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Mark P
1:01
It's the latest edition of the Weekend Chat Boxing Day Chat!  We'll take a minute for the questions to file in, then get cracking....
Blink Blink
1:03
Since Burnes went to St. Mary's in Moraga, just east of S.F., will that play any part into his final decision?
Mark P
1:04
Some players love the idea of playing close to home, others prefer to specifically "not" play close to home in order to create space between their personal and professional lives.  Not sure how Burnes falls within this category, and ultimately, it might really just come down to how willing the Giants are to meeting his asking price
Nick.Kurtz
1:05
When do expect him to be in the majors?
Mark P
1:06
The A's already fast-tracked him to Double-A, but Kurtz has played all of 12 games as a pro (plus 13 games in the Arizona Fall League).  So expecting him before the end of 2025 seems like a stretch, his big numbers notwithtstanding
Curious George
1:07
What do you think the Mariners’ plans are at DH/1B? Do you think they will just resign Turner, or could they swing a trade for someone like Yandy?
Ryan
1:07
Where do the Mariners go after lots of offensive options finding homes last weekend?
Mark P
1:08
Feels like Turner might be the Mariners' backup plan if all their other free agent/trade options become exhausted.  Turner's own market is pretty thin at this point so he might not have a lot of leverage beyond waiting to see what Seattle does.
Dodger Dog
1:08
Do the Dodgers try and move off Chris Taylor? If so what does that deal look like?
Mark P
1:11
Taylor is owed $13MM in 2025, and a $4MM buyout of a $12MM club option for 2026 that clearly won't be picked up.  Counting a $2MM assignment bonus in the event of a trade, that adds up to $19MM for Taylor, thus making him nothing more than a salary dump candidate.

Not sure if even getting another unwanted contract back is too feasible for LA, unless Taylor is solely salary offset for a pricier player.  Long story short, he'll probably just stick around as a familiar depth piece before the Dodgers officially part ways next fall
Rōki Sasaki
1:12
How likely is it that I team up with Kenta Maeda on the Tigers??
Mark P
1:13
Pretty slim
Sir Nerdlington
1:13
Odds the Ricketts/Arctos Capital extend Kyle Tucker? If low, why even bother with trading for one year of Tucker if the Cubs are playing for a division title coin flip?
Mark P
1:14
Given the uncertainty in the NL Central, why not add Tucker and see what happens?  Just getting into the playoffs creates the possibility that Chicago could get hot and make a run.  Plus, the Cubs can recoup a draft pick via the qualifying offer if Tucker did leave.
Barrelman
1:15
If the Athletics need to get their payroll up to retain their revenue sharing, why not call the Brewers about Sacramento native Rhys Hoskins? Maybe he’d like playing in his hometown!
Mark P
1:16
I'd be surprised if the Brewers hadn't called the A's about such a scenario, but the A's also probably prefer giving Soderstrom at-bats at first base.  With Rooker as mostly the full-time DH, there isn't a ton of lineup flexibility for the A's to work with
Eric
1:18
Super confused about what the O’s are doing regarding the pitching market. New owner is ok with spending, but Elias seems to feel differently. Could there be something we’re not being told?
Mark P
1:18
Keep in mind that the Burnes trade didn't happen until February 1 last offseason, so Elias seems patient to play wait-and-see until he can land the acquisition he wants
Icehouse
1:21
Seems like the Twins are content to shed some payroll ( Paddack Vasquez) and hope that underachieving 24 hitters perform better and the injured stay healthy in 25 - Seems like a recipe to finish 4 th in AL Central.  Any reason for optimism regarding my favorite squad ( new owners aside) ?
Thanks
Mark P
1:22
The optimistic take on the Twins is that if it wasn't for their very unlikely collapse and a very unlikely surge from the Tigers, Minnesota would've been a playoff team last year.  So maybe they're due for a few breaks in 2025.  There's also the possibility that any of the Guardians, Royals, or Tigers regress, thus opening the door for a shot at the division crown
Ben Cherington
1:23
I see Marlins and The Athletics need to spend $105m this year as a condition of receiving $70m in revenue sharing. (150% of revenue sharing goes to payroll)

Do I have a spending minimum like this?
Mark P
1:24
I'm not sure if the Pirates are quite in the same boat as the Marlins/Athletics, but assuming this is the case, Pittsburgh's tax number is already at $103.3MM (as per RosterResource).  So the Bucs only need to spend a few more, uh, bucks to make good
TJ
1:25
Are the Phillies done now after their fully of moves last week?
Mark P
1:26
I doubt it.  I still have a sense that Dombrowski has some other move up his sleeve, since that Kepler signing seemed to hint to me like some other move is coming with the Phillies' outfield mix
JP
1:28
Mark, thanks for the chat today. I like what Chris Young had done so far this off season with the Rangers roster. I hope the ownership group will give him the financial resources he needs to continue to fortify the roster. Your thoughts. Thanks
Mark P
1:29
I also like what Texas has done this offseason, even if I like that Lowe trade for the Nationals as well.  Young kept Eovaldi, is doing a good job remaking the bullpen, and Pederson helps offset the loss of Lowe
Phillies Stewardship
1:30
Any noises on extending Schwarber? Team leader and he has been one heckuva' hitter, but I would also prefer to use the DH spot in a rotation with this roster. Tough decision...
Mark P
1:33
Despite the Phillies' loaded payroll, I'd be surprised if they didn't explore extending Schwarber for the reasons you mentioned.  He's the kind of dangerous hitter teams feel okay with letting "clog" the DH spot, plus as he enters his age-32 season, Schwarber's defensive limitations might also limit his market.  Only he knows this for sure, but Schwarber might consider giving the Phillies a slight discount on an extension to stay in a comfortable spot and keep contending
Anonymous yankee fan
1:34
does it make sense to move Araez to third base if the Yankees were to acquire him?
Mark P
1:34
Not a defensive fit. There's a reason Minnesota moved Arraez out of the 3B mix a couple of years ago
Crazy fish food
1:36
If the Marlins wanted to spend $25 million more this year to avoid player union litigation, what if they offered a marginal player in return for both Xander Bogaerts and Leodalis De Vries.  They would acquire a star for their team and a top prospect.  Padres would solve their payroll issues in a single move and be more flexible.
Mark P
1:36
There is a big difference between taking on $23MM or so this year to meet the revenue-sharing/tax threshold, and taking on $225MM in remaining money on Bogaerts' contract.
1:37
Also, Bogaerts has a no-trade clause
Bob H
1:37
What are % chances that Arenado will be a Dodger next year?
Mark P
1:38
Pretty low.  There doesn't seem to be a fit for him, since the Dodgers don't appear to have much appetite for a) moving Muncy to 2B, or b) trading Muncy elsewhere to make room for Arenado at 3B
That guy
1:38
I think this whole Roki thing is a joke. Seems like he’s holding meetings only with big market teams. Doesnt seem fair.
Mark P
1:39
He's a free agent, he can speak to whomever he wishes.  Sasaki isn't obligated to speak to all 30 teams if he only has interest in a select group as potential landing spots.
John Street
1:40
Rays need to get the payroll up. Gotta be a catcher out there, right?
Mark P
1:40
Yeah, his name is Danny Jansen, who Tampa already signed
BncMariners
1:42
Doesn’t it feel like the same story for multiple years from the Mariners Front Office? They go into the off-season looking to sign or trade then say how surprised they were at the cost either in prospects or dollars to add what they need. It seems like lip service at this point to justify not spending money or trading for difference makers at the plate.
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