Mark P The Weekend Chat is upon us!Well get things started in a minute or two after the questions start to pile up. Dave Update on G Stone and R Ryan for Dodgers for beginning of 26 Mark P Definitely the top question on Dodgers fans mind as the NLCS begins. Both should be on track to be ready for the start of Spring Training.It doesnt appear either pitcher has had any setbacks. Julio Can my team beat the mighty canadiens Mark P The Chris Paul Jersey Mariners would definitely beat the Montreal Canadiens in a baseball game. Mike Cutter Will the royals Sign Yaz back . Mark P A reunion would make a lot of sense.KC desperately needs outfield help, and Yaz played really well for them in a brief spell.While its safe to a sume Yaz wouldnt keep up those numbers over a full season, it wouldnt hurt the Royals to sign him to a relatively inexpensive one-year deal as just a part-timer, if nece sary NY Me s Pete wants 7 years. Five seems too long. What is realistic? Mark P I think hell get five years.Its hard to imagine any team giving Alonso seven years, and that mightve just been an aim-high negotiating tactic that will eventually get reduced to a more manageable number. Angela Want do you see the philliesdoing this off-season Mark P Im slated to write the Phillies offseason outlook piece, so stay tuned on that front.But broadly speaking, I think they need to shake things up as much as they can with the roster.That means doing all they can to retain Schwarber, but parting ways with Bohm, Stott, Castellanos, and maybe Realmuto.(The latter one Im more lukewarm about, since JTR walks, the Phils then have to find another catcher somewhere.) Michael King Should I opt in with the Padres after the season I just had? Mark P I a sume by opt in you mean accept a qualifying offer, since theres no scenario where King and the Padres both trigger the mutual option. A suming the mutual option is declined and the Padres i sue the QO, I think theres a more than decent chance King accepts.Hell still draw plenty of interest on the open market, but with his injury-riddled 2025 hanging over his head, he might prefer a QO in a familiar locale than rolling the dice on a short-term opt-out laden deal (or a one-year pillow deal) on a new team entirely Brady Who will be the Phillies opening day third baseman? Mark P As noted earlier, I think theyll non-tender Bohm.Maybe they find a trade partner before the non-tender deadline, but after last winter, I think teams realize the Phillies are ready to move on from Bohm and will just wait until hes cut. As for who might take over, 3B is a le s difficult position to fill than catcher, but obviously losing Bohm opens up another hole in the lineup.Bregman would be a mighty interesting po sibility if he doesnt work out an extension with Boston.Arenado is probably a no-go due to his decline over the last couple of years. On the trade front, I feel Ill be saying this about a lot of teams, but Brendan Donovan would be a very good fit in Philly White Sox Fan Is there any value in picking up Luis Roberts option and trying to trade him? Mark P The White Sox are kind of damned if they do, damned if they dont.Exercise the option, and theyll still have difficulty finding a trade.Decline the option and Robert just walks for nothing, apart from some meaningle s payroll savings World Series Bound Chances of a MIL/SEA world series coming soon? World Series Dream matchup of remaining teams? Ms Brewers would be wild given Ms have never been and Brewers have never won. Mark P As a Blue Jays fan, Im not exactly keen on the Mariners winning the pennant, haha But if the Jays had to lose, a Mariners/Brewers WS would indeed be a lot of fun. Off the top of my head, I think 1980 (Phillies/Royals) was the last time there was a World Series between two teams seeking their first ring? Nancys Friend Sluggo I keep hearing people suggest the Tigers should trade Skubal this off-season so they dont lose him for just a QO, but I think they absolutely should keep him and go for the World Series again in 2026. What do you think about the i sue? Mark P Skubal (who is a Scott Boras client) would require a gigantic extension offer to keep him off the free agent market.The Tigers have plenty of open future payroll space, and if youre going to go overboard to sign anyone, it might as well be for the best pitcher in the game. That being said, I doubt Skubal is still a Tiger in 2027.Theres even a decent