SCCWS

I think if you have to pay his $23 next year, little or nothing should have to be added. The question is what teams will be on his no-trade list.

But w the light payroll they gave him $16 last year. Maybe I am off, but I doubt he gets more than $20 so that is not a big hit for them. If they don't resign him, that creates another positional need. Hopefully he doesn't like Milwaukee and wants a change of scenery.

I don't see the Astros either. But I haven't seenmuch speculation about his status w the Brewers. They had a light payroll last year, drew close to 3 Mil. and had a pretty good year. I got to think they are going to try and keep him. Unless there was friction, I would think they have the inside track if they intend to pony up $18-20.

I would think if a team takes on JDM's full salary, the assets would be similar to the kids on the coach in Animal House. But JDM has to decide on who are no trade partners.

He has some no-trade provisions which are rumored to be certain teams he will not go to.

LH w solid power numbers. But 35% SO rate. He would move the needle.

I assume Boras and JD will wait till all the Football chatter from last night dies down. Probably 3-4 PM they will make their move.

Braves had $38 MIl with their top 3 starters. We had 9 with Nova. We could dump Nova and certainly add two very good starters for $38 or keep Nova and find two for $28.

He made $20 last year so I think $10-12 would get him. He got $5Mil already for his buyout.

No, but you probably have to be creative and lucky. Of the final four, the Cardinals had the lowest payroll at $165. But if you drop down to previous round, the Braves had a very good year and spent $117. I will not include Tampa as their payroll is minor league level. But the World Series had teams w big payrolls as well as many experienced players.

I think he and/or Wheeler will be our targets for the high rated starter and both will get similar $. But I do think the Giants will want to keep him. I think Wheeler may be easier to get.

Why not from Tampa? They have developed a lot of pitching and they probably don't pay their FO big bucks.

JD supposedly has a limited no-trade clause. It would be interesting to know what teams he blocked a trade to 3 years ago. I doubt the White Sox are included. Maybe Tigers are one for trading him.

I would add that Martinez has to decide on opting in/out well before he knows how the roster will be changed going into next season. if they decide to trade Betts, they may not be in contention next year. Chris Sales health is also a major factor. So I am not sure JD is assured Boston will be competitive for a playoff spot next year. Now he can opt out and try and choose a team in AL that will pay him and looks to be competitive.

But Boston usually sucks at evaluating pitching. They usually import the majority by trade. But the Tampa stat whiz is running the show now so maybe he brought his spreadsheets with him.

FWIW--As I remember it, he was out of the lineup for a week or so in the summer. When he returned, it was as a DH and their announcers said it was less stress on his back. Maybe throwing was a concern? I know he played quite a bit in the field in September because there was some media speculation it would bring down his FA value.

He died in the post season but he continues to hit 30 HR/80+ RBI. Not a bad Option C or D if we strike out w main targets since he might be had for 10 Mil.

No. The CBT payroll is a different, higher figure because it averages the annual value of long-term contracts even if those contracts include deferred money and also includes things like player benefits costs and salary owed to players no longer on the 40-man. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2019-mlb-opening-day-payrolls-red-sox-cubs-yankees-open-season-above-competitive-balance-tax-threshold/

I don't think the Sox have placed a number on their 2020 budget. Hopefully it has a range beofre they wade in and not a cap. I believe the MLB average is $127 million for 2019 opening day and $149 million for CBT purposes.

Close but I doubt anything less than $20 will do it. Maybe $22 AAV over 3

Maddon disciples Martinez and Baldelli had impressive years.

Another possible factor is the players around JDM in the lineup. In 2018, Bogaerts often batted 4-5 and was some protection behind Martinez. In 2019, Bogaerts often batted 2-3. JDM never really had much bat protection behind him especially w Moreland/Pierce hurt most of the year.

4 Games In his first year in the minors , But that was !0 years ago

Not a guarantee. Some rumors in Boston media that he won't. We should know by the weekend.

Two things 1. JD has never played 1st in majors. 2. After having a year w some back issues, 1st would be a terrible place to play.