RosterResource Chat – 1/3/25

Jason Martinez: Welcome to the first RosterResource Reside Chat of 2025. Not a lot has occurred but this yr, however the excellent news is that we should always get a reasonably regular stream of roster-related information from “any minute now” till the beginning of the season.

Jon Becker: Joyful New Yr everybody! Let’s get to it…

Idiotic Failson: Does Travis Bazzana make it to the majors this yr?

Jon Becker: Bazzana might positively pressure the difficulty — he greater than held his personal in Hello-A — however I don’t suppose they’re going to place any sort of timetable on it. I’d guess 2026, although it helps that 2B is fairly huge open

Grey Grae: When does Grae Kessinger’s DFA timeline expire?

Jason Martinez: At the least 3 extra days since two gamers who had been DFAd on 12/20 (Owen White, Hagen Danner) are nonetheless in limbo and Kessinger was DFAd on 12/23. I’m guessing the 7-day interval was prolonged by 7 further days as a result of vacation. You may see the checklist of pending DFAs right here … https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/offseason-tracker?transactio…

jaygray007: Who’re some groups that appear like they may have a “Spare nook outfielder” that they might lend to the Pirates?   I’ve a circle round Lourdes Gurriel (he makes actual cash, the Dbacks are comparatively costly at present, Alek Thomas is perhaps a greater participant general, the Dbacks are fairly deep, Ben Cherington cant resist a Toronto connection, and many others).   Every other conditions come to thoughts?

Jon Becker: Angels come to thoughts, particularly in the event that they signal Santander or Alonso, each of whom they’re reportedly inquisitive about. Taylor Ward has been talked about in rumors for years however Jo Adell may be out there and the expertise is simple.

ballsandgutters: Thanks for the chat.  

Pirates Nick Yorke has oddly had a reverse platoon cut up all via the minors.    Ought to he be handled extra like a LHH IF/OF?   Does that imply he might platoon with Cook dinner/Davis in RF?

Jason Martinez: That’s fascinating. I often don’t look too carefully at MiLB splits however these 2023-24 splits are fairly excessive. Unsure what to make of it apart from it looks as if they like him and wish to get his bat within the lineup. However he’s almost certainly beginning within the minors except he beats Nick Gonzales out for the 2B job. That’s assuming the Pirates add 2 extra bats.

Dealer Jerry: Are groups with blocked prime 30 prospects too conservative in commerce today, or do groups worth nook bats far lower than the general public? Coby Mayo, Kjerstad, Manzardo, Curtis Mead, and now perhaps Dalton Speeding have all largely been left to rot in AAA

Jon Becker: I don’t know if it’s that groups worth nook bats lower than the general public, it’s extra that you must be actually, actually certain a nook bat goes to provide offensively to amass him, since there’s not a ton of room for being a huge effect on protection in these positions. However re: the gamers you identify, Mayo and Mead didn’t hit within the alternatives they did have (they usually’ll get extra, I’d suppose), Manzardo has a transparent path to taking part in time, Speeding solely has 37 video games in AAA. So Kjerstad’s the one one who appears actually blocked regardless of wanting prepared, it’s too early to say the opposite 4 are buried, IMO.

Cromulent: Wanting on the Nationals depth chart, you will have Nate Lowe at 1B and Josh Bell at DH. Do you suppose they is perhaps tempted to present Juan Yepez some run (assuming he’s extra more likely to be on the subsequent good Nats staff) or is the scenario fairly steady?

Jason Martinez: They is perhaps tremendous letting Yepez play in AAA or perhaps simply giving them a right-handed bat off the bench for now. In the event that they’re not contending, Bell is traded in July and Yepez might be again within the lineup. Additionally very potential he’s traded earlier than the season. He has some worth as a pre-arb man with an possibility remaining. They usually nonetheless have Andres Chaparro as 1B depth.

Bob Valdez: What’s the newest on Alex Verdugo?  Any ideas on his 2025 staff and contract?

