RosterResource Chat – 5/9/25

Jason Martinez: Welcome to the RosterResource Stay Chat! I consider we’re about 6 weeks into the season. There have been lots of good and dangerous performances which have been shocking. So far as standings, not a lot apart from possibly the Orioles (10 video games beneath .500) and Giants (10 video games over .500). One other enjoyable weekend forward with Cade Horton anticipated to make his MLB debut on Saturday.

Right here we go …

BlueJayMatt: How lengthy till Ross Atkins will get fired? Is he gone earlier than the commerce deadline?

Jon Becker: Baseball ops heads getting fired in-season is extraordinarily uncommon — as finest I can inform, the final one was Josh Byrnes in 2014, who was fired in mid June earlier than Preller was introduced in in early August. The Blue Jays have been fairly disappointing, particularly currently, however I believe he’ll get the complete 12 months after which might nicely be gone in the event that they don’t make the playoffs. I suppose if there’s a deadline sell-off, Schneider might get axed earlier than the season ends.

kdp: Comfortable Asian Heritage month! Moreover Hyeseong Kim, who do you suppose can be the subsequent native Asian man to step as much as the massive league?

Jason Martinez: Feels like Munetaka Murakami would be the subsequent Japanese famous person to be posted. I consider that can be previous to the 2026 season. There are additionally a couple of prospects within the decrease minors to keep watch over. The A’s have two pitchers in Low-A …  Tzu-Chen Sha and Wei-En Lin … who’re off to good begins they usually additionally signed a highly-touted two-way prospect (SS/SP Shotaro Morii) who has but to debut.

drplantwrench: let’s imagine Devers calls for out of boston, and for some motive, calls for to be traded to the Angels.  what return would you the purple sox would need?

Jon Becker: Devers’ contract was signed by the final entrance workplace, and if he’s actually a DH for the lengthy haul, they’d be completely happy to simply get a big majority or the entire final 8.75 years off the books with out getting a lot in return. The offensive bar for being a very worthwhile DH is so excessive and even when Devers is getting right into a groove and beginning to hit that, he’s received purple flags (Z-Con of barely 70%, and swinging much less general which makes him simpler to pitch to if/when the ability dips) that don’t portend ageing nicely.

Ozzie: How would you get Moises Ballesteros bat on this Cubs lineup?

Jason Martinez: I see no path in 2025 except Carson Kelly will get injured and misses an prolonged time period. Even then, they might simply simply go along with a veteran like Reese McGuire. Possibly some DH at-bats open up if one of many outfielders will get harm. Being a catcher is a tricky job within the huge leagues and we’ve seen some nice catching prospects with above-average hitting instruments battle for years. However his worth is peaking and I believe he’s a commerce chip on the deadline.

Jb: Ideas on Casey Mize? Went from combating for a rotation spot to the tigers second finest starter

Jon Becker: I’m undecided he’s this good, but it surely’s good after we can level to issues like pitch combine modifications as a motive for why he’d be performing so nicely, versus pitching the identical approach he all the time has however getting higher outcomes, which will be extra of a mirage. Assuming he’s wholesome he ought to have that spot all 12 months, with Jobe likeliest to be the roster casualty at any time when Cobb is again.

Your Identify: Is there any level to being a Pirates fan?

Jason Martinez: For those who’ve suffered via all of the dangerous years, you’d by no means forgive your self should you stopped caring and needed to bounce again on the bandwagon after they have been good once more in 2027 or 2028 with a rotation of Skenes-Chandler-Keller-Barco-Ashcraft and a lineup that included Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin. I don’t blame you for feeling like it’s best to simply cease caring however that’s a part of why the celebration can be a lot enjoyable. I’m a Padres fan so I’m simply hoping for one championship in my lifetime.

Stick with Sporer-tzball: Schneeman?  In lineup most days shifting ahead?

Jon Becker: Yeah, I believe the efficiency uptick is actual since he’s received elevated EV, so he ought to a minimum of be in there towards nearly each righty, plus he can play everywhere in the area. Juan Brito can be out till late June on the earliest and Bazzana’s been good however not superb at AA, so there’s no person coming for his job anytime quickly.

MrMet: When will it’s Roman Anthony time in Boston?

