JD94

Thoughts on Boras saying Soto won’t be traded? I didn’t hear the context, so maybe I’m misinterpreting. That doesn’t sound good though.

I know I’m setting myself up for disappointment possibly, but it totally feels like they want to walk away from this offseason with one of Soto or Ohtani to have that superstar to build around.

Pretty sure the WS dumped Renteria when they were supposed to start being competitive, just like we did.

Most of his Brewers teams really sucked on paper, but he got the absolute most out of them year in and year out. He’s a great manager.

LFG. The Cubs mean business this offseason. It’s about time they flex their muscles. Don’t let us down now.

Though more risky, I’d rather give that type of money to 25 year old Yamamoto rather than 30 year old Nola.

Yeah I think it’s pretty clear to understand why SD has decided to cut payroll.

I can’t remember the numbers exactly, but I thought after all was said and done (arb raises, declining Hendricks’ option, counting on Stro to opt in, etc) that we would have around ~90 mil to spend this offseason. That keeps us under the 2nd tax threshold and gives a few million to spend on in season acquisitions. If that’s true (I admit, I could be misremembering), we should easily be able to afford Soto and Alonso, & still have $ left over to fill out the rest of the roster.

That’s a great question. I wish I was listening so I could better understand if that’s sourced or more of his opinion based on the Padres really liking Morel. As far as Soto goes, since I haven’t really commented yet, I’ll say I agree with Brett at BN. It’s cool to see multiple reports verifying the Cubs interest. Cerami had it first a few weeks ago I believe. And as much pushback as he gets for being “tik tok boy” he absolutely has a source inside the program right now. Back to the Morel point though, I imagine he’s definitely the headliner the Padres prefer in any trade regardless if it’s a 1 for 1 or not and that’s great news for us. If we can get a 25 year old superstar and also keep our top 8-10 prospects, that would be total best case scenario.

Why wouldn’t Soto sign an extension? Because he didn’t sign one with Washington when he was like 22 years old that would have paid him $29M AAV over 15 years? San Diego hasn’t even put an offer on the table. They have multiple long term commitments already and they aren’t winning. I’m sure they are thinking throwing $400M+ might not be the smartest business decision for them right now considering their situation. I obviously don’t know what Soto wants, but you’d have to believe something like $35M~ AAV over 12 years would get it done.

Screw it. We need superstars. Trade for Alonso and give him 6/132 (22 AAV) Trade for Soto and give him 12/420 (35 AAV) Sign Ohtani and give him 10/400 (40 AAV) Sign Yamamoto and who knows on his contract, but somewhere around 22 AAV If the Cubs are around $176M counting arb raises and guys that will be back (including Stroman and Gomes but excluding Hendricks since they can decline his option and they should in this scenario) and they spend over the $237M threshold but stay under the next threshold of $257, that gives them about $70M and leaves a little room for deadline deals. If you added all the players I mentioned above, you could move Happ to save $21M next season. Now you have around $91M to spend and to stay below the 2nd LT threshold. With the additions of the players mentioned above, that would be about $119M give or take some. That would put us over the 2nd threshold of $257M by about $28M. I’m guessing if you trade for Soto and Alonso and then extend them, that their extensions wouldn’t count against you until the next year, which would make the money work out to stay below the 2nd threshold. lineup would be something like: 2B - Hoerner LF - Soto DH - Ohtani 1B - Alonso SS - Swanson RF - Suzuki 3B - Morel C - Amaya / Gomes CF - PCA Rotation Steele Yamamoto Stroman Wicks Taillon Obviously this will never happen, but it should. Maybe my money is off (just now having my first cup of coffee lol) and it wouldn’t work. I’ll be surprised if we end up with 1 of these guys, let along all 4. The Cubs will likely spend enough to say “hey we spent money” but not enough to really put us over the top like the Chicago Cubs can and should spend. It’s just a fun little exercise. Again almost a 0% chance of happening.

Hell of a job Jordan. I’d turn it over to the pen now.

The question is what his ceiling is. I think special is a reach. He hasn’t ever really been special. He’s always been just good throughout the minors. I think his upside is a solid #2 and maybe more likely a good #3. That’s not a criticism. If that is what he is, it’s an absolute A+ job by the Cubs. It’s a win for Jordan and the organization. He’s been absolutely incredible since the first couple of batters, but we have to remember this Pirates lineup is trash.

I really like what I’m seeing from Wicks. I couldn’t care less that Hayes hit that solo shot. He looks good.

Maybe it’s just because it’s a national broadcast and they are told not to criticize umpires. Only thing I can think of.

That has to be the worst strike call of the year right?

Well he has a torn UCL. Possible he will need a second TJ. Just brutal news for Ohtani.

I don’t think you can use Oakland as a reference for a trade package. They clearly value prospects differently than most. Alonso will definitely cost one of our top guys +, but I think he’s worth it. Obviously it won’t be PCA because he will be in the majors. I also wouldn’t give Horton for him. I’d give anybody else as a headliner although I *almost* have Ferris in the Horton category as untouchable unless it’s for a Soto type talent.

https://x.com/chisportupdates/status/1694167804474229097?s=46&t=iRdezfuJVGBU0wPvMftX0w I wonder if we circle back in the offseason? Probably depends on multiple things like if we re sign Bellinger, PCA, perhaps Ohtani, the direction the Mets choose to go in the offseason, etc. It’s still interesting though.

Well the Angels just called up Schanuel lol. They waste no time with their prospects.

Enjoyed that. Great win. Baseball is awesome. Way to go Morel

Great night for 2 of our best pitching prospects. I’m pumped about both of these guys.

Fangraphs is awesome, but their prospect rankings are ****. They have Triantos as our #2 prospect. Mervis as #46. A lot of other dumb ones as well. I wouldn’t use them for any prospect ranking for any player. Calling PCA a consensus top 10 prospect is fair. There’s so many prospect rankings that you can pick and choose which one fits your argument best at any given time. He’s an elite prospect. You’re splitting hairs if you’re arguing he’s not “top 10.”

Great series win. I apologize for underestimating the Cubs chances. They keep proving me wrong and I’ll take being wrong all day as long as we keep winning. This is fun. Go Cubs!!