Jon Becker: Information on him has been exhausting to seek out this offseason, which is the way it often goes for the bounce-back-type free brokers with out widespread curiosity; we received’t hear a lot of something till he indicators. I believe he’ll get one thing just like the Max Kepler deal (1y/$10M); the Pirates, Royals, Astros, Reds, and Padres all make sense to me.

Troy: The mariners have publicly acknowledged their desire so as to add two bats, and based mostly on their habits have been open to going for a 1B, and considered one of 2B or 3B. Primarily based on what they’ve, do you suppose that’s the correct strategy? It appears to me they’ve in home respectable sufficient matches to deal with 2B (Bliss, Younger not far-off) however nothing near main league high quality at third. Any ideas?

Jason Martinez: I believe Cole Younger is the important thing however I additionally don’t know if there’s a possible acquisition that may inform us definitively how shut the Mariners suppose he’s. For instance, in the event that they signed Jose Iglesias, Brendan Rogers, or Hyeseong Kim, I might nonetheless anticipate Younger to get the decision once they really feel he’s prepared. But when they do completely nothing at 2B, I believe that implies that they imagine Younger may be very shut and Bliss/Moore are ok till then.

Mr.Nat: Ideas on James Wooden in 2025?  An affordable maintain for me & hoping for low-dollar manufacturing – thx

Jon Becker: Massive fan of his, particularly since he stored the strikeouts at a suitable stage whereas nonetheless taking walks. What I didn’t like was his lack of pull energy; he solely hit 4(!) pulled fly balls in his whole 79-game stretch. It’d result in placing out extra however I’d prefer to see him take some hacks and get out in entrance of the ball as a substitute of letting it journey a lot.

AJ Preller: Who am I buying and selling between Stop/Arraez/Crone/Suarez to shed the wage wanted so as to add from a now bleak FA class?

Jason Martinez: My guess is that they actually wish to commerce Arraez with the intention to re-invest that $ into re-signing Profar. Unsure they’d discover a taker, although, with out consuming some $. After which they’d have to attend till he truly agrees to phrases if that’s the case. I believe they’d prefer to commerce Crone or Suarez however would additionally face the identical $ situation. I believe they’re good gamers however the contracts actually convey down their worth.

Stop has big commerce worth, however I don’t suppose the Padres are buying and selling considered one of their finest gamers till Sasaki makes his resolution. They wish to no less than look like they’re going for it and I actually do suppose it’s probably they maintain Stop if they’ll signal Sasaki. If Sasaki indicators elsewhere they usually have a restricted funds, buying and selling Stop might be crucial with the intention to fill all their different wants.

Jon Becker: Yeah, if they’ll lengthen Arraez for reasonable (wiping out this yr’s projected $14M and perhaps do one thing like 3y/$30M as a substitute), they’d prefer to maintain him round, however (and it pains me to say this as a result of I really like watching him hit) he’s a particularly iffy proposition since there’s just one factor he’s even common at, it simply occurs to be an 80-grade hit device, which hides quite a lot of the deficiencies elsewhere.

VI Reds Fan: The Reds have been quiet because the Trevino commerce. Ought to they actually be targeted on enhancing the outfield, or would a bat at any place assist at this level?

Jon Becker: I might’ve stated “concentrate on the outfield” however after how bleak Dan’s ZiPS projections (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2025-zips-projections-cincinnati-reds/) are in any respect the corners, I believe they need to add a hitter wherever they’ll discover one. I wouldn’t anticipate them to be in on Alonso or Santander however perhaps somebody like Profar.

Biscuit: Suppose McCarthy will get to the AB listed in his steamer projection? Could be a profession excessive by a large margin. No actual platoon cut up however the DBacks appear to combine a match a bit greater than common.

Jason Martinez: He’s heading into his age-27 and he’s held his personal towards LHP so I believe it’s very potential he’s prepared for an on a regular basis position. However there’s additionally an opportunity the Dbacks add a RHH OF (perhaps Grichuk returns) and that can in all probability drop him again all the way down to the 450-500 PA vary.

Bob Valdez: Kenley again to Dodgers?

