Evan Grant says it’s time to sell. He mentions Lowe. Ok. There’s a big gap in the market for 1b. Let’s say Lowe+Robertson to the Red Sox for Anthony. Red Sox chuckle, hang up, and we call back with, let’s go with Bleis and Perales. They say that’s fine, throw in Vargas and we’ll do it. Done.
This is painful, but I will explain rationale. Who says no, Jamey?
We give up Scherzer, Adolis, Dunning, and Winn.
Baltimore gives up Bautista, Kjerstad, and Bassalo.
We get Bautista. Being a reliever, he should return to being a dominant closer long-term in 2025 after T.J. surgery. Bassalo, blocked in by Rutschman, has drawn some Pudge comparisons. Long-term catcher of the future. And Kjerstad gives us the best long-term outfield in baseball with Langford and Carter (hopefully healthy). In summary, we get a closer, a catcher, and an outfielder long-term.
Baltimore gets their horse (Scherzer) to send to the hill in postseason. Baltimore gets a controllable starter or reliever in Dunning, who mowed them down in the 2023 ALDS. Garcia, although a postseason hero and fan favorite, is showing signs that Father Time may be calling. But Baltimore gets the player who holds the postseason record for RBI's. We get that big jump in salary off the books next season. Fans may revolt if we trade El Bombi, though. A consideration, but CY must be bold! Winn gives Baltimore a former first rounder, needing a change of scenery, who they could try to develop into a rotation piece or a Bautista replacement. They'll want controllable pieces in return while they want to win now! They have to go for it now, especially if they don't extend their young talent like Henderson, Rutschman, etc. Your thoughts, Jamey?
The 2023 draft netted some promising pitching prospects. Lots of high velo guys having success early on at lower levels. In this a change in draft philosophy for the Rangers, take high velo guys and see what happens?
Max Scherzer and David Robertson to Baltimore for Felix Bautista, Dylan Beaver and Tavian Josenberger.
Andrew Haney and Kohl Drake to LA Dodgers for Landon Knack and Dalton Rushing
Dane Dunning, Robbie Grossman and Kirby Yates to Atlanta for Spencer Schwellenback and Ian Majia
Brock Burke and Sam Huff to White Sox for Michael Kopech
Nathaniel Lowe and Chase Lee to Detroit for Spencer Torkelson and Nomar Fana.
All said: 3 starters gone, 3 relievers, 1 long man, 1 prospect, 1st baseman and 1 catcher traded for 2025 closer, 3 prospect out fielders, 2 back of rotation young pitchers, 1 power arm, 1st baseman and a catching prospect.
End up under the salary cap, still competitive, and set up for 2025.
Sure, if we go on a run of loses, this could change, with Yates, Robertson, Heaney, Lorenzen, Eovaldi and Scherzer being available, but I wouldn't expect much more than a few lotto tickets.
One deal I'd propose only if we go on a losing run: Nate Eovaldi and David Robertson to St. Louis .for Cooper Hjerpe and Jimmy Crooks.
We are still in this, and haven't had a full squad yet, and none of the above guys are really "blocking" anyone from the minors. And most of these trade proposals over value (Leiter, White, Huff), selling low on (Duran, Tavaras, Lowe) or expect more than a reasonable deal on guys like Scherzer.
Don’t believe we have shown enough to be “buyers”. I would like to see your best proposals for our expiring contracts and/or those regulars who may not have a future here in 2025. Example - Lowe if Jung or Seager are moved across the diamond to try to keep them healthy and improve the POP at first base. (And give Smith a regular place to play)
Wait to see what happens over the next 2 weeks and if the Rangers become sellers then:
-What Max would go for is going to be fascinating to find out if we get to that point. If over the next couple of weeks he looks like at least the Max that pitched for the Rangers in the regular season last year, what could they get?
