RosterResource Chat – 2/21/25

Jason Martinez: Welcome to the (earlier-than-normal) RosterResource Stay Chat!

We’ve reached the time of the yr the place the projected WAR for remaining Free Brokers is lastly decrease than all 30 groups.

It’s additionally the time the place my projected rosters change typically and the easiest way to search out out why I moved one thing round (lineup order, bullpen function, and so on.) is to ask me right here. Massive adjustments for projected lineup orders for Phillies and Yankees in current days.   

https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/depth-charts/phillies

https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/depth-charts/yankees

Right here we go …

Phil: The present Purple Sox drama appears to revolve round Devers vs. Bregman at third and Bregman vs. Campbell at 2nd. Does Vaughan Grissom have a task to play right here, although? He had a horrible yr, however it’s nonetheless bizarre to me that he’s gone from probably on a regular basis 2nd baseman to utterly forgotten man in only a yr. Is that this an Adalberto Mondesi scenario the place he’ll simply by no means be heard from once more?

Jon Becker: Blissful Friday everybody! I wouldn’t say Grissom is sort of in Mondesi limbo (Mondesi simply by no means bought wholesome and hasn’t performed anyplace on the planet because the Purple Sox bought him, as greatest as I can inform), however he’s fairly buried on the depth chart, yeah. The Braves gave him some LF reps earlier than he was moved to the Purple Sox and I’m wondering if the Sox may transfer him across the diamond this Spring simply to offer him extra alternatives.

Blue: Hey Jason, what do you concentrate on the plethora of middle-infield choices Toronto has now that they’ve Gimenez for 2B. There will likely be a contest for 3B however ought to we anticipate a commerce, maybe to filter out a few of them?

Jason Martinez: I don’t actually see a crowded infield in the mean time. Appears like Orelvis is gonna play 2B/3B whereas attempting to place himself again on the prospect map. Commerce worth isn’t close to what it may be if he mashes in AAA for a couple of months. Josh Kasevich (2nd Rd choose in ’22) may put himself within the combine for a beginning job in 2026 if he has an excellent season.

Phil: With Anthony shut, is Rafaela nonetheless an on a regular basis participant?

Jon Becker: He’s for now, however as soon as two of Anthony/Mayer/Campbell come up, it’s onerous to see Rafaela enjoying day by day if no person else will get damage. Most likely switches to being a really helpful super-utility man in that state of affairs.

drplantwrench: with trout shifting to RF, i’m a giant believer in Jo Adell (i name myself the Mayor of Jo Island), however theres additionally tales that Rengifo is getting time in CF, who do you assume is the first CF for the Angels shifting ahead?

Jason Martinez: He’s improved in RF and he’ll have the identical teaching employees working with him to grow to be an excellent CF. I feel he’ll be high-quality on the market however in all probability a brief leash if he struggles on the plate. In that case, I feel will probably be a mixture of Moniak and Adell. Undecided if Rengifo can play on the market however needs to be within the lineup on most days. And that would grow to be tough at any time when Christian Moore will get the decision to play 2B. Perhaps Ward in CF and Rengifo in LF?

Bradford: Stop & Suarez for Vlad Jr?

Jon Becker: I don’t assume Vlad Jr. goes to get traded, nor do I feel this proposal would make a complete lot of sense for the Jays. Stop is an improve over Bowden Francis however their rotation continues to be theoretically full, after which after this yr all they’d have to indicate for shifting Vlad Jr. is Suarez. I feel they’d relatively simply see how this yr goes and have the draft choose if he indicators elsewhere.

Jordan: How a lot would it not fairly value to signal Anthony Rizzo? A pair million? He may even must signal a minor league deal. Would he make sense for the Pirates as an early season substitute for Horwitz? Looks like utilizing Triolo after 1B takes away his worth of being an excellent glove on the different infield positions.

Jason Martinez: For somebody like Rizzo who has a WS ring and extra $ than he’ll ever be capable to spend, it’s solely a query of how badly he needs to maintain enjoying baseball. My guess is that he’s stress-free and doing no matter he needs proper now and never enthusiastic about enjoying for a workforce just like the Pirates, particularly if he’s not assured a beginning job. Or within the Pirates’ case, they solely want somebody to fill in till Horwitz is prepared.

Padres: A number of choices for fifth starter: Hart, Waldon, Vasquez, Kolek, Brito.  Who will get essentially the most begins this yr.

