RosterResource Chat – 1/3/25

Jason Martinez: Welcome to the 1st RosterResource Live Chat of 2025. Not much has happened yet this year, but the good news is that we should get a pretty steady stream of roster-related news from “any minute now” until the start of the season.

Jon Becker: Happy New Year everyone! Let’s get to it…

Idiotic Failson: Does Travis Bazzana make it to the majors this year?

Jon Becker: Bazzana could definitely force the issue — he more than held his own in Hi-A — but I don’t think they’re going to put any kind of timetable on it. I’d guess 2026, though it helps that 2B is pretty wide open

Gray Grae: When does Grae Kessinger’s DFA timeline expire?

Jason Martinez: At least 3 more days since two players who were DFAd on 12/20 (Owen White, Hagen Danner) are still in limbo and Kessinger was DFAd on 12/23. I’m guessing the 7-day period was extended by 7 extra days due to the holiday. You can see the list of pending DFAs here … https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/offseason-tracker?transactio…

jaygray007: Who are some teams that seem like they might have a “Spare corner outfielder” that they could lend to the Pirates?   I have a circle around Lourdes Gurriel (he makes real money, the Dbacks are relatively expensive currently, Alek Thomas might be a better player overall, the Dbacks are pretty deep, Ben Cherington cant resist a Toronto connection, etc).   Any other situations come to mind?

Jon Becker: Angels come to mind, especially if they sign Santander or Alonso, both of whom they’re reportedly interested in. Taylor Ward has been talked about in rumors for years but Jo Adell could also be available and the talent is undeniable.

ballsandgutters: Thanks for the chat.  

Pirates Nick Yorke has oddly had a reverse platoon split all through the minors.    Should he be treated more like a LHH IF/OF?   Does that mean he could platoon with Cook/Davis in RF?

Jason Martinez: That’s interesting. I usually don’t look too closely at MiLB splits but those 2023-24 splits are pretty extreme. Not sure what to make of it other than it seems like they like him and want to get his bat in the lineup. But he’s most likely starting in the minors unless he beats Nick Gonzales out for the 2B job. That’s assuming the Pirates add 2 more bats.

Trader Jerry: Are teams with blocked top 30 prospects too conservative in trade these days, or do teams value corner bats far less than the public? Coby Mayo, Kjerstad, Manzardo, Curtis Mead, and now maybe Dalton Rushing have all largely been left to rot in AAA

Jon Becker: I don’t know if it’s that teams value corner bats less than the public, it’s more that you have to be really, really sure a corner bat is going to produce offensively to acquire him, since there’s not a ton of room for being a huge impact on defense in those positions. But re: the players you name, Mayo and Mead didn’t hit in the opportunities they did have (and they’ll get more, I’d think), Manzardo has a clear path to playing time, Rushing only has 37 games in AAA. So Kjerstad’s the only one who seems really blocked despite looking ready, it’s too early to say the other four are buried, IMO.

Cromulent: Looking at the Nationals depth chart, you have Nate Lowe at 1B and Josh Bell at DH. Do you think they might be tempted to give Juan Yepez some run (assuming he’s more likely to be on the next good Nats team) or is the situation pretty stable?

Jason Martinez: They might be fine letting Yepez play in AAA or maybe just giving them a right-handed bat off the bench for now. If they’re not contending, Bell is traded in July and Yepez is probably back in the lineup. Also very possible he’s traded before the season. He has some value as a pre-arb guy with an option remaining. And they still have Andres Chaparro as 1B depth.

Bob Valdez: What is the latest on Alex Verdugo?  Any thoughts on his 2025 team and contract?

Jon Becker: News on him has been hard to find this offseason, which is how it usually goes for the bounce-back-type free agents without widespread interest; we won’t hear much of anything until he signs. I think he’ll get something like the Max Kepler deal (1y/$10M); the Pirates, Royals, Astros, Reds, and Padres all make sense to me.

Troy: The mariners have publicly stated their preference to add two bats, and based on their behavior have been open to going for a 1B, and one of 2B or 3B. Based on what they have, do you think that’s the right approach? It seems to me they have in house decent enough fits to handle 2B (Bliss, Young not far away) but nothing close to major league quality at third. Any thoughts?

Jason Martinez: I think Cole Young is the key but I also don’t know if there’s a potential acquisition that would tell us definitively how close the Mariners think he is. For example, if they signed Jose Iglesias, Brendan Rogers, or Hyeseong Kim, I would still expect Young to get the call when they feel he’s ready. But if they do absolutely nothing at 2B, I think that means that they believe Young is very close and Bliss/Moore are good enough until then.

