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Let’s Go Shopping - 2020-21 FAs
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Post by juanfatj on Sept 30, 2020 18:13:06 GMT -5
Is it know about how much money the sox will have to spend next season, and remain under the cap?
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TearsIn04
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Post by TearsIn04 on Sept 30, 2020 19:14:13 GMT -5
Is it know about how much money the sox will have to spend next season, and remain under the cap? www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/payroll/red-soxAccording to this, they start with $138M committed, not counting arb awards. If you estimate E-Rod's arb number at about $11M, that gets you close to $150M. The LT threshold will be $210M. The $60M delta isn't as much as it sounds like if you want to buy out X's opt-out rights and take a shot at extending Devers. Those two moves could soak up $25M or so of the $60M. Of course, if they want to go over the LT, they can be less measured. But I don't want them to go over the LT and compromise their chances at a big run from 2022 to 2026. Give CB a full off-season to shop from what is sure to a plentiful bin of FAs and value opportunities and he can turn the 2021 RS into playoff contender. If shouldn't be hard if MLB sticks to the NHL/NBA format where so many teams make the PS. They were 11-9 in their last 20. With Houck as a No. 3 or 4 and unGod-awful guys like Pivetta filling No. 5, they'll contend for a PS spot, especially if E-Rod recovers and Sale makes 12-15 starts.
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Post by wcsoxfan on Sept 30, 2020 19:25:29 GMT -5
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gerry
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Post by gerry on Sept 30, 2020 19:39:37 GMT -5
My juggernaught guys were one of either Ozuna or LeMehieu. However, after the Kennedy presser today, with the chance for another $100M loss in 2021, I don’t think the Sox will be handing out any big contracts. At least until revenue turns around, hopefully. And the ultimate goal appears to be a return to a dynamic, young, cost controlled team that can contend perpetually.
So if JBJ walks, perhaps still young Manny Margot returns until Duran is ready, and then becomes the 4th OF long term. And Arroyo holds the fort at 2B for the arrival of Downs. Dalbec at 1B, backed by Chavis who also backs LF and 2B. Munoz as pre-Duran 4th OF and super utility long term.
That way, any $$ the Sox are willing or able to spend this year can go to pitching, both rotation and pen. That Houck and Pivetta, Tapia and Valdez look good, aids this not so new way to approach roster construction. This is indeed a contending team.
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Post by orion09 on Sept 30, 2020 20:22:36 GMT -5
I'm seeing 100s of "The Red Sox should sign Bauer" posts on twitter. Unless he takes a 1 year deal, I say pass. Best case scenario - he goes to another team on a one year deal, the QO is removed, and we sign him in 2022.
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TearsIn04
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Post by TearsIn04 on Sept 30, 2020 20:55:13 GMT -5
I'm seeing 100s of "The Red Sox should sign Bauer" posts on twitter. Unless he takes a 1 year deal, I say pass. Best case scenario - he goes to another team on a one year deal, the QO is removed, and we sign him in 2022. It's also possible that due to the economic blood bath teams are taking the Reds won't make a QO. The risk of making a QO is that the player may actually take it. We just don't know how the economic calamity will affect decisions this off-season. We do know that the owners lost billions in revenue and these are people who live for the almighty buck.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Sept 30, 2020 21:47:13 GMT -5
Best case scenario - he goes to another team on a one year deal, the QO is removed, and we sign him in 2022. It's also possible that due to the economic blood bath teams are taking the Reds won't make a QO. The risk of making a QO is that the player may actually take it. We just don't know how the economic calamity will affect decisions this off-season. We do know that the owners lost billions in revenue and these are people who live for the almighty buck. The Reds have said they will make every effort to resign Bauer. I keep saying it but the giant maybe elephant in the room is the distinct possibility that Cohen will buy the Mets then outbid everyone for EVERY free agent that is better than he has now for the next several years. The hypothetical Dream Team might be on the not too distant horizon.
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Post by electricityverdugo99 on Oct 1, 2020 3:18:09 GMT -5
However, after the Kennedy presser today, with the chance for another $100M loss in 2021, I don’t think the Sox will be handing out any big contracts. It will be a really bad look if the Sox don't spend any money again for 2 years in a row. They got to spend to save face after last year's record and not spending in 2020, but this off season will be unpredictable and they might not care about fan perception if they're losing that much. If they don't spend any money, then they probably are a playoff team under this new format, but not a true title contender. They got to get a couple more pitching upgrades (through trades) and expand payroll that way. Doesn't need to necessarily be free agency.
