These comments came from a chat with MLB Trade Rumors' Anthony Franco that occurred on September 22. (You can find him on Twitter at @affranco10 if you really want to ask him something.)
Brief chat this week. No bonus Q&As, either.
The link to the entire chat can be found here: https://www.jotcast.com/chat/mlbtr-chat ... 14001.html
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Does Franmil Reyes get a major league contract this off-season?
Anthony Franco
I think the Cubs non-tender him, but he does get a lower-base MLB deal. Something like Vogelbach's $1MM deal with Pittsburgh.
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What is the Reds 1st priority this off season?
Anthony Franco
Similar story to the Tigers, I think. Probably use 2023 as an evaluative year, particularly for the young starting pitchers, with an eye towards earnest contention in '24 once Votto and Moustakas come off the books.
I think any additions will be mostly around the margins of the roster, but they'll have to bring in a couple veteran relievers and add some outfield help. Can't run it back relying on Aquino, Friedl and Senzel as often as they have this year.
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Adrian Sampson, Hayden Wesneski, Keegan Thompson, Justin Steele, Javier Assad… which 3 join Stroman and Hendricks in the ‘23 rotation (assuming no signings/trades)?
Anthony Franco
Steele, Thompson, Wesneski probably get the first crack (plus an outside addition). Assad has never really been a prospect, Sampson's had a nice season, but is a journeyman swing-type overall.
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Who are your dark horse candidates for any awards?
Anthony Franco
I don't know if it's really a dark horse, but I think Framber Valdez should get serious consideration for AL Cy Young.
NL Rookie of the Year is going to come down to Michael Harris/Spencer Strider, but the #3 spot is pretty wide open. I'd have Brendan Donovan there right now.
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Anthony Franco's NL Central comments
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