John
@johnlindros.bsky.social
I don’t disagree - I love the idea of Painter. But if effectively you got Marte and a more “sure thing” FA pitcher, more tempted by that than I thought I would be.
Would have to get that FA pitcher though. If Walker is the full season 5th starter I’m not excited.
Would have to get that FA pitcher though. If Walker is the full season 5th starter I’m not excited.
November 25, 2025 at 5:23 PM
I don’t disagree - I love the idea of Painter. But if effectively you got Marte and a more “sure thing” FA pitcher, more tempted by that than I thought I would be.
Would have to get that FA pitcher though. If Walker is the full season 5th starter I’m not excited.
Would have to get that FA pitcher though. If Walker is the full season 5th starter I’m not excited.
That 3rd one…if I knew we could re-sign Ranger to a 4/100 deal and count on 3 more good Marte seasons. Very tempting.
November 25, 2025 at 5:16 PM
That 3rd one…if I knew we could re-sign Ranger to a 4/100 deal and count on 3 more good Marte seasons. Very tempting.
Definitely intrigued because it seems serious. I have 3 trade scenarios I’d be ok with right now:
1. He plays OF again and it is a prospect package that doesn’t include Crawford, Miller, Painter.
2. He’s a 2B and Stott + Prospects going the other way
3. Plays OF. Painter goes, re-sign Ranger
1. He plays OF again and it is a prospect package that doesn’t include Crawford, Miller, Painter.
2. He’s a 2B and Stott + Prospects going the other way
3. Plays OF. Painter goes, re-sign Ranger
November 25, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Definitely intrigued because it seems serious. I have 3 trade scenarios I’d be ok with right now:
1. He plays OF again and it is a prospect package that doesn’t include Crawford, Miller, Painter.
2. He’s a 2B and Stott + Prospects going the other way
3. Plays OF. Painter goes, re-sign Ranger
1. He plays OF again and it is a prospect package that doesn’t include Crawford, Miller, Painter.
2. He’s a 2B and Stott + Prospects going the other way
3. Plays OF. Painter goes, re-sign Ranger
Wow, that’s really tough to hear. I hope that to simply make ends meet they don’t have to sell a piece of the franchise their dad bought for $8.8m and is now valued at (checking notes) $8 BILLION DOLLARS.
November 24, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Wow, that’s really tough to hear. I hope that to simply make ends meet they don’t have to sell a piece of the franchise their dad bought for $8.8m and is now valued at (checking notes) $8 BILLION DOLLARS.
Your article failed to mention that in 2025 Garcia, at age 32, had the following slash line against LHP:
.199 / .248 / .353 in 145 PAs
In 2024 he was:
.234 / .296 / .434 in 162 PAs
I assume the reason to want a RHH is to face LHP. 2024 was “possibly tolerable”. 2025 was “just play Marsh”.
.199 / .248 / .353 in 145 PAs
In 2024 he was:
.234 / .296 / .434 in 162 PAs
I assume the reason to want a RHH is to face LHP. 2024 was “possibly tolerable”. 2025 was “just play Marsh”.
November 24, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Your article failed to mention that in 2025 Garcia, at age 32, had the following slash line against LHP:
.199 / .248 / .353 in 145 PAs
In 2024 he was:
.234 / .296 / .434 in 162 PAs
I assume the reason to want a RHH is to face LHP. 2024 was “possibly tolerable”. 2025 was “just play Marsh”.
.199 / .248 / .353 in 145 PAs
In 2024 he was:
.234 / .296 / .434 in 162 PAs
I assume the reason to want a RHH is to face LHP. 2024 was “possibly tolerable”. 2025 was “just play Marsh”.
Not sure you meant to, but you guys presented a cogent argument for why Ranger maybe should be much higher on the “bring back” list than JT.
All comes down to reasonable Wheeler expectations. If Cabrera made 10 starts this year I don’t think that would be a bad thing. Will Wheeler make 25 starts?
All comes down to reasonable Wheeler expectations. If Cabrera made 10 starts this year I don’t think that would be a bad thing. Will Wheeler make 25 starts?
November 24, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Not sure you meant to, but you guys presented a cogent argument for why Ranger maybe should be much higher on the “bring back” list than JT.
All comes down to reasonable Wheeler expectations. If Cabrera made 10 starts this year I don’t think that would be a bad thing. Will Wheeler make 25 starts?
All comes down to reasonable Wheeler expectations. If Cabrera made 10 starts this year I don’t think that would be a bad thing. Will Wheeler make 25 starts?
Anytime you can pay $25m/yr for the age 35-37 seasons of a player who has given you roughly Bryson Stott level offensive production for the previous 2 seasons, you just have to do it. (somehow +.006 in slugging and -.015 in OBP is worth +9 points in OPS+)
November 24, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Anytime you can pay $25m/yr for the age 35-37 seasons of a player who has given you roughly Bryson Stott level offensive production for the previous 2 seasons, you just have to do it. (somehow +.006 in slugging and -.015 in OBP is worth +9 points in OPS+)
I mean, get that Slug up to .390 and you have Harrison Bader over the past 3 years. He made $10m last year after going .234, .279, .362 in 23-24.
