Braves traded Jasson 0-Dominguez, Maddox 21-Bruns, Jack 21-Neely to Yankees for Emmanuel 0-Rodriguez, Spencer 21-Schwellenbach, Walker 23-Martin
This was a doozy...and it starts with Emmanuel Rodriguez. He's enormously talented. If he can stay healthy & clean up some swing and miss, there is a great eye, big power, and a solid OF. He's racing up prospect lists for good reason. Schwellenbach, too. He's finally healthy and has raced his way up to the MLB this season. He's at least a #4 starter, with some upside beyond it. Martin was my prize in this last draft and the Seager-comps are still there...but Volpe looks awesome, Colt Keith is holding ground, and Keaschall and Matthews are racing up prospect lists...and even more depth beyond that. All that to say, I'm well stocked there.
While this deal gets me two Yankees I'll talk about, I needed Bruns as a part of it. He's a lefty with massive stuff. Three plus pitches with a fastball touching upper 90's. He's been excellent when healthy this year, but his control will be a big issue as he moves up the ladder. Neely has quietly been one of the best relievers in the minors for 3 years now, racking up massive strikeout rates and miniscule hit totals. The Yankees may need to take the governor off and get him to AAA very soon.
Clearly the get was Dominguez. First, he's still just 21 with a track record of hitting in the upper minors and MLB. He has elite exit velocities, makes good swing decisions, and has impressively hit since coming back TJ this past season. He's a solid CF who may be pushed to a corner, but that's just because of a glove like Pereira...not because he can't play there. He's 'The Martian' for a reason. Now he's not just the future of the Yankees...but the IBC Yankees, too.
Trades
Moderator: Yankees
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Matthew Liberatore to Cardinals for Walter 0-Pennington
Liberatore is younger, has a better prospect pedigree, is more established in MLB, and has a solid SIM.
But Pennington is interesting. There was buzz on him in the off-season. Then he was dominant in ST and so far in his first run at AAA. He's pitching to 13.9 k/9 and a 0.83 whip...and it's getting pretty criminal that the Royals haven't called him up yet.
Liberatore is younger, has a better prospect pedigree, is more established in MLB, and has a solid SIM.
But Pennington is interesting. There was buzz on him in the off-season. Then he was dominant in ST and so far in his first run at AAA. He's pitching to 13.9 k/9 and a 0.83 whip...and it's getting pretty criminal that the Royals haven't called him up yet.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Phillies traded Brenton Doyle, Erik 0-Miller, Moises 20-Ballesteros, Nick 20-Frasso, Matt Waldron, Thomas 22-Harrington, Sammy 23-Stafura to Yankees for Ben 0-Lively, Curtis Mead, Luis 21-Baez, Luke 23-Keaschall, Brice 23-Matthews, Will 23-Simpson
Just your typical 13 player swap between Nick & me.
Lively is having a delightful MLB season and may be pitching his way into SIM relevance next year. Baez is moving quickly up the Astros prospect list, as is Simpson with the A's. Matthews has been nothing but outstanding when healthy. Keaschall has absolutely soared up prospect lists and to AA this season. Mead was tough to deal, as I do still quite believe in him, but he's a tough hang if there is going to be very little power output.
For me, the balance of what I got back is incredibly strong. With Ballesteros coming in and flying up prospect charts, I have 3 of the best 10 C prospects in the game (Ford, Ramirez, & Ballesteros)...all staying behind the plate, all with offensive upside. Frasso flew on to top 100 lists last season, but is sitting this one out with TJ. If he comes back strong next season, he's a monster win here as one of the few truly TORP potential pitchers in the minors. Harrington is another pitcher I'm huge on, coming off an injury and moving up to AA already in his age 22 season. Erik Miller was always an 'if he could only throw strikes' starter prospect who has had an excellent first MLB season as a reliever. The under-the-radar prospect get for me was Stafura. He flew up draft charts, but there were major concerns being a cold weather bat and having an awful first campaign in rookie ball. But he came out this year and torched rookie ball before getting promoted to A...where he's also smoked it. He's a pretty no doubt SS with plus tools across the board...especially if the power continues to develop. Had to have him in this deal.
I also got two really good MLBers in this deal. Doyle broke through last year as a GG'er whose defense the SIM also quite likes. He's started to hit this year, which would be massive.
Waldron is so much fun. He was a marginal prospect who his coaches saw fucking with a knuckleball one day and basically said 'your stuff is too shitty, you should throw that.' He got murdered in the minors while he was working on the pitch, but started to really lock in on it last season before breaking through with it this season. He's interesting because he has other fine stuff he can throw and he throws the knuckleball mostly for strikes...and now in a dead ball era. He's not going to be prime-Wakefield, but the combination of other stuff, control, and dead ball...he's fucking interesting...and someone who's a young 27 if that thing really keeps dancing.
Just your typical 13 player swap between Nick & me.
Lively is having a delightful MLB season and may be pitching his way into SIM relevance next year. Baez is moving quickly up the Astros prospect list, as is Simpson with the A's. Matthews has been nothing but outstanding when healthy. Keaschall has absolutely soared up prospect lists and to AA this season. Mead was tough to deal, as I do still quite believe in him, but he's a tough hang if there is going to be very little power output.
For me, the balance of what I got back is incredibly strong. With Ballesteros coming in and flying up prospect charts, I have 3 of the best 10 C prospects in the game (Ford, Ramirez, & Ballesteros)...all staying behind the plate, all with offensive upside. Frasso flew on to top 100 lists last season, but is sitting this one out with TJ. If he comes back strong next season, he's a monster win here as one of the few truly TORP potential pitchers in the minors. Harrington is another pitcher I'm huge on, coming off an injury and moving up to AA already in his age 22 season. Erik Miller was always an 'if he could only throw strikes' starter prospect who has had an excellent first MLB season as a reliever. The under-the-radar prospect get for me was Stafura. He flew up draft charts, but there were major concerns being a cold weather bat and having an awful first campaign in rookie ball. But he came out this year and torched rookie ball before getting promoted to A...where he's also smoked it. He's a pretty no doubt SS with plus tools across the board...especially if the power continues to develop. Had to have him in this deal.
