JotCast | MLBTR Live Chat

MLBTR Live Chat

Connor Byrne

1:58

Hey everyone. We'll get started in a couple minutes.

Ross Atkins

2:00

am i gonna sign springer?

Connor Byrne

2:01

Ross Atkins = Blue Jays general manager. I don't necessarily know if it'll be Springer, but I do expect at least one big name to go to Toronto. Could be Springer, Realmuto, Bauer or LeMahieu. I highly doubt the Blue Jays will strike out on all their major targets this offseason.

Wayne

2:01

What do the braves do if they do not resign ozuna?

Connor Byrne

2:02

A Kris Bryant trade or a Michael Brantley signing would be my guess. ATL has had interest in Bryant in the past, could use a 3B/OF, and the Cubs seem kind of motivated to deal him.

Rehgallagher

2:02

Where does Kiki Hernandez land?

Connor Byrne

2:03

Boston has shown interest. That fit makes sense if the Red Sox don't reel in Marcus Semien to play second.

Papa Chad

2:03

What you see the Twins doing the rest of this free agency and trade period?

Connor Byrne

2:04

I still think they'll re-sign Nelson Cruz, though a guy like Brantley could be a second option (has connections to Twins CBO Derek Falvey from Cleveland, for what it's worth). Maybe an Odorizzi re-signing or even a Bauer addition if the Twins really want to be bold. They could also try for a shortstop and move Polanco into a super-utility role.

Orioles

2:05

Orioles next move

Connor Byrne

2:05

Probably landing a pretty boring MLB starter for cheap. That's not meant as an insult to the Orioles. They're not ready to compete, but even in that position, it doesn't hurt to have a competent vet in the rotation.

iTalk Studios

2:06

Connor I’m new to this. Do you run MLB Trade Rumors? And if so do you get legit sources?

Connor Byrne

2:06

Tim Dierkes runs the site. We do have legit sources, yes.

2:07

Sign Kluber and resign Tanaka and DJ. If the Yanks do this where would you rate their off-season

Connor Byrne

2:07

I'd be pretty impressed with that haul, though it doesn't seem Tanaka is coming back. Don't forget that they kept Britton from opting out several weeks back. That counts.

Molina

2:08

Do the Cards really owe him anything anymore? He's kind of a talent blocker and you need to see what you have waiting.

Connor Byrne

2:09

I don't think they "owe" Molina anything, but he does look like one of the top catchers out there after Realmuto, and I don't really trust Knizner to take the ball and run with it at this point. Molina's still at least an OK starter, not to mention the vet leadership that comes with his game.

Superintendent Chalmers

2:09

SKINNER! Will Tanaka really return to NPB?

Connor Byrne

2:10

"You call hamburgers steamed hams?" No, I don't think Tanaka will go back there. Maybe to end his career at some point a la Kuroda and Iwakuma, but there's still more left in his MLB tank right now.

Rays

2:10

Do the rays have a starter who can safely throw 150 innings next year when looking at previous workload? Seems like, with the amount of AAA guys knocking at the door, a 6 man rotation mIght make sense to safely fill the innings?

Connor Byrne

2:11

Not that I see, but the way they've been handling their rotation has nonetheless worked pretty well.

Rick Hahn

2:11

White Sox still need Hand...true or false?

Connor Byrne

2:12

Despite last year's velo drop, and assuming he signs for fairly reasonable $ over two years or so, I think Hand would be a great fit for a lot of teams. That includes the White Sox, but I'd stop short of saying they "need" him.

Joe

2:12

Wouldn't it make sense to enact a salary floor that equals the team's combined national and TV money that forces some teams to spend money every year?

Connor Byrne

2:12

I've been all for it for a while.

David Bell

2:12

Who plays shortstop for me this Year ?

Connor Byrne

2:13

I'll say one of Didi, Semien or Simmons for the Reds. Andrelton should be the least expensive, and he seems like more of a stopgap than Didi and Semien (Reds have Jose Garcia in the wings), so there you go.

Geotheo

2:13

Do the Angels try to sign a SS ( Simmons, Semien or Gregorious) Or are they content with Iglesias? And should they trade Jo Adell? Not an Angels fan, but that question always gets asked

Connor Byrne

2:14

I don't think so in either case, unless Adell brings back some sort of sure thing at a position of need.

I'm Here

2:15

How many online/questions are you getting today?

Connor Byrne

2:15

Lots. Thanks, everyone!

Rob N

2:15

Mets off season? Trading The Wilson's for Steve Cohen? Awesome move give them an A!!! Everything else is gravy!! Give them an A+

Connor Byrne

2:15

Agreed. Love what they're doing & they're not done.

Joe Musgrove

2:15

Where will I be pitching in ‘21?

Connor Byrne

2:15

I still like the Jays as a fit, as they've shown interest in him in the recent past. That could hinge on whether they get Bauer, though.

MetsFan Chris

2:16

Hi Connor- What do you think the chances are the NL will have a DH and when do you think that decision will be made? Not knowing really hampers the NL teams like the Mets.

Connor Byrne

2:16

I wish I could give you an answer. The holdup is absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable two-plus months into the offseason.

BlueJays

2:16

Who is your pick for NL Central?

Connor Byrne

2:17

Whichever non-Pirates team decides to try at some point. What an awful offseason for that division.

Coachstarck

2:18

White Sox RF. Is Eaton enough?