Moustakas linked to Sox again

[Jose Abreu]

One National League executive said Monday that the Yankees and White Sox have the best chances to land Moustakas, based on current market conditions.

 

The White Sox want to add a long-term third baseman in the next 12 months and could seize the opportunity to sign Moustakas now, rather than pursue free agents Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson during the 2018-19 offseason. Third base is the rare position at which the White Sox haven't procured an elite prospect in trades over the past couple years.

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-white-sox-...kas/c-266762670

 

[BigHurt3515]

Isn't a pick attached to him? Seems like something we wouldn't do

[Bob Sacamano]

I understand what they are trying to do IF they do have interest, even though I don't really agree with it.

Edited February 20, 2018 by soxfan2014

[maggsmaggs]

Given that he has a draft pick tied to him, he will cost a hefty sum and his WAR the last six seasons are 2.2, 0.7, 3.7, 0.5, 1.2 and 3.4 (2017 to 2012), I would much rather have Yolmer Sanchez for 2018 and see if he improves upon his 2.1 WAR.

Edited February 20, 2018 by maggsmaggs

[jenksycat]

Stupid draft compensation kills it. Otherwise I'd love for them to buy low on him

[Chisoxfn]

Can someone explain to me why Moustakas has such a low WAR compared to his traditional stats, which were all very good in 2017. OBP was a little low but he had a good OPS and obviously big power numbers. I always thought Mike was pretty solid defensively as well.

[Dick Allen]

Given that he has a draft pick tied to him, he will cost a hefty sum and his WAR the last six seasons are 2.2, 0.7, 3.7, 0.5, 1.2 and 3.4 (2017 to 2012), I would much rather have Yolmer Sanchez for 2018 and see if he improves upon his 2.1 WAR.

The 0.7 was in 27 games. And he really only started to hit 3 or 4 years ago. It depends what kind of a bargain he is. I wouldn't be too worried about a 2nd round pick being lost. He's definitely better than what you would expect a second rounder to be. Boras being is agent probably means the bargain cannot be met.

[Bob Sacamano]

The 0.7 was in 27 games. And he really only started to hit 3 or 4 years ago. It depends what kind of a bargain he is. I wouldn't be too worried about a 2nd round pick being lost. He's definitely better than what you would expect a second rounder to be. Boras being is agent probably means the bargain cannot be met.

 

Probably means 5 year deal with opt-out after 2 years to avoid being on the market with Machado and Donaldson and other big free agents teams will spend on.

Edited February 20, 2018 by soxfan2014

[Chisoxfn]

The 0.7 was in 27 games. And he really only started to hit 3 or 4 years ago. It depends what kind of a bargain he is. I wouldn't be too worried about a 2nd round pick being lost. He's definitely better than what you would expect a second rounder to be. Boras being is agent probably means the bargain cannot be met.

I'm in your camp that the pick isn't that big of a deal. Its do you think he'll be a valuable piece in years 2-4 of the deal (presuming he's going to sign for at least 4 years). He's an interesting player given how he missed 2016 but than came back very strong (from a power perspective) but his WAR (if you go with that as an end all be all) is pretty weak. Said another way, I have a hard time seeing how Yolmer was better than Moustakas a year ago. I recognize Yolmer's D was pretty good and that is obviously driving the value but man Moustakas value of the bat should have been higher given the power numbers, OPS, etc.

[maggsmaggs]

The 0.7 was in 27 games. And he really only started to hit 3 or 4 years ago. It depends what kind of a bargain he is. I wouldn't be too worried about a 2nd round pick being lost. He's definitely better than what you would expect a second rounder to be. Boras being is agent probably means the bargain cannot be met.

Good point re 0.7 WAR. Missed that when I was typing his numbers.

[Bob Sacamano]

If the Royals were interested in Hosmer, they might as well go after Mous and sign a 1B for about the same/a little over what Hosmer got annually (and also not as long).

[Dick Allen]

If the Royals were interested in Hosmer, they might as well go after Mous and sign a 1B for about the same/a little over what Hosmer got annually (and also not as long).

Supposedly they are pulling the plug on any hope of trying to compete.

 

I had been typing lately that opt outs aren't all that terrible for teams, but with the White Sox, giving an opt out after a season or two doesn't make much sense, unless, you are thinking of flipping him this summer, and then going after Machado/Donaldson, or trying to compete with him at 3B in 2019 and going after someone else if he opts out.