Jon Becker: Don’t suppose so. He’d be one thing like their fourth-best reliever and I’d guess he’d wish to go someplace he’s the clear nearer so he can maintain climbing up the profession saves checklist.

Adam: So the Rays proper now have Eloy Jimenez at present slated to take a bench spot. His solely position is that of a DH. The Rays even have Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Diaz, each of whom have restricted defensive flexibility. Then there may be additionally Christopher Morel, who’s a query mark defensively. I do know at this level with the roster because it at present is, that is the almost certainly state of affairs. Nevertheless, does this actually push the Rays into pursuing a Yandy Diaz commerce to try to open up some flexibility?

Jason Martinez: Taking a flyer on Eloy isn’t a foul concept and I don’t suppose it actually impacts anybody else on their roster. They’ve quite a lot of different choices (all extra versatile defensively) so I believe they’ll transfer on rapidly if he doesn’t present them one thing within the spring.

Brian Cashman: T-minus 2.5 hours to Kim’s signing deadline. The place does he go, if anyplace?

Jon Becker: Appears to be like just like the Dodgers, per Korean media and Francys Romero. Nonetheless hasn’t been confirmed by any Dodgers reporters or the large nationwide guys however I noticed an image circulating of him holding up a contract from the Dodgers, which sounds ok to me! Attention-grabbing match, would guess they give the impression of being to commerce Lux or simply bounce Kim across the diamond.

Cubdom: Do you anticipate Cade Horton being a valued a part of the Cubs rotation someday in 2025?  Additionally, do you’re feeling a Ben Brown bounce again is feasible coming off a promising, however damage stuffed 2024 – thanks!!

Jason Martinez: Horton, Brown, and Kilian might all make an influence in 2025. Simply relies on well being and alternative. Additionally they have Jordan Wicks and Cody Poteet as beginning pitching choices. Horton’s path isn’t clear however when it clicks for all these prospects, they have a tendency to leap forward of everybody else on the depth chart. Major situation might be an innings restrict. I don’t suppose he’ll go over 120 IP in 2025.

Bob Valdez: Any catchers on the market for the Crimson Sox?

Jon Becker: No tremendous inspiring choices however there’s nonetheless Grandal, James McCann, Elias Díaz, Luke Maile, and many others. on the FA market. Might additionally name the Pirates about considered one of their extra catchers (Henry Davis is perhaps out there, as might Jason Delay).

Jason Martinez: Carry again Christian Vazquez!

Visitor: Hello Jason. Wtf are the Padres gonna do with Eguy Rosario? Does he solely have an opportunity to play if Arraez or Crone get traded? Dude has had his profession get derailed following his damaged ankle proper earlier than 2023, when he was going to see tons of taking part in time to start out the yr.

Jason Martinez: I believe he has the ability set to be a priceless utilityman who performs lots vs LHP. Quick. Some energy. Can play no less than 4-5 spots. Solely factor he’s missing is expertise, which is a giant deal for bench gamers. For example, David Peralta and Donovan Solano had been superb final season. A part of that’s age/expertise and understanding their position.

M’s Fan: Would backside of the barrel gamers like Solano and Canha enhance the M’s offense at 2b and 1b platoon?

Jon Becker: In the event that they’re utilized appropriately (not overexposed to nasty righties, Canha particularly), I believe so, because it’s such a low bar to clear proper now with Seattle’s offense. I like Solano as a match particularly, since he can play 3B/2B/1B so he’d permit them to keep up flexibility to amass another person for any of these positions.

the inside track: Phrase on twitter is the dodgers simply signed HyeSeong Kim, how does this modification their depth chart?

Jason Martinez: Like 75% of the signings the previous few weeks, it’s not precisely clear (at this second). Would make it no less than a bit extra probably that they’d store Lux. Present bench is Barnes, Miguel Rojas (in all probability not a commerce candidate), Chris Taylor (not a commerce candidate except it’s unhealthy contract-for-bad contract), and Andy Pages (good 4th OF). Unsure the place Kim matches there. I’d have to maneuver Pages out for now.

