Hot Stove

[tzill]

I know we don't know, but if the signing is for a stopgap DH, why not bring back Dom Smith who at least is an above average glove (IMO)? I'm nervous about Devers everyday defense

The thinking has to be: 28 yo, 3 time all-star, Wash is a defensive savant. We can recapture that glory.

 

[tzill]

If he's slated for a year at 2nd, wouldn't it come down to either Schmitt or Fitz? I'd think they'd need only one utility infielder

And they have Koss too...

 

[LHG]

Arraez OPS+, the last three years: 128 - 107 - 99

That's a legit trend. He might be washed at 28.

Good catch. I was looking at his OPS+ with the Padres and Marlins in 2024 and split those between 2024 and 2023.

 

[tzill]

Didn't want to create a separate ST thread just yet but:

The Giants have four players in the WBC this year:

1. Webb (USA)
2. Ramos (Puerto Rico)
3. JHL (Korea)
4. Tristen Beck (England)

 

[calsnowskier]

Didn't want to create a separate ST thread just yet but:

The Giants have four players in the WBC this year:

1. Webb (USA)
2. Ramos (Puerto Rico)
3. JHL (Korea)
4. Tristen Beck (England)

I thought I saw something where PR wasn’t fielding a team this cycle???

 

[LHG]

I thought I saw something where PR wasn’t fielding a team this cycle???

They were contemplating not participating in the classic due to some changes in the insurance policy for the classic. I don't know all the details or if that decision, whether to compete or not, has been made.

 

[calsnowskier]

They were contemplating not participating in the classic due to some changes in the insurance policy for the classic. I don't know all the details or if that decision, whether to compete or not, has been made.

That’s right. But that issue would affect everyone, not just PR.

 

[calsnowskier]

And why does PR have its own team, anyway? Trinidad and Tobago doesn’t field its own team. New York doesn’t field its own team.

 

[tzill]

I thought I saw something where PR wasn’t fielding a team this cycle???

As of early February 2026, Puerto Rico’s status for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) is uncertain, with the team's federation openly discussing a potential withdrawal from the tournament.

While Puerto Rico is officially scheduled to host Pool A in San Juan starting March 6, the team has been hit by a wave of insurance denials that have stripped the roster of several star players.

Why They Might Withdraw​

The crisis stems from the tournament's insurance provider denying coverage for several key MLB stars due to past injuries or surgery history. Without insurance, these players generally cannot participate:

• Key Absences: Star shortstop Francisco Lindor (elbow procedure), Carlos Correa, and starting pitcher José Berríos have all reportedly been denied insurance coverage.
• The Ultimatum: Dr. José Quiles, president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, stated that if the team cannot field a competitive roster "under equal conditions" due to these denials, they may pull out of the tournament entirely.
• Ongoing Negotiations: Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association are currently lobbying the insurer to reverse some of these decisions. There has been some minor progress, with a few players recently being cleared on appeal.

 

[calsnowskier]

No way hes agreeing to 5/100. It would be malpractice for his agent to let him sign that deal. More likely 3/100 with opt outs. I don't want to be on the hook to pay him $30M plus in two years.

Tigers Sign Framber Valdez

The Tigers make a major splash late in the offseason, signing Framber Valdez to a short-term deal to pair with Tarik Skubal atop the rotation.

www.mlbtraderumors.com

3/115 with an opt out after 2 years.

 

[LHG]

Tigers Sign Framber Valdez

The Tigers make a major splash late in the offseason, signing Framber Valdez to a short-term deal to pair with Tarik Skubal atop the rotation.

www.mlbtraderumors.com

3/115 with an opt out after 2 years.

Wasn't Skubal's arbitration hearing set for today? Interesting timing on the Tigers inking Valdez.

 

[tzill]

According to Cot's, the Giants have added about $47M to their luxury tax payroll for 2026 this offseason, which highlights an ongoing problem. They have made a couple additions that many teams can usually fill internally, but that has not been the case for the Giants for a long time now. That $47M could have likely been better spent on a player who raises the ceiling of the lineup or rotation, rather than fill in some needed gaps. This is one of those things that if the farm system does not add value through feeding the major league roster or through trades, then the only (and costly) avenue for upgrading the roster is through free agency. That just has to change soon.

 

[filosofy29]

 

[LHG]

There was nothing like that slogan.

 

[calsnowskier]

There was nothing like that slogan.

The slogan would have worked. They should have just hung in there.

 

[tzill]

The slogan would have worked. They should have just hung in there.

You gotta like these kids, humm baby!

 

[msgkings322]

You gotta like these kids, humm baby!

“.500 seasons are fine”

 

[tzill]

Four teams in on Zac Gallen: Snakes, Os, Chubbs, and Fraudres. I wonder what number he lands at.

I think Buster is smart to sit this one out. He'll be overpaid.

 

[msgkings322]

Four teams in on Zac Gallen: Snakes, Os, Chubbs, and Fraudres. I wonder what number he lands at.

I think Buster is smart to sit this one out. He'll be overpaid.

.500 records as far as the eye can see but at least the owners are making good money