chance he isnt a Tiger in 2026, if another team presents the front office with a knockout offer.Despite their succe s over the last two years, it feels like the Tigers are kind of in a weird spot with their fanbase, and dealing Skubal away would undo a lot of the goodwill generated from back to back playoff appearances Go Pads If the padres packaged Cronenworth and Estrada, what kind of return could they expect? Mark P Even with Estrada added, I dont think youll find many (or any) teams willing to take on Cronenworths contract.Cronenworth isnt even a bad player, but his deal is just that big an overpday. In this scenario, San Diego still has to eat money, or take on an unwelcome contract in return Steve M begging Dolan to spend some money. Do you see any realistic players that can help our beleagured offense via free agency? Mark P Acquiring a bat via trade seems more realistic for the Guardians than signing someone notable to a decent-sized FA contract TC Bear How likely is Torii Hunter managing the Twins in 2026? Any other managerial candidates you like for MN? Mark P There havent been any public rumblings about the Twins managerial search, so the team is keeping things pretty close to the vest.Hunter may be on the radar, or the club may prefer someone more low-profile as the Twins go through what is likely a rebuild in all but name only It is po sible one of the younger Pohlads may become manager in a Little Big League type of scenario, but probbbbbably unlikely GoBias Industries Bees? Mark P Beads?! Yadi Molina Am I getting any consideration for one of the manager openings?Should I get some consideration? Mark P My a sumption was that Molina was a bit of a manager-in-waiting in St. Louis, sort of the way that Pujols mightve been in this same capacity in LA once he was ready and willing to take the job. But, the Cards seem content to stick with Marmol in the dugout.Theres also the question of Bloom perhaps eventually wanting to hire his own manager once the rebuild is through, rather than feel obligated to pick a St. Louis legend John When we look back on Paul Skeness career 15 years from now, will he have played in the postseason in a Pirates uniform? Mark P In 15 years, well be like oh yeah, huh Skenes started with the Pirates, I remember that. For comparisons sake, its been only seven years since Gerrit Cole pitched for Pittsburgh but that feels like either a lifetime ago, or a wait, Cole was a Pirate? reaction Trade Taylor Ward for Brady Singer who says no? Mark P This seems like a very good need-for-need type of swap. Ward will be a bit more pricey (as per our arb projections), but that shouldnt be an obstacle for a Reds team that badly needs offense Dan S. Can the Orioles put together a package for a playoff-caliber starter centered around Coby Mayo, or did Mayos 2025 struggles tank his value to the point where theyre better off giving him a shot at the everyday 1B job next year? Mark P Mountcastle is pretty likely to be non-tendered, so if Mayo is also dealt, that leaves 1B for either a new player or maybe Basallo. Mayo didnt do great in his first extended taste of MLB action, but also didnt do anything that raises serious questions about his overall value.Hed still get a lot of attention if the Os shopped him, even if theyre looking for at least a mid-rotation arm King Tuck Do you think theres any chance Tucker agrees to a short term deal? Like a prove it deal. Maybe similar to Bregman or Bellinger? Mark P I have some doubts over Tucker getting $400MM, but also think he can do better than a shorter-term opt-out contract. John do you think the Jays tender Eric Lauer for 2026? Mark P Definitely. Hes a no-brainer to be retained.With Ba sitt and Scherzer both po sibly leaving in free agency, Lauer might be penciled in for another starting role Lou Brown Jays went worst to first this year, what team has the best chance to accomplish this in 2026? Mark P Thought about making a poll out of this question, except Baltimore would likely win in a landslide.Even if you have doubts about the Os overall, their chances of a turn-around in 2026 seem a lot better than those of the White Sox, Angels, Nationals, Rockies, or Pirates. Chris Who is starting alongside Judge in the Yanks OF on opening day? Mark P Bellinger and Dominguez.New York isnt giving up on Dominguez this soon, and my gue s is that the Yankees pony up to re-sign Bellinger to a big contract. Richard Mariners