Connor Byrne's NL Central comments

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mikechamp
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Connor Byrne's NL Central comments

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These comments came from a chat with MLB Trade Rumors' Connor Byrne that occurred on September 30.

The link to the entire chat can be found here: https://www.jotcast.com/chat/mlbtr-live ... -6137.html

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We know the biggest free agents of the offseason. Who do you suspect are the most likely big-name position player trade chips this offseason?

Connor Byrne
Seems like Betts could go. Maybe Bryant and/or Lindor. And he's not a position player, but Syndergaard has been in trade rumors since last winter, so he's another possibility.
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Where do you think Maddon and Hurdle end up?

Connor Byrne
Wild guess on Maddon: Philly (assuming Kapler goes). I don't see Hurdle getting another managerial job this offseason.
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Will the Cubs spend big for Cole or Rendon (with Bryant moving to RF), or spread their available money around several mid-range free agents?

Connor Byrne
I'll be pretty surprised if the Cubs end up with either of those guys.
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Is there any manager that might best fit for the Padres' mix of veterans and young players as the Padres hope to make the playoffs in 2020?

Connor Byrne
Maddon seems like someone they should aggressively court.
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Is David Bell on the hot seat?

Connor Byrne
Not yet. Maybe if the Reds have an aggressive offseason but don't make any real strides next year.
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How many days until the Angels ink Maddon to manage?

Connor Byrne
Could depend on how much the Angels are willing to pay. Ken Rosenthal reported last week the Angels might not want to pony up for Maddon, who made $6MM this year.
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What do the Brewers do at SS in the offseason, if anything? Orlando Arcia is the heart of the clubhouse, but his play just does not justify his spot on the roster. Worst qualified hitter in MLB, and they traded Dubon away.

Connor Byrne
Arcia's production has been awful back-to-back seasons, though he's still fairly young. Not a lot of clear answers in free agency other than Gregorius, and I doubt the Brewers would win a multiyear bidding war for him.
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Who got the better end of the Mauricio Dubon trade?

Connor Byrne
I think both sides are probably happy. An out-of-contention team got a potential young building block, while Pomeranz has been a stud for the playoff-bound club.
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If I'm the Pirates GM, I'm looking to trade Starling Marte, but only for a controllable SP. Help me find a trade partner.

Connor Byrne
Not sure I can do that in the heat of the moment, but there'd be a lot of interest in Marte, especially since the class of free-agent outfielders doesn't look that great.
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Surprised Huntington didn’t go too?

Connor Byrne
Not really, but were I the Pirates, I'd make a GM change.
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Do the Cubs make tweeks or more substantial changes. Seems like health makes them formidable again, right?

Connor Byrne
I could see some pretty big changes there. Don't forget pres Theo Epstein was seemingly fed up with his roster last year, and that was after a playoff season.
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Who are the best relievers on this winter's market?

Connor Byrne
Aroldis Chapman if he opts out of his Yankees deal (not an unrealistic possibility). Will Smith, Drew Pomeranz, Dellin Betances are a few others. Here's the FA list: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/08/ ... gents.html
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Would you give Schwarber an extension if you were Theo?

Connor Byrne
Epstein loves Schwarber, so I'm not going to rule it out.
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Where do you think Sir Didi ends up next year? How many years?

Connor Byrne
I could see him reuniting with the Reds, whom he began his pro career with, on a 3/4-yr deal.
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What kind of deal is Grandal looking at this offseason? o/u $15 mil/year?

Connor Byrne
Grandal rejected a 4/60 deal last offseason, if I remember correctly (I think we at MLBTR predicted 4/64 beforehand). Something in that vicinity once again looks reasonable.
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Will NL teams be in on Castellenos given the DH is still probably at least 2-3 years away?

Connor Byrne
After seeing what Castellanos did as a Cub, I'm sure some NL clubs will be in on that sweepstakes.
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Hurdle to Chicago and Maddon to Pittsburgh. No?

Connor Byrne
No on both counts. I'll be stunned if Hurdle gets another managerial job so fast, and the Pirates aren't paying Maddon.
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Why would you be so surprised if Hurdle got a job this offseason?

Connor Byrne
I think there are much more appealing candidates out there.
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Would Mike Moustakas take a one year deal in Philly?

Connor Byrne
Moose should be able to get a multiyear pact.
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Cards or Braves?

Connor Byrne
I'll take the Cardinals in an upset, as I picked them to go a long way entering the season.
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(Someone posing as Jeff Todd, another MLBTR writer, said...)

Conner, you're on crack if you think the Cards win over the Braves.

Connor Byrne
That's not very nice, Jeff, and I know you to be a nice guy.
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Does Ozzie Guillen take the Pittsburgh job? Or does he hold out for the Dodgers after they lose in NLCS?

Connor Byrne
I forgot Ozzie Guillen existed. Thanks for the reminder.
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Reds time to shine next year with a big splash in offseason?

Connor Byrne
They're going to need more than one big splash.
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Chances Yelich still wins NL MVP?

Connor Byrne
Still pretty good. Hard to penalize him for an injury after the numbers he put up.
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Was Theo’s firing of Maddon justified or will he come to regret the decision?

Connor Byrne
It depends on how competent his replacement is. Maddon's still one of the most respected managers in the game, so it was a risk on the Cubs' part to go in another direction.
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