The Table Setter, Dec 14, 2023: Ohtani Has an Opt-Out After All

Mitch Keller is a good pitcher, the only decent starting pitcher for the Pirates. Pittsburgh has specifically stated he is not available and that their top goals for this offseason are in this order: SP, SP, and SP. While I would like it if Keller appeared as a Twin next season, I don't understand why Pittsburgh would trade him.

Can anyone reasonably explain why the Pirates would trade Keller? The only previous explanation was that the Pirates front office and owners were incompetent to a level that any team could take advantage of them. Hmmmm? 

The name doesn't really matter.  Will likely come from Marlins or Seattle, and will likely be a #3 pitcher the Twins think they can improve.  

46 minutes ago, Matthew Trueblood said:

I can! The Buccos are not in a position to contend in 2024. They fully expect and badly need to be in such a position in 2025, though. Keller is under team control through '25, but arbitration is going to make him more expensive this year and still more so next. They're in the right phase of a protracted rebuild to trade Keller for a haul that will help them starting in '25 and keep their window open longer, once it does open.

This is a valid point. I have been aware of that (Keller contract) and should have addressed it in my comment above. I would think the Pirates should try to extend Keller's contract.

The Pittsburgh franchise has indicated they intend to compete. I guess it comes down to when the Pirates end the never ending rebuild. 

Like I said, Keller is a good pitcher. i like him and if the Twins can pick him up it might work out well all around. 

I try to think of trades from both sides, which is a little futile. As such, i don't see a decent reason for Pittsburgh to trade Keller unless they receive an offer they cannot refuse. They don't need position players, so maybe Raya, Festa, Varland, and Wallner+ or Culpepper+ instead of Wallner. In that case, it might work. On the other hand, I am on record as suggesting that the Twins do not trade any pitching unless it returns either Kirby or Gilbert. 

I'm just not seeing this match. I thought about how in late October. Others, including Tom Froemming I believe, have suggested trading for Keller and perhaps it all could be done. 

I don't understand these "Table Setter" daily updates.

Seems like a constant reminder that the Twins role at the table is leftovers only, and not until everyone else has signed and/or traded for the players they want.

I don't understand these "Table Setter" daily updates.

Seems like a constant reminder that the Twins role at the table is leftovers only, and not until everyone else has signed and/or traded for the players they want..

Apparently the Twins are crumulent

On 12/14/2023 at 9:53 AM, Matthew Trueblood said:

I can! The Buccos are not in a position to contend in 2024. They fully expect and badly need to be in such a position in 2025, though. Keller is under team control through '25, but arbitration is going to make him more expensive this year and still more so next. They're in the right phase of a protracted rebuild to trade Keller for a haul that will help them starting in '25 and keep their window open longer, once it does open.

IMO PIT are making a transition from rebuilding to becoming a contender so their focus is on SP- SP- SP. I don't think they'll trade him this year & will try to extend him down the road. Although it's a nice thought

If the Twins think they can control Cabera's control problem I'd be all over that but Rogers would work too. MIA wants catching but Vazquez doesn't work.

Just think if the Twins tried to sign Ohtani for $700MM+ & swung it, with all $ deferred except 2MM/ yr. for 4 (yrs) after 4 yrs he opts out. Just imagine how much $ the Twins would make in tickets, merchandizing (USA & JAP) broadcasting rights (USA & JAP) just for a fraction of what Castro makes.

Life sometimes isn't fair.

17 hours ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

Is Trevor Rogers Taylor Rogers brother?

No, but Tyler is

Hey Mat;

I seriously thought you'd take over for Nash at Locked On Twins (no knock on Brandon). But selfishly happy that you are able to write all these articles for us at TD.

On 12/14/2023 at 8:38 AM, Karbo said:

Just imagine for a minute what would happen if Ohtani doesn't come back right from TJ surgery. Now the Dodgers are paying a guy an affordable 2 mil per year for 10 years and still owe him all that deferred money. Now imagine 5 years from now the age catches up to him. The dodgers can afford this, but the Twins would be crippled paying that deferred money for a guy that isn't even playing. And what if the next CB contract puts in some sort of clause that counts the deferred money? Any mid-market team could be sunk by that. I agree it would have been great to get a superstar like him, but IMO the risk isn't worth the reward. After all, he and Trout couldn't get the Angels to the playoffs.

Kind of like when the Twins paid Mauer all that money.