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gerry
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Post by gerry on Oct 1, 2020 4:02:15 GMT -5
However, after the Kennedy presser today, with the chance for another $100M loss in 2021, I don’t think the Sox will be handing out any big contracts. It will be a really bad look if the Sox don't spend any money again for 2 years in a row. They got to spend to save face after last year's record and not spending in 2020, but this off season will be unpredictable and they might not care about fan perception if they're losing that much. If they don't spend any money, then they probably are a playoff team under this new format, but not a true title contender. They got to get a couple more pitching upgrades (through trades) and expand payroll that way. Doesn't need to necessarily be free agency. Ya, that was my point. If they actually have ~35-40M to spend while correctly staying under the cap next season, they should spend 90% of it on pitching. If The goal is to stay young and cost controlled while building the farm, the best bet is to use low cost young talent to place hold for Downs and Duran to come up some time in 2021. Not my first choice, like Ozuna, but a good choice. I am with Eric that this lineup plus much improved pitching should have ~ 90W in them.
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Post by unitspin on Oct 1, 2020 5:59:25 GMT -5
My juggernaught guys were one of either Ozuna or LeMehieu. However, after the Kennedy presser today, with the chance for another $100M loss in 2021, I don’t think the Sox will be handing out any big contracts. At least until revenue turns around, hopefully. And the ultimate goal appears to be a return to a dynamic, young, cost controlled team that can contend perpetually. So if JBJ walks, perhaps still young Manny Margot returns until Duran is ready, and then becomes the 4th OF long term. And Arroyo holds the fort at 2B for the arrival of Downs. Dalbec at 1B, backed by Chavis who also backs LF and 2B. Munoz as pre-Duran 4th OF and super utility long term. That way, any $$ the Sox are willing or able to spend this year can go to pitching, both rotation and pen. That Houck and Pivetta, Tapia and Valdez look good, aids this not so new way to approach roster construction. This is indeed a contending team. I do not think dj will be that expensive. The yanks cannot pay him and how many teams are shelling out big money with everything going on. If we throw 3yrs@ a 15yr. He would deff consider that maybe with an opt out after the second year. We are talking one of the best hitters the last two years. That would give us a top 5 lineup. Then like you said spend on the pitching with the rest.
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Post by electricityverdugo99 on Oct 1, 2020 6:46:46 GMT -5
My juggernaught guys were one of either Ozuna or LeMehieu. However, after the Kennedy presser today, with the chance for another $100M loss in 2021, I don’t think the Sox will be handing out any big contracts. At least until revenue turns around, hopefully. And the ultimate goal appears to be a return to a dynamic, young, cost controlled team that can contend perpetually. So if JBJ walks, perhaps still young Manny Margot returns until Duran is ready, and then becomes the 4th OF long term. And Arroyo holds the fort at 2B for the arrival of Downs. Dalbec at 1B, backed by Chavis who also backs LF and 2B. Munoz as pre-Duran 4th OF and super utility long term. That way, any $$ the Sox are willing or able to spend this year can go to pitching, both rotation and pen. That Houck and Pivetta, Tapia and Valdez look good, aids this not so new way to approach roster construction. This is indeed a contending team. I do not think dj will be that expensive. The yanks cannot pay him and how many teams are shelling out big money with everything going on. If we throw 3yrs@ a 15yr. He would deff consider that maybe with an opt out after the second year. We are talking one of the best hitters the last two years. That would give us a top 5 lineup. Then like you said spend on the pitching with the rest. The Sox could sign DJ. The problem isn't with DJ, it's QO attached to him. The Sox will lose a pick somewhere around pick 60 in the draft for signing DJ. Maybe that's worth it versus trading assets to go get a Whit Merrifield (not sure). Maybe the Royals need salary relief and the cost for Whit isn't high. The Sox have a unsure answer at second base right now, that's all I do know. The Yankees will target Lindor in all likelihood after they give the QO to DJ. Torres is probably best suited for second base long term and Lindor is probably one of the best bets to put money on long term. Defense should hold up for a long while and so should the hit tool.
