they're getting from Yelich, Cain, Hiura, etc., or if Urias and Adames can both continue their 2021 production.
10:08
A lower-cost free agent for 1B or DH would help.  If there is a big crunch in the post-lockout frenzy, it could benefit a team like the Brewers in finding such a bat at a relative discount.
Dodger Fan
10:08
Do you think Bauer will pitch for anyone during the 2022 season?
Mark P
10:08
No
Can Chipper Jones …
10:09
Save Freddie Freeman from leaving the Braves and does the news on the Braves revenue put more pressure on them to resign him - knowing the true fans understand their financial position???
Mark P
10:10
I think the Braves' stance isn't that they couldn't "afford" Freeman, but rather that they don't want to be the hook for $30MM in a sixth year of a contract.
Phillies fan
10:10
What type of player should the Phillies look into getting this offseason?
Mark P
10:11
A left-handed bat would help balance out the lineup, but in general, the Phils just need help at multiple positions (LF, CF, SS, SP, RP, maybe 2B in the event of a Segura trade)
BlueJayMatt
10:12
It's going to be an entertaining few weeks as soon as the new cba is signed, isn't it?
Mark P
10:12
It is going to be basically a month straight of winter meetings-level action here on MLBTR.  Hooray?
Halifax
10:14
Between 2nd and 3rd, which position do you think the Jays would prefer to fill, all other things being equal. And the preference to go short term to bridge to Groshans or Martinez, or long term and maybe deal one of them to fill another need?
Mark P
10:16
I would guess they'd prefer to get a third baseman.  The presumption is that Biggio/Espinal will handle the other position, and either player is probably a better fit at second than at the hot corner.

Groshans' name has been floated in trade rumors over the years, so it wouldn't shock me if he did get moved to acquire a longer-term answer for the infield.  Biggio's shaky 2021 also creates some question about whether he's necessarily a long-term piece as well, however.
MikeD
10:16
Would it be possible for owners to open up camps if the two sides have an agreement in principle, but they’ll need a few days for the final agreement to be signed?
Mark P
10:17
The last CBA needed a couple of days after the initial agreement to be officially finalized, and if that's the case here, I can perhaps see camps opening a little early.  But it's more likely everyone just takes the extra time to fully prepare and get other business done before diving right into Spring Training
Josh M
10:18
How surprised would you be if the Twins signed Trevor Story in free agency?
Mark P
10:20
Pretty surprised, but not totally shocked, just because the Twins have made big position-player signings in the past (i.e. Donaldson) and because they at least considered signing Robbie Ray this winter, meaning they're somewhat open to another big splurge.

But, signing Story would make me wonder if Royce Lewis would then become a trade chip.
Stanley, Lord of Cupington
10:20
Is it strange that the Jays are focusing on Freeman rather than say a Schwarber and another piece at 3B or SP?
Mark P
10:21
If you have a chance to land a player of Freeman's caliber, you worry about a positional fit later.  It definitely isn't a perfect match for the Blue Jays' needs by any stretch, but it'd sure boost that lineup.
Ryan
10:22
Do you see the free agent offseason frenzy leading to soem unusual deals?
Mark P
10:22
Quite possibly.  We're in total uncharted territory here, so any number of unique contracts might be struck.
Joshua
10:23
Please tell me the Nats have a plan to sign someone of significance for the infield. They can't seriously be putting Carter Kieboom, Alcides Escobar, and Cesar Hernandez at 3B/SS/2B respectively (and yes, I know there's Luis Garcia and a couple other guys who could take their places but you get my point). And Escobar and Hernandez are FA after 2022 so there is nothing in place after. If they are going to waste 1/3 of Soto's remaining seasons before free agency, truth be told, and as much as it would truly hurt, they should deal him this offseason. Thanks for taking my rant and question.
Mark P
10:24
The Nats haven't given up on Kieboom, and giving up a full season to see what he can do is a wise move for a team that looks to be viewing 2022 as a reload year.  I suspect along these same lines, Garcia will eventually be getting more playing time, with maybe Hernandez and/or Escobar gone at the trade deadline.
Canada
10:26
Best Canadian player of all time?
Mark P
10:26
Tough call between Larry Walker, Fergie Jenkins, and Joey Votto
P Diddy Mark
10:27
Yo, bro, what's ya know? Is there  any truth to the Cardinals or Cubs interest in Correa? I'm assuming only if his price drops dramatically.
Mark P
10:28
The Cubs are the oddly more realistic of the two given their relative lack of longer-team big salaries.  But I don't think Correa lands with either the Cubs or Cards.
Ranger fan
10:29
How interested are the Ranger’s in Freddie Freeman and will they sign him?
Mark P
10:31
Hasn't been any Texas/Freeman buzz, but given how they've been spending like crazy, that would be an interesting "mystery team" to emerge into the hunt.  Nate Lowe is good but not someone who'd block signing Freeman.
Dave
10:31
Suppose the owners ended the lockout tomorrow with no new CBA. Would the players be forced to report for spring training and negotiate during the season? Or would the players likely go on strike?
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