You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
MLBTR Live Chat
powered byJotCast
Mark P
6:09
Before Game 6 gets underway, let's dig into some questions.  It's the final Weekend Chat before the offseason!
Jacob
6:09
what do you think the Giants’ payroll will be next year?
Mark P
6:12
They're projected for about $132MM right now, and they spent $162MM last year.  I suspect the Giants will certainly hit at least $162MM again, and it wouldn't be a shock to see them surpass $200MM.

As much as Farhan Zaidi's front office has generally shied away from big contracts, I think this is the year the Giants land at least one major free agent.  That player alone could represent a $20MM bump in AAV, and if it's Judge, that's over a $30MM.
Trea turner
6:12
Think the Braves will sign me?  Or is dansby going back there?
Mark P
6:13
My guess is Swanson re-signs, or at least that'll be my pick in MLBTR's free agent contest.  Then again, I was sure that Freeman would return to Atlanta until literally the moment they acquired Matt Olson, so....
6:14
If Swanson did leave, I don't see the Braves landing Turner. They might give Grissom a shot at shortstop or perhaps land a one-year stopgap type to split time with Grissom.  Or, they'll explore more interesting trade options before splurging on another of the big free agent shortstops
Guest
6:15
Regardless of the outcome of the World Series, do you see the Phillies going after a front line pitcher and if so, who do you think they'd get?
Mark P
6:17
Seems likely.  Wheeler/Nola/Suarez is a nice top three, and Falter has some good potential.  But, a replacement will be needed for Gibson/Thor, and knowing the Phillies, they probably aren't aiming low. Doesn't mean they'll be shopping in the deGrom/Rodon aisle, necessarily, but another solid arm that can start a playoff game is a possibility
6:18
Plus, Painter and Abel are on the horizon, and could be factors by the end of 2023
Tom
6:18
Will the cards improve via trade or free agency?
Mark P
6:19
Probably more via trades, given the front office's usual strategy.  The Cards might make a notable signing or two, but the big blockbuster nine-figure deals are generally not John Mozeliak's M.O.
Hmm, missed a chance at some kind of "Mo's M.O." pun there.  Oh well.
John
6:20
Do the Orioles have any chance at Ohtani next year, if he is truly about winning being his decision (I worded this terribly, mark p is smart though)
Mark P
6:22
I am so smart!  I am so smart!  S-M-R-T....I mean, S-M-A-R-T....

It depends on both Ohtani's desires and the Orioles' willingness to not just expand payroll, but devote $35-$40MM of that payroll to a single player.  Simply based on Ohtani's West Coast-centric initial choices when he was entering MLB, I wouldn't think the Orioles would be on his list, but it's possible he has widened his scope after a few years of playing in North America.

And on paper, there's certainly a lot to like about joining an up-and-coming team like Baltimore.  If not Ohtani specifically, a lot of free agents will certainly take a look at the O's going forward, assuming they're open to spending
Guest
6:23
If Bloom lets Bogaerts walk, many life long fans, such as myself will ditch the team.
Mark P
6:24
To be fair to Bloom, he isn't the one approving the high-level contracts.  If ownership isn't willing to meet Bogaerts' asking price, there's not much Bloom can do about it.
Guest
6:24
The Astros could use a LF. The Jays could use another starter. Could you see a package centered  around Lourdes for a SP? Houston might be able to resign Yuli at a discount to play with his brother
Mark P
6:25
This makes some sense, though it's no guarantee that Yuli Gurriel will be re-signed.  A "discount" might not be necessary for a 38-year-old coming off a rough season.  Houston might prefer to go elsewhere entirely at first base.
Sox fan
6:25
whats your opinion on the hiring of Grifol?
Mark P
6:26
Seems like a good fit, and it's encouraging that the White Sox went for a fresh voice from outside the organization.
Bill
6:27
Astros in 6?  Astros in 7?  Or Phillies in 7?
Mark P
6:27
World Series result?
Astros in six (55.1% | 436 votes)
 
Astros in seven (13.8% | 109 votes)
 
Phillies in seven (31.2% | 247 votes)
 
Total Votes: 792
offseason chats
6:28
Is the game plan to do offseason outlooks on a team and then chat? If so why was a team skipped.
Mark P
6:29
We'd already published about a half-dozen outlooks before getting the idea for the team-centric chats, so there's a bit of a backlog.  Don't worry, every single team will have a chat devoted to them, though the schedule is still a bit up in the air
Stubby66
6:29
What's the deal with Ronny Simon? Looking really good in AFL but yet he isn't even in Tampa's top 30 prospect list? Been talk of him being a good Rule V draft prospect.
Mark P
6:30
That's more a function of the Rays having an incredibly deep farm system, since Simon would be in just about any other team's top 30.  It also leaves Tampa with some tough 40-man roster choices before the Rule 5 deadline.
6:31
Broadcaster Neil Solondz covered this topic in a recent blog post, for more details on the Rays' choices
https://raysradio.mlblogs.com/deep-roster-will-yield-tough-rule-5-deci...
Guest
6:32
I read something recently about the Cards and Jays matching up on a trade involving Nootbarr and a Jays catcher. Think this is something that could be explored?
Mark P
6:32
Could be, but as part of a package deal.  Nootbaar is a good player but probably not someone the Jays see as the centerpiece of a deal for an everyday catcher
Pirates Fan
6:33
Is this the offseason that Cherington will start trading prospects to start competing in 2023?
Mark P
6:33
Seems like next winter is the better bet for that change in direction
DJ
6:34
Assuming the Dodgers non-tender Bellinger, can you see them trying to put together a deal for Arozarena?
Mark P
6:34
Arozarena isn't really a CF, so it wouldn't be an ideal replacement.  But, the Dodgers could give Taylor or another new addition more time in CF, and open up LF for Arozarena, in theory.
Confused
6:35
I mean, I know y'all know baseball...but how do you answer Qs so quickly. Do you have baseball reference constantly pulled up? Are you phoning a friend? Crazy, but impressive.
Mark P
6:36
S-M-R-T!

After doing this for a while, I'd like to think I know a few things about baseball.  Also, when someone asks a question I don't know the answer to, I just don't pick that question.  :)
A’s Man
6:36
any hope a’s don’t trade their best player, Murphy, who is still a ways from free agency and also they have practically no salary commitment
Mark P
6:37
There's a chance he stays, absolutely.  As you mentioned, Murphy is under arb control for three more seasons, so the A's aren't under any immediate pressure.  They have the luxury of waiting for just the right offer.
Rangers fan
6:38
Will the Rangers increase their payroll the most once again this offseason?
Mark P
6:38
It's definitely going up, if maybe not "the" most of any team
Ritter
6:38
What free agents do you see the Astros going for or do they just try to run it back as is?
Load More Messages
Connecting…