Yeah I watched a lot too. I never saw him do anything that made me think he was some awful liability.
His offensive numbers would be closer to what he did with the Cubs than Detroit as well since that park is dog shit.
He put up 2.8 WAR last year while playing 140 games in the field and only 11 at DH. I think the defense thing is a little over blown.
I'd also rather have a team that rakes then a bunch of Yolmers. Dude won a GG and might get non-tendered because he can't hit.
His defensive metrics improved after he got out of Comerica. Also Luis Robert patrolling CF in a pretty easy OF at GRF would help and his bat is a huge upgrade.
I want him since he is pretty reliable and will be relatively cheap as a 6 man for a few months while they do whatever it is with Kopech. As a place holder I think he would be fine.
I would only be fine with Kalhoun if they dropped 60 million on a Cole + Martinez.
They need to aim higher.
Edit: Since making this post Martinez is not an option. Hard no.
I actually would like him on a 1 year next year. He eats innings and is a slight upgrade from Nova. I figured this after he wasn't put on their playoff roster.
They would be in the upper 80 millions total payroll after arb if they signed him. There is no reason to not go after him with how much flexibility we have.
Hot Take: Stone has been the anti-Cole to temper expectations so it doesn't end up in another PR explosion.