Pretty underwhelming. Perhaps being conservative this year at the trade deadline will end up being the smart play. I didn’t want Thor but only because I expected more. Are we better than yesterday? Yes. So let’s play the remainder of the season and see how this all plays out. But Whit Merrifield? Wtf?
The Padres are an enigma. If they do indeed land Soto with the intention of extending him long term how do they justify it financially? Between Tatis, Machado and Soto that is a huge expenditure. Each team gets on average $66 million from the tv/broadcast rights. The rest of the revenue they generate on their own. Even with rich owners it doesn’t seem financially feasible. Perhaps a salary cap is inevitable?
I think it has become apparent that the Jays are looking for a starter. I would bet that they are in on at least one of Rodon or Montas. The only problem I see here is that the Yankess wanted Castillo and are now going to go hard on Montas driving the already inflated market up (thanks M's). I think Atkins wants to close on a starter before consumating a deal for bullpen help which is why we have yet to hear about a move. If NYY get Montas (they seem willing to overpay) , and Rodon is not available Atkins will move quickly on solidifying the pen with the deals he already has in place ready to go with a LH bat as a chaser. Pick your poison at this point.