Chicago White Sox

BA Grade: 50/Medium Track Record: The Rays acquired Mead from the Phillies in the November 2019 trade that sent Class A lefthander Cristopher Sanchez to Philadelphia. Sanchez blossomed into a solid starter for the Phillies in 2023, while Mead is ready to break into the Rays’ lineup in 2024, so the trade may prove to be a win for both teams. After missing time in 2022 with an elbow injury, Mead missed almost two months with a wrist injury in 2023 after being hit by a pitch. He dominated the Triple-A International League upon his return, made his MLB debut in August and started both playoff games for the Rays, driving in Tampa Bay’s lone postseason run. Scouting Report: Mead is one the Rays’ best pure hitters. He has the rare combination of above-average plate discipline and exceptional bat-to-ball skills. Mead looks to pull or go up the middle to do damage, but with two strikes the Australia native shortens up and pokes the ball to right field. He has plus power potential, though so far it has led to more doubles than home runs because he hits balls to the power alleys. Mead feasts on fastballs. He’s not a very adept breaking ball hitter, but he recognizes them and doesn’t chase. Mead’s well below-average arm is an issue for him at either second base or third. He has solid short-area quickness and a solid first step. His hands are average as well, but if he has to leave his feet, go to his knees or move away from his target, he struggles to get anything on his throws. The shift restrictions help him at second by eliminating long throws from short right field. The Future: Mead’s bat fits in Tampa Bay’s 2024 lineup, ideally as someone who bounces between second and third base, depending on where fewer balls are expected to be hit. Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Field: 50 | Arm: 30

Former three time top 100 prospect who is still young - seems worthy of a gamble on a guy like Houser

We do?

Post hype?

That dude got traded to the Yankees

Don’t jinx this buddy

Houser gone bro

Thank god

Seven fucking minutes

I will be pissed if I have to watch Houser pitch for us down the stretch.

12 minutes and counting!

Robert ain’t getting traded - let’s close this thread. While it may be the right move if they are willing to pick up the option, it will be super annoying hearing Getz’s GM speak on the matter.

They wouldn’t have scratched if there was zero interest. Getz is clearly holding out for a certain return…whether that works out remains to be seen.

Thanks. Not a huge move IMO, would have expected them to be bolder this deadline.

Is that the first move the Cubs have made? Fathom was hyping them as buying everyone, but I can’t think of whoppers for them.

Yup, would suggest that Getz completely botched his trade market as you don’t scratch a guy you intend to sell

My pitchfork is ready and waiting

Did Cease get traded?

If he doesn’t go, Getz should probably be fired. Unlike with Robert and even Tauchman, there is zero reason to hold onto Houser and he should be worth at least a 40 FV pitching prospect. That being said, I think he gets moved.

He made like 5 trades on deadline last year

Usually 3x the trade volume on the final day vs. the second to last. Robert & Houser will be moved. I’d expect at least one player to be moved (Tauchman or an arm). Doesn’t feel out of the ordinary. Surprisingly a lot of the bigger moves have happened early.

I need Clifford or I riot. Why Gutierrez? Just because he got pulled yesterday? Also. isn’t he a catcher? I get the “don’t go for need” adage but I don’t think getting another catcher makes unless he’s got enough bat to be a legit 1B. Candidly don’t know enough about him.

I’d take that.

I definitely think they cut him before that final year, but $31M would be a lot of money for Reinsdorf to eat.

His defense is terrible. You can close your eyes and pretend not to see it, but it kills pretty much all of his value. And his bat is decent but not great, so DHing him is probably not a viable option even if you ignore the Quero / Teel situation.