8-11-24 Reds vs Brews 2:10

[Sea Ray]

He's making around $3 Million this year and is arb eligible for next year. They could probably keep him for $5 Million or so. It's only worth it if he plays IMO. With McLain coming back and India leading the team in OBP, I have a hard time seeing him as anything more than a spare part. If so, that $5 Million is probably better used by adding it to their money available for an impact bat.

With his production you sign him for $5mill and if he's not needed, trade him. He must have some trade value

[mth123]

With his production you sign him for $5mill and if he's not needed, trade him. He must have some trade value

I want that $5 Million to put toward signing an impact bat. They are going to need to sign a guy for $25 to $30 Million per year if they are serious about winning. Espinal's hot streak makes him look good now, but his OPS+ is 85 for the year. Last year in Toronto it was 80. Don't let his July and August hot streak, which amounts to 61 PAs, fool you. He's a good glove, no hit infielder. They can find one of those for cheaper. The minor leagues are full of guys who can play defense and can't hit.

[Sea Ray]

I want that $5 Million to put toward signing an impact bat. They are going to need to sign a guy for $25 to $30 Million per year if they are serious about winning. Espinal's hot streak makes him look good now, but his OPS+ is 85 for the year. Last year in Toronto it was 80. Don't let his July and August hot streak, which amounts to 61 PAs, fool you. He's a good glove, no hit infielder. They can find one of those for cheaper. The minor leagues are full of guys who can play defense and can't hit.

You make a good argument for how Espinal might not have trade value but if you can sign a bonafide impact bat, you do it and you don't let $5mill stop you. The problem with this franchise is that their definition of an impact bat is Moose or Candy. They'll spend the money you're asking them to, but it'll be on an underperforming guy. In their defense, there aren't a lot of impact bats available in free agency

[mth123]

You make a good argument for how Espinal might not have trade value but if you can sign a bonafide impact bat, you do it and you don't let $5mill stop you. The problem with this franchise is that their definition of an impact bat is Moose or Candy. They'll spend the money you're asking them to, but it'll be on an underperforming guy. In their defense, there aren't a lot of impact bats available in free agency

I agree with you. But the Reds will let it stop them. We've seen it before. I see 4 or 5 guys who could be impact bats that aren't Juan Soto and that's just the OF.