I read something from ESPN today that said the Astros are "aggressively" going after SP, and not a 4th or 5th starter. Corbin, Greinke, Paxton and his every season injury? Who else is available?
On some Marlins site, someone said if the Astros are dead set on not trading Tucker and Whitley,they proposed this. Realmuto for Alvarez, Martin, and bukauskas Would you guys do it? Seems a lot and if that was the asking price, I would prefer to trade Tucker and some lesser prospects. I just don't want Martin to be traded.
Not sure if he's available but Stroman? Although last season, his numbers were bad. Prior to last season, he was solid and Strom could potentially fix him.
Which is why I said I would have to have Realmuto sign an extension before I would trade Tucker. Under no circumstances would I trade Whitley. He's the ace of the future and Ryan scouted him and signed off on him. That carries a lot of weight for me.
deGrom, Thor, Kluber, Carrasco, Bumgarner, Keuchel, Morton. S Gray too, but he's probably in the 4th/5th starter section
Splash ? Do we like Aledmys? I need to know if I should cheer or boo ! Seems like a decent pickup for someone we were prob gonna lose in the Rule 5 Draft anyways
I remember his defense was terrible when he was with the Cardinals, so hopefully it's improved. At least he didn't cost a lot.
I think Thor, Carrasco or Paxton and maybe Grienke Are the Targets. I would not be surprised if they get one and then get a reclamation project type player Jon Gray, Sonny Gray or Garret Richard's type.
What if Crane and the Astros just surprised everyone and signed Machado or Harper? Obviously Manny doesn’t even fit, but realistically every team needs elite players, and they fit the build. Crane talked a big game last offseason when Giancarlo became available. I’m not so sure I’d readily give Harper 350m after his performance last season, but man...what an interesting and insane happening that would be. Could you imagine our team if we signed Machado? My god.
While it would certainly be exciting, it would also be extremely irresponsible to sink that much time and money into one player. It would make much more sense to acquire this level of talent via trade, particularly like a scenario that we tried to get Harper at the deadline. Obviously, it doesn't always work out, but we'll have many opportunities to improve the team over the year(s).
If there was ever a time to splurge on a player, it's Harper, imo. I was advocating for the Astros to trade for Harper when the Nats looked like they might've been selling near the deadline. The fact that they almost pulled it off tells me two things. - The Astros were okay with only using Harper for the playoffs OR - The Astros were okay with using Harper for the playoffs AND possibly re-signing him. If the former is true, there is zero chance the Astros go after him. If the latter is true, it gets very interesting. Is Harper after the money, winning, or both? Yes, Harper is up for the biggest free agent deal in history, but he's not gonna stay for the entire agreement. If he performs well, he can use the opt-out from the team that offers it to him and re-sign for another deal in free agency. Being on a contender, like Houston, with his skill-set would be amazing for him for another potential free agent deal. He rejected an offer by the Nats that included no opt-outs. https://thefandc.radio.com/articles/nationals-bryce-harper-differ-opt-outs
There is no way Bryce turned down 300 million dollars in order to sign for an Altuve-type 160 million dollar contract. He will get paid the 300 million AND play for a contending team.
The Marlins dealt a 26 year old stud with 5 years of team control (Yelich) for less than they want for two arbitration years of Realmuto. If the Marlins wanted that type of package, they should have dealt him a year ago. The Marlins don’t know what they are doing. Deal Tucker, I don’t think he is anything special... but deal him for someone under longer term control.
