Ohtani technically signed as an amateur free agent (like Robert, Moncada, etc) and has to go through what a regular draft pick or young international signing goes through with team control and arbitration after a certain amout of service time. He was an international prospect. They just put him on the MLB team on opening day so there was no service manipulation.
I wouldn't mind going cheap with someone like Schwarber who you could pull the plug on with no long-term commitment if he is bad and Vaughn waiting to be called up.
I keep going back and forth on this. Sign someone to a one year deal and if they are bad, you can cut them in favor of Vaughn. If they are doing good, then you keep Vaughn in the minors. Too many good players at the MLB level is never a problem.
Yes. I would add:
- Back-end/reclamation starter (Q, Kluber, Paxton, Walker, etc)
- A closer (Hendriks, Colome, Hand, etc)
- Another reliever (Bradley, McGee)
- Left-handed bat (LaStella, Miller, etc)
- Backup catcher (one that is more defensive oriented)
I'm a fan of that idea. Even if they sign Hendriks, I feel like there are a good amount of options out there to grab another good guy later to add to the pen as well.