However, to me, I wonder if we're asking the most important question -- what are our playoff chances in 2026?
As this is written, Baseball Reference gives us an 8.6 percent chance of making this year's playoffs. I'm not giving up on this year's team but the objective part of me realizes that our chances are slimmer than an airbrushed cover model. So, if we trade Castro, Bader, Coulombe, etc., I'm not going to like it but it is justifiable, certainly.
However, the question I'd like you to answer is, what do you think of our playoff chances in 2026? Here's our projected roster as we sit today:
Catcher -- Jeffers
1B -- Clemens
2B -- Keaschall
SS -- Correa
3B -- Lewis
utility -- Lee
OF -- Buxton, Larnach, Wallner
We would need to add a catcher, another infielder (a right-handed bopper at first base would be extremely helpful), and a couple of outfielders (ditto on the big bopper). Where those come from are the topics for the hot stove league -- our current fringe players, the guys in AAA, free agents, etc.
Starting pitchers -- Pablo, Ryan, Ober, Zebby, SWR, Festa
Relievers -- Duran, Jax, Varland, Stewart, Sands, Topa
Actually a surplus of one starter, but we know they'll all be needed. The additional two relievers are hot stove fodder as well -- AAA, free agents, etc.
In broad strokes, IMO we have enough pitching. We need to add one or two above-average bats (I'm thinking .280 hitters with 20+ HR potential), which I'm thinking is not unrealistic.
Back to the question -- do we have enough be a contender in 2026? My answer is yes, which means we DO NOT trade away our controlled 2026 key pieces.
Now, inquiring minds want to know. What do you think -- do you see us as 2026 playoff contenders right now, do we stand pat with our 2026 key pieces or trade them away?
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