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2025-26 Offseason thread
#421 · January 8, 2026, 10:43 am
Sheets avoids arbitration with a $4.5MM contract.
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#422 · January 8, 2026, 10:53 am
The Orioles and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a contract that gives the O’s control over Mountcastle’s first free agent deal, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray. Mountcastle will earn $6.787MM in 2026, and Baltimore holds a $7.5MM club option on the first baseman’s services for 2027.
Wonder if this contract fixing the 2026 money helps the odds of a Mountcastle trade. He is not projected as a starter in BALT (some were surprised he was even offer arb). Two "unwanted" players in a deal ... Mountcastle ($6.787MM) for Matsui ($5.750MM) with BALT chipping in $1MM? In 2027 Padres would have an option on Mountcastle while Matsui could opt out ... so hard to evaluate the value of those issues.
Does not make payroll space but does give a "decent" RHH 1B at a "decent" cost in the current market (and comparative options).
#423 · January 8, 2026, 1:46 pm
I know I'd be OK with this
#424 · January 8, 2026, 1:58 pm
After the MIA/Cubs trade, 2/3rds of MIA starting OF in 2026 will be former SD prospects in Cassie and Marsee.
#425 · January 9, 2026, 7:52 am
Preller does what he does ... all the arbitration players have signed and this year no one had to exchange numbers.
As it stands (the exact number for Sears is not reported but estimated at $3.5MM) ... that translates to a $10MM increase over 2025 going from $211MM to $221MM. When it comes to CBT ... the remain at the $263MM level ($1MM below the 2nd level threshold).
With that in the rear view mirror ... Preller can now focus on
- the international signings starting this month
- FA/trades given the certainty of the base payroll
#426 · January 9, 2026, 12:09 pm
Even though we are projected to be only 1 million below the 2nd tier of the CBT as of this date, can't help thinking that before ST ends Preller will have cleared enough CBT room to allow the addition of players we'll need to make the playoffs on or before the trading deadline.
If not in ST, then an exchange of players who are in their walk year near the trading deadline - Morejon and Adam should be in demand as should Laureano. Likely hold on to Pivetta and King unless we get an offer we can't refuse. We need to infuse youth with upside into the starting rotation and also at 1b and the OF. Still think something is brewing with the Mets but not the blockbuster that was rumored.
#427 · January 9, 2026, 12:33 pm
I can see a couple of scenarios ... one relating to the start of the season where they may exceed the tier 2 threshold or if Preller can move some payroll to add some salary.
Maybe a push to contend in the last year of ownership by the Siedler family ... hoping the money from winning covers the "relatively small impact" of exceeding the threshold by a few million (not a lot mind you) IF they win. Not a big issue if selling the club for over a billion ... but not ticking off the buyer.
Then at the deadline ... IF not winning ... do the FA house cleaning of Adam, Morejon, Pivetta, Laureano ... drop 1/3 of their salaries and add set-up the future for the new owners.
Could go a few ways.
#429 · January 9, 2026, 5:48 pm
Random thought, but wouldn't mind taking a shot on Griffin Canning if the price is right.
#430 · January 9, 2026, 7:58 pm
Quote from sportwarrior on January 9, 2026, 12:56 pmQuote from BoosterSD on January 8, 2026, 1:58 pmAfter the MIA/Cubs trade, 2/3rds of MIA starting OF in 2026 will be former SD prospects in Cassie and Marsee.
Potentially half the infield, too, with Edwards and maybe Pauley on the right side of the diamond.
People,not saying you, used to get mad at this. "We trade them then they get good"
I love it. Shows quality of SDP scouting and value of prospects which could ehance value of other MiL players from the system in trades.