Mr.Nat: Thoughts on James Wood in 2025?  A cheap keep for me & hoping for low-dollar production – thx

Jon Becker: Big fan of his, especially since he kept the strikeouts at an acceptable level while still taking walks. What I didn’t like was his lack of pull power; he only hit four(!) pulled fly balls in his entire 79-game stretch. It might lead to striking out more but I’d like to see him take some hacks and get out in front of the ball instead of letting it travel so much.

AJ Preller: Who am I trading between Cease/Arraez/Crone/Suarez to shed the salary needed to add from a now bleak FA class?

Jason Martinez: My guess is that they really want to trade Arraez in order to re-invest that $ into re-signing Profar. Not sure they’d find a taker, though, without eating some $. And then they’d have to wait until he actually agrees to terms if that’s the case. I think they’d like to trade Crone or Suarez but would also face the same $ issue. I think they’re good players but the contracts really bring down their value.

Cease has huge trade value, but I don’t think the Padres are trading one of their best players until Sasaki makes his decision. They want to at least seem like they’re going for it and I really do think it’s likely they keep Cease if they can sign Sasaki. If Sasaki signs elsewhere and they have a limited budget, trading Cease is probably necessary in order to fill all their other needs.

Jon Becker: Yeah, if they can extend Arraez for cheap (wiping out this year’s projected $14M and maybe do something like 3y/$30M instead), they’d like to keep him around, but (and it pains me to say this because I love watching him hit) he’s an extremely iffy proposition since there’s only one thing he’s even average at, it just happens to be an 80-grade hit tool, which hides a lot of the deficiencies elsewhere.

VI Reds Fan: The Reds have been quiet since the Trevino trade. Should they really be focused on improving the outfield, or would a bat at any position help at this point?

Jon Becker: I would’ve said “focus on the outfield” but after looking at how bleak Dan’s ZiPS projections (https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2025-zips-projections-cincinnati-reds/) are at all the corners, I think they should add a hitter wherever they can find one. I wouldn’t expect them to be in on Alonso or Santander but maybe someone like Profar.

Biscuit: Think McCarthy gets to the AB listed in his steamer projection? Would be a career high by a wide margin. No real platoon split but the DBacks seem to mix a match a bit more than average.

Jason Martinez: He’s heading into his age-27 and he’s held his own against LHP so I think it’s very possible he’s ready for an everyday role. But there’s also a chance the Dbacks add a RHH OF (maybe Grichuk returns) and that will probably drop him back down to the 450-500 PA range.

Bob Valdez: Kenley back to Dodgers?

Jon Becker: Don’t think so. He’d be something like their fourth-best reliever and I’d guess he’d want to go somewhere he’s the clear closer so he can keep climbing up the career saves list.

Adam: So the Rays right now have Eloy Jimenez currently slated to take a bench spot. His only role is that of a DH. The Rays also have Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Diaz, both of whom have limited defensive flexibility. Then there is also Christopher Morel, who is a question mark defensively. I know at this point with the roster as it currently is, this is the most likely scenario. However, does this really push the Rays into pursuing a Yandy Diaz trade to try and open up some flexibility?

Jason Martinez: Taking a flyer on Eloy isn’t a bad idea and I don’t think it really affects anyone else on their roster. They have a lot of other options (all more versatile defensively) so I think they’ll move on quickly if he doesn’t show them something in the spring.

Brian Cashman: T-minus 2.5 hours to Kim’s signing deadline. Where does he go, if anywhere?

Jon Becker: Looks like the Dodgers, per Korean media and Francys Romero. Still hasn’t been confirmed by any Dodgers reporters or the big national guys but I saw a picture circulating of him holding up a contract from the Dodgers, which sounds good enough to me! Interesting fit, would guess they look to trade Lux or just bounce Kim around the diamond.

Cubdom: Do you anticipate Cade Horton being a valued part of the Cubs rotation sometime in 2025?  Also, do you feel a Ben Brown bounce back is possible coming off a promising, but injury filled 2024 – thanks!!

Jason Martinez: Horton, Brown, and Kilian could all make an impact in 2025. Just depends on health and opportunity. They also have Jordan Wicks and Cody Poteet as starting pitching options. Horton’s path isn’t clear but when it clicks for these types of prospects, they tend to jump ahead of everyone else on the depth chart. Main issue is probably an innings limit. I don’t think he’ll go over 120 IP in 2025.

Bob Valdez: Any catchers out there for the Red Sox?

