2237 - Trades and signings and all the fantasy implications

Segment 1 – News and Notes – Trades and Signings1.The Mets sign Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million deal. This made National News all over the country. It was Shohei Ohtani all over again. It was great for baseball, I think. Although, a lot of people were appalled at just the sheer money involved.a.Your thoughtsb.Stat line for 2025: HR, RBI, and BAc.Soto wasn’t too effusive in his comments about the Yankees. I wonder if there is anything to read into that.2.The Yankees signed Max Fried to an 8-year, $218 million deal.a.The Yankees have a strong rotation with Cole, Rodon, Fried, Stroman, Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. Your thoughts.b.Stat line for 2025: Wins, IP, ERA, strikeouts3.The Blue Jays acquire Andres Gimenez and RHP Nick Sandlin from the Guardians for 1B/2B Spencer Horwitz and OF Nick Mitchella.It feels like a salary dump for the Guardians, which I found amusing as it came on the heels of the Soto deal. The gulf between the haves and have-nots is getting wider.b.Does this make enough of a difference for the Blue Jays over the next couple of seasons?c.It appears that the Guardians are clearing the path for Travis Bazanna. Date we will see him in Cleveland?4.The Guardians then spin Spencer Horwitz to the Pirates for RHP Luis Ortiz, LHP Josh Hartle, and RHP Michael Kennedy.a.I’m not the biggest fan of the Horwitz, but he makes great contact. But, at first base, I’m not sure. The Pirates need players that get on base. Thoughts?b.Ortiz has a lot of promise. What do you think he can become?5.The Rangers acquire Jake Burger from the Marlins for IF Max Acosta, IF Echedry Vargas, and LHP Brayan Mendoza.a.The Rangers had a down offensive season and needed some pop. I’m not a fan of players like Burger, but he’ll hit 30 home runs with ease. How much fantasy improvement is there?b.Who gets the playing time with Burger leaving?6.The Red Sox acquire Garrett Crochet from the White Sox for C Kyle Teel, OF Braden Montgomery, RHP Wikelman Gonzalez, and IF Chase Meidrotha.Now, this was a trade. Thoughts on the deal?b.Crochet is the #10 pitcher off the board. Is this the right spot or does his lack of health give you pause?c.Does Kyle Teel go up on your draft rankings? His current ADP is 621 (41st catcher off the board).d.Chase Meidroth is likely a utility player but had a full-season in Triple-A. Is he worth a late-round grab in Draft and Hold Leagues? He’s only been drafted in 11 leagues.7.The Yankees acquire Devin Williams from the Brewers for LHP Nestor Cortes and 2B Caleb Durbin.a.The Yankees shore up the back of the bullpen. When healthy, Williams is great. You were worried about the Yankees closing situation last Sunday. Feel better or does Luke Weaver still save opportunities?b.Cortes is great against LHB but can get hit hard against RHB. I still believe and even more so now that he’s moved to the Brewers. Your thoughts?c.Durbin had the great AFL and he’s the type of player the Brewers love. Will he get a chance in 2025?8.The Cubs acquire Kyle Tucker from the Astros for 3B Isaac Paredes, RHP Hayden Wesneski, and 3B Cam Smith.a.This was another massive trade. What were your impressions when you heard about it? Which side do you like better? Tucker is in his walk year.b.As with the Guardians, this seems to clear a path for another young player: Matt Shaw. Do you like Shaw's setup?c.Who grabs Tucker’s playing time in Houston?i.I might take a late flyer on Jacob Melton. He’s currently going 705.96 in Draft and Hold Leagues.