Jason Martinez: Raffy isn’t serving to the scenario a lot since it might open up some DH at-bats if he begins enjoying 1B. However I actually don’t suppose there’s any motive to maintain pushing aside the inevitable transfer of Rafaela to the bench, Duran to CF, and Anthony to LF. It wouldn’t shock me if it occurred within the subsequent few days as a way to get away from the “Devers isn’t a crew participant” information cycle.

Insert Witty Identify Right here: Extra of a normal query: do you see something that the extra savvier groups are doing with their rosters that maybe the Rockies and the Pirates aren’t doing?

Jon Becker: I see completely different points for the 2 groups. The Pirates might have been somewhat-plausibly contending if they really spent cash on offensive acquisitions, however they didn’t, they usually haven’t actually developed a multi-year offensive risk since Reynolds (who was largely developed by the Giants anyway). The Rockies are merely in denial about needing to rebuild, one thing that different groups don’t do. They don’t do future Rockies groups any favors after they lengthen anybody who’s been there lengthy sufficient (60% of their rotation, Kinley, McMahon), and there’s no motive for a crew that dangerous to be enjoying Nick Martini as an alternative of letting Zac Veen study on the job. You don’t learn to succeed within the majors at Triple-A.

Lorenzo: When do Giants drop Jordan Hicks from rotation and insert Hayden Birdsong?

Jason Martinez: He’s been fairly good in his final two begins, though I nonetheless suppose he’s one actually dangerous begin away from shedding the spot to Birdsong. However he might additionally safe it with 2-3 extra good ones in a row. Ideally, he offers them 20 begins and finishes within the bullpen whereas they battle for a playoff spot.

Visitor#2: Royals-what can they realistically do to enhance the offense?

Ozzie: Do you have got any experiences on how Cags has been doing in RF?

Jon Becker: Cags is the apparent reply right here, although to reply Ozzie’s query I haven’t seen something on how he’s enjoying on the market nor have I seen highlights (however he hasn’t made any errors!). However he’s such an athletic freak I’m certain he might deal with it — they’re enjoying India in left so much so it’s not like they’re prioritizing nook outfield protection a lot anyway. Nick Loftin has additionally been nice in AAA, and Peyton Wilson was superior in AA and simply received bumped as much as Omaha. Farther down the road they’ll have a look at the commerce market, however groups aren’t actually in promote mode but.

Jim Leahy: Is Kyle Leahy a darkish horse candidate to be within the 26 Playing cards rotation? Trying a lot better within the pen this 12 months, however has a starters arsenal.

Jason Martinez: For certain. I believe all groups are centered on figuring out who could make the transfer again to the rotation after having success as a reliever. Jogs my memory of a humorous line from Michael King in a current interview. He was advised by the Yankees that he was too worthwhile within the bullpen so that they didn’t wish to let him begin once more. He responded that Gerrit Cole would even be too worthwhile out of the bullpen in the event that they moved him there however that doesn’t imply they shouldn’t transfer him again.

Ozzie: The perfect answer to the Pink Sox first base downside is Kristian to first and name up Mayer to play 2B proper?

Jon Becker: If we’re taking Devers off the desk, the perfect answer is no matter will get Mayer or Anthony on the roster, sooner, whether or not that’s one in all them enjoying 1B, Campbell at 1B, and even Bregman at 1B. None of these guys have 1B expertise so if I’m them I’m making an attempt all three of them on the market, a minimum of earlier than video games, and seeing who has the perfect footwork. Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro simply shouldn’t be the fellows after they can do higher.

1st to kno when it rains in Miami: Innings restriction for Eury when he will get again?  If that’s the case, innings per recreation or general season restrict?

Jason Martinez: As evidenced by the truth that he’s thrown a complete of three innings in 3 rehab appearances, the Marlins are going to be very cautious with their future ace. Actually, I don’t see him returning on the finish of the 30-day rehab window at this charge. Both he takes a break from the rehab project in some unspecified time in the future and begins it up once more later or he’s activated and optioned to AAA to proceed build up.

Ozzie: If Cade Horton seems good, how are you dropping from the Cubs rotaion when Shota will get again?

Jon Becker: If Rea retains pitching like he has, it’s most likely Brown, and the query there then turns into if it’s finest to ship Brown to AAA to work on a 3rd pitch or to unleash him within the bullpen in a Birdsong-like multi-inning position the place having simply the 2 pitches works advantageous. However Rea’s additionally received loads of swingman expertise so they may suppose it’s finest for general roster building to place him again there regardless of how nicely he’s pitching.