I also got two really good MLBers in this deal. Doyle broke through last year as a GG'er whose defense the SIM also quite likes. He's started to hit this year, which would be massive.
Waldron is so much fun. He was a marginal prospect who his coaches saw fucking with a knuckleball one day and basically said 'your stuff is too shitty, you should throw that.' He got murdered in the minors while he was working on the pitch, but started to really lock in on it last season before breaking through with it this season. He's interesting because he has other fine stuff he can throw and he throws the knuckleball mostly for strikes...and now in a dead ball era. He's not going to be prime-Wakefield, but the combination of other stuff, control, and dead ball...he's fucking interesting...and someone who's a young 27 if that thing really keeps dancing.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Colby 22-Thomas to Pirates for Connor 21-Norby
Thomas was someone I drafted and really liked. He was fine last year and is in the middle of a very good breakout this year. He's an excellent athlete...so much so if there's even a hint of a baseball player, he'll get some real MLB ab's. And doing what he's doing in the upper minors this year is a helluva first step.
Norby gives me a bit of a hedge against Keith. I'm not out on Keith in the long run, but he's certainly setting his SIM back a year with his performance this year. Norby is a steady performer without a true home position, but can stand in enough of them to make his very good bat valuable enough.
Thomas was someone I drafted and really liked. He was fine last year and is in the middle of a very good breakout this year. He's an excellent athlete...so much so if there's even a hint of a baseball player, he'll get some real MLB ab's. And doing what he's doing in the upper minors this year is a helluva first step.
Norby gives me a bit of a hedge against Keith. I'm not out on Keith in the long run, but he's certainly setting his SIM back a year with his performance this year. Norby is a steady performer without a true home position, but can stand in enough of them to make his very good bat valuable enough.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Roderick 21-Arias, Harry 21-Ford, Nick 20-Frasso, George 23-Wolkow to WhiteSox for Trea Turner
Upside is the big word for what Aaron got back here. Start with Ford who's a pretty solid top 50 prospect and represents a super athletic catcher with great swing decisions. He's a no doubt MLBer, and, if the power develops, he'll make a lot of all-star games. After that, Frasso was a top 100 guy until he got hit by TJ. Arias is a top 100 guy who's starting to find his bat at the A level. Wolkow was who Aaron demanded to close the deal, and he's one of the most interesting prospects from the 2023 draft. He's a massive, multi-tooled athlete who was one of the youngest in his draft class and has torn up rookie ball, and while struggling a bit since getting called up to A, he's also WAY ahead of the developmental curve.
I get back Turner. One of the best players in the SIM and one of the best players in MLB. Clearly this presents some issues with Volpe, but we will figure that out over the next few months.
Upside is the big word for what Aaron got back here. Start with Ford who's a pretty solid top 50 prospect and represents a super athletic catcher with great swing decisions. He's a no doubt MLBer, and, if the power develops, he'll make a lot of all-star games. After that, Frasso was a top 100 guy until he got hit by TJ. Arias is a top 100 guy who's starting to find his bat at the A level. Wolkow was who Aaron demanded to close the deal, and he's one of the most interesting prospects from the 2023 draft. He's a massive, multi-tooled athlete who was one of the youngest in his draft class and has torn up rookie ball, and while struggling a bit since getting called up to A, he's also WAY ahead of the developmental curve.
I get back Turner. One of the best players in the SIM and one of the best players in MLB. Clearly this presents some issues with Volpe, but we will figure that out over the next few months.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
BlueJays traded Ryan Mountcastle, Luis Gil, Steven Kwan to Yankees for Trea Turner, Jasson 0-Dominguez, Jaden 23-Hamm, Tre 23-Morgan
Lot of good pieces that most people know about in this deal, so I'll skip the player breakdown.
I give up a lot of talent. Turner was already mentally out the door, but Dominguez wasn't anyone I planned on trading as we kicked this deal around for a bit.
My roster had 3 key areas of weakness, and the most crucial and hard to get being top of the rotation starter. Gil is still young and clearly possesses that upside. He needs to navigate this season and get to the mound again next season, but this is a hell of a start. This allows the rest of my future rotation to fall into a much more natural position.
Mountcastle fills another weakness (1b) with someone entering their prime who has proven he can impact major league pitching.
There's no doubt Dominguez' upside is solidly higher than Kwan's, but for all his success, Dominguez needs to strike out less and, critically, stay on the field so his development can play out. With Kwan I know get a dynamic table-setter and a gold glove OF just before he enters his prime.
While there is a TON of talent walking out the door, ultimately this is a huge upgrade for me at two big positions of weakness while, as a Yankee fan, if Dominguez surpasses Kwan's floor, I'll be thrilled.
Lot of good pieces that most people know about in this deal, so I'll skip the player breakdown.
I give up a lot of talent. Turner was already mentally out the door, but Dominguez wasn't anyone I planned on trading as we kicked this deal around for a bit.
My roster had 3 key areas of weakness, and the most crucial and hard to get being top of the rotation starter. Gil is still young and clearly possesses that upside. He needs to navigate this season and get to the mound again next season, but this is a hell of a start. This allows the rest of my future rotation to fall into a much more natural position.
Mountcastle fills another weakness (1b) with someone entering their prime who has proven he can impact major league pitching.
There's no doubt Dominguez' upside is solidly higher than Kwan's, but for all his success, Dominguez needs to strike out less and, critically, stay on the field so his development can play out. With Kwan I know get a dynamic table-setter and a gold glove OF just before he enters his prime.
While there is a TON of talent walking out the door, ultimately this is a huge upgrade for me at two big positions of weakness while, as a Yankee fan, if Dominguez surpasses Kwan's floor, I'll be thrilled.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Michael 17-Mercado, Zebby 22-Matthews to Phillies for Jhonkensy Noel, Curtis Mead
Nick and I are keeping the Amtrak between New York & Philly in business for sure...
Mercado has been a really fun pop-up prospect this year who probably doesn't have enough stuff to be a full-time starter, but he's fantastic as a multi-inning reliever/spot starter with real back-end of the bullpen potential. Matthews has been incredible this season, shoving all the way up to AA with unbelievable whip & kk/b rates. This stuff is real enough to crack top 100 lists, even though he is slightly older. Picking up Gil, while seeing the development of guys like Dana, Arrighetti, Waldron, Harrington, etc. gave me some confidence to move him.
