Bleacher Bums Forum

The viable back plan is hoping other teams went spend on a good player and they will fall into the Cubs lap. 

So Shoti has a higher AAV than Imai.  Even if you think he’s a 3 or 4 that seems like a pretty decent deal for a 27 year old.  If he’s better than you get a free comp pick next year.  That is just depressing. 

3/$54 in guaranteed money for Imai.  So $18 AAV.

Who else is left in the 2nd-level of pitchers?  Efflin and Mahle gone.  So, Giolito, Bassitt?  then looking at fossils like Q, Verlander, Scherzer type guys? 

Note:  there has been idea that Cubs should add a velocity K-oriented guy.  Rather than another Ranger Suarez type finesse contact manager.  Obviously everybody would like a big-stuff high-K guy, thus Cease got a big long deal.  But given the Cubs defense, might it not really be a better value-per-dollar for the Cubs to get a groundball guy? 

Who else is left in the 2nd-level of pitchers?  Efflin and Mahle gone.  So, Giolito, Bassitt?  then looking at fossils like Q, Verlander, Scherzer type guys? 

Note:  there has been idea that Cubs should add a velocity K-oriented guy.  Rather than another Ranger Suarez type finesse contact manager.  Obviously everybody would like a big-stuff high-K guy, thus Cease got a big long deal.  But given the Cubs defense, might it not really be a better value-per-dollar for the Cubs to get a groundball guy? 

Financial flexibility for 2026, which will become 2027 and so on. 

I take it back, my guess is Gallen because he might be more interested in a one prove it deal.

Bergman goes to D backs after they trade Marte.

The Cubs remain below the CBT.

Wow.  So with options, I wonder how the posting fee actually works?  Is Houston obligated to pay the full posting fee based on the $54 guaranteed, plus a little more for options earned as time goes by?  ~$10 to start?  Or with opt-out, are they only obligated for the flat 20% on his first year? 

Posting fee apparently is $9.675 M, plus 15% of any incentives that Imai reaches.

Obviously, if he has a really good season he will opt out after year one and then look for a deal far longer than the two guaranteed years remaining.

So, it’s a very big one-year outlay (salary plus posting fee) for a pitcher without a MLB track record….and if he’s a disappointment, on the hook for two more years at significant money. If he opts out, Astros get the comp pick but only if willing to commit to $22 M or so for 2027——not automatic.

Kind of funny how $150 M projection turned into something far less…….but good for the player too if he proves himself.