need to bring Naylor back! Show him the money!!!! With almost 25 mil coming off the books with both Mitches (Haniger and Garver) leaving what are the odds they resign him? Mark P Naylor has already become such a legend in Seattle that I can see the Ms go above and beyond their usual financial comfort zone to re-sign him.Dipoto has already been vocal on the subject, and one would imagine ownership could be swayed as they see more and more extra dollars flow in from playoff revenue. Plenty of teams will be looking into Naylors market, and I can see him waiting for Alonso to leave the market in order to capitalize on some desperate teams.This might leave the Ms in a waiting game since I dont see them as bidders for Alonso. Mark J. Duran for Caglione. Who says no? Mark P The Red Sox are likelier to say no, in part because I think the Royals would say yes.Remember, the Royals are sorely in need for OF help, and Jac might already be without a position on a team with Pasquantino/Perez eating up a lot of the 1B/DH time Mike Tex Was it wise for the Cubs to announce Jeds extension at the trade deadline? Mark P Its fair for Chicago fans to point out flaws in the teams approach, but in the macro sense.the Cubs won 92 games, made the playoffs, won a WC series, and almost squeaked into the NLCS. Working out an extension and then just sitting on it for a few months doesnt really change anything, unle s youre suggesting that the Cubs shouldve moved on from Hoyer entirely Walter What right handed bats could Cleveland pursue in FA or trade? Thinking Hoskins or Willson Contreras. Mark P Hoskins is likelier due to a le ser salary, since I have a hard time seeing the Guards absorbing most or all of Contreras deal. hope in the desert what are the chances the diamondbacks get Masanori Murakami, do you think it would be a good fit Mark P Murakami and Pavin Smith are both LHH, but thats not nece sarily a huge obstacle since Murakami could be a DH, or get some 3B/OF time if the Diamondbacks are okay with his glovework.Arizona isnt at the top of my list as natural Murakami candidates, but I can sorta see it Tim You see the Angels going after Framber or Suarez? Mark P Ill repeat my usual line about the Angels and top free agents.barring a huge overpay, why would a star player with choices opt to join a team that hasnt won anything in a full decade? Now, the Pujols aspect adds a wrinkle to this situation.Maybe its slightly easier for the Halos to lure players if theyre excited by the idea of playing with a legend as manager.But, I wouldnt suddenly expect free agents to start bumping the Angels up their wishlist just if Pujols is in the dugout. Carl Does the Paul Toboni era begin with a bang or a whimper this offseason? Presumably he didnt leave a great job in Boston just to re-sign Josh Bell. Mark P So far hes focused on overhauling a lot of the teams development staff, which isnt unexpected given how the Nats have struggled to build their own pipeline Overall, the rebuild is still on in DC, so dont expect any splashy moves Micky Batt Randy Arozarena has one year left of club control for the Ms.Do they just ride out next year with him and not sign him to a multi-year extension? Mark P Leaning towards riding it out.With their pitchers getting more expensive and the po sibility of more money spent on Naylor or Polanco, Arozarena seems expendable Maybe kind of a sneaky trade candidate this winter, but its more likely hes still in Seattle on Opening Day Royce Lewis Do I end up somewhere else this off-season? Mark P Hes still inexpensive, so the Twins are under no financial pre sure to move him.The Twins also surely dont want to sell low, in case Lewis stays healthy and figures it out elsewhere Everybodys doin the fish? Are Marlins fans the happiest of the NLeast teams going into the offseason? What SHOULD do they do in the offseason to keep the riding the wave?or maybe I should askwhat are they probably going to do? Mark P Are Marlins fans the happiest of the NL east teams going into the offseason? This gets my vote as whoa.wait eye-opening comment of todays chat se sion, lol.I think this is actually correct, even with the caveat that Miami fans may have never been truly pleased with their team. As noted in past chats, I dont think this years relative succe s will suddenly turn the Marlins into free-spenders or spin them directly towards wanting to contend.They can get a bit more aggre sive with the