I've long been a Noel guy. At one point he was the longest tenured player on my roster before a painful off-season cut. He's always been young for the level with tremendous raw power, but it didn't all come together at AAA until this year...seeing his way to an MLB debut. He's limited positionally, but that's why God invented the DH.
From the minute I traded Mead, he's done what everyone hoped he would do...start to turn his plus hit tool and batting practice power on by focusing on pulling the ball. The team that invented the Paredes 331 foot homer seems to be focusing Mead similarly...with massive results in AAA. He's starting to look the part of a full-time, high-level MLB starter...and he's still really young.
Nick and I are keeping the Amtrak between New York & Philly in business for sure...
Mercado has been a really fun pop-up prospect this year who probably doesn't have enough stuff to be a full-time starter, but he's fantastic as a multi-inning reliever/spot starter with real back-end of the bullpen potential. Matthews has been incredible this season, shoving all the way up to AA with unbelievable whip & kk/b rates. This stuff is real enough to crack top 100 lists, even though he is slightly older. Picking up Gil, while seeing the development of guys like Dana, Arrighetti, Waldron, Harrington, etc. gave me some confidence to move him.
I've long been a Noel guy. At one point he was the longest tenured player on my roster before a painful off-season cut. He's always been young for the level with tremendous raw power, but it didn't all come together at AAA until this year...seeing his way to an MLB debut. He's limited positionally, but that's why God invented the DH.
From the minute I traded Mead, he's done what everyone hoped he would do...start to turn his plus hit tool and batting practice power on by focusing on pulling the ball. The team that invented the Paredes 331 foot homer seems to be focusing Mead similarly...with massive results in AAA. He's starting to look the part of a full-time, high-level MLB starter...and he's still really young.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Robert Hassell III, Connor 21-Norby, Caden 22-Dana, Agustin 0-Ramirez, Mike 23-Boeve, Yankees Draft Pick 1 to Phillies for Jeremy Pena, Cole Sands, Andy Pages, Justin Foscue, Kerry Carpenter, Phillies Draft Pick 3
Yankees traded Tyler Anderson, Jeremy Pena to Cardinals for Nestor Cortes, Adrian 21-Del Castillo
The Amtrak from New York to Philly keeps cooking. Headed out west is a ton of talent. The pick looks to be a top 30-50 player, Ramirez is a super helium catching prospect, Dana is cracking top 100 lists, Boeve won't stop hitting, & Hassell is still a good prospect as a CF. Anderson also heads out of town in another deal, alongside Pena, in the midst of another excellent season on the hill.
Headed back east are six players that I think will be crucial as we build back up into contention. Cortes is a solid mid-rotation starter and is clearly a great fit in Yankee Stadium. Del Castillo was a bat first catching draft prospect and has cruised through the minors as a bat first catching prospect until a huge breakout year this year. While Reno is a hitters haven, the underlying numbers are also really strong. Sands comes in to fortify the bullpen for next year and Foscue is an excellent hitter who can play a few different positions. Carpenter has all the hallmarks of a #5 hitter in a now loaded outfield, and I genuinely believe Pages has all-star upside as a CF.
All in, I converted some very good prospects into a #3 starter, two middle-of-the-order starters, a back-end relief option, and two prospects on the cusp of MLB.
Yankees traded Tyler Anderson, Jeremy Pena to Cardinals for Nestor Cortes, Adrian 21-Del Castillo
The Amtrak from New York to Philly keeps cooking. Headed out west is a ton of talent. The pick looks to be a top 30-50 player, Ramirez is a super helium catching prospect, Dana is cracking top 100 lists, Boeve won't stop hitting, & Hassell is still a good prospect as a CF. Anderson also heads out of town in another deal, alongside Pena, in the midst of another excellent season on the hill.
Headed back east are six players that I think will be crucial as we build back up into contention. Cortes is a solid mid-rotation starter and is clearly a great fit in Yankee Stadium. Del Castillo was a bat first catching draft prospect and has cruised through the minors as a bat first catching prospect until a huge breakout year this year. While Reno is a hitters haven, the underlying numbers are also really strong. Sands comes in to fortify the bullpen for next year and Foscue is an excellent hitter who can play a few different positions. Carpenter has all the hallmarks of a #5 hitter in a now loaded outfield, and I genuinely believe Pages has all-star upside as a CF.
All in, I converted some very good prospects into a #3 starter, two middle-of-the-order starters, a back-end relief option, and two prospects on the cusp of MLB.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Zac 20-Veen, Yankees Draft Pick 3 to Mariners for Jake 0-Irvin, Mariners Draft Pick 5
Veen was drafted as a highly tooled up prospect and raced up prospect charts as he was challenged to full season ball as a high school draftee and killed it...but got hurt. Then he held himself up admirably at A+ before struggling in AA...but also got hurt. He struggled fully in AA last season...but it's tough to kill him on it because he was...wait for it...hurt. He was fantastic in winter ball and got off to a flying start this season, appearing back on top 100 lists before he...got hurt. He's still just 22 with immense tools, but with Kwan, Doyle, Carpenter, Pages, Vargas, & Clase ahead of him...he has a hill to climb to get to some relevance with the IBC Yankees...
...which made it a fair switch for my big area of weakness, starting pitching. Irvin was drafted as an arrow up college arm in the 2018 draft and was moving through the minors smoothly before he missed two years via the pandemic and injury. He jumped right back to AAA with a solid season in 2022 and then spent most of 2023 throwing very mediocre MLB & AAA ip's for the Nats. This season has been a different story. He's tied for the NL lead in starts, 3rd in IP's, 9th in WAR & 9th in WHIP. His BB rate has taken a jump back to MiLB days, his home run rate has ticked down while his ground ball rate his ticked up, & his secondary stats pretty closely mirror his primary stats...so even if you believe he's a bit luckier than your average bear, there are still some indicators that this is at least a step forward, if not an actual breakout. With Gil & Cortes atop the rotation, and Waldron in a solid #3 spot, Irvin can settle in comfortably as a #4 option...with potential for more if this (knock on wood) is a breakout.
