Some thoughts the past couple of days from “my friend”
Brown told employees in exit meetings that there is no consideration to rebuilding.
Pressly has indicated that he would like to be traded.
Caratini and Pressly are veterans they may try to trade. They feel bullpen and back up catcher are positions where they can save money.
They will be aggressive trying to add controllable impact bats, especially in the OF.
They like Lowe from TB. I assume Josh, since Brandon hasn’t played OF in a couple of seasons now.
They like Luis Robert. The White Sox want young controllable pitching and are " a fan" of Jacob Melton.
They want Bregman to come back but “he will need to make some sacrifices” to make that happen.
If Bregman does not return a cheap veteran stop gap will likely be brought in.
They like Christian Walker and will make a play for him if Bregman does not come back.
They want Hader to work on pitch location this offseason and intend to use him more like a traditional closer next year.
They expect to trade from current MLB roster to fill holes.
They want to bring in a veteran SP. Kikuchi and Pivetta are the top 2 names but if they miss on one of them Verlander, Scherzer, Bieber, Severino, and Lorenzen were mentioned.
I’m not shocked Pressly wants to be traded. He was professional about the Astros signing Hader, but I’m sure it stung to have his closer role taken from him when he likely felt he didn’t deserve that to happen. I think Baltimore could be a good fit. They have Felix Bautista returning from Tommy John surgery, but need late-inning bullpen help. I could see a Cedric Mullins or Ryan Mountcastle for Pressly deal that gets them that help and frees up playing time for the Orioles’ young offensive talent.
I don’t understand trading Caratini. He only makes 6.5M and he easily outperformed his contract. Unless you fill a position of need with the trade, he should stay.
I like Caratini and think his production at his price, is a hell of a bargain. After years of Maldonado-level production at the plate, I’m happy with where we are at catcher. I’d hate to see him go.
Unfortunately Goldschmidt no longer belongs in the same line as those two other guys. Walker is better in every way and also 5 years younger, though not that young at 33
Singleton wasn’t bad when he was facing RHP. He just wasn’t a middle of the order, run producer. He had a .350 OBP and his wRC+ was 124. But he was miserable vs LHP.
If the team elects to upgarde elsewhere and bring Jon back as a platoon starter along side a veteran RH bat or Dezenzo /Whitcomb I would be fine with that.
My “friend” nentioned that they have to limit and monitor his playing time due to his diabetes but he was far from the problem on this team.
I did have someone tell me today that the Astros are going to look at running more and better - he said to keep an eye on Victor Robles… who can play CF.
From various places I have read, Pressly, Caratini, Dubon, McCormick, Meyers, and bullpen depth guys are likely to be shopped.
Apparently Pressly wants a trade.
Apparently the organization thinks they can fill the backup catcher spot cheaper with Sanchez.
Dubon is getting expensive and the team is looking at cheaper options around the margins.
Apparently Tampa Bay has asked about Chas.
Now that 2024 is over the Astros have several bullpen guys who no longer have options and can’t be sent to AAA without exposing them to waivers - Whitley, Ort, Scott, Dubin, and Martinez. Abreu also but he’s obviously not an option or trade candidate.