# MLB Offseason Thread 2024-2025 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** baseball-mlb\ **Created:** [November 1, 2024, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526 "2024-11-01T01:39:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/81 "2024-11-26T00:47:20Z")
Yes, but the Florida State League is a class A minor league, much easier to work around rain as there’s no tv ratings to think about nor a huge fan interest or media presence ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/82 "2024-11-26T03:18:41Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > So are there minor league games played during the summer in the Tampa area? Or are those stadiums primarily for spring training? > [@dalej42](#): > > Yes, but the Florida State League is a class A minor league, much easier to work around rain as there’s no tv ratings to think about nor a huge fan interest or media presence The Rays are going to be playing at Steinbrenner Field, which is the home stadium for the Tampa Tarpons – so, they’ll be sharing the stadium (and, probably, alternating dates) with the Tarpons. The ESPN article to which @Superdude linked notes that Tampa gets a whole lot more rain in June-September than it gets in April and May, which is undoubtedly the main reason for this scheduling change: > [@](#): > > Tampa’s average monthly rainfall from 1991 to 2020 was 2.25 inches in April and 2.60 in May, according to the National Weather Service, then rose to 7.37 in June, 7.75 in July and 9.03 in August before falling to 6.09 in September. > > The Class A Tampa Tarpons, the usual team at Steinbrenner Field, had six home postponements, two cancellations and four suspended games this year from June 21 through their season finale on Sept. 8. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/83 "2024-11-26T18:19:23Z")
So…Montreal Rays? [County asks Tampa Bay Rays to commit to plans for $1.3 billion ballpark by Sunday - Las Vegas Sun News](https://lasvegassun.com/news/2024/nov/26/county-asks-tampa-bay-rays-to-commit-to-plans-for-/#:~:text=It%20would%20include%20hotel%2C%20retail,by%20Feb.%201%2C%202030). Maybe a better link: > **[Pinellas County issues new stadium deadline to Rays](https://www.fox13news.com/news/pinellas-county-issues-new-stadium-deadline-rays.amp)** > > The Tampa Bay Rays have a new deadline to meet.                Nashville Rays maybe? ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/84 "2024-11-26T22:53:17Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > The Rays are going to be playing at Steinbrenner Field, which is the home stadium for the Tampa Tarpons Should I mention how I originally mistakenly read that? The Tampa Tampons, obviously. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/85 "2024-11-27T11:56:42Z")
The Dodgers sign Blake Snell to a 5 year $182m contract. Starting pitching is really thin in the free agent market, and Snell was one of the top 3 options (Burnes and Fried being the others). Snell has some real shortcomings (mainly, he doesn’t pitch deep into games at all) - but those are minimized in what looks to be a 6-man rotation in LA. It’s the most ideal landing spot for Snell, and that’s a pretty cushy contract for him. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/86 "2024-11-27T15:12:44Z")
Another aspect to the Snell signing is this may take Sasaki off the table for the Dodgers. I’d never count them out, and they certainly know how important a deep rotation is after so many bullpen games in the World Series - but this rotation is kind of silly: Blake Snell Yoshinobu Yamamoto Tyler Glasnow Shohei Ohtani Bobby Miller Gonsolin/May/bullpen I guess a lot of bullpen innings will be needed after Snell’s 5 IP starts, and Ohtani may be on a similar limitation. So do they sign Sasaki, and just assign Gonsolin/May to Snell/Ohtani as designated bulk relievers for 2-3 IP? ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/87 "2024-11-27T19:47:56Z")
Ohtani won the MVP without throwing a pitch. It wouldn’t surprise me if they decide his arm isn’t worth risking. Sasaki is an international pool player so cost isn’t really a factor. He would have to choose to sign for less money if he goes to the Dodgers. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/88 "2024-11-27T19:51:59Z")
As a Dodger hater I’m hoping this is one of Snell’s off years. Even during his last Cy Young year he led the league in walks. He certainly can’t be counted on to go deep into games. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/89 "2024-11-27T20:37:48Z")
He won’t have to. The Dodger bullpen is solid and they’re probably going to a 6 man rotation next year anyway. If we can land a quality SS I’ll be happy. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2024, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/90 "2024-11-28T04:15:43Z")
