PREAMBLE
So, I’m not really sure where to start. Me personally, would set this team up for 2025. With the things Jerry has said, you would believe an aggressive offseason would be in the works. But us fans cannot be fooled. Expect more underwhelming names that would have been cool x amount of years ago. Or more Royals ¯_(ツ)_/¯
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
- Dylan Cease: $8.8M - Tender
I expect better things from Cease in 2024. Some might look to move him now, but if he can pitch like we know he can, he’ll be the #1 SP on the trade market next deadline.
- Andrew Vaughn: $3.7M - Tender
As disappointing as Vaughn has been for a 3rd overall pick, there isn’t much better available. How funny would it be for Tim Elko to outperform him in Spring Training, therefore forcing Pedro Grifol to move him back to the outfield, though?
- Michael Kopech: $3.6M - Tender
Brian Bannister’s magic touch needs to come in handy or we are looking at a cooked product folks. Even as a reliever, his pure stuff NEEDS to be better.
- Touki Toussaint: $1.7M - Tender
Besides the horrid command from time to time, he was not awful. Pitching depth is much needed.
- Trayce Thompson: $1.7M - Non-Tender
Not really sure I need to explain this one
- Garrett Crochet: $900K - Tender
His last chance to stretch out to become a starter is probably now, or that window could already be shut. Hopefully he can just pitch.
- Clint Frazier: $900K - Non-Tender
We say farewell to #2 of Rick Hahn’s attempt at scooping up former top prospects. First Honeywell, now Clint. Thanks?
- Matt Foster: $740K - Tender
Coming off TJ, there might still be something and for this price why not see
CLUB OPTIONS
- Tim Anderson: $14M ($1M buyout) - Decline
Some will remember the good, some the bad. But I think it would be smart to spend this $13M elsewhere. Both parties need a change of scenery.
- Liam Hendriks: $15M ($15M buyout, paid $1.5M annually over next 10 years) - Decline
The man’s getting his $15M somehow, so why not do what's best for the team, and just take a $1.5M hit every year.
MUTUAL OPTIONS
- Mike Clevinger: $12M mutual option ($4 million buyout) - Takes Buyout
He probably secures a multi year deal, and I hope it is not with the White Sox. His success does not seem sustainable.
OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
- Yasmani Grandal (Made $18.25M in 2023) - Let Go
Loved the signing initially, but man, that back half was rough.
- Elvis Andrus ($3M) - Retain (1yr/$3.5M)
Colson Montgomery is NOT ready and should be nowhere near the opening day lineup. Andrus had a 117 wRC+ in the 2nd half of the season, so certainly still has something left.
- Bryan Shaw ($720K) - Retain (1yr/$900k)
What are the odds for Shaw to lead the 2024 White Sox relievers in innings? Innings are something the Sox will need next season, and he provides that. Even though those might be some rough outings.
- José Ureña ($720K) - Let go
Will be a nice immaculate grid answer in a year or two
FREE AGENTS
No. 1: Jack Flaherty 1yr/$12M + 2025 Team option
Reunite! He gets back with long time high school coach Ethan Katz! In all seriousness, I think Flaherty would be one of the better 1 year gambles out of this year's group. Paging Brian Bannister…
No. 2: Whit Merrifield 2yr/$14M
Grifol gets one of his guys. I was forced to do this by the barrage of Royals within the organization. I guess he is more serviceable then what is currently at the position? But more Royals!
No. 3: Jakob Junis 2yr/$16M
Now this is a former Royal I don’t mind because of his time with San Francisco (and Bannister). Junis started 21/63 games in 2 years with the Giants, posting a 4.18 ERA and a 3.69 FIP. His K/9 was up from 2022 and the walk rate only went up from 2.01 to 2.20. Would be pleased with Junis on this staff.
No. 4: Michael A. Taylor 1yr/$9M
Stick him right, center, or left and he plays well. 93 wRC+ last year with the Twins and 21 bombs.
TRADES
No. 1: Trade Ky Bush and Carlos Perez to the Royals for Salvador Perez and $10M in cash
Pedro would not stop weeping at my office door so I was forced into action. This is about the most I would give up for Perez. Yes he is below average. Yes he can’t play catcher very well. Yes he does not get on base. But he is Pedro’s guy. That’s what matters. *Paying him $10M in 2024 with the $10M acquired.
SUMMARY
I tried to view this as Chris Getz, and man. It sucked. The free agent market cannot fix the numerous holes. Competing seems like a dream in 2024. Seems like it’ll be more of the same.
26 man roster -
C - Perez
1B - Vaughn
2B - Merrifield
3B - Moncada
SS - Andrus
LF - Benintendi
CF - Robert Jr
RF - Taylor/Sheets/Colas
DH - Jimenez
Bench - Lee, Remillard, Rodriguez(option)
Rotation:
Cease
Junis
Flaherty
Kopech
Toussaint
Bullpen:
Santos
Bummer
Crochet
Ramirez
Ramsey
Banks
Shaw
Anyone