It took a mid-Top 100 prospect to get Max (and half his salary paid) last season so could the Rangers get Diego Cartaya from LA for Max and the remainder of his salary? I know there’s more risk with Max this year currently so do you add in Robertson and maybe even throw in Duran, if needed? If Max doesn’t want to go back to LA, do you approach Milwaukee for Quero and add Foscue or Porter to the offer? Approach Boston about Teel for Max and cash?
-Lorenzen to Milwaukee for Robert Gasser or to Atlanta, with Taveras, for Spencer Schwellenbach
-Eovaldi, Yates, & Leclerc/Robertson to Baltimore for Felix Bautista (and maybe a prospect like Jud Fabian, Luis De Leon or Hudson Hawkins). Bautista is a fantastic asset but won’t help them any this season and Eovaldi has proven his value in the playoffs time and time again. Add in the fact that Kimbrel is currently the O’s closer… adding Yates could be what puts them over the top.
-Nathaniel Lowe and Andrew Heaney to the Red Sox for Blaze Jordan and Luis Guerrero
-If they acquire a young catcher that is at least AAA-ready in 2025, then move Sam Huff to… anyone for international signing bonus cash
OK i think we all know they probably don't sell so what do we buy?
Offense we really don't have a need where we can point and say 'that position can improve' now that Lowe is hitting. Outfield is set with Langford and Garcia. Carter is back soon, and lots of guys like Smith, Hill, Duran that can play or have upside.
Rotation is set and more guys coming back.
Maybe bullpen help. I'll take a back of the bullpen arm.
Weird position to be in where we have talent at almost every position without a clear cut need for an upgrade
First base seems to be a common denominator in a lot of these. And, unless we move some folks we already have into that position..I don't see a lot coming on when I read Scott Lucas' MILB reports. I'm a big Pete Alonso fan...would probably cost too many players but CY would have to sign him ahead of time to a LT deal....I know, I know...wild dream! Whatever we do...can we throw Lowe and Leody in the package?? At this stage, I can live with D Hill in CF for the rest of the year if Carter needs more rest.
Max and Lorezen are obvious trade options. What kind of package could a Jon Gray/Yates package acquire. Gray gives an extra year and Yates gives them Kimbrel protection. My thoughts are the O’s for Basillo? I’m guessing not enough, but O’s may want to take a shot and Basillo is their most likely trade chip.
Question: What prospect do you think you/me/fans overvalue and undervalue the most? For example, do we overvalue Leiter when he’s probably a second or even third piece? And undervalue someone like Santos who could be included but we think is the next big thing?
Trade: Max Scherzer, Kirby Yates, and Nathaniel Lowe for Shane Bieber (probably no QO so dead money - salary relief), Kyle Manzardo, and Daniel Espino.
This isn't going to happen, but it is what i wish we would do. CY call Seager, Semien, Garcia, Jung, and a few others in a meeting and say guys we are going to reload on the fly to stack us for years to come.
Then Scherzer, Eovaldi, Heaney, Leclerc, Lowe, Yates, Lorenzen, Urena, and Taveras all get dealt. We could get 5-10 Top 30 prospects and load up.
By next year we have DeGrom, Mahle, Dunning, Gray, Bradford, Leiter, and 1-2 FA arms for the rotation.
Offense not really many changes. Carter takes over CF, Foscue or trade acquisition takes over at 1B, etc.
Evan Grant says it’s time to sell. He mentions Lowe. Ok. There’s a big gap in the market for 1b. Let’s say Lowe+Robertson to the Red Sox for Anthony. Red Sox chuckle, hang up, and we call back with, let’s go with Bleis and Perales. They say that’s fine, throw in Vargas and we’ll do it. Done.
This is painful, but I will explain rationale. Who says no, Jamey?
We give up Scherzer, Adolis, Dunning, and Winn.
Baltimore gives up Bautista, Kjerstad, and Bassalo.
