word around these parts is that he's a very "me first" guy and may not be good for clubhouse chemistry. At least thats the word being leaked from the Nats camp...
In 2019, Scherzer's salary goes from 22 to 42. Strasburg goes from 18 to 38, Zimmerman 14 to 18, Rendon 12 to arbitration award. Right now without any free agents they would have a payroll of ~160M.
(This is all per baseball-reference).
The Nats have 2019 needs at 2B, C and 1-2 SP.
It appears to me they would have to get Scherzer and/or Strasburg to defer money to make Harper an offer. Those Scherzer/Strasburg salaries are striking.
if he comes back healthy and produces, but if he is out for a stretch, I wonder if Lindor catches him. The problem with candidates from 2-5 is that they are teammates...
If Trout misses enough time to put a dent in his 2018 resume, I think it's got to be Betts. He's having a ridiculous year. But you're right - Martinez is right there with him and the pair of CLE players are having outstanding years in their own right.
if he comes back healthy and produces, but if he is out for a stretch, I wonder if Lindor catches him. The problem with candidates from 2-5 is that they are teammates...
Betts/Martinez
Lindor/Ramirez.
I think Betts or Martinez wins regardless of what Trout does when he gets back. But I wouldn't be surprised if Trout wins it, he has tremendous numbers.
All 5 of the candidates have tremendous numbers, really.
(This is all per baseball-reference).
The Nats have 2019 needs at 2B, C and 1-2 SP.
It appears to me they would have to get Scherzer and/or Strasburg to defer money to make Harper an offer. Those Scherzer/Strasburg salaries are striking.
He's fantastic but Mike Trout is clearly better and a lot of players are having better years than he is this year.
I would take Jose Ramirez over Bryce Harper if you gave me the choice today.
I like Harper a lot but I don't think he's even really close to being the best player in baseball. I'd take several players over him.
I like Harper a lot but I don't think he's even really close to being the best player in baseball. I'd take several players over him.
I think he is borderline top 10, especially if you include pitchers. But as far as positional players... are you taking Harper over...
Trout
Betts
Machado
Arenado
Altuve
Correa
Lindor
Ramirez
Goldschmidt
JD Martinez
Harper is in the Anthony Rizzo 2nd tier group for me. With with Judge, Stanton, Bryant, Carpenter, etc...
Harper had an elite+ 2015 season and a fantastic 2017. Other than that, he's been really good - but not elite.
Betts/Martinez
Lindor/Ramirez.
Betts/Martinez
Lindor/Ramirez.
I think Betts or Martinez wins regardless of what Trout does when he gets back. But I wouldn't be surprised if Trout wins it, he has tremendous numbers.
All 5 of the candidates have tremendous numbers, really.