PREAMBLE
I think we have some good pieces that could become great pieces, but I'm not committed to a competitive 2026, so I'm more adding around the edges. I don't want to make a definitive statement on the catcher of the future yet, partly because I don't want to trade Teel's bat, and I currently think Quero is the more certain option. Going through this, I pivoted a little bit, deciding to go for fly ball defense (throwing Bader in the outfield with Robert) then buying pitchers with a high fly ball percentage and low walk percentage.
COACHING STAFF
- Hitting coach: Lou Iannotti
- Pitching coach: Frank Anderson
Thought about putting Jim Thome based on what I've heard from several White Sox players he's worked with, but I think I'm okay with him in the position he's in. Settled with the Jays Assistant as they seem to be outhitting their talent. The Giants acquiring Vitello immediately made me look to see who Tennessee's pitching coach was, and he seems like a great add. One of the things I value about Getz is his knack for acquiring a diversity of experience. Obviously I'm not conducting interviews to see if Venable would work well with these guys, but the various backgrounds seem to bring a lot to the table.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
- Mike Tauchman: Non-tender
- Steven Wilson: Tender
- Derek Hill: Non-tender
Wilson's a cheap reliever who is okay. Price tag on Tauchman was a little steep.
CLUB OPTIONS
- Luis Robert Jr.: Exercise $20 million contract
- Martín Perez: Buy out for $1.5 million
Robert looks like he wants to play. Hoping that helps him stay a little healthier next year. Injury concerns are a little too much for Perez
FREE AGENTS
No. 1: Nick Martinez (2 year, $20 million)
No. 2: Harrison Bader (1 year, $12 million, $12 million club option with $2 million buyout)
No. 3: Tyler Kinley (2 year, $5 million)
No. 4: Erik Swanson (2 years, $7 million)
No. 5: Erasmo Ramirez (Minor League Contract, Invite to Spring Training)
TRADES
Andrew Benintendi and Cash to the Astros for Steven Okert
Probably eating most of Benintendi's salary, but the Astros need a left-handed bat, and Okert fits the relief profile I am looking for. Benintendi has to go because I am keeping both catchers, and his defense isn't good enough in left.
SUMMARY
C: Edgar Quero, Kyle Teel, Korey Lee
1B: Miguel Vargas, Lenyn Sosa
2B: Chase Meidroth, Lenyn Sosa
SS: Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth
3B: Bryan Ramos, Curtis Mead
RF: Dominic Fletcher, Harrison Bader
CF: Luis Robert, Harrison Bader
LF: Harrison Bader, Brooks Baldwin
DH: Kyle Teel, Lenyn Sosa
SP: Shane Smith, Davis Martin, Nick Martinez, Yoendrys Gomez, Sean Burke
RP: Grant Taylor, Kinley, Swanson, Mike Vasil, Okert (L), Steven Wilson, Tyler Gilbert (L), Jordan Leasure
Assuming no additional money from trading Benintendi and eating the difference in the contracts, this puts me at ~90.11 Million (including the NRI for Ramirez) for 2026. Some of the contracts could maybe be restructured to add a little wiggle room for NRIs, but I think this puts us in a pretty good spot to steal a few games with defense . I anticipate Sosa playing almost every day, but he would be the one to move around. SP4/5 would probably rotate through guys, but those are the two that I am most comfortable with at the moment. I would be eager for a different second lefty, but this is where I am at right now. I am not sure the Astros would take the trade as is, but the rest of the projection was pretty conservative, so that is my one reach.