Jon Becker: No super inspiring options but there’s still Grandal, James McCann, Elias Díaz, Luke Maile, etc. on the FA market. Could also call the Pirates about one of their excess catchers (Henry Davis might be available, as could Jason Delay).

Jason Martinez: Bring back Christian Vazquez!

Guest: Hi Jason. Wtf are the Padres gonna do with Eguy Rosario? Does he only have a chance to play if Arraez or Crone get traded? Dude has had his career get derailed following his broken ankle right before 2023, when he was going to see tons of playing time to start the year.

Jason Martinez: I think he has the skill set to be a valuable utilityman who plays a lot vs LHP. Fast. Some power. Can play at least 4-5 spots. Only thing he’s lacking is experience, which is a big deal for bench players. As an example, David Peralta and Donovan Solano were amazing last season. Part of that is age/experience and understanding their role.

M’s Fan: Would bottom of the barrel players like Solano and Canha improve the M’s offense at 2b and 1b platoon?

Jon Becker: If they’re utilized correctly (not overexposed to nasty righties, Canha especially), I think so, since it’s such a low bar to clear right now with Seattle’s offense. I like Solano as a fit especially, since he can play 3B/2B/1B so he’d allow them to maintain flexibility to acquire someone else for any of those positions.

the scoop: Word on twitter is the dodgers just signed HyeSeong Kim, how does this change their depth chart?

Jason Martinez: Like 75% of the signings the past few weeks, it’s not exactly clear (at this moment). Would make it at least a bit more likely that they’d shop Lux. Current bench is Barnes, Miguel Rojas (probably not a trade candidate), Chris Taylor (not a trade candidate unless it’s bad contract-for-bad contract), and Andy Pages (good 4th OF). Not sure where Kim fits there. I’d have to move Pages out for now.

Chris: If they dont make any more addns do u think its DJLM at 3B and Jazz at 2B, or Jazz at 3B and Peraza at 2B (depending on who “wins” the spot)

Jon Becker: I think you have it right, that it would essentially be DJLM, Peraza, and Cabrera competing for the one starting spot, and they’d play Jazz wherever he fits best. I see no reason to believe DJLM ends up showing that he’s starting-caliber anymore, but the Yankees seem to think he still might be able to hit enough.

Alex Anthopoulos: Is signing Jeff Hoffman right up my alley? The deal he’s reportedly asking for is pretty similar to what I gave Reynaldo Lopez last year and I’ve shown some interest in reliever-to-starter conversion projects.

Jason Martinez: I think 30 teams would love to have him in their bullpen. Not as many willing to let him start (or with enough room in their rotation) but the Braves seem like a great fit. Give him at least a month to prove himself before Strider’s back and then they might have to make a decision. At worst, he’d be a very expensive setup man. But one of the better setup men. Sale-Strider-Lopez-Schwellenbach-Hoffman could be a very good starting 5.

Jonathan: What is your feeling about X Edward’s this year.   Some great numbers last year.

Jon Becker: I’m not super enthused about him — I think he’s fun and probably has a long career as at least a bench guy, but his xBA was about 75 points lower than his BA, his BABIP was unsustainably high even for a fast guy, and his defense was pretty rough. But the Marlins will give him plenty of playing time to see if he proves me wrong.

Andrew: Do you thinkg Tigers going to Platoon Tork and Colt Keith at 1B?

Jason Martinez: At some point, if they don’t trade him, I think so. Currently, I have their bench as Dingler, Andy Ibañez, McKinstry, and Baez. But there is a scenario where Javy Baez begins the season on the IL, which would give them some more bench flexibility. But they have a lot of good players competing for a spot who seem like they’re odd men out at the moment, including Wenceel Perez and Justyn-Henry Malloy.

Yukon Cornelius: Will Kristian Campbell be a meaningful contributor in the majors in 2025?

Jon Becker: I think so, yeah, especially if they don’t add another FA hitter like Bregman. 2B is so wide open right now that it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to me if he started on Opening Day.

John B: What do you think of Posey’s comments about going with their young SPs. Real commitment or posturing. Also his comment about hitters who can score runs in multiple ways seem interesting.

Jason Martinez: I believe him because his first instinct is most likely “how did my teams win 3 championships” and the answer is “with a lot of homegrown talent (Lincecum, Cain, Bumgarner)”. Not sure if he believes their internal homegrown options are the answer for 2025. Birdsong, Roupp, and the 3 Carson’s (Whisenhunt, Ragsdale, Seymour) all have potential. I’d also add that those championship teams weren’t offensive juggernauts. Just a lot of dudes who knew how to win, could move the line, and come through in the clutch. I’m sure that’s part of his thinking.