November 24, 2025 at 3:37 PM
I mean, get that Slug up to .390 and you have Harrison Bader over the past 3 years. He made $10m last year after going .234, .279, .362 in 23-24.
If you didn’t make him bunt and throw away a PA every game (which he’s not good at and everyone knew was coming), could he have a season of his career averages (.252, .294, .340)? You could live with that as your defensive 5th OF making the minimum.
He’s definitely a AAAA type.
He’s definitely a AAAA type.
November 24, 2025 at 3:29 PM
If you didn’t make him bunt and throw away a PA every game (which he’s not good at and everyone knew was coming), could he have a season of his career averages (.252, .294, .340)? You could live with that as your defensive 5th OF making the minimum.
He’s definitely a AAAA type.
He’s definitely a AAAA type.
I was alive but I don’t remember 1978 - how did Bowa possibly generate 5.8 WAR that season, glove must have been incredible that year, and he really finished 3rd in MVP voting? Totally different game.
November 24, 2025 at 2:47 PM
I was alive but I don’t remember 1978 - how did Bowa possibly generate 5.8 WAR that season, glove must have been incredible that year, and he really finished 3rd in MVP voting? Totally different game.
Stott was the 11th best qualified 2B by wRC+ in 2025. He’s not “great” but he’s a good player, best suited to platoon when everyone is healthy. His 2025 was also better than Bowa’s best year - on base more, more power, same SB. He can be improved upon, would also be easy to find someone worse.
November 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Stott was the 11th best qualified 2B by wRC+ in 2025. He’s not “great” but he’s a good player, best suited to platoon when everyone is healthy. His 2025 was also better than Bowa’s best year - on base more, more power, same SB. He can be improved upon, would also be easy to find someone worse.
Bowa was a 150lb SS with a career .300 OBP. His best season (1978) compares to Maysn Winn’s 2025 and was over 25% of his career WAR. I’m not sure Bowa gets to AA in today’s game, he wasn’t even a good offensive player in his own era, no one should model their offensive game after his.
November 24, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Bowa was a 150lb SS with a career .300 OBP. His best season (1978) compares to Maysn Winn’s 2025 and was over 25% of his career WAR. I’m not sure Bowa gets to AA in today’s game, he wasn’t even a good offensive player in his own era, no one should model their offensive game after his.
They wind up with another $20-25m+ in payroll this year as well (I’m not sure what Arenado is, but I think he’s around $30m and Gray is $25m). Bohm and Castellanos combined are about $30m
November 21, 2025 at 10:55 PM
They wind up with another $20-25m+ in payroll this year as well (I’m not sure what Arenado is, but I think he’s around $30m and Gray is $25m). Bohm and Castellanos combined are about $30m
That is truly unbelievable.
November 21, 2025 at 10:53 PM
That is truly unbelievable.
Zero chance Phillies would downgrade at 3B for more $ and 3 more years and take in another $25m/yr in SP salary ($5m more than Castellanos makes).
Trade is effectively 1yr of Castellanos bad contract for 3yrs of worse contract on Arenado. Would also give them 7 SPs depending on Wheeler timeline.
Trade is effectively 1yr of Castellanos bad contract for 3yrs of worse contract on Arenado. Would also give them 7 SPs depending on Wheeler timeline.
November 21, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Zero chance Phillies would downgrade at 3B for more $ and 3 more years and take in another $25m/yr in SP salary ($5m more than Castellanos makes).
Trade is effectively 1yr of Castellanos bad contract for 3yrs of worse contract on Arenado. Would also give them 7 SPs depending on Wheeler timeline.
Trade is effectively 1yr of Castellanos bad contract for 3yrs of worse contract on Arenado. Would also give them 7 SPs depending on Wheeler timeline.
Honestly, given the catching situation as of today, it is a no-brainer to retain him, even if it was an arbitration case.
November 21, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Honestly, given the catching situation as of today, it is a no-brainer to retain him, even if it was an arbitration case.
Any financial changes could mean a lot to both players and teams. I assume it won’t have much effect on the long term deals, but guys who would sign for 2-3 yrs, that’s much less appealing - take shorter w/higher AAV if it’s there.
I’m sure that’s part of guys taking the QO.
I’m sure that’s part of guys taking the QO.
November 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Any financial changes could mean a lot to both players and teams. I assume it won’t have much effect on the long term deals, but guys who would sign for 2-3 yrs, that’s much less appealing - take shorter w/higher AAV if it’s there.
I’m sure that’s part of guys taking the QO.
I’m sure that’s part of guys taking the QO.