We get Bautista. Being a reliever, he should return to being a dominant closer long-term in 2025 after T.J. surgery. Bassalo, blocked in by Rutschman, has drawn some Pudge comparisons. Long-term catcher of the future. And Kjerstad gives us the best long-term outfield in baseball with Langford and Carter (hopefully healthy). In summary, we get a closer, a catcher, and an outfielder long-term.
Baltimore gets their horse (Scherzer) to send to the hill in postseason. Baltimore gets a controllable starter or reliever in Dunning, who mowed them down in the 2023 ALDS. Garcia, although a postseason hero and fan favorite, is showing signs that Father Time may be calling. But Baltimore gets the player who holds the postseason record for RBI's. We get that big jump in salary off the books next season. Fans may revolt if we trade El Bombi, though. A consideration, but CY must be bold! Winn gives Baltimore a former first rounder, needing a change of scenery, who they could try to develop into a rotation piece or a Bautista replacement. They'll want controllable pieces in return while they want to win now! They have to go for it now, especially if they don't extend their young talent like Henderson, Rutschman, etc. Your thoughts, Jamey?
The 2023 draft netted some promising pitching prospects. Lots of high velo guys having success early on at lower levels. In this a change in draft philosophy for the Rangers, take high velo guys and see what happens?
I've got a few:
Max Scherzer and David Robertson to Baltimore for Felix Bautista, Dylan Beaver and Tavian Josenberger.
Andrew Haney and Kohl Drake to LA Dodgers for Landon Knack and Dalton Rushing
Dane Dunning, Robbie Grossman and Kirby Yates to Atlanta for Spencer Schwellenback and Ian Majia
Brock Burke and Sam Huff to White Sox for Michael Kopech
Nathaniel Lowe and Chase Lee to Detroit for Spencer Torkelson and Nomar Fana.
All said: 3 starters gone, 3 relievers, 1 long man, 1 prospect, 1st baseman and 1 catcher traded for 2025 closer, 3 prospect out fielders, 2 back of rotation young pitchers, 1 power arm, 1st baseman and a catching prospect.
End up under the salary cap, still competitive, and set up for 2025.
This is an unpopular opinion, but you stand pat.
Sure, if we go on a run of loses, this could change, with Yates, Robertson, Heaney, Lorenzen, Eovaldi and Scherzer being available, but I wouldn't expect much more than a few lotto tickets.
One deal I'd propose only if we go on a losing run: Nate Eovaldi and David Robertson to St. Louis .for Cooper Hjerpe and Jimmy Crooks.
We are still in this, and haven't had a full squad yet, and none of the above guys are really "blocking" anyone from the minors. And most of these trade proposals over value (Leiter, White, Huff), selling low on (Duran, Tavaras, Lowe) or expect more than a reasonable deal on guys like Scherzer.
Lowe, Duran, Leiter, Mitch Bratt and Teodo to Toronto for Vladdy Jr
Heaney to CLE for Austin Hedges. We need that man back in the clubhouse to turn everything around.
Eovaldi to the Brewers for LHP Robert Gasser and Bishop Letson. You get one pitcher close to the majors and a young arm to dream on
Scherzer and Robertson to Baltimore for Trace Bright and Creed Willems
Gray + Lowe to Braves for Isaiah Drake and Garrett Baumann
Kirby Yates + Zeke Duran to twins for Matt Canterino, Jose Rodriguez
Don’t believe we have shown enough to be “buyers”. I would like to see your best proposals for our expiring contracts and/or those regulars who may not have a future here in 2025. Example - Lowe if Jung or Seager are moved across the diamond to try to keep them healthy and improve the POP at first base. (And give Smith a regular place to play)
Wait to see what happens over the next 2 weeks and if the Rangers become sellers then:
-What Max would go for is going to be fascinating to find out if we get to that point. If over the next couple of weeks he looks like at least the Max that pitched for the Rangers in the regular season last year, what could they get?
