DeBarge is a low average hitter without much power. He can hit doubles and stretch a few into triples with his speed. He needs to hit about .277 instead of .237.
I was actually pleasantly surprised by Pereda - decent hitter and decent thrower. He couldn't hold onto the ball which seems like it is necessary for a catcher.
Victor Caratini would be a good addition. I think Joey Bart is gettable in trade. I doubt the Dodgers will keep Ben Rortvedt.
That’s the 1-year contract tier. Above that is a multiyear deal. I would rather see them offer contract extensions to their own players. It’s a better value.
A steady job and a promised trade to a contender if the team is out of the running will attract veteran players. Do you think Bader is upset with how last year went?
Do we know that Shelton was the front office's first choice? Did other candidates turn them down after the interview? I've certainly backed out from joining organizations after I've had a chance to meet the people in charge face to face.
They are betting a big portion of their future on developing young pitching. Punting the catcher position is a really bad idea in that context. Play good defense behind young pitchers.
That's not a flaw, that's how trade values work. Older, more expensive and less team control is worth less than younger, cheaper and more team control.
The biggest problem with this hire is Falvey doubling down on the same process that led to these results in the first place. "Trust the process" that has led to one of the worst teams in baseball.
I think it's a bad idea to waste MLB at-bats on a player with limited upside. Suppose playing on a bad team has less pressure than playing for the Dodgers and Outman can put up an OPS more in line with his AAA stats. He becomes a 700 OPS guy with a decent glove for a couple seasons when the Twins aren't trying to contend. Then he starts his inevitable post-age-30 decline as his arbitration salaries increase and he gets non-tendered in 2027. What's the point? Why not invest the playing time in Emmanuel Rodriguez instead?