types of talents they seek out, but maybe moreso in trades than in free agency. Kyle Is the fact that the DH is mostly used for either a proven masher or as a carousel for off days for position players that versatile bench options can fill in for preventing the rise of another Ohtani? At least in US baseball development? It feels a bit weird that another team hasnt tried something with someone, bc even half of Ohtani as a hitter and pitcher is an all star Mark P Ohtanis emergence probably means that youll see a few more guys give it a real go as a two-way player.But beyond the reasons you mentioned, the biggest obstacle against another Ohtani emerging is that is exceptionally hard to be both a big league-caliber hitter AND big league-caliber pitcher, let alone a star in both fields.Ohtani is an utterly unique talent. Joe E who should the Astros try and acquire? Mark P The best team trainers and medical staff that money can buy Sam Francisco Giants big spenders and traders? Mark P I see the Giants being aggre sive this winter.They have holes to fill, and with a new manager coming in, Posey will want to further put the stamp on the roster being his team. Luring free agents to SF will continue to be a little tricky, and itll be interesting if Posey is more active on the trade front.Maybe not quite to the huge extent of a Devers-type blockbuster, but if FAs arent biting for whatever reasons, the Giants could pursue the trade route again Houston Do I win the AL West? Mark P The Rangers may be cutting payroll, the Athletics pitching (and ballpark) is still a big i sue, and the Angels are the Angels.So overcoming the Mariners wont be easy, but it wouldnt be a shock to see the Astros rebound to another division title just because the rest of the West is pretty thin. Slappy Slapster As commented earlier, Singer for Ward makes sense. Thoughts on Bubic for Ward? Mark P Also a sensible move, though Bubic at a projected $6M makes him a valuable trade chip for players with a higher ceiling than Ward. SKUBAL AND CROCHET Odds Boston tries to pry Skubal and uses Duran/Abreu + some prospects? Mark P The Sox will absolutely at least check in on Skubal, and can offer enough in return to make Detroit think about it.Skubal probably isnt any likelier to sign an extension in Boston than he is in Motown, however, so the Sox will have to gauge how much they want to give up for whatll very likely be a one-year rental Skip Can Joe Ryan return a top 10 global prospect? What teams are most interested in him? Mark P If the Red Sox did go big on a pitcher trade, Ryan is the likelier candidate than Skubal.Actually, Pablo Lopez is the likeliest of all since the Twins would welcome saving some money, but sticking with Ryan, the two sides already had some talks at the deadline. Ryan is projected to make $5.8MM in 2026 and is arb-controlled through 2027.Thats an inexpensive price for a frontline pitcher, so hed fit into any teams budget. With just two years of team control, however, thats probably not enough to pry a top-10 prospect Bernie Brewer Does Woodruff come back to the Brewers? Wont his injury situation limit his opportunities elsewhere? Mark P Woodruff looked so good in his limited outings this season that I think hell get plenty of attention in free agency.Not nece sarily on a long-term contract, however, which might keep the Brewers in play to some limited extent.Woodruff is an interesting qualifying offer candidate, in fact, if the Brew Crew wanted to go that route Ricky Would bichette accept playing 2B for the Jays Mark P Bichettes reps surely have a strategy in mind for explaining their clients inconsistent-at-best defense, but the easier route would indeed be a willingne s to change positions.An elite shortstop makes more than an elite second baseman, but Bichettes bat will get him paid anyway, and a position change might even help him if he becomes a plus at 2B. As I and many others have pointed out, the Andres Gimenez trade seemed like Torontos hedge against a Bichette departure.So if Bichette was willing to go with 2B, a path can now emerge towards a reunion with the Jays.I still feel that overall, Bichette will sign elsewhere. Pumpsie Would Rice and Caballero be better next year than McMahon and Goldschmidt was last year? If so, where does McMahon go? Angels? Mark P McMahons contract wont be the easiest to trade.The question the Yankees should be asking if Caballero over Volpe, not