Veen was drafted as a highly tooled up prospect and raced up prospect charts as he was challenged to full season ball as a high school draftee and killed it...but got hurt. Then he held himself up admirably at A+ before struggling in AA...but also got hurt. He struggled fully in AA last season...but it's tough to kill him on it because he was...wait for it...hurt. He was fantastic in winter ball and got off to a flying start this season, appearing back on top 100 lists before he...got hurt. He's still just 22 with immense tools, but with Kwan, Doyle, Carpenter, Pages, Vargas, & Clase ahead of him...he has a hill to climb to get to some relevance with the IBC Yankees...
...which made it a fair switch for my big area of weakness, starting pitching. Irvin was drafted as an arrow up college arm in the 2018 draft and was moving through the minors smoothly before he missed two years via the pandemic and injury. He jumped right back to AAA with a solid season in 2022 and then spent most of 2023 throwing very mediocre MLB & AAA ip's for the Nats. This season has been a different story. He's tied for the NL lead in starts, 3rd in IP's, 9th in WAR & 9th in WHIP. His BB rate has taken a jump back to MiLB days, his home run rate has ticked down while his ground ball rate his ticked up, & his secondary stats pretty closely mirror his primary stats...so even if you believe he's a bit luckier than your average bear, there are still some indicators that this is at least a step forward, if not an actual breakout. With Gil & Cortes atop the rotation, and Waldron in a solid #3 spot, Irvin can settle in comfortably as a #4 option...with potential for more if this (knock on wood) is a breakout.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Miguel Vargas, Kyle 23-Amendt, Yankees Draft Pick 2 to Braves for Jose 16-Soriano, Braves Draft Pick 4
Vargas was tough to trade. While he has struggled with MLB rhp's pretty consistently, he's multi-positional, can really hit lefties, and has shown better splits in the minors. Amendt is ripping through the minors as a reliever and the 2nd is a pretty big wild card in this draft.
Soriano jumped up Angels prospect charts on his way to an excellent second half out of the Angels bullpen. He has premier stuff and has not looked out of place when the Angels have stretched him back out as a starter this season. While the K rate has dropped in the transition, his BB rate, line drive rate, & ground ball rate have all jumped in the right direction. All that has allowed his elite stuff to play up, and, with an already solid SIM, gives him a chance to be a legit mid-rotation starter moving forward in real life and the SIM.
This trade allows me to toss a Gil/Cortes/Waldron/Soriano/Irvin rotation out over the next few years, backed up by Means/Williams/Boyle/Beeter without sacrificing Curet, Bruns, Milbrandt, Arrighetti, Knoth, Selvidge, or Harrington.
Vargas was tough to trade. While he has struggled with MLB rhp's pretty consistently, he's multi-positional, can really hit lefties, and has shown better splits in the minors. Amendt is ripping through the minors as a reliever and the 2nd is a pretty big wild card in this draft.
Soriano jumped up Angels prospect charts on his way to an excellent second half out of the Angels bullpen. He has premier stuff and has not looked out of place when the Angels have stretched him back out as a starter this season. While the K rate has dropped in the transition, his BB rate, line drive rate, & ground ball rate have all jumped in the right direction. All that has allowed his elite stuff to play up, and, with an already solid SIM, gives him a chance to be a legit mid-rotation starter moving forward in real life and the SIM.
This trade allows me to toss a Gil/Cortes/Waldron/Soriano/Irvin rotation out over the next few years, backed up by Means/Williams/Boyle/Beeter without sacrificing Curet, Bruns, Milbrandt, Arrighetti, Knoth, Selvidge, or Harrington.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Ryan Mountcastle to BlueJays for Ryan Walker, Matt 23-Wilkinson
Mountcastle is young and consistent and a nightmare for left handed pitchers. He is stuck at first and K's a bit much, but that is knit-picking a very solid player.
For me, I'm becoming more and more a believer in needing Noel's power in my lineup moving forward (and can hold the fort with OF's & Schneemann where necessary)...and really wanted to bolster the back end of my bullpen. Walker is a late bloomer who has been tremendous in his two MLB seasons , including taking another big step forward this season. He's been awesome.
Wilkinson is a solid pickup as a difference between a regular MLB player and reliever. He was unhittable at A and has been amazing in HA, too. He has fringe average stuff, but is absolutely dominating minor league hitters and keeps giving reason to expand his ceiling...and he's still just 21.
Mountcastle is young and consistent and a nightmare for left handed pitchers. He is stuck at first and K's a bit much, but that is knit-picking a very solid player.
For me, I'm becoming more and more a believer in needing Noel's power in my lineup moving forward (and can hold the fort with OF's & Schneemann where necessary)...and really wanted to bolster the back end of my bullpen. Walker is a late bloomer who has been tremendous in his two MLB seasons , including taking another big step forward this season. He's been awesome.
Wilkinson is a solid pickup as a difference between a regular MLB player and reliever. He was unhittable at A and has been amazing in HA, too. He has fringe average stuff, but is absolutely dominating minor league hitters and keeps giving reason to expand his ceiling...and he's still just 21.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Nestor Cortes to Padres for Jose Miranda
Marlins traded Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Reese Olson, Marlins Draft Pick 2 to Yankees for Curtis Mead, Phillies Draft Pick 3
These are pretty interrelated so I'll combine. Out the door goes Mead and Nestor. I'm far from out on Nestor, but he certainly has more value to a contending team than myself right now...especially if I can get younger in the process. Mead now, finally, has his runway with the Paredes trade in TB. He's still very young and had quite a good few months in AAA before getting promoted again. He's a super talented player who just needs to find a bit more consistency and pop.
This deal does a couple things for me. Olson is now on his second consecutive strong MLB season. He's taken a little jump this season due to an almost 20% increase in ground ball rate while halving his home run rate. He's been a little less lucky in regards to BABIP, but the other metrics have helped see him shave almost a run off his FIP. He's gone from slightly overperforming his numbers to slight underperforming, too...which is nice. IKF joins in that deal. While I love that his hitting has taken a step in the right direction, I'm more excited about his plus defense at ss/3b (will add 2b next year!) and his utility at c. And we will need it...as Jose Miranda is no great shakes at 3b. Miranda skyrocketed up the MiLB ladder with tremendous hitting performances in '21 & '22, before really struggling back at MLB & aaa in 2023. This year has been back to his best, as he's got back to elevating the ball more with a TON of success. As the SIM was already a fan, he'll probably slot behind Kwan in the #2 hole, putting my lineup into a REALLY fun place...all while continuing to improve my depth in the process.