Bader had a higher BABIP w/the Phillies in 2025 (.415) than Rojas in 2023 (.410).
And by WAR (value) they were basically identical in 2024, despite fewer games for Rojas.
Again, great pickup, played great. Wouldn’t even think about re-signing him for a second if it is for more than 1 year.
And by WAR (value) they were basically identical in 2024, despite fewer games for Rojas.
Again, great pickup, played great. Wouldn’t even think about re-signing him for a second if it is for more than 1 year.
November 20, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Bader had a higher BABIP w/the Phillies in 2025 (.415) than Rojas in 2023 (.410).
And by WAR (value) they were basically identical in 2024, despite fewer games for Rojas.
Again, great pickup, played great. Wouldn’t even think about re-signing him for a second if it is for more than 1 year.
And by WAR (value) they were basically identical in 2024, despite fewer games for Rojas.
Again, great pickup, played great. Wouldn’t even think about re-signing him for a second if it is for more than 1 year.
Bader was definitely better in 2025. He was also definitely a less valuable, worse player in 2023/2024 combined.
Which is why I would not be even slightly interested in handing him more than a 1 year deal. I believe the back of his baseball card - he’s a trade deadline pickup.
Which is why I would not be even slightly interested in handing him more than a 1 year deal. I believe the back of his baseball card - he’s a trade deadline pickup.
November 20, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Bader was definitely better in 2025. He was also definitely a less valuable, worse player in 2023/2024 combined.
Which is why I would not be even slightly interested in handing him more than a 1 year deal. I believe the back of his baseball card - he’s a trade deadline pickup.
Which is why I would not be even slightly interested in handing him more than a 1 year deal. I believe the back of his baseball card - he’s a trade deadline pickup.
They have another $80m off the books after this season (less if they extend Luzardo). Will they dip into some of that and plan to reset the tax (assuming there is a tax in the new CBA)? Can they get $10m in Casty savings?
Especially if they re-sign Schwarber, that simply can’t be the only big move.
Especially if they re-sign Schwarber, that simply can’t be the only big move.
November 19, 2025 at 5:20 PM
They have another $80m off the books after this season (less if they extend Luzardo). Will they dip into some of that and plan to reset the tax (assuming there is a tax in the new CBA)? Can they get $10m in Casty savings?
Especially if they re-sign Schwarber, that simply can’t be the only big move.
Especially if they re-sign Schwarber, that simply can’t be the only big move.
I agree, which is why they need a 4th hitter! But anything would have been better than using Castellanos/JT there for around 100 games, neither of whom was an option to do that in the playoffs.
November 19, 2025 at 5:16 PM
I agree, which is why they need a 4th hitter! But anything would have been better than using Castellanos/JT there for around 100 games, neither of whom was an option to do that in the playoffs.
I looked at this previously - even with their horrific March/Aprils, If Marsh had been the 4 hitter against RHP and Bohm against LHP in every game, their combined wRC+ would have been 128/129 and would have ranked around 7th best cleanup hitter in MLB.
Those 2 hit 8th or 9th 99 times combined!
Those 2 hit 8th or 9th 99 times combined!
November 19, 2025 at 3:49 PM
I looked at this previously - even with their horrific March/Aprils, If Marsh had been the 4 hitter against RHP and Bohm against LHP in every game, their combined wRC+ would have been 128/129 and would have ranked around 7th best cleanup hitter in MLB.
Those 2 hit 8th or 9th 99 times combined!
Those 2 hit 8th or 9th 99 times combined!
Is that worth $15m next year? Or could that $15m be better spent coupled with whatever is leftover after Schwarber (or replacement) on one of the OF spots?
I thought the news that “he’s looking for a two year deal” yesterday was an interesting nugget that may speak to his actual market.
I thought the news that “he’s looking for a two year deal” yesterday was an interesting nugget that may speak to his actual market.
November 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Is that worth $15m next year? Or could that $15m be better spent coupled with whatever is leftover after Schwarber (or replacement) on one of the OF spots?
I thought the news that “he’s looking for a two year deal” yesterday was an interesting nugget that may speak to his actual market.
I thought the news that “he’s looking for a two year deal” yesterday was an interesting nugget that may speak to his actual market.
JT by himself was 94, so would have ranked 14th. As average as you can get.
November 19, 2025 at 3:37 PM
JT by himself was 94, so would have ranked 14th. As average as you can get.
That is a lineup construction issue, that ultimately didn’t really matter in the regular season because the pitching is so good, but not having that 4th “big hitter” is where they have room to improve. The “non-Marsh” OF spots or C are the obvious spots to upgrade - and the hardest to downgrade.
November 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
That is a lineup construction issue, that ultimately didn’t really matter in the regular season because the pitching is so good, but not having that 4th “big hitter” is where they have room to improve. The “non-Marsh” OF spots or C are the obvious spots to upgrade - and the hardest to downgrade.