Jon Becker: Hart, I feel. I believed he’d signal for lots greater than he did, however he was nonetheless nice final yr within the KBO and I feel he’d must have a completely terrible spring to not get that spot. Waldron could be fascinating out of the bullpen, can’t be enjoyable to face Dylan Stop 2-3 instances after which have to determine a knuckleball mid-game.

KingRaj4826: I observed on the White Sox workforce web page that Justin Anderson is projected to be their nearer, however Prelander Berroa is projected to have extra saves. Wouldn’t it be extra correct to say Berroa is the nearer (or a committee of Anderson + Berroa), or is there one thing I’m lacking?

Jason Martinez: It’s in all probability the easiest way I can say that Berroa will find yourself because the nearer however I don’t belief him sufficient in that function to start the season. There actually aren’t any good choices. May make extra sense to record a committee (Anderson-Berroa-Ellard-Varland) however how would we even know in the event that they don’t win fairly often. Berroa has the large Okay numbers and he was getting higher in the direction of the top of the season. Greatest upside of the candidates. Perhaps Gus Varland finally ends up being the man. But it surely may even be somebody like Mike Clevinger, who simply re-signed to a MiLB deal and possibly doesn’t make sense to dam a youthful participant within the rotation.

Braves: Is there a sensible infield bench improve from Nick Allen obtainable in free company?

Jon Becker: Iglesias positively is, however I don’t assume he’s going to signal for the “break glass in case of emergency” backup infielder function that the Braves have — these guys simply don’t play until somebody will get injured. Past him there’s Merrifield, Wendle, and Matt Duffy, who aren’t clear sufficient upgrades (if in any respect) on Allen. So I feel it’ll be Allen and R5 choose Christian Cairo preventing for that spot.

G4: Turner a pleasant add by the Cubs. Busch now wanting like a standard platoon. What number of PAs did including the previous knock off the latter’s season projection?

Jason Martinez: I wouldn’t name it a standard platoon simply but. We’ll see how issues play out. Busch was barely above-league-average vs LHP in 2024 and he’s the kind of hitter who deserves to get an opportunity to maintain enjoying day by day. However including Turner, who crushes LHP and is usually restricted to 1B/DH, in all probability takes away that capacity for essentially the most half. I feel his projected PA went down by round 50 PA so I nonetheless have him within the at round 80% of the time.

Chris Ilitch’s new girlfriend: What’s the document for platoons on one workforce and can the Tigers problem it? Looks as if 7 may very well be on the market together with the C battery.

Jon Becker: There have been positively factors throughout the Gabe Kapler Giants years the place we had all 4-5 bench spots in platoons, not less than for a little bit bit. And people are simply primarily based on handedness, not particular matchups or who they must play protection behind or anything. The Tigers will certainly do numerous mixing-and-matching!

Visitor: At this level who probably had the {dollars}, function and roster house essential to signal Robertson Finnegan?

Jason Martinez: At this level, my guess is that Robertson may simply get 1-yr, $6MM and Finnegan possibly one thing like 1-yr, $3MM. Ready groups out for 1-2 extra weeks in case a significant damage happens (it in all probability will) may assist their trigger. Braves appear the probably workforce so as to add a high-leverage reliever.

David: Assuming the Mariners attempt to transfer on from Haniger; who’s subsequent up? Locklear or Bliss?

Jon Becker: Most likely Locklear, since he’s extra of a standard DH-type and Bliss is a good sufficient defender. Although they might all the time give Polanco extra DH time to accommodate Bliss, relying on how nicely Polanco can deal with 3B.

Ollie Dunn: Why is Caleb at third for spring opener ?

Jason Martinez: Appears like Ortiz would be the beginning SS so Durbin profitable the beginning 2B job (Turang to SS) isn’t probably. Thus, they’re gonna give him an extended take a look at 3B. Ought to be an excellent competitors between Durbin/Black/Dunn. As a minimum, Durbin may very well be the platoon vs LHP.

Scotty: Longenhagen expressed his perception that Alex Freeland will play a roll within the Dodgers 2025 lineup because of his capacity to play SS. Do you assume this could occur with out an damage to Mookie, Kim, or Rojas?

Jon Becker: Numerous completely different eventualities the place this might occur, IMO. Simply to call a pair: OF will get injured, Mookie strikes again there, SS open for Freeland; Kim underperforms and will get despatched down, Mookie slides over to 2B to accommodate Freeland. Mookie was reportedly working actually onerous at SS within the offseason and he’s too proficient to underperform defensively a lot that he will get moved.