Marlins traded Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Reese Olson, Marlins Draft Pick 2 to Yankees for Curtis Mead, Phillies Draft Pick 3
These are pretty interrelated so I'll combine. Out the door goes Mead and Nestor. I'm far from out on Nestor, but he certainly has more value to a contending team than myself right now...especially if I can get younger in the process. Mead now, finally, has his runway with the Paredes trade in TB. He's still very young and had quite a good few months in AAA before getting promoted again. He's a super talented player who just needs to find a bit more consistency and pop.
This deal does a couple things for me. Olson is now on his second consecutive strong MLB season. He's taken a little jump this season due to an almost 20% increase in ground ball rate while halving his home run rate. He's been a little less lucky in regards to BABIP, but the other metrics have helped see him shave almost a run off his FIP. He's gone from slightly overperforming his numbers to slight underperforming, too...which is nice. IKF joins in that deal. While I love that his hitting has taken a step in the right direction, I'm more excited about his plus defense at ss/3b (will add 2b next year!) and his utility at c. And we will need it...as Jose Miranda is no great shakes at 3b. Miranda skyrocketed up the MiLB ladder with tremendous hitting performances in '21 & '22, before really struggling back at MLB & aaa in 2023. This year has been back to his best, as he's got back to elevating the ball more with a TON of success. As the SIM was already a fan, he'll probably slot behind Kwan in the #2 hole, putting my lineup into a REALLY fun place...all while continuing to improve my depth in the process.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
BlueJays traded Jake McCarthy, Josh Jung, Brendan Donovan, Tre 23-Morgan to Yankees for Steven Kwan, Jake 0-Irvin
Had a ton of requests on Kwan and had turned them all down. He's a dynamic table-setter & Gold Glove winner. He's showing more power this year and consistently walks as much as he strikes out. He's really great. Irvin has broken out this year for the Nats and has league average stuff with solid command. He'll be a #4-esque starter for a long time.
Let's start with Morgan. While the power continues to underwhelm, he's #2 in all of the minors in hitting, walked more than he struck out across two levels, stole almost 20 bases, already plays a Gold Glove first base, AND is now getting runout in left field with outstanding results. He's still just 21 and will have to learn to elevate the ball a bit better...but this is a hell of a start.
McCarthy can play across all 3 all-star spots, is appreciated by the SIM, and is in the midst of a pretty awesome year. He walks a thin BABIP line, but he makes excellent swing decisions and has a history of tearing up AAA the last two years. Donovan is a bit similar. He plays 2b/3b/lf/rf, gets on-base at an above average clip, and can impact the ball. He's a tremendously valuable player.
Jung was the big get for me. I have always believed in his upside as a potential all-star 3b, who does have to stay healthy. He allows me to push Miranda around the diamond where it makes the most sense to make a pretty dynamic lineup with incredible matchups against both righties & lefties. Love the flexibility & top-line impact this deal gives me.
Had a ton of requests on Kwan and had turned them all down. He's a dynamic table-setter & Gold Glove winner. He's showing more power this year and consistently walks as much as he strikes out. He's really great. Irvin has broken out this year for the Nats and has league average stuff with solid command. He'll be a #4-esque starter for a long time.
Let's start with Morgan. While the power continues to underwhelm, he's #2 in all of the minors in hitting, walked more than he struck out across two levels, stole almost 20 bases, already plays a Gold Glove first base, AND is now getting runout in left field with outstanding results. He's still just 21 and will have to learn to elevate the ball a bit better...but this is a hell of a start.
McCarthy can play across all 3 all-star spots, is appreciated by the SIM, and is in the midst of a pretty awesome year. He walks a thin BABIP line, but he makes excellent swing decisions and has a history of tearing up AAA the last two years. Donovan is a bit similar. He plays 2b/3b/lf/rf, gets on-base at an above average clip, and can impact the ball. He's a tremendously valuable player.
Jung was the big get for me. I have always believed in his upside as a potential all-star 3b, who does have to stay healthy. He allows me to push Miranda around the diamond where it makes the most sense to make a pretty dynamic lineup with incredible matchups against both righties & lefties. Love the flexibility & top-line impact this deal gives me.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Jose Miranda to Brewers for Tyler O'Neill
While I'm always up for a deal, I wasn't really thinking about trading Miranda when I got him. He's got a great bat, pretty versatile, and still quite young...and the sim does appreciate him.
But O'Neill was a little too fun to pass up. He's a talented OF who allows me to add his glove to give me better defensive versatility, and he's been awesome as a Red Sox. His bat provides the thump I'm looking for, and advanced zips looks give him a middle of the order presence for next season. The power adds better balance to my lineup, while the glove moves my defense towards plus all the way around.
While I'm always up for a deal, I wasn't really thinking about trading Miranda when I got him. He's got a great bat, pretty versatile, and still quite young...and the sim does appreciate him.
But O'Neill was a little too fun to pass up. He's a talented OF who allows me to add his glove to give me better defensive versatility, and he's been awesome as a Red Sox. His bat provides the thump I'm looking for, and advanced zips looks give him a middle of the order presence for next season. The power adds better balance to my lineup, while the glove moves my defense towards plus all the way around.
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Re: Trades
Twins traded Kyle Freeland, Ryan Helsley, Bailey Ober to Yankees for Andy Pages, Brendan Donovan, Spencer 21-Arrighetti
I probably gave up way too much here. Pages swung his way back up prospect lists with a tremendous performance at AAA and he's been given a runway with solid results in LA. Donovan is a terrific, multi-positional player and he's still young with some power upside. Arrighetti has been pretty awesome lately, and has shown real upside over his first few MLB starts. He has pretty dynamic stuff and in a good developmental system...and they keep throwing him out there to show the Astros faith in him.
