We hear a lot about younger pitchers like Sproat and Tong working to add new pitches.
Do veterans sometimes reach a point where they’ve already experimented with those additions earlier in their careers and simply couldn’t get them to become a true plus pitch?
It also raises the question of whether a veteran coming off a difficult stretch might try to reshape his arsenal again, or whether by that stage the repertoire is largely what it is.
On the hitting side, how do we evaluate the progress Vientos and Mauricio are making against breaking balls?
With Mauricio in particular, if the improvement is only incremental, perhaps his long-term MLB role becomes more of a versatile piece — someone who can move around the field, maybe even see time in the outfield given his speed and arm.
And separately, what do you think the probability is that Bichette opts out?
I'd say the only way that Bichette does not opt out is if he gets hurt.
Alex Bregman had a similar contract to Bichette's. And despite seeing his fWAR drop for the third consecutive season, down to a 3.5 mark, Bregman walked away from 2/$80. And it turned out to be the right move, as the Cubs gave him a 5/$175 deal.
I'd like to say the bit I've seen of Chris Suero this spring has made me feel better and better about ranking him 11th overall in the system (12th if you count Christian Scott). He has a very quick bat and his mechanics at the plate make him seem like his breakout of early 2025 might have been more reality than optimism. Suero has some flexibility but is starting to feel more and more like he might be a future starter than a bench guy. Anyone else have thoughts on him?
He looks more muscular than when Metsense and I saw him in Asheville last year.
I still feel like it's an issue of where is he going to play. Can he be the primary backup catcher in the majors? Would the Mets be comfortable moving on from Torrens to open up a spot? Is Suero capable of pushing out a starter at either 1B or the outfield? I still see his spot as a 300-PA reserve. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Absolutely, in a heartbeat he would opt out for the reason Brian stated right above. He’s going to want the security and higher overall dollars of a long term deal.
We hear a lot about younger pitchers like Sproat and Tong working to add new pitches.
Do veterans sometimes reach a point where they’ve already experimented with those additions earlier in their careers and simply couldn’t get them to become a true plus pitch?
It also raises the question of whether a veteran coming off a difficult stretch might try to reshape his arsenal again, or whether by that stage the repertoire is largely what it is.
On the hitting side, how do we evaluate the progress Vientos and Mauricio are making against breaking balls?
With Mauricio in particular, if the improvement is only incremental, perhaps his long-term MLB role becomes more of a versatile piece — someone who can move around the field, maybe even see time in the outfield given his speed and arm.
And separately, what do you think the probability is that Bichette opts out?
I'd say the only way that Bichette does not opt out is if he gets hurt.
Alex Bregman had a similar contract to Bichette's. And despite seeing his fWAR drop for the third consecutive season, down to a 3.5 mark, Bregman walked away from 2/$80. And it turned out to be the right move, as the Cubs gave him a 5/$175 deal.
I'd like to say the bit I've seen of Chris Suero this spring has made me feel better and better about ranking him 11th overall in the system (12th if you count Christian Scott). He has a very quick bat and his mechanics at the plate make him seem like his breakout of early 2025 might have been more reality than optimism. Suero has some flexibility but is starting to feel more and more like he might be a future starter than a bench guy. Anyone else have thoughts on him?
He looks more muscular than when Metsense and I saw him in Asheville last year.
I still feel like it's an issue of where is he going to play. Can he be the primary backup catcher in the majors? Would the Mets be comfortable moving on from Torrens to open up a spot? Is Suero capable of pushing out a starter at either 1B or the outfield? I still see his spot as a 300-PA reserve. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
He just looks in command when he's in the batter's box.
40 million a year? Opt out?
Absolutely, in a heartbeat he would opt out for the reason Brian stated right above. He’s going to want the security and higher overall dollars of a long term deal.