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Post by electricityverdugo99 on Oct 1, 2020 6:52:12 GMT -5
It will be a really bad look if the Sox don't spend any money again for 2 years in a row. They got to spend to save face after last year's record and not spending in 2020, but this off season will be unpredictable and they might not care about fan perception if they're losing that much. If they don't spend any money, then they probably are a playoff team under this new format, but not a true title contender. They got to get a couple more pitching upgrades (through trades) and expand payroll that way. Doesn't need to necessarily be free agency. Ya, that was my point. If they actually have ~35-40M to spend while correctly staying under the cap next season, they should spend 90% of it on pitching. If The goal is to stay young and cost controlled while building the farm, the best bet is to use low cost young talent to place hold for Downs and Duran to come up some time in 2021. Not my first choice, like Ozuna, but a good choice. I am with Eric that this lineup plus much improved pitching should have ~ 90W in them. Okay, I wouldn't have a problem with that. Just highlighting that sentence by Sam Kennedy gave me pause and the response wasn't directly tied towards you, even though it was your quote. I believed you when it came to Sam Kennedy saying that. The Sox spent 10 million dollars total for Martin Perez and Jose Peraza. That was it all offseason. They lost Mookie and Price soon thereafter. If they come out not increasing payroll next year because they're losing money, then the public will turn on them. Public perception is big on this front office too. They should spend money, but who knows until it happens, right? Normally you say "They're the Red Sox and 3 billion dollar John Henry" but this could be the most bizarre free agency in baseball history coming up. Hopefully a non story here and me rambling.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Oct 1, 2020 7:01:41 GMT -5
The off-season will be made with trades not the free agent market. That's where the Sox will spend their money.
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Post by unitspin on Oct 1, 2020 7:18:03 GMT -5
I do not think dj will be that expensive. The yanks cannot pay him and how many teams are shelling out big money with everything going on. If we throw 3yrs@ a 15yr. He would deff consider that maybe with an opt out after the second year. We are talking one of the best hitters the last two years. That would give us a top 5 lineup. Then like you said spend on the pitching with the rest. The Sox could sign DJ. The problem isn't with DJ, it's QO attached to him. The Sox will lose a pick somewhere around pick 60 in the draft for signing DJ. Maybe that's worth it versus trading assets to go get a Whit Merrifield (not sure). Maybe the Royals need salary relief and the cost for Whit isn't high. The Sox have a unsure answer at second base right now, that's all I do know. The Yankees will target Lindor in all likelihood after they give the QO to DJ. Torres is probably best suited for second base long term and Lindor is probably one of the best bets to put money on long term. Defense should hold up for a long while and so should the hit tool. See that's the thing they cant afford to offer him the QO if he accepts they have to drop payroll. Who they dumping? They have to replace 3/5 of their rotation and stay under the cap. They are where the red sox were this season.
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Post by philsbosoxfan on Oct 1, 2020 8:04:45 GMT -5
I would think that trading for a competitive balance draft pick is far more likely than giving up a draft pick for a free agent.
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Post by greenmonster on Oct 1, 2020 8:50:13 GMT -5
Judge, Sanchez, Voit, Torres, Green, Urshela all in line for nice increases and Stanton sticking around for the next 7 years. Tanaka, Paxton & DJ potentially off the books as FA's and team option on Gardner I would expect not to be picked up. They have some work to do, but I would still be surprised if they didn't offer DJ a QO. Tanaka & Paxton most likely not, but if anyone it will be DJ.
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Post by unitspin on Oct 1, 2020 9:19:33 GMT -5
Judge, Sanchez, Voit, Torres, Green, Urshela all in line for nice increases and Stanton sticking around for the next 7 years. Tanaka, Paxton & DJ potentially off the books as FA's and team option on Gardner I would expect not to be picked up. They have some work to do, but I would still be surprised if they didn't offer DJ a QO. Tanaka & Paxton most likely not, but if anyone it will be DJ. Happ is gone as well. Gardner has a 2.5mil buyout as well 5 mil buyout for ellsbury. The QO is 17.8 if DJ excepts they need to drop salary while adding 3 starters to their rotation. It just does not seem possible. Unless they want to blow past the cap again and deal with the penalties. But I doubt the yanks who have graduated almost all of their top end talent and now have a pretty weak farm are going to take hits in the draft and international money. As I said they are in the same position the red sox were this season. This off-season will be fun to watch to see what teams will do.