The last block was a show that I really had a lot of hitters and not enough spaces for them. This deal allowed me to pick up a really solid, young starter (Ober) and a closer (Helsley), as well as some sp depth, without taking from my lineup. It's probably an overpay, but one that filled in critical spots on my roster.
I probably gave up way too much here. Pages swung his way back up prospect lists with a tremendous performance at AAA and he's been given a runway with solid results in LA. Donovan is a terrific, multi-positional player and he's still young with some power upside. Arrighetti has been pretty awesome lately, and has shown real upside over his first few MLB starts. He has pretty dynamic stuff and in a good developmental system...and they keep throwing him out there to show the Astros faith in him.
The last block was a show that I really had a lot of hitters and not enough spaces for them. This deal allowed me to pick up a really solid, young starter (Ober) and a closer (Helsley), as well as some sp depth, without taking from my lineup. It's probably an overpay, but one that filled in critical spots on my roster.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Cardinals traded LaMonte Wade, Will Benson to Yankees for Erik 0-Miller, Moises 20-Ballesteros
Ballesteros is a pretty consensus top 60 prospect. He has his struggles behind the dish, but he absolutely raked this year into a late season stumble at AAA. Miller has had a solid rookie season out of the SF pen, and has the benefit of starting games, too.
Wade was clearly the get. While he's got limited power, he's excellent at getting on base and can comfortably play lf, rf, & 1b. He'll fit towards the top of my lineup and start at 1b, but will give some solid flexibility when injuries hit. Benson offers great left-handed power and can play all three outfield positions decently. He's had a miserable season at the plate, but has retained his pop.
Ballesteros is a pretty consensus top 60 prospect. He has his struggles behind the dish, but he absolutely raked this year into a late season stumble at AAA. Miller has had a solid rookie season out of the SF pen, and has the benefit of starting games, too.
Wade was clearly the get. While he's got limited power, he's excellent at getting on base and can comfortably play lf, rf, & 1b. He'll fit towards the top of my lineup and start at 1b, but will give some solid flexibility when injuries hit. Benson offers great left-handed power and can play all three outfield positions decently. He's had a miserable season at the plate, but has retained his pop.
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Tre 23-Morgan, Matt 23-Wilkinson to Royals for Sandro Fabian, Bryce Elder, David 21-Festa
‘Tugboat’ has ripped up MiLB hitters this year across A and HA. There are some ultimate questions on the quality of his stuff, but he’s passed every test in a big way in 2024. Morgan was so hard to part with. He was a favorite of mine in the draft and he has absolutely raked up to the AA level so far this year. There will be a question over the power in his bat, but, like Wilkinson he’s crushed every test so far.
Festa was making top 100 lists when the Twins called him up…and he’s the big get here. He’s tough to hit and he k’s a lot, so if his command continues to step forward the stuff is there for as high as a #2 starter. Elder was a pop-up pitcher last year, running all the way to MLB, where he was also successful. He was rewarded with a good sim, but really struggled at MLB and AAA to start the year before pitching brilliantly recently at AAA to hopefully hold some value for next year…and a launching pad for a better ‘25. Fabian still can’t find MLB AB’s, but he’s been solid at AAA again and had a very usable sim. He’s a good break glass if necessary bench bat.
‘Tugboat’ has ripped up MiLB hitters this year across A and HA. There are some ultimate questions on the quality of his stuff, but he’s passed every test in a big way in 2024. Morgan was so hard to part with. He was a favorite of mine in the draft and he has absolutely raked up to the AA level so far this year. There will be a question over the power in his bat, but, like Wilkinson he’s crushed every test so far.
Festa was making top 100 lists when the Twins called him up…and he’s the big get here. He’s tough to hit and he k’s a lot, so if his command continues to step forward the stuff is there for as high as a #2 starter. Elder was a pop-up pitcher last year, running all the way to MLB, where he was also successful. He was rewarded with a good sim, but really struggled at MLB and AAA to start the year before pitching brilliantly recently at AAA to hopefully hold some value for next year…and a launching pad for a better ‘25. Fabian still can’t find MLB AB’s, but he’s been solid at AAA again and had a very usable sim. He’s a good break glass if necessary bench bat.
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Re: Trades
Cardinals traded Ezequiel Duran, Pirates Draft Pick 4 to Yankees for Walter 0-Pennington, Mariners Draft Pick 5
Pennington has been really, really good this year. He had an outstanding AAA season and has parlayed that to MLB success...so much so that the Rangers targeted him at the deadline. He's still pretty young, too.
But nothing ventured, nothing gained. While Duran has had a trainwreck of an MLB season, there are some interesting underlying numbers still. He showed his massive pop at the AAA level, he's maintained outstanding defensive versatility, and he has significantly cut his strikeout rate the MLB level. The problem is that he's just hitting almost everything on the ground at the MLB level, essentially taking from his his LD% and adding it into his GB%. Consequently his BABIP has dropped by 50 points and his ISO has been thirded. But, again, 11 ebh's in 86 AAA ab's show the pop is still there and he's just 25. He just may need to get out of Texas to find some consistent AB's at the MLB level. Either way, I'll take it for a spin.
Pennington has been really, really good this year. He had an outstanding AAA season and has parlayed that to MLB success...so much so that the Rangers targeted him at the deadline. He's still pretty young, too.
But nothing ventured, nothing gained. While Duran has had a trainwreck of an MLB season, there are some interesting underlying numbers still. He showed his massive pop at the AAA level, he's maintained outstanding defensive versatility, and he has significantly cut his strikeout rate the MLB level. The problem is that he's just hitting almost everything on the ground at the MLB level, essentially taking from his his LD% and adding it into his GB%. Consequently his BABIP has dropped by 50 points and his ISO has been thirded. But, again, 11 ebh's in 86 AAA ab's show the pop is still there and he's just 25. He just may need to get out of Texas to find some consistent AB's at the MLB level. Either way, I'll take it for a spin.
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Re: Trades
Mariners traded Tim 0-Herrin to Yankees for Thomas 22-Harrington
Harrington is really good. His solid 2023 season has turned into an outstanding 2024 season. He's jumped up prospect lists all the way into top 100 status. He has very good control, has had some solid strikeout numbers, and decent stuff. He'll have to work on the margins but has given every indication he'll be able to and probably develop into a good back-end/mid-rotation starter.