It took a mid-Top 100 prospect to get Max (and half his salary paid) last season so could the Rangers get Diego Cartaya from LA for Max and the remainder of his salary? I know there’s more risk with Max this year currently so do you add in Robertson and maybe even throw in Duran, if needed? If Max doesn’t want to go back to LA, do you approach Milwaukee for Quero and add Foscue or Porter to the offer? Approach Boston about Teel for Max and cash?
-Lorenzen to Milwaukee for Robert Gasser or to Atlanta, with Taveras, for Spencer Schwellenbach
-Eovaldi, Yates, & Leclerc/Robertson to Baltimore for Felix Bautista (and maybe a prospect like Jud Fabian, Luis De Leon or Hudson Hawkins). Bautista is a fantastic asset but won’t help them any this season and Eovaldi has proven his value in the playoffs time and time again. Add in the fact that Kimbrel is currently the O’s closer… adding Yates could be what puts them over the top.
-Nathaniel Lowe and Andrew Heaney to the Red Sox for Blaze Jordan and Luis Guerrero
-If they acquire a young catcher that is at least AAA-ready in 2025, then move Sam Huff to… anyone for international signing bonus cash
Just checked the MLB updated prospects list - I didn’t realize Teel was that highly ranked. Same deal for him as Quero then.
Or approach StL for Ivan Herrera and Gordon Graceffo for Max, Robertson, and Zeke.
Also I forgot about Urena, get some international signing bonus cash for him from someone as well!
OK i think we all know they probably don't sell so what do we buy?
Offense we really don't have a need where we can point and say 'that position can improve' now that Lowe is hitting. Outfield is set with Langford and Garcia. Carter is back soon, and lots of guys like Smith, Hill, Duran that can play or have upside.
Rotation is set and more guys coming back.
Maybe bullpen help. I'll take a back of the bullpen arm.
Weird position to be in where we have talent at almost every position without a clear cut need for an upgrade
First base seems to be a common denominator in a lot of these. And, unless we move some folks we already have into that position..I don't see a lot coming on when I read Scott Lucas' MILB reports. I'm a big Pete Alonso fan...would probably cost too many players but CY would have to sign him ahead of time to a LT deal....I know, I know...wild dream! Whatever we do...can we throw Lowe and Leody in the package?? At this stage, I can live with D Hill in CF for the rest of the year if Carter needs more rest.
Max and Lorezen are obvious trade options. What kind of package could a Jon Gray/Yates package acquire. Gray gives an extra year and Yates gives them Kimbrel protection. My thoughts are the O’s for Basillo? I’m guessing not enough, but O’s may want to take a shot and Basillo is their most likely trade chip.
I have a question and a trade proposal.
Question: What prospect do you think you/me/fans overvalue and undervalue the most? For example, do we overvalue Leiter when he’s probably a second or even third piece? And undervalue someone like Santos who could be included but we think is the next big thing?
Trade: Max Scherzer, Kirby Yates, and Nathaniel Lowe for Shane Bieber (probably no QO so dead money - salary relief), Kyle Manzardo, and Daniel Espino.
This isn't going to happen, but it is what i wish we would do. CY call Seager, Semien, Garcia, Jung, and a few others in a meeting and say guys we are going to reload on the fly to stack us for years to come.
Then Scherzer, Eovaldi, Heaney, Leclerc, Lowe, Yates, Lorenzen, Urena, and Taveras all get dealt. We could get 5-10 Top 30 prospects and load up.
By next year we have DeGrom, Mahle, Dunning, Gray, Bradford, Leiter, and 1-2 FA arms for the rotation.
Offense not really many changes. Carter takes over CF, Foscue or trade acquisition takes over at 1B, etc.
Time to go Marlin lite
THIS! We have the core in place AND a slew of desirable rentals. In a down year that is a recipe to reload the farm for years of success.
David Robertson to the Dodgers for C/1B prospect Dalton Rushing and one high ceiling lower level prospect