Danny: Ryan O’Hearn not too long ago drew a begin towards a lefty. What are the probabilities the O’s flip him right into a full-time starter? And if that occurs, would he turn out to be a must-add in OBP fantasy leagues? Higher wager than Vinnie P ROS?

Jason Martinez: And he’s one thing like 5-for-17 so he’s holding his personal towards lefties up to now in 2025. Nonetheless, as soon as guys like O’Neill, Urias, Westburg, and Gary Sanchez return from the IL, it’s extra a matter of stacking the lineup with dudes who’ve a observe file of crushing LHP and having O’Hearn accessible for a high-leverage pinch-hitting look late within the recreation. I do suppose his efficiency makes it extra seemingly that they hardly ever pinch-hit for him when he’s within the beginning lineup except it’s a scenario the place he’s dealing with Aroldis Chapman within the ninth inning. So he’s gonna face some lefties. Simply not often a left-handed starter.

Chris: Do you suppose DJLM will play regulalry at 2B till Jazz returns then commonly at 3B (obv well being pending)?

Jon Becker: I believe that’s the likeliest plan of action, yeah, although to what extent LeMahieu would require load administration days off stays to be seen, and naturally, he has to carry out to maintain a beginning spot even whereas Jazz is out. That’s a tricky division as all the time and if a Vivas/LeMahieu platoon helps them win greater than LeMahieu every single day, they’ll try this.

Bart Ratly: Any probability Tim Elko will get some run? Or do the sox suppose he’s only a AAAA man?

Jason Martinez: He’ll be within the majors in 2025. Only a matter of when. I believe the principle difficulty is perhaps that Andrew Vaughn is within the position that Elko can be in if he’s known as up. They usually’re gonna be dangerous both approach so may as nicely see if Vaughn can get again to what he was final season when he had a 119 wRC+ vs LHP. That might a minimum of give him some commerce worth as a platoon 1B.

Shane Mackalackahan: Who will get booted from the rotation once I’m again?

KC Ache: Boyle wanting good in minors for TB. Seymour retains being nice and getting no possibilities. Will TB make house for them by buying and selling guys out, commerce these 2, or maintain them down in minors as depth?

Jon Becker: I used to be watching the Rays broadcast final evening they usually famous that within the final 11 video games the beginning pitching had solely struck out 23 batters, or one thing like that (is perhaps off on the precise numbers but it surely was one thing loopy low like that, with a excessive of three) so there is perhaps room for lots of modifications. Littell has been so much higher currently however he’s received bullpen expertise; Pepiot’s fastball, often his finest pitch, has been horrible; and Baz has had a couple of tough begins in a row. So it’s unlikely however there is perhaps room to squeeze on all three of these guys in the event that they wish to make some huge modifications.

Bow Tie Mo: Is 3 catchers going to be sustainable? At the least they despatched down one in all their many 1B/DH sorts, however nonetheless so little bench flexibility.

Jason Martinez: Luken Baker was a DH-only vs LHP so changing him with a catcher a minimum of offers them some defensive flexibility. Herrera and Pozo can each hit so they’re each pinch-hitting and DH choices. I just like the transfer, even when it’s simply short-term. Herrera is probably going gonna DH vs LHP so having Pozo on the bench offers them choices late within the recreation in the event that they wish to pinch hit for Pages and never lose the DH.

Ozzie: modified my identify to Ozzie to get a query in…How lengthy earlier than Boston trades for Nate Lowe?

Jon Becker: If the Nationals do find yourself shifting Lowe, I believe it’d be proper on the deadline on the earliest, if not within the offseason, and possibly under no circumstances. The Nats solely have 1% playoff odds proper now, but it surely’s not zero, and I believe it might be sending the flawed message to so rapidly commerce their greatest offseason acquisition.

Visitor: Is Colt Keith lastly performing to expectations or is that this only a flash within the pan?

Jason Martinez: He was dangerous for a month, which isn’t unusual for even a number of the higher hitters within the league. And he’s been actually good for a couple of week, which even a number of the fringiest AAAA hitters are able to doing if given an opportunity. So it’s a great signal but it surely’s an extended season and I believe we’ll have the ability to finest choose him based mostly on how constant he’s over the rest of the season.