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Post by Chris Hatfield on Oct 1, 2020 11:35:41 GMT -5
Ya, that was my point. If they actually have ~35-40M to spend while correctly staying under the cap next season, they should spend 90% of it on pitching. If The goal is to stay young and cost controlled while building the farm, the best bet is to use low cost young talent to place hold for Downs and Duran to come up some time in 2021. Not my first choice, like Ozuna, but a good choice. I am with Eric that this lineup plus much improved pitching should have ~ 90W in them. Okay, I wouldn't have a problem with that. Just highlighting that sentence by Sam Kennedy gave me pause and the response wasn't directly tied towards you, even though it was your quote. I believed you when it came to Sam Kennedy saying that. The Sox spent 10 million dollars total for Martin Perez and Jose Peraza. That was it all offseason. They lost Mookie and Price soon thereafter. If they come out not increasing payroll next year because they're losing money, then the public will turn on them. Public perception is big on this front office too. They should spend money, but who knows until it happens, right? Normally you say "They're the Red Sox and 3 billion dollar John Henry" but this could be the most bizarre free agency in baseball history coming up. Hopefully a non story here and me rambling. I admittedly wasn't paying complete attention to the presser, but my recollection is Kennedy said they lost $100M this past year, not that they thought it would be next year as well.
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Post by ramireja on Oct 1, 2020 11:49:10 GMT -5
I'm on the record for being on a big fan of LeMahieu and his fit on our roster over the next 2-3 year window. That said, I'm quite opposed to signing a free agent with QO attached so that will be an interesting decision for the Yankees to make given their financial situation. I don't know that they can afford to bring him back (or that it would be in their best interest with pitching needs), but if they feel like his market is strong enough and confident he'll find another home then they may just offer him a QO anyways. I believe they only stand to gain a pick after the 4th round though so it may not be worth the risk?
If LeMahieu is offered a QO, the next guy up for me is Jurickson Profar. He's somewhat quietly entering the FA market for the first time at the age of only 28. He's now gotten full-time at bats for 3 consecutive years counting this abbreviated season. While doing so in each of those three seasons, he's kept his K% under 15% with an ISO over .150 and has been worth 5.4 fWAR over his last 1314 PAs (~2.5 fWAR per 600 PAs). Importantly, he's versatile defensively having played at least a game at every infield and outfield position in the last three years (primarily LF and 2B this year). That versatility would allow him to start at a position of need next year (ideally 2B), and potentially move around to fit the needs of the roster if our prospects can prove to outplay AAA within the next 2-year window.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Oct 1, 2020 12:03:27 GMT -5
Okay, I wouldn't have a problem with that. Just highlighting that sentence by Sam Kennedy gave me pause and the response wasn't directly tied towards you, even though it was your quote. I believed you when it came to Sam Kennedy saying that. The Sox spent 10 million dollars total for Martin Perez and Jose Peraza. That was it all offseason. They lost Mookie and Price soon thereafter. If they come out not increasing payroll next year because they're losing money, then the public will turn on them. Public perception is big on this front office too. They should spend money, but who knows until it happens, right? Normally you say "They're the Red Sox and 3 billion dollar John Henry" but this could be the most bizarre free agency in baseball history coming up. Hopefully a non story here and me rambling. I admittedly wasn't paying complete attention to the presser, but my recollection is Kennedy said they lost $100M this past year, not that they thought it would be next year as well. Is that they actually lost a 100 million or lost out on a 100 million in revenue? Either way that shouldn't do much because they had almost 90 million in profits the year before
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gerry
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Post by gerry on Oct 1, 2020 12:26:04 GMT -5
Okay, I wouldn't have a problem with that. Just highlighting that sentence by Sam Kennedy gave me pause and the response wasn't directly tied towards you, even though it was your quote. I believed you when it came to Sam Kennedy saying that. The Sox spent 10 million dollars total for Martin Perez and Jose Peraza. That was it all offseason. They lost Mookie and Price soon thereafter. If they come out not increasing payroll next year because they're losing money, then the public will turn on them. Public perception is big on this front office too. They should spend money, but who knows until it happens, right? Normally you say "They're the Red Sox and 3 billion dollar John Henry" but this could be the most bizarre free agency in baseball history coming up. Hopefully a non story here and me rambling. I admittedly wasn't paying complete attention to the presser, but my recollection is Kennedy said they lost $100M this past year, not that they thought it would be next year as well. Chris, Kennedy expresses legitimate concern that the CoVid 19 virus will still be around next season, which would lead to empty or partially filled ballparks, (in a weakened economy), with $$losses comparable to 2020. Trouble is, I think, the unknown. Many of the decisions about next season will likely be made before a successful vaccine can be widely rolled out and the economy stabilizes. Even for billionaires, the specter of a second $100M loss is daunting. Side note, with low budget AL East Champion Rays advancing in the playoffs, they have as valid a model as the NYFY. It seems Bloom is the perfect person for this job at this time. The Sox will certainly spend to the CBA limit and Bloom is a savvy shopper.