The Indians keep churning out solid relievers. Herrin is absolute death on lefties. He's had almost 150 ab's against lefties in his carrer and they have a miniscule .449 ops (.339 this year) against him. He's solid on righties, too, dropping his ops against by 70 points to a respectable .640 from '23 to '24. Altogether, he's been outstanding in his MLB career, is still young, and will slot in as my #1 lefty from the pen. Combined with Helsley, Walker, Sands, et al, we are putting together a killer bullpen.
Harrington is really good. His solid 2023 season has turned into an outstanding 2024 season. He's jumped up prospect lists all the way into top 100 status. He has very good control, has had some solid strikeout numbers, and decent stuff. He'll have to work on the margins but has given every indication he'll be able to and probably develop into a good back-end/mid-rotation starter.
The Indians keep churning out solid relievers. Herrin is absolute death on lefties. He's had almost 150 ab's against lefties in his carrer and they have a miniscule .449 ops (.339 this year) against him. He's solid on righties, too, dropping his ops against by 70 points to a respectable .640 from '23 to '24. Altogether, he's been outstanding in his MLB career, is still young, and will slot in as my #1 lefty from the pen. Combined with Helsley, Walker, Sands, et al, we are putting together a killer bullpen.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Justin Foscue, Adrian 21-Del Castillo, Ryan 21-Bliss to Royals for Joe Mantiply, Miguel Amaya, Thayron 21-Liranzo
Yankees traded Jonatan 18-Clase, Yoniel 0-Curet, Marlins Draft Pick 2 to Athletics for Camilo Doval
In the first deal, both Foscue & Bliss come from a place of pretty great depth, so moving them didn't truly impact the starting lineup...as good as both are (I especially love Bliss). ADC was terrific for both Reno & AZ, but FG ROS was not nearly as excited about him...which I believe will closely emulate his 2025 ratings.
In return, I get back Amaya, who I believe is a solid starter as a C...with some upside and Mantiply gives me very solid lh rp depth alongside Herrin. Liranzo lost some prospect shine when, as a 20 year old, he struggled at A+ with the Dodgers, but he was AWESOME post-trade with the Tigers minor league system. With Detroit clearly doing a ton right on the development side, Liranzo was a good pickup as a long-term solution at C.
In deal #2, Clase is a very solid CF in both the SIM & real life, while Curet had an outstanding year in the Rays org. The #2 pick is just icing on a big return for Stephen.
That said, this deal doesn't happen if 2024 Doval was 2022 & 2023 Doval. A dominant force the past two seasons, I'm going to bet on a bit of unluckiness in 2024. While Doval will have to work on a spiking walk rate, his babip was up 30 points despite his LD & FB rate's decreasing. Right now, he's only got to be a 6th inning arm for me, but clearly holds the capability of an all-star closer...still. Unfortunately another bad season will make this deal look pretty awful.
Yankees traded Jonatan 18-Clase, Yoniel 0-Curet, Marlins Draft Pick 2 to Athletics for Camilo Doval
In the first deal, both Foscue & Bliss come from a place of pretty great depth, so moving them didn't truly impact the starting lineup...as good as both are (I especially love Bliss). ADC was terrific for both Reno & AZ, but FG ROS was not nearly as excited about him...which I believe will closely emulate his 2025 ratings.
In return, I get back Amaya, who I believe is a solid starter as a C...with some upside and Mantiply gives me very solid lh rp depth alongside Herrin. Liranzo lost some prospect shine when, as a 20 year old, he struggled at A+ with the Dodgers, but he was AWESOME post-trade with the Tigers minor league system. With Detroit clearly doing a ton right on the development side, Liranzo was a good pickup as a long-term solution at C.
In deal #2, Clase is a very solid CF in both the SIM & real life, while Curet had an outstanding year in the Rays org. The #2 pick is just icing on a big return for Stephen.
That said, this deal doesn't happen if 2024 Doval was 2022 & 2023 Doval. A dominant force the past two seasons, I'm going to bet on a bit of unluckiness in 2024. While Doval will have to work on a spiking walk rate, his babip was up 30 points despite his LD & FB rate's decreasing. Right now, he's only got to be a 6th inning arm for me, but clearly holds the capability of an all-star closer...still. Unfortunately another bad season will make this deal look pretty awful.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Clayton Beeter, Pirates Draft Pick 4 to Rockies for Keibert Ruiz, Brock 22-Porter
The 4th is a fine pick. Beeter keeps getting people out, while making a starter/reliever decision continuously difficult. He's a very real arm.
Ruiz gives me some C pop from the lh side, and was one of the top 10-30 prospects in the league at one point...so there's still some upside there, as catchers do seem to mature later. Porter is a worthwhile gamble for a year as an absolutely elite arm who has struggled getting outs.
The 4th is a fine pick. Beeter keeps getting people out, while making a starter/reliever decision continuously difficult. He's a very real arm.
Ruiz gives me some C pop from the lh side, and was one of the top 10-30 prospects in the league at one point...so there's still some upside there, as catchers do seem to mature later. Porter is a worthwhile gamble for a year as an absolutely elite arm who has struggled getting outs.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Colt 20-Keith, David 21-Festa to Astros for Victor Robles, Edgardo 0-Henriquez
This was a tough trade. I'm a huge fan of both Keith and Festa. Keith had a massive middle of the season, just sandwiched between a tough start and tough finish. He's still young enough and the middle months showed the talent is there, but he will have to learn to make more consistent, better swing decisions and get the ball off the ground if he's going to reach his ceiling. Festa is a very good arm with very good stuff, he'll just have to ensure the bb rate doesn't drift up to his MiLB numbers to reach his ceiling.
While we're on the subject of ceilings, I've got two interesting guys in return. Robles was a top 5-10 prospect in baseball (high as #2 to BP) and his first three pro seasons were pretty solid. He started struggling during the pandemic and it lasted while getting jerked around by the Nationals through 2022. And then last year he started breaking out. And despite a tough start this year, he exploded once picked up by the Mariners to the tune of 3.2 war in 254 ab's (or 7.7 over 600 ab's). He plays an outstanding defense in center, stole 34 bases in 36 attempts, and RoS took a shine to him (112 ops+ at the end of the season). Henriquez is a beast. While his control is still a work in progress (he's just 22), he has absolutely filthy stuff and flew all the way up to MLB and on the Dodgers post-season roster. He'll have a spot on the end of my now nasty bullpen and has the upside of a future shutdown closer.