 

I have been on the Moustakas to the White Sox boat for a few years. The way Hawk talks about him, you know the White Sox really like the player. That said, I really don't know what a bargain is for him. If they signed him to a 5 year $65 million deal, that still leaves a lot more cash around the next couple of year than taking Matt Kemp's deal for a prospect, and you have a 3B. I don't think paying full price with opt out(s) makes much sense.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Dick Allen

[ptatc]

Given that he has a draft pick tied to him, he will cost a hefty sum and his WAR the last six seasons are 2.2, 0.7, 3.7, 0.5, 1.2 and 3.4 (2017 to 2012), I would much rather have Yolmer Sanchez for 2018 and see if he improves upon his 2.1 WAR.

I just don't see Sanchez ever coming close to hitting like Moustakas. It will all depend on the deal they can get. They don't have a 3B that will be ready for at least 2 years, so I can see why they would look at him.

[ChiSoxJon]

Very interesting

 

Less talented than Machado but seems more realistic

 

Even if Mous signs here, I'd go after Manny

[ptatc]

Supposedly they are pulling the plug on any hope of trying to compete.

 

I had been typing lately that opt outs aren't all that terrible for teams, but with the White Sox, giving an opt out after a season or two doesn't make much sense, unless, you are thinking of flipping him this summer, and then going after Machado/Donaldson, or trying to compete with him at 3B in 2019 and going after someone else if he opts out.

 

I have been on the Moustakas to the White Sox boat for a few years. The way Hawk talks about him, you know the White Sox really like the player. That said, I really don't know what a bargain is for him.

The only way it makes sense is if they really think Burger can stick at 3B. Hopefully, Moustakas would play well and they could slide Burger in when leaves. If he plays poorly maybe they would be stuck with him so it's going to depend on those "option $"

[Dick Allen]

The only way it makes sense is if they really think Burger can stick at 3B. Hopefully, Moustakas would play well and they could slide Burger in when leaves. If he plays poorly maybe they would be stuck with him so it's going to depend on those "option $"

If, no matter how he does, leaves money to add from the top shelf and not the bargain bin, then they should go for it IMO. I think that is how they should look at it. I have to think free agent prices are going to be a lot higher next year, because all of the spenders are going to be players. If you can take advantage of that now, then take advantage of that now.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Dick Allen

[Y2Jimmy0]

I'm pretty confident in saying that the White Sox won't be forfeiting the 45th pick and $2 million in draft capital to sign Mike Moustakas.

[Dick Allen]

I'm pretty confident in saying that the White Sox won't be forfeiting the 45th pick and $2 million in draft capital to sign Mike Moustakas.

I think they definitely would if they think there is a legit chance of being contenders in 2019. I've heard Hahn say 2020, even the most optimistic Hawkeroo thinks 2020. But they did beat their rebuild target by a season in 1990. Of course at the deadline that year they added Jerry Hairston, so he could get his 10 year pension, and Minnie Minoso, who the commissioner said no. Oakland added Willie McGee and Harold Baines. Ozzie popped off. The still won 94 or 95 games. One of the craziest fun seasons ever. Winning games on wild pitches. Getting no hit and winning without even a save situation...

Edited February 20, 2018 by Dick Allen

[ptatc]

If, no matter how he does, leaves money to add from the top shelf and not the bargain bin, then they should go for it IMO. I think that is how they should look at it. I have to think free agent prices are going to be a lot higher next year, because all of the spenders are going to be players. If you can take advantage of that now, then take advantage of that now.

True.

[pmb0928]

I think they definitely would if they think there is a legit chance of being contenders in 2019.

Completely agree with you. If you think you have a chance you go for it, you don't worry about a 45th pick. Realistically what are the chances of that pick being a better player than Moustakas? Pretty slim. And if you keep the pick you have a few more years to potentially get the player into the majors if at all.

 

 

Everyone loves draft picks but if you lose a pick in order to potentially compete for a championship then you do it every time. The Astros didn't worry about picks and prospects when they went after Verlander because they knew it could win them a world series.

You have to have some balls once in a while.

[ptatc]

I'm pretty confident in saying that the White Sox won't be forfeiting the 45th pick and $2 million in draft capital to sign Mike Moustakas.

I would have no issue with losing the pick. Odds are that Moustakas would help the Sox more than that pick will. It all depends on the price.

[Bob Sacamano]

With limited interest, it makes sense as opposed to handing out $300 mill+ next off-season with more teams involved.

[southsider2k5]

With limited interest, it makes sense as opposed to handing out $300 mill+ next off-season with more teams involved.

 

Or losing out on both of them.

[Dam8610]

Isn't draft pick compensation for a contract over $50 million?

[Dick Allen]

I suppose the other argument against could be if it is the Sox or Yankees like the GM suggested, the Yankees are probably only going to go one year. If that's the case, he could be the back up to the back up next year.