Matt: Is there a method on the workforce depth chart pages on Fangraphs to toggle btw projected lineups towards righties/lefties?

Josh: Will there be a brand new house for the projected lineups vs RHP/LHP this yr or will they be in the identical spot?

Jason Martinez: For now, I’m nonetheless holding them up to date right here …

https://fantasy.fangraphs.com/rosterresource-projected-lineups/

and nonetheless hoping to get one thing constructed within the close to future the place you might toggle between vs R/L and see precise/projected/final 3 yr splits.

Lord Thunder: Does the Alex Bregman signing jeopardize Romy Gonzalez’s opening day roster spot?

Jon Becker: For now we’ve nonetheless bought him on the projected bench, however it positively makes it more durable for Romy to make the opening day squad. If Campbell makes the workforce you’re taking a look at one spot for Hamilton/Gonzalez, and I feel I’d choose Hamilton’s velocity off the bench since they’ve already bought Refsnyder to mash lefties.

Jordan: How do you see the Bucs’ rotation shaking out after signing Heaney? Oviedo not gonna be prepared for Opening Day? Oviedo to the bullpen when he’s wholesome? Use Oviedo/Falter as commerce bait for an OF?

Jason Martinez: I moved Oviedo to MiLB part after the Heaney signing. He has an possibility remaining and (not less than for now) appears on monitor for Opening Day. He’ll be round 16 months faraway from TJ surgical procedure. After all, this permits them to be cautious and take their time with him. He was superb in ’23. They in all probability have sufficient depth to make a commerce (Chandler, Ashcraft, Burrows, Harrington, and so on. may all make an influence in 2025) however I can see them holding off till finish of spring coaching. So much can occur between from time to time.

Bullock: Is that this lastly the yr Brandon Lowe will get traded?  They’re gonna want extra infield house as Kim returns and Carson Williams will get prepared (to not point out Mead twiddling his thumbs in AAA)

Jon Becker: I feel so, because it’s the Rays and that is simply what they do. Lowe’s had numerous damage points the previous few years but when his well being traces up with the Commerce Deadline (and Kim can also be wholesome) I feel he will get moved.

Late bloomer: Gage Workman has lengthy been acknowledged as a premium defender anyplace on the left facet of the infield and bought his most damning offensive weak point underneath management as a 24 yr previous at AA, dropping greater than 10% in his Okay price. The glove needs to be sufficient to stay as a bench piece if he may be near league common with the bat. Any optimism that this rule 5 choose will stick?

Jason Martinez: It’s early and I attempt to not overreact after 1 spring at-bat (that HR swing was fairly). I nonetheless have him as odd man out after the Alexander Canario DFA . Vidal Brujan can play CF, which provides him the sting for a remaining bench spot, in my view. Matt Shaw struggling in Spring Coaching and/or Nico Hoerner beginning the season on the IL will assist Workman’s possibilities vastly.

Dadbauer: Are the brewers actually gonna open the season with out including a single infielder?

Jon Becker: I’d be fairly stunned in the event that they added an infielder at this level, yeah. Like Jason stated earlier they’ve bought an fascinating competitors with Black, Dunn, and Durbin, and it doesn’t seem as in the event that they’d have the cash so as to add Iglesias, the one potential improve, anyway.

Pads Fan: How honest is a Suarez for Torkelson commerce? Looks like neither have a lot worth…

Jason Martinez: Is smart for the Padres if the objective is to chop some wage after the Pivetta signing. And Torkelson suits on their roster as 1B/DH. Undecided it’s an excellent match for the Tigers, even if you happen to contemplate that Suarez would enhance their projected bullpen. They already added Kahnle and Brebbia to a robust group. They anticipate Lange to bounce again when wholesome (June-ish) and so they have a lot SP depth.1-2 of these guys who don’t pitch within the rotation may additionally assist out within the ‘pen. I don’t see them taking up Suarez for doubtlessly 3 yr, $26MM.

Joe: Alex Verdugo final OF musical chair…will he begin an Opening Day recreation for one of many 30 golf equipment?

Jon Becker: I lean sure, although there aren’t numerous groups who’re (a) clearly attempting to win and (b) would view Verdugo as a particular improve over what they’ve bought. Perhaps Pittsburgh (platoon with Pham) or Kansas Metropolis (platoon with Renfroe)?

