Indeed it will be interesting.
Everyone talks like it's a given that Machado and Harper will get paid, and I agree. Everyone then takes the less solidly logical leap that all other FAs will also get paid as usual.
I wouldn't be shocked if teams are still reluctant to give big money to mediocre aging players. It was always a bad idea, and it will still be a bad idea next year.
However, JDM is sitting on an offer of around 5/125, so I would be shocked if Donaldson doesn't get 5/140 or 6/150+.
Evad (02-08-2018), jpx7 (02-11-2018), Managuarantano's Volunteers (02-08-2018)
With the wildcard now in place, the Jays wouldn't HAVE to beat the Yankees (or Sox) over that 162 games and win the division - they'd only have to beat them in that 5 or 7-game series as long as they qualify for the dance.
Who would have the "better chance" simply depends on which way you choose to look at it. At the end of the day, the Jays have a history of larger payrolls (partly because they're in that Division, of course) and Donaldson is already on record saying that he's definitely open to talking extension with them since he's comfortable there. As far as anybody knows, he wouldn't be expected to say otherwise from a PR standpoint - but players that DON'T say that (Machado) obviously have no interest whatsoever in returning unless their present team winds up being the highest bidder for their services.
As things stand today, there's a much better chance Donaldson wraps up his career up north of the border than there is he does it wearing a Braves' jersey.
Has there EVER been a statement and question a certain someone should absolutely never have made and asked publicly more than...
Kinda pathetic to see yourself as a message board knight in shining armor. How impotent does someone have to be in real life to resort to playing hero on a message board?
I'd agree with that. I also think there is a much better chance he goes to FA than just re upping in Toronto. And say what you will but the path to the playoffs is going to be easier in any division other than the AL East. And the Braves will be in a prime position to take over the NL East after the Nats window closes with Harper, etc likely leaving.
clvclv (02-08-2018)
I think the Nats dick us pretty hard and end up getting Harper back
Ivermectin Man
I hope they do. I don't think he's going to be worth the contract he supposedly is going to get or want. Paying ~40 million for a 4 WAR player isn't the best use of resources even if you can afford him. Would effect them in keeping/getting other players as well. Or maybe they become the Dodgers and have seemingly unlimited funds. Who knows.
jpx7 (02-10-2018)
The Rays May finally have a site for a new ballpark
http://www.tampabay.com/news/busines...says_165299825
Chopping With The Braves And Rolling With The Tide
I don't disagree that Nunez makes much more sense for the Yankees or Sox for this year either given his versatility, but I'm guessing neither of them are offering more than one year either.
If he's looking for CONSISTENT playing time to land one more season, the choice is probably pretty clear at this point - IF the money's close, of course.
Has there EVER been a statement and question a certain someone should absolutely never have made and asked publicly more than...
Kinda pathetic to see yourself as a message board knight in shining armor. How impotent does someone have to be in real life to resort to playing hero on a message board?
Williams Perez arrested in Venezuela for accidentally shooting his former coach. Sounds like he was handing the gun to his coach when it went off, killing the coach.
Get off my lawn!
Cubs just signed Darvish. 6 years/150 million, according to Rosenthal.
Maybe some big name guys will sign now.
Guaranteed 6/126 and can get to 6/150. I’m guessing that means the 6th year is a $25M option with a $1M buyout?
The Cubs are already at the point in their contention window where the farm is basically dry and they are signing old players to stay on top.
If the Brewers and Twins can avoid doing something stupid, their window to contend should open in a few seasons.
50PoundHead (02-11-2018)
They have a lot of young talent on that team and they have the funds to extend them. That's the differnece between the Cubs and say the Braves. Braves will watch primo players leave via FA while the Cubs can extend and sign additional FA's. They are also 3 years into their contention window and have been to 3 NLCS's and won a WS.
The Cubs have made some tactical errors. While their window is still wide open, it is easy to see the events that will lead to it closing.
They probably have 2-3 more excellent years until Quintana, Lester and Darvish decline enough that they are major roster burden.
And much like other big market teams there will be a point where extending their window will likely lead to more and more short sighted decisions while younger cheaper teams makes moves around them until the weight of it breaks them.
We’ve seen the Yankees and Sox and Tigers and White Sox do it. The Nats are on their way.
Astros are the front runners for Realmuto, said that Kyle Tucker could be the headliner.
Lester will be gone in in 3 years and so will Zobrist. Quintana is still young enough to provide value for longer than 3 years, but if not he will be gone by 2021 as well.
The Cubs will be good for a long while as long as Epstein is there and they continue to have a top 5-10 payroll.