Votto
Hamilton
Latos
Stephenson
Bruce
I would be tempted to add Chapman but I'm not sure they are convinced they can resign him.
Votto
Bruce
Latos
Stephenson
Chapman
Close but not quite:
Cueto
Hamilton
Bailey
Cozart
Ok but you probably gonna have to pay more than their likely perceived value:
Hanny
Mes
Frazier
Marshall
Rahier
Looking to deal:
Phillips
Arroyo
Leake - (Only for a similar pitcher more suited to GABP)
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
A lot of people here overvaluing Stephenson. You'd trade Cueto but not Stephenson? LOL.
One guy is a free agent in a few years and making a lot of money*. He would also bring back more in a trade. The other guy is controlled for at worst, 6 years and can throw 101 MPH.
*Comparatively speaking, it is a lot of money. That contract looks incredible at this point.
Quick question -
Have there been any updates on Cueto's health this offseason?
I appreciate you adding the asterisk. That said, you might want to make it about 10x bigger. Ha. You are correct in calling Cueto's contract "incredible" for the Reds.
Here's the deal: Cueto is a proven MLB ace and is still young. Stephenson has "potential" and wasn't all that impressive during his brief stint at single-A Dayton this past summer (after being very impressive at Billings). Single-A pitcher vs. an MLB ace. Hmm. tough call. Not at all.
Hey, I like Stephenson too, but it's complete crazy talk to act like he's more of an "untouchable" than Cueto.
I wouldn't trade Stephenson and Cueto for the same package. I would ask more for Cueto for all of the reasons you stated. But I would also trade Cueto sooner. I don't think he is going to be getting any better than he is. You are selling high. With a guy like Stephenson, you probably aren't selling high and you aren't going to get the top return on him that you could when looking at his entire career in the future. With Cueto, you probably will never be able to get more for him than right now. That is why Stephenson is more untouchable for me.
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