Visitor: Ideas on Nick Kurtz?

Jon Becker: I’m liking that he’s seeming to regulate fairly rapidly: hilariously small pattern alert, however in his final 4 video games he’s walked virtually twice as a lot as he’s struck out and has a 166 wRC+. After putting out a number of instances in virtually each recreation that’s a pleasant little run. Hopefully the slugging comes subsequent, that’s one thing we’re but to see apart from one triple.

Kate: Assume Jerar Encarnacion will get a shot at on a regular basis PT as soon as he’s again?  Or will he must work his approach into extra common ABs?

Jason Martinez: Not out of the query however unlikely as a result of they love Wilmer because the on a regular basis DH. And Wilmer is clutch and all the time appears to be developing with the massive hits after they’re successful. Jerar ought to play vs LHP (Villar’s present position) when he returns from the IL.

Visitor: Is Roki a ticking time bomb or do you suppose he’ll come round?

Jon Becker: I’m not holding my breath for a large step ahead this 12 months. In his final begin he wasn’t even getting whiffs on the splitter, which is a big downside. Unsure how a 94-96 lifeless zone fastball and stroll charge of just about 15% is meant to play, and he’s not merely going to get again to 99-101 in a single day.

Matt: Any updates on Darvish or Musgrove? Actually considering Kolek and hope he continues to get a possibility within the rotation, even when he has a tough outing right here and there

Jason Martinez: We gained’t actually know a lot about Musgrove till Spring Coaching 2026 however he ought to have an excellent probability to be on the Opening Day roster. In fact, they may be cautious and provides him a couple of additional weeks simply to verify he’s going to be accessible for a full season (and post-season).

Feels like Darvish is shut they usually’re even discussing whether or not to simply deliver him again from the IL with no rehab project. That wouldn’t be sensible, although. I’d wish to see Kolek get a minimum of two extra begins. They should discover some consistency out of the No. 5 spot and he is perhaps their most suitable choice when everyone seems to be wholesome.

Kate: Eli White has been a pleasing shock for Atlanta.  I’m assuming him and Verdugo fall right into a platoon as soon as Acuna is again?

Jon Becker: Yep. White received slightly infield time in Spring Coaching and has minor league shortstop expertise, too… I’m undecided they’d really begin him there since Allen’s glove is actually good but it surely wouldn’t utterly shock me, both.

Mets bullpen: Who’s the everlasting lefty if there even is one? Does a David Robertson reunion make sense given his nice splits vs lefties, will we simply maintain with the up and down churn, or is there a big commerce goal both on the deadline or sooner? The bullpen has regarded so much thinner and extra flawed since each Minter and Younger went down for good and Stearns usually seems for the bullpen to be a power

Jason Martinez: I’d count on that to be Brooks Raley (signed to MLB deal a couple of weeks in the past) within the 2nd half. Unsure about his timetable however he underwent TJ surgical procedure (inside brace) final Might so I believe late July appears about proper. I’d by no means rule the Mets out of something so Robertson could possibly be an choice, particularly if there are any accidents to their high setup males.

The Biebs: Who do you want extra to make an influence this season, jared jones or shane bieber

Jon Becker: Bieber. Simply threw a stay BP so he appears to be progressing usually, whereas Jones simply began a throwing program so he nonetheless has bullpens, stay BP, sim video games, and a rehab project, which means Bieber’s a pair steps forward. Plus there’s all the time a worry with guys like Jones (conservative method to a UCL sprain) that they’re simply delaying the inevitable, even when that’s not all the time true.

drplantwrench: is Tyler Anderson good or dangerous? fangraphs has him at 0.2 fWAR, baseball-reference has him at 1.8 bWAR, which one do you consider?

Jason Martinez: WAR will be helpful for some issues, however we are able to simply have a look at Anderson’s total stat line and his recreation logs. That tells us every part. He’s been good in all 7 of his begins. At the least 6 IP in 4 consecutive begins. Has but to permit greater than 3 ER. He’s been superb. Whether or not he’ll proceed to be good is one other query and there are additionally lots of stats that may inform us that, too.

Jason Martinez: That may do it for as we speak. Again subsequent Friday. Benefit from the weekend!