by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

The rumors had been building but it finally came to fruition, with the Arizona Diamondbacks sending Paul Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals for a package full of upside (yet they have failed at the MLB level to date):

• Carson Kelly (C)
• Luke Weaver (RHP)
• Andy Young (2B)
• Competitive Balance Round B Selection

Obviously the big prizes in the deal are Kelly and Weaver, both of who have had some stumbles in the Majors.  Can they finally realize the potential that’s previously been bestowed upon them?  Let’s take a look at the two newest Diamondbacks:

Carson Kelly – Catcher
We’ve been waiting for the Cardinals to give him an opportunity, but it’s only come when Yadier Molina has gone down due to injury.  Now 24-years old, Kelly has appeared in the Majors over each of the past three seasons (131 PA) but he’s struggled hitting .154 with 0 HR.  He may never be a significant source of power or speed, though he has the potential to be among the better average hitters at the position. Read more

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

The tear down of the Seattle Mariners continued with the trade of Jean Segura to the Phillies.  It’s an intriguing trade, with the Mariners again taking back a “bad” contract while also giving up pieces along with Segura:

The Mariners Acquired – J.P. Crawford & Carlos Santana
The Phillies Acquired – Jean Segura, Juan Nicasio & Jose Pazos

Obviously from a Seattle standpoint this trade comes down to two things.  First, can they flip Santana for another piece to further their rebuilding process (whether it’s this offseason or down the road).  Second, and more important, just what can we expect from J.P. Crawford?

He’s appeared in the Majors in 2017 & 2018, hitting .214 with 3 HR and 3 SB over 225 PA.  While he hasn’t had much hard contact (21.4% Hard%) and has struggled to a 26.2% strikeout rate, there is some promise in his underlying metrics: Read more

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

The blockbuster trade that sent Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz to New York will obviously have a trickle down effect across the New York roster.  However before we try to draw conclusions as to what the Mets’ lineup will look like on Opening Day, what’s crystal clear is that the new Mets’ front office is prepared to be unorthodox and aggressive.  They see a window to compete, especially with the starting staff already in place (assuming that they are going to keep Noah Syndergaard), and they are going to try and capitalize.

Edwin Diaz is among the elite closers in the game, and his inclusion was the key to getting a deal done.  However all eyes fall to Robinson Cano, the now 36-year old superstar who is coming off a season where he spent 80 games sidelined due to a PED suspension.  With five years left on his contract he has the potential to be an albatross, but that’s two or three years down the road.  The Mets are looking at 2019 and 2020, and it would appear that Cano is still primed to contribute. Read more

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

With Gregory Polanco potentially missing multiple months of the 2019 season following surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder and a labrum injury, it makes sense for the Pirates to look to add to their outfield mix.  They made a relatively under-the-radar addition recently, signing former Cleveland Indian Lonnie Chisenhall to a one-year contract.

Injuries have been a significant issue for Chisenhall in recent seasons, being limited to a total of 111 games over the past two years (and only once in his career has he appeared in more than 126 games).  When on the field he’s been relatively productive, especially against right-handed pitchers:

• RHP – .271/.321/.436
• LHP – .251/.313/.386

Those numbers against southpaws aren’t terrible and he hit .340 with 2 HR in 47 AB against them back in 2017.  It’s still likely that the Pirates envision deploying him as part of a committee, though it’s not a path they are going to be forced to take. Read more

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Once upon a time Matt Moore was considered one of the elite prospects in the game and he followed that up with a strong start to his professional career.  Since throwing just 10.0 innings in 2014 due to Tommy John surgery he’s never recovered, including posting ERA of 5.52 and 6.79 over the past two seasons and settling for a bullpen role for much of ’18 (39 appearances, 12 starts).

Now Moore is going to get an opportunity to resurrect his career after signing with the rebuilding Detroit Tigers, who has the motivation to try and allow him to rediscover himself.  Is there any reason to believe that he’ll get there though? Read more