[Jose Hernandez](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42648620/dodgers-minor-leaguer-jose-hernandez-suspended-doping), a SS in the Dodgers minor league system, is suspended for the upcoming Arizona Complex League season after testing positive for boldenone and nandrolone. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2024, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/91 "2024-11-30T17:56:56Z")
Dodgers lock NLCS MVP Tommy Edman up with a 5 year, $74 million contract. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2024, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/92 "2024-12-02T03:00:47Z")
Cardinals fans have recognized Edman’s tremendous potential ever since he came up to the bigs. If he stays healthy, the Dodgers will have spent well. But I have to warn Dodger fans, the guy gets hurt a LOT. I hope the Dodgers also took out a $74 million insurance policy on his contract. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2024, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/93 "2024-12-02T14:36:57Z")
Edman’s a terrifically useful guy when he’s healthy and the Dodgers have all the money, so why not? It’s a huge deal for a utility player but if he plays 130 games he adds 3-5 wins to your team. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2024, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/94 "2024-12-02T14:39:34Z")
I’m starting to become convinced that 1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is avoiding answering his phone until Juan Soto signs somewhere because Soto’s deal will increase his own value, and 2. The Blue Jays will trade him no matter what. If Soto gets to ludicrous deal people are saying he will, Guerrero - who is actually a little bit younger - will see his extension value soar. It’s hard to explain why Soto deserves $650 million but Guerrero “only” deserves $300 million. Soto has been better, but not THAT much better. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2024, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/95 "2024-12-03T17:24:24Z")
The Red Sox [have signed Aroldis Chapman](https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/boston-red-sox-add-flamethrowing-reliever-aroldis-chapman-their-bullpen-report-says/BP32SFJRXNF67LIQUN5UCSF4FM/) to a one-year deal. It adds left-handed bullpen help, but if the team’s expecting him to be the primary closer, Sox fans are in for disappointment. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2024, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/96 "2024-12-03T17:35:02Z")
Geez, they’re banking on him closing even after it took Boone and Cashman about two years to discover he was past it. That’s a great signing- from a Yankee perspective. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2024, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/97 "2024-12-03T17:36:55Z")
Chapman’s still a decent pitcher. If you just need a closer and have no other good candidates, he’s an okay bet. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2024, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/98 "2024-12-03T20:23:49Z")
Chapman still throws triple digits. His problem has always been between the ears. Once he throws a few balls it’s over. When he’s on he’s still pretty great. You just can’t count on today being one of the good days. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2024, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/99 "2024-12-03T23:11:37Z")
With the signings of Blake Snell and Tommy Edman, the Dodgers now owe over $1 **billion** in deferred payments to players under contract, which will be payable between 2028 and 2046. Just over 2/3 of that is what they owe to Shohei Ohtani ($680 million between 2034 and 2043). > **[Billion-dollar future: Dodgers deferred pay at $1B](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42760649/dodgers-deferred-payments-top-1-billion-7-players)** > > New contracts for Blake Snell and Tommy Edman increased the Dodgers' obligations for deferred payments to more than $1 billion owed to seven players from 2028-46. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2024, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526/100 "2024-12-03T23:50:09Z")
So I’ve been to a number of Savannah Bananas games. They’re a ton of fun, they’re extremely entertaining and engaging, and they add a lot of bonkers schoolyard rules that make it fun for non-fans. When guys are doing flips in the outfield before catching a fly ball, I don’t get too worried about the general level of competitiveness - I’m there to see the flips and behind-the-back catches and the guy pitching from stilts. The walk rule is super fun to watch, but doesn’t belong on a little league field. So when I saw that Rob Manfred is entertaining the idea of implementing the [Golden Batter Rule](https://amp.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/mlbs-golden-at-bat-rule-what-we-know-about-potential-change), I have to assume he’s just run out of ideas. He’s just an absolute clown. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-offseason-thread-2024-2025/1009526.md?page=6)