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Post by unitspin on Oct 1, 2020 12:27:13 GMT -5
I'm on the record for being on a big fan of LeMahieu and his fit on our roster over the next 2-3 year window. That said, I'm quite opposed to signing a free agent with QO attached so that will be an interesting decision for the Yankees to make given their financial situation. I don't know that they can afford to bring him back (or that it would be in their best interest with pitching needs), but if they feel like his market is strong enough and confident he'll find another home then they may just offer him a QO anyways. I believe they only stand to gain a pick after the 4th round though so it may not be worth the risk? If LeMahieu is offered a QO, the next guy up for me is Jurickson Profar. He's somewhat quietly entering the FA market for the first time at the age of only 28. He's now gotten full-time at bats for 3 consecutive years counting this abbreviated season. While doing so in each of those three seasons, he's kept his K% under 15% with an ISO over .150 and has been worth 5.4 fWAR over his last 1314 PAs (~2.5 fWAR per 600 PAs). Importantly, he's versatile defensively having played at least a game at every infield and outfield position in the last three years (primarily LF and 2B this year). That versatility would allow him to start at a position of need next year (ideally 2B), and potentially move around to fit the needs of the roster if our prospects can prove to outplay AAA within the next 2-year window. Exactly the yanks could gamble hoping to get the draft pick. If its me I would not bcs 17.8 for a one year deal then hit the market after a possible sour free agency would be in DJs best interest. That is why this free agency will be so fun to watch and see what teams are hurting bcs of cheap owners and the ones chasing a title they normally wouldn't be in position for.
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Post by kevfc89 on Oct 1, 2020 13:06:09 GMT -5
I'm on the record for being on a big fan of LeMahieu and his fit on our roster over the next 2-3 year window. That said, I'm quite opposed to signing a free agent with QO attached so that will be an interesting decision for the Yankees to make given their financial situation. I don't know that they can afford to bring him back (or that it would be in their best interest with pitching needs), but if they feel like his market is strong enough and confident he'll find another home then they may just offer him a QO anyways. I believe they only stand to gain a pick after the 4th round though so it may not be worth the risk? If LeMahieu is offered a QO, the next guy up for me is Jurickson Profar. He's somewhat quietly entering the FA market for the first time at the age of only 28. He's now gotten full-time at bats for 3 consecutive years counting this abbreviated season. While doing so in each of those three seasons, he's kept his K% under 15% with an ISO over .150 and has been worth 5.4 fWAR over his last 1314 PAs (~2.5 fWAR per 600 PAs). Importantly, he's versatile defensively having played at least a game at every infield and outfield position in the last three years (primarily LF and 2B this year). That versatility would allow him to start at a position of need next year (ideally 2B), and potentially move around to fit the needs of the roster if our prospects can prove to outplay AAA within the next 2-year window. Exactly the yanks could gamble hoping to get the draft pick. If its me I would not bcs 17.8 for a one year deal then hit the market after a possible sour free agency would be in DJs best interest. That is why this free agency will be so fun to watch and see what teams are hurting bcs of cheap owners and the ones chasing a title they normally wouldn't be in position for. I think the Yankees will take the gamble, DJ has been good enough the last two years that I think some team will still give him a better deal than the QO. Also, what better way to dissuade the Sox from trying to acquire him than forcing them to give up a draft pick if they want him.
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ericmvan
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Post by ericmvan on Oct 1, 2020 14:25:39 GMT -5
I'm sure that his been pointed out ... next winter's FA crop projects to be much better than this year's.