Jake: Do you see an avenue for Ben Rice being a contributor at some point in 2025? Maybe even at C?

Jon Becker: Definitely. Stanton can’t be counted on to play 150+ games, and if Goldy isn’t hitting I don’t think they’d be afraid to cut bait. Haven’t seen anything this offseason about how seriously they’d consider him as more than a third catcher, but it’s worth noting their backup job is wide open.

Yukon Cornelius: The yankees opening day second and third basemen will be….

Jason Martinez: My guess is Chisholm plays 2B and Arenado will be their 3B. They’ll wait out the Cardinals a bit for the price to drop, but he would make a huge difference on that team even if he’s no longer an impact bat. Yankees just need some stability and veteran leadership.

diadem: Where is Tanner Scott going to end up and will he be the closer there?

Jon Becker: I’ll take a shot in the dark and say Red Sox, in which case he’d almost definitely be the guy in the 9th.

Dodgers Blue: Do the Guardians really think they have the starting depth to get through the season???  Lots of injury history on that staff already, no?

Jason Martinez: I don’t think any team thinks they have enough depth. The World Champion Dodgers didn’t have enough pitching depth. They won it all but that was more because their bullpen finally came together at the right moment and, of course, Ohtani-Betts-Freeman-etc. Not sure you can go into a season feeling better about pitching depth than they did in 2024 (lots of young pitchers ready to step in, Kershaw, May, Buehler all returning at some point) and they were still a mess by season’s end. Different standards in the AL Central, but still can’t imagine they’re done. I do think they’re solid 1-8 and then Bieber could be back in the 2nd half.

ML: How much time do you think Brooks Lee will spend at SS this season?

Jon Becker: This is basically asking “how many games does Correa miss?” so I hope the answer is “not very many!” It sounds like the plantar fasciitis was under control down the stretch but that can and will flare up for years. Willi Castro might be ahead of Martin on the SS depth chart, though.

Bob Valdez: Love / Like / Hate what Breslow has done so far?

Jason Martinez: Still “INC” but I would go with LOVE if he makes one more big splash that either makes their bullpen one of the best in baseball (Tanner Scott) or their lineup one of the deepest (Bregman). All while holding on to Campbell, Mayer, and Anthony.

Andrew: Any other notable Japanese or Korean players going to be posted this year? Moinelo?

Jon Becker: There’s nothing stopping a team from posting somebody now, but I can’t think of any precedent for doing so this late in the offseason. The three guys left are Sasaki, Shinnosuke Ogasawara, and Koyo Aoyagi. Unsure if the latter two get deals, they’re regarded as swingman-types in MLB and they may prefer to stay in Japan if nobody’s interested in guaranteeing them a starting spot.

Guest: Will wagner

Jason Martinez: Son of a Hall of Famer (hopefully)

Tacoby Bellsbury: If there were a FanGraphs staff-wide RosterResource chart, what would the splits look like?

Jon Becker: If we’re playing against MLB teams, I’m sure we’d do terribly. I only have the arm for second base and could never hit fellow lefties, so there would be a lot of platooning going on!

Dodgers Blue: Curious on your thoughts on the young Oriole pitching staff.  For guys like Povich and McDermott – you list them as giving about 50% of their time starting and 50% in relief.  Is this an indication that you believe they will be with the big league club and in order to manage their innings, the O’s will limit innings by putting them in the pen?  Or do you not believe in either as a long-term starter?  Otherwise, wouldn’t the organization just leave then on the farm to develop as starters?

Jason Martinez: For playing time projection purposes, it’s just a creative way of getting them some more innings since they should factor into the mix. And I haven’t even added Sugano yet (he’s still not in our database). In reality, there will be injuries that open up a lot of innings and they’ll be the first options. I just can’t predict an injury to any particular pitcher. I can only predict that injuries will occur. But I don’t think they’re bullpen options, at least early in the season. Goal is, if they’re not in the rotation, to get them built up and ready to start when needed.

Andrew: How long do you think it’ll be till the Red Sox decide to bring up Roman Anthony and try to move an outfielder to fit him into the lineup?

Jason Martinez: Even if they can’t trade Yoshida, moving Rafaela into a bench role is what would likely happen once Anthony forces his way into the lineup. Top prospects show you when they’re ready and they’ll have a spot for him when he does.

Jason Martinez: That will do it for today. Thanks for all the questions! We’ll do this again next week. Same day and time.