Carson: Mining The Information instructed Heliot Ramos may brief facet platoon with LaMonte Wade as soon as Eldridge was known as up, and that feels foolish given pedigree and outcomes from final yr. Am I unsuitable? DH feels just like the place for Wade.

Jason Martinez: I feel we’re in all probability taking a look at a couple of months down the highway with Eldridge and this potential state of affairs. He’s 20 years previous and has a mixed 75 PA between AAA/AA. Doesn’t imply he can’t drive his method onto the roster however I don’t assume the Giants are relying on that.

They’ll wish to see if Heliot can construct off of his breakout season. If he continues to wrestle towards RHP (he was very dangerous towards them), then possibly he’s solely a platoon man by 2nd half when Eldridge enters the image.

Fant’sy Feast: Of the next, which, if any, do you anticipate so as to add 1B eligibility this season (the league I’m asking about is 5G beginning or 10G enjoying at a place): Bryan Reynolds, Gavin Lux, Kyle Schwarber, Heston Kjerstad (none could be my major 1B, however hoping to have depth in my every day lineups league so I don’t have to hold a 2nd 1B-only)

Jon Becker: That’s a reasonably low bar to clear, besides the one identify I see notably probably there may be Kjerstad. They’re going to wish to search out enjoying time for him and 1B is likely to be a little bit simpler than OF, with what number of OF they’ve already bought.

diadem: If Suarez and Perdomo keep wholesome all season what would mission could be Lawler;s ab complete?

Jason Martinez: I at present have him starting the season in AAA and 259 PA within the majors. It could in all probability take an damage to one in every of their infielders to open up on a regular basis at-bats. Or if Pavin Smith doesn’t hit, they will shuffle guys between the DH spot. So it’s potential he results in the combo for 400-500 PA. However my guess is that Lawlar would be the beginning 3B in 2026.

Dirk: As soon as Arenado goes, can we assume Saggese will get on a regular basis 2B job, Gorman to 3B and Donovan superutility?

Jon Becker: Sounds proper to me, however this isn’t going to occur anytime quickly, possibly not even this yr. Arenado isn’t budging off his five-team commerce record, none of whom need/want him anymore, so he’ll be a Cardinal on Opening Day until he expands the record. Perhaps he has a change of coronary heart on the deadline if the Cardinals are struggling and he has a greater thought of which groups are the strongest WS contenders.

Bullock: While you’re setting batting order within the pre-season, how a lot are you going by “that is what is smart” vs “that is what I noticed the supervisor do final yr”?

Jason Martinez: Throughout the offseason, there may be some mixture of how issues ended, tendencies throughout the season, what makes most sense, and so on. Throughout Spring Coaching, I’m taking a look at lineups which have a number of projected regulars and deciding if the supervisor is tipping his hand. It doesn’t occur typically, although, so I’m largely counting on beat reporters for any tidbits since they converse typically with the supervisor.

Oscar Gamble: Who would you begin the season with at 2B for the Guardians if you happen to had been making the decision?

Jon Becker: I agree with our choose of Brito, since switch-hitters are helpful and his minors BB:Okay has been so good that he looks like a protected guess to be not less than semi-productive. However Arias, Angel Martínez, and Tyler Freeman are all contending.

J Mac: Do you see Jordan Westburg sticking at 3B long run whereas sustaining 2B elig (10-20 appearances or so)? I’m torn on the place he’s extra worthwhile, particularly if he has a much bigger breakout this coming season, well being, fences moved in, and so on.

Jason Martinez: I feel he’s completed sufficient to be locked in as a lineup common. Would in all probability take a giant drop in manufacturing for Coby Mayo to take his job. So far as 2B, he needs to be there vs LHP. My assumption is that they’ll sit Holliday towards most lefties, not less than early within the season, and play Ramon Urias at 3B with Westburg shifting to 2B.

Justin: I bear in mind this bizarre story a couple of months in the past about groups being enthusiastic about signing Lance Lynn as a more in-depth . Do you assume that was actual, or his agent attempting to drum up some curiosity

Jon Becker: I feel it’s actual, Lynn went fairly in-depth about it within the interview with Ken Rosenthal and I’d assume Ken bought affirmation from team-side folks too. Stays to be seen what function he really indicators for, however it could be enjoyable to see him shut.