The Yankees and Cubs have gone over for the second straight year, so they are very likely to try to get under this winter, to avoid the max surcharge the year after. IOW, they'll stay on a 3-year reset cycle after doing it in 2018. Given COVID, I think it'll be at least a little while before the Yankees are willing to be over every year as they were from 2003 to 2017.
The Dodgers and Astros are in their first year over after resets. If they stay over, they'll pay the middle surcharge rate for the 2021-2 FA crop. The Dogers won't care much one way or the other, except for the long term, and the Astros should be under this winter if they want.
The Sox may have benefited from bring out of synch with other teams on the reset years. 2018 was the year that the Yankees and Dodgers reset to avoid the top limit (Giants, too, but that turned out to be moot), and the Cubs stayed under for the second year in a row. But we did our reset in 2017 and were able to spend big the year that the other clubs couldn't. For a team with deep pockets like the Sox it does make sense to go over 2 years out of 3, if it maximizes how competitive you are.
If we go over next year with well-spent money, it could give us an edge on the Yankees if they reset as seems likely. The cost would be paying the higher middle rate on deals struck the next winter, but if you then reset by staying under in 2023 when the Yankees are maxing the limit, you might gain an edge in 2024 when we're spending again and the Yankees are resetting. But it's unclear whether they'll feel that need again.
Nor does it seem possible to project the FA crops following the winters of 2023 and 2024 to decide which year would be the better reset year. You're talking about current second-and-third year players, and some of the best ones will get signed long-term, some will fade, and others will bloom.
So I think the question of whether in principle we should stay under again is a tough one.
The best strategy would be to get the guys you really want at CF, starting pitcher, and closer, without worrying about salary, and then see how much cash you have left for 4th OFer, LHB who plays 1B, and 2 or 3 setup relievers. For those guys, you can try to max out your bang-for-buck and stay under. But I wouldn't pass up the guy I really wanted to do that ... you'd use it as a tiebreaker among more or less equally attractive options.
However, that strategy seems like it might be difficult to execute, because the best players usually sign later. But this winter might be an exception if you're willing to offer contracts that reflect COVID less than everyone else.
BTW, I was all in on picking up a 1-year rental at 2B, but I couldn't find one I liked. I'm not blocking Downs, and I think they're fine there between Chavis and Arroyo. It is a place you might upgrade, but it's 8th or 9th on that list.
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ericmvan
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Post by ericmvan on Oct 1, 2020 14:38:51 GMT -5
I'm on the record for being on a big fan of LeMahieu and his fit on our roster over the next 2-3 year window. That said, I'm quite opposed to signing a free agent with QO attached so that will be an interesting decision for the Yankees to make given their financial situation. I don't know that they can afford to bring him back (or that it would be in their best interest with pitching needs), but if they feel like his market is strong enough and confident he'll find another home then they may just offer him a QO anyways. I believe they only stand to gain a pick after the 4th round though so it may not be worth the risk? If LeMahieu is offered a QO, the next guy up for me is Jurickson Profar. He's somewhat quietly entering the FA market for the first time at the age of only 28. He's now gotten full-time at bats for 3 consecutive years counting this abbreviated season. While doing so in each of those three seasons, he's kept his K% under 15% with an ISO over .150 and has been worth 5.4 fWAR over his last 1314 PAs (~2.5 fWAR per 600 PAs). Importantly, he's versatile defensively having played at least a game at every infield and outfield position in the last three years (primarily LF and 2B this year). That versatility would allow him to start at a position of need next year (ideally 2B), and potentially move around to fit the needs of the roster if our prospects can prove to outplay AAA within the next 2-year window. What do you do with Chavis and Arroyo? Keeping all three either means that Chavis and JDM are your 4th outfielders, when you have to have a guy who can play RF in Fenway (and hence CF), or you have a bench with no LH hitter, and Chavis is your only plan B at 1B if Dalbec struggles or gets hurt. I'm high on Chavis's bat as an everyday player, but it plays much better at 2B than at 1B. So I don't think either of those options are acceptable.
I think the obvious answer is to sell high on Arroyo. But if he turns out to be really good, the end result might be poor in terms of bang-for-buck. And then you have a big problem finding PT fo Chavis. It pretty much dooms you to selling low on him and letting someone else discover that he's a first-division starter at 2B if he plays regularly.
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