Chris: In the event that they dont make any extra addns do u suppose its DJLM at 3B and Jazz at 2B, or Jazz at 3B and Peraza at 2B (relying on who “wins” the spot)

Jon Becker: I believe you will have it proper, that it might basically be DJLM, Peraza, and Cabrera competing for the one beginning spot, they usually’d play Jazz wherever he matches finest. I see no purpose to imagine DJLM finally ends up exhibiting that he’s starting-caliber anymore, however the Yankees appear to suppose he nonetheless would possibly be capable of hit sufficient.

Alex Anthopoulos: Is signing Jeff Hoffman proper up my alley? The deal he’s reportedly asking for is fairly just like what I gave Reynaldo Lopez final yr and I’ve proven some curiosity in reliever-to-starter conversion tasks.

Jason Martinez: I believe 30 groups would like to have him of their bullpen. Not as many keen to let him begin (or with sufficient room of their rotation) however the Braves look like a fantastic match. Give him no less than a month to show himself earlier than Strider’s again after which they may must decide. At worst, he’d be a really costly setup man. However one of many higher setup males. Sale-Strider-Lopez-Schwellenbach-Hoffman may very well be an excellent beginning 5.

Jonathan: What’s your feeling about X Edward’s this yr.   Some nice numbers final yr.

Jon Becker: I’m not tremendous enthused about him — I believe he’s enjoyable and possibly has an extended profession as no less than a bench man, however his xBA was about 75 factors decrease than his BA, his BABIP was unsustainably excessive even for a quick man, and his protection was fairly tough. However the Marlins will give him loads of taking part in time to see if he proves me mistaken.

Andrew: Do you thinkg Tigers going to Platoon Tork and Colt Keith at 1B?

Jason Martinez: Sooner or later, in the event that they don’t commerce him, I believe so. Presently, I’ve their bench as Dingler, Andy Ibañez, McKinstry, and Baez. However there’s a state of affairs the place Javy Baez begins the season on the IL, which might give them some extra bench flexibility. However they’ve quite a lot of good gamers competing for a spot who look like they’re odd males out in the meanwhile, together with Wenceel Perez and Justyn-Henry Malloy.

Yukon Cornelius: Will Kristian Campbell be a significant contributor within the majors in 2025?

Jon Becker: I believe so, yeah, particularly in the event that they don’t add one other FA hitter like Bregman. 2B is so huge open proper now that it wouldn’t be a lot of a shock to me if he began on Opening Day.

John B: What do you consider Posey’s feedback about going with their younger SPs. Actual dedication or posturing. Additionally his remark about hitters who can rating runs in a number of methods appear fascinating.

Jason Martinez: I imagine him as a result of his first intuition is almost certainly “how did my groups win 3 championships” and the reply is “with quite a lot of homegrown expertise (Lincecum, Cain, Bumgarner)”. Unsure if he believes their inside homegrown choices are the reply for 2025. Birdsong, Roupp, and the three Carson’s (Whisenhunt, Ragsdale, Seymour) all have potential. I’d additionally add that these championship groups weren’t offensive juggernauts. Simply quite a lot of dudes who knew how one can win, might transfer the road, and are available via within the clutch. I’m certain that’s a part of his pondering.

Jake: Do you see an avenue for Ben Rice being a contributor in some unspecified time in the future in 2025? Possibly even at C?

Jon Becker: Positively. Stanton can’t be counted on to play 150+ video games, and if Goldy isn’t hitting I don’t suppose they’d be afraid to chop bait. Haven’t seen something this offseason about how severely they’d think about him as greater than a 3rd catcher, nevertheless it’s price noting their backup job is huge open.

Yukon Cornelius: The yankees opening day second and third basemen might be….

Jason Martinez: My guess is Chisholm performs 2B and Arenado might be their 3B. They’ll wait out the Cardinals a bit for the worth to drop, however he would make an enormous distinction on that staff even when he’s now not an influence bat. Yankees simply want some stability and veteran management.

diadem: The place is Tanner Scott going to finish up and can he be the nearer there?

