Statyllus

Understanding it’s difficult if not impossible to be sure how a MLB team would act in preparation of its sale, would limiting the length of player contracts to 2 or less years, trading for players under a “rental” arrangement, dumping salaries of valuable players by trading them for far less than their obvious value and not renewing baseball ops executives contracts though the contracts are expiring be an indication? This question was recently posed to Gemini, Google’s AI and here is its objective response. All the strategies detailed in the question are strategies all Cubs fans have observed recently. “Yes, the actions you described could be indicative of a team preparing for a sale, although it's important to consider other factors as well. Here's a breakdown: Limiting player contracts to 2 or less years: This strategy reduces long-term financial commitments, making the team more attractive to potential buyers. Short-term deals also allow for greater flexibility to adjust the roster based on player performance and market value. Trading for players under a "rental" arrangement: Acquiring players with expiring contracts can provide a short-term boost without long-term financial obligations. This can be appealing to buyers who may want to evaluate the team's performance with a different roster. Dumping salaries of valuable players: Trading away high-salaried players, even at a loss, can significantly reduce payroll expenses. This can improve the team's short-term financial outlook and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Not renewing baseball ops executives' contracts: This signals a potential shift in the team's direction and can be seen as a way to clear the way for a new ownership group to bring in their own leadership team. However, it's crucial to remember that these actions can also be taken for other reasons, such as: Rebuilding efforts: A team may be focused on rebuilding its farm system and acquiring young talent, which can involve trading away veteran players and prioritizing short-term deals. Financial constraints: A team may be facing financial difficulties and need to reduce payroll to stay competitive. Shifting team philosophy: A team may be changing its approach to baseball operations, which could involve altering contract lengths, trading strategies, and personnel decisions. Therefore, while the actions you described could be indicative of a team preparing for a sale, they don't definitively prove it. It's essential to consider the team's overall performance, financial situation, and recent statements from ownership and management to get a clearer picture of their intentions.”

Kyle Tucker will be in a Cubs uniform largely because of the old adage “nothing focuses the mind like the prospect of a hanging in the morning”. Jed Hoyer has reached the final year of his 5 year contract which means that no matter how carefully and methodically Hoyer has build the Cubs minor league system-which also served as a buffer against accountability in the present-the time for accountability has arrived. Sans any reassuring vote of confidence or a 2 year extension being forthcoming, Jed has to finally deliver in 2025 - with an emphasis on “FINALLY.” The risk of losing Tucker to free agency in 2026 is suddenly not so important, or even squaring the circle of “intelligent investment” by going all in for a single year. Accountability has always been the reason Cubs have been losers.

There are many Deadly Sins committed by Cubdom. The most grievous is believing money is the reason the Cubs don’t routinely win the NL Central. Pirates, Reds, Brewers, Cards don’t usually depend on out spending the Cubs to win. Here’s the Chicago Cubs dirty little secret. Cub leadership routinely makes decisions that don’t produce positive results. The fans and Hoyer would be better served if they simply focused more on improving baseball decisions (see Brewers and Guardians).

Nick Madrigal and Patrick Wisdom at 3B in 2024? If that were to happen it would have to be a sign of the apocalypse. Nick is at best an extremely good utility player (ever notice how he breaks down with constant play?) and P-Wissy’s role in life -or so it seems- is to strikeout 14 times in row and then hit a HR. The 2024 off season might leave the Cubs with these types of make do “choices”. So many targets seem to involve one year rentals with high salaries and talent acquisition costs. With this risk in mind, why not pursue a deal with the White Sox for 3B Yoan Moncada. He’s a 2+ WAR with a good glove and can be controlled through 2025 with a $14M AAV. While they’re at it, Dylan Cease is much better pick up with 2 yrs of arbitration still head than many of this high priced injury ridden/in decline SP that have been circulating about.