- Good afternoon, hope you’ve all enjoyed a solid week!
- Looking forward to another session—let’s jump right in
BB
- Who will shine in 2027: Sato, Ralphy Velazquez, or Emmanuel Rodriguez?
- My bet’s on Ralphy; I remain doubtful about the other two
- I’ve heard a free‑agent frenzy could erupt before the lockout deadline. Could an early jump actually backfire?
- Any fresh lockout rumors? Is a framework already being drafted?
- Hey Anthony, thanks for the chat! Do you buy the hype about a pre‑lockout signing rush? And where might Skubal end up?
- A lockout is looming, and a clear framework likely won’t appear until late February or early March at best. Neither side feels pressure to budge until games are truly at risk.
- I expect a frenzy, but nowhere near the 2021 level—the talent pool just isn’t as deep. The CBA won’t instantly tarnish November free‑agent or trade moves
- The real worry is a team splurging $50 MM+ on Skubal, then facing cap constraints that force cuts, though big spenders should get a one‑ or two‑year grace period
- Odds favor Skubal signing with LAD before the Dec 1 lockout deadline
- At this point I’d lean toward the Mets, yet a pre‑lockout deal in LA wouldn’t surprise me
- Will Warren looks like prime trade bait: a young, controllable pitcher for a young, controllable bat. Which club makes the most sense?
Gain access to subscriber‑only articles like this with a Trade Rumors Front Office subscription
- Read weekly exclusive pieces from Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco.
- Join live weekly chats with Anthony.
- Enjoy an ad‑free experience while supporting our writers.
- Utilize GM‑level tools such as our MLB Contract Tracker.