This was a tough trade. I'm a huge fan of both Keith and Festa. Keith had a massive middle of the season, just sandwiched between a tough start and tough finish. He's still young enough and the middle months showed the talent is there, but he will have to learn to make more consistent, better swing decisions and get the ball off the ground if he's going to reach his ceiling. Festa is a very good arm with very good stuff, he'll just have to ensure the bb rate doesn't drift up to his MiLB numbers to reach his ceiling.
While we're on the subject of ceilings, I've got two interesting guys in return. Robles was a top 5-10 prospect in baseball (high as #2 to BP) and his first three pro seasons were pretty solid. He started struggling during the pandemic and it lasted while getting jerked around by the Nationals through 2022. And then last year he started breaking out. And despite a tough start this year, he exploded once picked up by the Mariners to the tune of 3.2 war in 254 ab's (or 7.7 over 600 ab's). He plays an outstanding defense in center, stole 34 bases in 36 attempts, and RoS took a shine to him (112 ops+ at the end of the season). Henriquez is a beast. While his control is still a work in progress (he's just 22), he has absolutely filthy stuff and flew all the way up to MLB and on the Dodgers post-season roster. He'll have a spot on the end of my now nasty bullpen and has the upside of a future shutdown closer.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Brenton Doyle, Camilo Doval to Rays for Spencer Steer, Cade 0-Smith
Doval is a young flame thrower who followed up 3 phenomenal seasons with a tough 2024. He still has solid secondary stats, so assuming this was just a blip on the radar. I was able to finagle Doyle into a deal in early June right before he went on a huge home run spree. He's a gold glove CF who broke out offensively this year. Will the offense stay? Will the SIM ever truly respect his defense? Two interesting questions I wasn't super excited to have answered with Robles in the fold.
Steer was a solid MiLBer before a breakout 2022 got him all the way to MLB. He had an outstanding rookie campaign in 2023, before a bit of a frustrating 2024. He appears to have been pretty unlucky, has good positional versatility, can fill my opening at 2b, and hopefully bounces back in 2025. As big as that hole was to fill, I'm insanely excited to bring Smith aboard. Smith was an exciting arm in the best organization for relievers (Guardians), but exploded this season by halving his bb rate in MLB while pretty much keeping his MiLB k rate. Throwing more strikes allowed his stuff to play up and Smith to become one of the most successful relievers in all of baseball. He'll add to Helsley/Walker/Herrin/Sands/Henriquez/Mantiply to become what has to be one of the best, young bullpens in the IBC.
Doval is a young flame thrower who followed up 3 phenomenal seasons with a tough 2024. He still has solid secondary stats, so assuming this was just a blip on the radar. I was able to finagle Doyle into a deal in early June right before he went on a huge home run spree. He's a gold glove CF who broke out offensively this year. Will the offense stay? Will the SIM ever truly respect his defense? Two interesting questions I wasn't super excited to have answered with Robles in the fold.
Steer was a solid MiLBer before a breakout 2022 got him all the way to MLB. He had an outstanding rookie campaign in 2023, before a bit of a frustrating 2024. He appears to have been pretty unlucky, has good positional versatility, can fill my opening at 2b, and hopefully bounces back in 2025. As big as that hole was to fill, I'm insanely excited to bring Smith aboard. Smith was an exciting arm in the best organization for relievers (Guardians), but exploded this season by halving his bb rate in MLB while pretty much keeping his MiLB k rate. Throwing more strikes allowed his stuff to play up and Smith to become one of the most successful relievers in all of baseball. He'll add to Helsley/Walker/Herrin/Sands/Henriquez/Mantiply to become what has to be one of the best, young bullpens in the IBC.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Cardinals traded JoJo Romero, Phillies Draft Pick 4 to Yankees for Sammy 23-Stafura, Yankees Draft Pick 5
Stafura is a fun prospect. He started getting some really nice headlines by dominating rookie ball, then more than held his own as a 19-year old in A ball. He has a good glove, is very fast, gets on base, and can put some sting on the ball. I targeted him in a trade and I'm a big fan. And as all positive as that is, I've still got Volpe and he's just 23.
And my strong bullpen gets even stronger. Romero is still young-ish, has been excellent the past two seasons, is absolute death on lefties (.527 career ops), got a good SIM last year, and should be just as good this year. He'll slot in as the #3 lefty arm in the pen (after Herrin/Mantiply), and put Little back on the shuttle to the minors. Given the age difference and quality in prospect position, I jumped up a round in the draft, too.
Stafura is a fun prospect. He started getting some really nice headlines by dominating rookie ball, then more than held his own as a 19-year old in A ball. He has a good glove, is very fast, gets on base, and can put some sting on the ball. I targeted him in a trade and I'm a big fan. And as all positive as that is, I've still got Volpe and he's just 23.
And my strong bullpen gets even stronger. Romero is still young-ish, has been excellent the past two seasons, is absolute death on lefties (.527 career ops), got a good SIM last year, and should be just as good this year. He'll slot in as the #3 lefty arm in the pen (after Herrin/Mantiply), and put Little back on the shuttle to the minors. Given the age difference and quality in prospect position, I jumped up a round in the draft, too.
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Yankees
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Re: Trades
Yankees traded Hans Crouse to Royals for Royals Draft Pick 3
Crouse was a former high level prospect who transitioned into relieving in 2023. It did not go great that year, but it was incredible this year. He was fantastic at AAA and was very strong in his MLB debut. He needs to cut some of the walks, but, overall, he's going to be a good reliever for a long time.
I got a 3rd round pick for a guy I picked up and would have been my 12th reliever. I'll take it.
Crouse was a former high level prospect who transitioned into relieving in 2023. It did not go great that year, but it was incredible this year. He was fantastic at AAA and was very strong in his MLB debut. He needs to cut some of the walks, but, overall, he's going to be a good reliever for a long time.
I got a 3rd round pick for a guy I picked up and would have been my 12th reliever. I'll take it.
