Let's play the armchair GM game in earnest. Every few days, we can discuss one pitcher and one offensive player available in free agency, as a nontender target, or in trade. I'd love to debate the intricacies of possible acquisitions and whether they'd be worth the gamble/ money/ roster spot.
The first two this week (because, hey, it's my thread) are Yankees: C/ DH Gary Sanchez and SP James Paxton.
Gary Sanchez
Overview: Since setting the world on fire his rookie season, Sanchez has gone downhill. Last season was brutal in every respect. He didn't defend well, he didn't frame well, he didn't throw well. In fact, he's a total minus with the glove. Offensively, he's feast or famine, and lately, it's been desert-like. How does a 2020 line with .147/ .253/ .365 attached to it grab you? Still, the kid is still just 27 and put up a monster 132 wRC+ season in his first full season in pinstripes. In 2019, he didn't hit well, but still managed to be 16% better than league average offensively. The power plays all the time.
What Would It Cost: The Yankees don't want to pay the luxury tax, and their payroll is just $30M or so below that line before factoring in raises to pitchers and perhaps signing AL BA champ DJ LeMahieu. Too, they may well be tired of depending on someone like Sanchez and might like someone more dependable. They may well nontender Sanchez and look to acquire a veteran presence or solid defender. Let's assume, for the sake of argument, Sanchez is non-tendered.
James Paxton
Overview: The talent isn't an issue-- Paxton's been a TOR guy when healthy. But, boy, it's hard for him to stay on the field. He's never been able to provide a full season of games or more than 160 IP in a season. When he's on, Paxton is often dominant, so the trade-off has always been worth it. This year, however, he was not dominant nor was he on. He was again injured and ended the season on the disabled list. Again. He's a lefty who K's a whole bunch of people (when he's on), walks a few (but not too many), and allows less than a hit an inning. He's going to be 32 next season.
What Would It Cost: Cash. Paxton is a free agent coming off a really poor year and yet another injury. The Yankees aren't likely to put a qualified offer on him. (To say the least.) I doubt they're in the mood to gamble, considering their struggles in staying healthy over the past few years. A pillow contract of somewhere around $10M might do it (though I suspect an enterprising also-ran might pony up a bit more on a one-year deal).
Do either of these guys strike your fancy? Make a case, RedsZone. For or against.