McMahon. Rice is pretty much looking like a lock to be the starting 1B (and occasional catcher) next year.Goldschmidt will likely head elsewhere. Guest Does Colt Emerson start next season with the Ms Mark P If he has a big spring, I can see the Mariners putting him on the Opening Day roster and aiming for the PPI bonus.Crawford is still the shortstop, but Emerson could be tabbed for a hole at 2B or 3B Cubs Cubs have to re sign Tucker after what they gave up for him right ? Mark P Youd think so, but all signs point to Tucker leaving Oriole Orange turned Blue I dont understand why teams let their players play through injuries rather than just letting them heal up?It seems risky to let an already injured player po sibly further aggravate the problem further.Why not just put the injured player on the IL and let the back up play?Austin Hays used to play injured for the Orioles and it drove me crazy! Hed have an All Star half season bookended by an injured other half.The same with Colton Cowser now.Broken finger and then broken ribs, but he plays through it with dismal results.Kyle Tucker and Gleyber Torres the same thing. Mark P It depends on the player and the injury in some cases.Like the cliche goes, theres a difference between playing hurt and being injured, since over the course of a six-month baseball season, pretty much everyone is varying degrees of banged up. Youre not wrong that in many cases, having an obviously struggling player on the field is doing more harm than good, even if a team has no ready-made backup option to use. But sometimes, a player is able to play through injury just fine, like Tucker over his first month after the hairline fracture.Or in Torres case, if he gets sports hernia surgery in mid-July when it first arose, then hes likely gone for the rest of the season.Thats not a welcome outcome for a player like Torres who is chasing a free agent contract, plus the simple fact that he wanted to keep contributing to a Tigers team that was (at the time) flying high Twins fan Does a trade based around Joe Ryan and Coby Mayo make sense for either team involved? Mark P The Orioles should be burning up the Twins phone lines for Ryan or Lopez. JeffyM Do Yesavage and Lauer just slide into the rotation for Scherzer and Ba sitt next year, or do you think the Jays are active on a starting pitcher in FA or trade? Mark P Next years rotation lines up as Gausman, Yesavage, Berrios, and Lauer, so theres definitely a need for at least one and probably two more starting pitching additions. Ebenezer_Batflip Any chances for the Reds to trade Hunter Greene for Jarren Duran + other players or prospects? Feels like those two teams are good potential trade partners with each having a surplus of what the other needs. Mark P Greene has a higher ceiling for me than Duran, so if Im the Reds, I see if I can talk Boston into another starter. Hits Like Rays Your thoughts on the new Rays owners being able to really raise the player payroll if Tampa will not spend one dollar to help build a stadium?Or are the Rays now more likely to just blackmail some other city and re-locate? Mark P The new groups desire to have a new ballpark ready for Opening Day 2029 seems wildly optimistic, so I dont think Tampa fans should feel entirely safe yet about the Rays staying in the Tampa/St. Pete area Mac Youre NHL Stanley cup finalists for 2025 -26 Mark P Continuing the long history of players finding immediate championship succe s as soon as they leave the Leafs, Ill pick Mitch Marners Golden Knights to hoist the Cup by beating the Panthers in the finals Jason C What do you see the Atl doing this offseason? Mark P Lots of bullpen moves, a new shortstop, maybe a new second baseman as well, plus at least one starting pitcher.Technically Atlanta could have a rotation surplus between a new arm and their current staff if everyone is healthy, but everyone wont be healthy. Thats it for todays chat.Thanks for everyones questions, and I hope everyone enjoys Game 1 of the ALCS!Well be back with more chatty goodne s next weekend. If youre interested in more baseball Q&A, one of the many benefits of our Trade Rumors Front Office subscription is the exclusive weekly live chats.The more limited field means youre about 10 times more likely to get a question answered, as opposed to battling for space with hundreds of other questions in todays chat.For more on our memberships, check out this link: Mikal Bridges Jersey