Jon Becker: I’ll take a shot at nighttime and say Crimson Sox, wherein case he’d nearly positively be the man within the ninth.

Dodgers Blue: Do the Guardians actually suppose they’ve the beginning depth to get via the season???  A lot of damage historical past on that workers already, no?

Jason Martinez: I don’t suppose any staff thinks they’ve sufficient depth. The World Champion Dodgers didn’t have sufficient pitching depth. They received all of it however that was extra as a result of their bullpen lastly got here collectively on the proper second and, in fact, Ohtani-Betts-Freeman-etc. Unsure you may go right into a season feeling higher about pitching depth than they did in 2024 (a lot of younger pitchers able to step in, Kershaw, Could, Buehler all returning in some unspecified time in the future) they usually had been nonetheless a multitude by season’s finish. Completely different requirements within the AL Central, however nonetheless can’t think about they’re accomplished. I do suppose they’re strong 1-8 after which Bieber may very well be again within the 2nd half.

ML: How a lot time do you suppose Brooks Lee will spend at SS this season?

Jon Becker: That is mainly asking “what number of video games does Correa miss?” so I hope the reply is “not very many!” It sounds just like the plantar fasciitis was underneath management down the stretch however that may and can flare up for years. Willi Castro is perhaps forward of Martin on the SS depth chart, although.

Bob Valdez: Love / Like / Hate what Breslow has accomplished thus far?

Jason Martinez: Nonetheless “INC” however I might go together with LOVE if he makes another large splash that both makes their bullpen probably the greatest in baseball (Tanner Scott) or their lineup one of many deepest (Bregman). All whereas holding on to Campbell, Mayer, and Anthony.

Andrew: Every other notable Japanese or Korean gamers going to be posted this yr? Moinelo?

Jon Becker: There’s nothing stopping a staff from posting any individual now, however I can’t consider any precedent for doing so this late within the offseason. The three guys left are Sasaki, Shinnosuke Ogasawara, and Koyo Aoyagi. Uncertain if the latter two get offers, they’re thought to be swingman-types in MLB they usually might want to remain in Japan if no person’s inquisitive about guaranteeing them a beginning spot.

Visitor: Will wagner

Jason Martinez: Son of a Corridor of Famer (hopefully)

Tacoby Bellsbury: If there have been a FanGraphs staff-wide RosterResource chart, what would the splits appear to be?

Jon Becker: If we’re taking part in towards MLB groups, I’m certain we’d do terribly. I solely have the arm for second base and will by no means hit fellow lefties, so there can be quite a lot of platooning occurring!

Dodgers Blue: Curious in your ideas on the younger Oriole pitching workers.  For guys like Povich and McDermott – you checklist them as giving about 50% of their time beginning and 50% in aid.  Is that this a sign that you simply imagine they are going to be with the large league membership and with the intention to handle their innings, the O’s will restrict innings by placing them within the pen?  Or do you not imagine in both as a long-term starter?  In any other case, wouldn’t the group simply go away then on the farm to develop as starters?

Jason Martinez: For enjoying time projection functions, it’s only a artistic means of getting them some extra innings since they need to issue into the combo. And I haven’t even added Sugano but (he’s nonetheless not in our database). In actuality, there might be accidents that open up quite a lot of innings they usually’ll be the primary choices. I simply can’t predict an damage to any explicit pitcher. I can solely predict that accidents will happen. However I don’t suppose they’re bullpen choices, no less than early within the season. Objective is, in the event that they’re not within the rotation, to get them constructed up and able to begin when wanted.

Andrew: How lengthy do you suppose it’ll be until the Crimson Sox determine to convey up Roman Anthony and attempt to transfer an outfielder to suit him into the lineup?

Jason Martinez: Even when they’ll’t commerce Yoshida, shifting Rafaela right into a bench position is what would probably occur as soon as Anthony forces his means into the lineup. High prospects present you once they’re prepared they usually’ll have a spot for him when he does.

Jason Martinez: That may do it for at this time. Thanks for all of the questions! We’ll do that once more subsequent week. Identical day and time.