Who will be resigned? Now we will see how serious management is about winning
Would seem like an opportunity to lock in a few guys, it’s obvious that signing Naylor is a good idea, questions abound about the rest of the roster. Is this the time to resign Palonco ~ the guy showed what he can do when finally healthy or do you just go with a prized rookie at 2B? Can you trust the light hitting Robles or do you trade him for not much to get out of the contract? Is Canzone your left fielder? Do you want to go through with resigning Arozorena ~ need to have some power in the OF but he is a super streaky player and disappeared in the big moments in the division championship series. Where is the power going to come from ~ is it enough to have a moderate power from Naylor, a ton of consistent power from Raleigh and inconsistent power from Rodriguez [primarily in the 2nd half] ~ personally i don’t think so ~ still need at least one more big time bat. So who is that, there is no one else under contract or in the system now to provide it ~ doubt that they will sign Suarez although he is an obvious value.
Arbitration cases for Gilbert and Kirby with Miller and Woo locked up.. I’m convinced they will try to promote the rookie Anderson when he is ready but optimistically that is next year so its likely that the 5th starter is Evans assuming they trade Castillo for Chipmonks to get out of the contract.
Signing Naylor early is key because it invites better players to consider signing with the Mariners to be that one more guy to get them back into serious contention [something that has been missing for years].
Comments
-
The cuog GM on YouTube put together a nice offseason plan. It's reasonable, attainable, and has zero chance of coming true. They have a lot of flexibility depending in who they retain, resign, etc.
My big worry is that I think Gilbert's elbow is fucked. I predict TJ for him in 2026, I just don't know whether it will come this winter or after they start camp and he still can't throw 96.
If Gilbert has that happen should they really be looking to move Castillo?
I wouldnt commit more than $6-$8 mil for George Planko. Imhis health isnt reliable enough. I'd want him nack, but inly at a bargain or with massive amounts of money tied to incentives.
I'd see if thwres a trade market for Canzone. His defense is way too shitty for me. I'd rather bank on Raley getting back in form. Way better player overall.
-
Absolutely on Naylor and Polanco. I can see both getting away. How much are they willing to overpay, in money and in years. I lean towards Raley over Calzone if they can get value. The young middle guys are on the come, but one of them will be replacing JP in a couple of years.
Naylor is a top shelf complimentary player, but needs dudes around him to flourish…which he has in Seattle. He is not a profile first baseman…more hit than power, but an absolute grinder, and appears to be a great clubhouse guy. He will wait to see what Alonso gets, but they are different players skill-wise. Alonso had 80 extra base hits, Naylor 50. That works with Raleigh's output behind the plate (not saying he will continue to hit 60 every year, don't twist).
I see Polanco as a solid DH, serviceable defender at 2B. I can see him getting 8-10MM for 2-3 years. He is a very good player, but, as with Naylor, he thrives when he is not the focus in the lineup.
Watching the playoffs, I think that we saw what this thing is becoming…starting pitching. The Dodgers are what they are, but they had 17 different pitchers start games for them this season, and the only one to make 30 starts was Yamamoto. Their top-end guys were fresh and strong when it mattered, and it allowed them to overcome a shit-tier bullpen at the end. I can see clubs going to a 6-man rotation, building in rest periods for starters during the season, allowing them to rest, reset physically and mentally, and be strong going into September. That can include mixing in the top-end prospects, prepping them from spring training. Look at what Yesavage did, after starting the season in low A. It is a mentality, and in today's game I think it will become the standard.
BITD, they had to learn to "pitch"…"Gotta have 4/5 commanded pitches"…now, it's "You got 97 with a plus-plus split / sweeper /slider? Let it rip, son". The guys coming out of college are that advanced. They have pitching labs, and college pitching coaches are getting poached to MLB.
tl/dr