Alex: The Braves are clearly hoping that Orlando Arcia can bounce again – even when only a useless cat bounce. How practical are these hopes? Nacho Alvarez appears about as a lot of a defensive shortstop as Vaughn Grissom. Are there prone to be any fairly priced shortstops obtainable on the deadline?

Jason Martinez: If the Jays and Rays aren’t contending, Bo Bichette and Ha-Seong Kim will likely be two of the largest names on the commerce block. Undecided if the associated fee could be affordable, however I suppose it could depend upon how badly Arcia is doing.

drplantwrench: whats the probability we see Christian Moore because the Angels opening day 2B?

Jon Becker: Only a shot at nighttime right here however possibly 20%? Must be Rengifo over Adell in middle, or an damage, and Moore himself has to show he’s prepared this Spring. So it wouldn’t shock me however not going, I feel.

Jack: Are you able to discuss concerning the adjustments to the Phillies projected lineup that you just linked at the start of the chat?

Jason Martinez: A lot of current discuss of Trea Turner shifting to the leadoff spot and the way that may be greatest for him. I’ve seen it from not less than 2 of their beat reporters and so I lastly made the change. To be able to break up up the 2 lefties, I moved Harper to 2nd, Bohm third, and Schwarber 4th. Seems good to me. We’ll see if we get any indications of their first few lineups this spring.

DBacks: Mike and Torey have made many mentions of specializing in getting constant relaxation for regulars to reduce the prospect for damage; to what extent can we anticipate that to influence the PA workloads on the AZ energetic roster?

Jon Becker: Broadly talking, plenty of groups are going on this course — it’s actually solely the Braves who’ve tremendous solidified starters now, and numerous groups actually blur the traces, play matchups, give upkeep days, and so on. For the Diamondbacks particularly I feel we may see numerous completely different DHes, working Alek Thomas in additional if he makes the workforce since he’s not a man you need simply sitting on the bench, and so on. May additionally make it simpler to work Lawlar in down the road if everybody’s already used to frequent shuffling.

Deepest AAA rotation?: The White Sox may need the least imposing main league rotations. You may have 11 guys listed at AAA which have or had some cache as a future starter, together with a couple of with MLB expertise. Who do you assume has the most effective alternative this spring to drive their method into the rotation early this season?

Jason Martinez: It’s clearly a season the place guys will likely be auditioning for 2026. So getting a greater take a look at guys like Nick Nastini, Jake Eder, Jairo Iriarte, and Mason Adams will probably be a precedence earlier than their greatest prospects (Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith) are known as up for good.

Lord Thunder: Luis Robert Jr. bounces again this season. Sure or no?

Jon Becker: I’m not saying he’ll hit 38 homers this yr, however I do assume he’ll be nearer to his 2023 than his 2024 if he’s wholesome and will get into sufficient video games, which is an enormous “if” and possibly a part of why they signed Michael A. Taylor.

Caleb: With it wanting more and more probably Altuve sees most his time in LF this yr, how does that have an effect on the Astros’ depth chart/projections? How do you deal with a participant shifting to a place he’s by no means performed earlier than? How lengthy do you wait earlier than shifting him off 2B?

Jason Martinez: Little by little in a scenario like this one the place it’s sort of a loopy concept that begins to grow to be extra of a actuality every day as we see him working within the OF after which they signal somebody like Brendan Rodgers. My present projected platoon assumes Rodgers performs 2B vs LHP and Altuve would play LF. But it surely may find yourself being a full-time factor if Rodgers is wholesome and productive. I feel I’ve Altuve over 20% in LF within the enjoying time projections (in comparison with round 2% after they first talked about the chance).

Hermie: The place do you see Canario ending up and is it a full time function?

Jon Becker: I feel he gained’t get far down the waiver record (worst to first primarily based on 2024 document) however unsure about an on a regular basis job. Going from DFA instantly to beginning function is hard.

wheelhouse: so who was the NRI candidate who turned down the Yankees as a result of he didn’t wish to shave? paul dejong? they weren’t enthusiastic about b rodgers apparently

Jason Martinez: If that is true and I needed to take a guess, I’m going with Luis Guillorme. Among the finest beards within the recreation.

Jason Martinez: That may do it for immediately. Thanks for stopping by. Sorry if we didn’t get to your query. Be happy to message us on social media and we are going to reply. Have an excellent weekend!