jpx7 (08-24-2021)
I think Joc and Duvall have mutual options. Duvall has a 3 million cost to not offer him.
I think you offer both the option. I'm not sure either person accepts it, but Joc is by far the least likely.
That said, it's a weird year. Labor is an issue. Joc had a hard time last year getting signed. He didn't have the best year this year (maybe he kicks @ss in the playoffs and he gets paid). It's possible. Much more likely he tries to work out a multiyear deal with the Braves if he likes it here.
A LH hitter that can hit and at least pass in CF is valuable.
jpx7 (08-24-2021)
Freeman has every right to expect and ask for the Goldy 5/130 contract to be the absolute floor for his next contract, and teams should be expected to pay more.
But I hope AA is smart enough not to go 5/140 or 6/160.
If Freeman is willing to sign for a higher AAV than Goldy got for ~3 years, I expect AA to make it happen.
It's the $27M+ salary in years 4+ for a mid-30s 1B that should scare everyone. If Freeman follows the typical 1B aging curve, that salary will slam the Braves contention window shut a few years before it needs to be shut.
jpx7 (08-24-2021)
Agreed. Joc is the exact type of player the Braves needed on the roster from opening day.
AA eventually cobbled together the roster we all knew needed to be built, it just took him 4 extra months to do it. So it's no surprise this team is now playing as we expected. I just didn't imagine they would storm into 1st like this.
jpx7 (08-24-2021)
Freeman then Morton would be my 2 main priorities then tackle the bench. I think Touki and Ynoa can replace Smyly for sure but we may need another lefty in there instead.
jpx7 (08-24-2021)
Out of the bullpen for late game situations, of course you need lefties.
But being unsure about only one lefty in the rotation when the four righties would be better than any lefty available? Just seems strange to put a less talented starter in the rotation when they’re going to face some teams with righty heavy lineups, some teams with lefty heavy lineups. Just get the best starters and let them pitch.