Official 2022-23 Offseason Hot Stove Thread

[Warfarin]

I have to imagine, given that Minasian and Maddon weren't on the same page, there was probably some degree of tension in the dugout.  Probably does not make for the best experience as a player.  No idea if Syndergaard was "team Maddon," but I can see why he probably did not have the best of times here.

[Warfarin]

 

Don't have access, but Mateo is listed as a possible trade candidate.  

[jsnpritchett]

1 minute ago, Warfarin said:

 

Don't have access, but Mateo is listed as a possible trade candidate.  

The Angels aren't linked to Mateo in the article (then again, no specific teams are).  They're actually not even mentioned anywhere in this update.  Here's the Mateo section:

"Orioles’ Mateo on the move?

The Orioles, according to major-league sources, began receiving inquiries on shortstop Jorge Mateo almost immediately after the Cubs reached agreement with Dansby Swanson, the last of the big four free agents at the position.

The Twins, Braves, Red Sox and Dodgers all lost shortstops on the open market. Mateo, entering his age 28 season, might be an affordable and potentially attractive fit for interested clubs, a player whose value as an athletic defender and stolen-base threat should only increase as the league introduces shift restrictions, larger bases and pickoff rules in 2023.

The Orioles like the idea of pairing their right-handed hitting infielders, Mateo and Ramón Urías, with their left-handed hitting options, Gunnar Henderson and Adam Frazier. The additional depth at second, short and third will enable them not only to mix and match, but also to get each player sufficient rest. Then again, the O’s also will have three middle-infield prospects at Triple A, Jordan Westburg, Joey Ortiz and Connor Norby. The team is bound to move some of its infielders eventually.

Mateo, then, would appear expendable in the right deal. He ranked among the top five defenders at short last season in both Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average, and is projected to earn a relatively paltry $1.8 million in the first of his three years of arbitration. The downside: His adjusted OPS last season was 19 percent below league average, though he did lead the American League with 35 stolen bases (in 44 attempts) and pop 13 home runs."

[Warfarin]

1 minute ago, jsnpritchett said:

The Angels aren't linked to Mateo in the article (then again, no specific teams are).  They're actually not even mentioned anywhere in this update.  Here's the Mateo section:

"Orioles’ Mateo on the move?

The Orioles, according to major-league sources, began receiving inquiries on shortstop Jorge Mateo almost immediately after the Cubs reached agreement with Dansby Swanson, the last of the big four free agents at the position.

The Twins, Braves, Red Sox and Dodgers all lost shortstops on the open market. Mateo, entering his age 28 season, might be an affordable and potentially attractive fit for interested clubs, a player whose value as an athletic defender and stolen-base threat should only increase as the league introduces shift restrictions, larger bases and pickoff rules in 2023.

The Orioles like the idea of pairing their right-handed hitting infielders, Mateo and Ramón Urías, with their left-handed hitting options, Gunnar Henderson and Adam Frazier. The additional depth at second, short and third will enable them not only to mix and match, but also to get each player sufficient rest. Then again, the O’s also will have three middle-infield prospects at Triple A, Jordan Westburg, Joey Ortiz and Connor Norby. The team is bound to move some of its infielders eventually.

Mateo, then, would appear expendable in the right deal. He ranked among the top five defenders at short last season in both Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average, and is projected to earn a relatively paltry $1.8 million in the first of his three years of arbitration. The downside: His adjusted OPS last season was 19 percent below league average, though he did lead the American League with 35 stolen bases (in 44 attempts) and pop 13 home runs."

Thanks man.

He would likely be fairly modest in terms of acquisition cost.  He wouldn't help this offense, but he certainly would be a very solid defender and offer speed.  If any of our in-house prospects develops, he could transition into a solid bench player who can cover SS/2B/CF.

[Chuck]

Would love to be able to acquire Mateo. He was once the Yankees top prospect just a few years back! 

Funny, he was ranked ahead of Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge heading into 2018 for the Yankees top prospects. 

1. Jorge Mateo | SS

 

Born: Jun 23, 1995

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'0" Wt.: 182

Drafted/Signed: Dominican Republic, 2012.

Signed By: Juan Rosario (Yankees).

Minors: .278/.345/.392 | 2 HR | 82 SB | 449 AB

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Mateo was signed for $225,000 in January 2012, and blazed past injured catcher Luis Torrens to become the jewel of the Yankees' international signing class of that year. However, Mateo's development has taken a while. He took time to get out of the Dominican Summer League, in part due to a broken arm in 2012 that limited him to just 14 games. Once he came to the U.S., a broken hand cost him all but 15 games in 2014 in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Even so, the Yankees were aggressive with Mateo in 2015, jumping him over both short-season Staten Island and Pulaski, the system's new affiliate in the Rookie-level Appalachian League, in favor of low Class A Charleston. Despite the relative lack of experience, Mateo thrived in his first taste of full-season ball. With the RiverDogs, he showed off plenty of tools, the foremost of which was his blazing speed. He stole 71 bases before being moved to high Class A Tampa, where he debuted with a four-hit game and added 11 more steals to finish with 82, the best figure in the minor leagues. At midseason, he was one of the main players rival teams sought when trying to strike a deal with the Yankees, along with outfielder Aaron Judge and righthander Luis Severino. Even though he's nowhere close to a finished product, Mateo still gave evaluators plenty to like in his first year in full-season ball. A wiry strong player, the 20-year-old showed above-average range and hands and well above-average arm strength, a combination that gives him plenty of tools to stick at shortstop in the long term. As with any young shortstop, there were areas to iron out. He made 30 errors between the two levels 2015 and needs to learn to slow the game down. Coaches at Charleston worked with Mateo to improve his technique on backhanding balls in the hole to his right. And while his arm strength his plus, his accuracy could stand to improve. Once he learns to set himself instead of rushing his throws, improvement should come quickly. He also saw a little bit of time at second base during instructional league, but only for future versatility. At the plate, he needs to develop more of an approach, which is to be expected for someone of his age at that level. When he does learn to refine his plan at the plate, he'll be able to more easily and frequently tap into the above-average raw power evaluators see. He shoots plenty of balls out of the yard in batting practice all across the field, but homered just twice in 449 at-bats in 2015. He's got 80 speed on the basepaths, which clearly plays as ascertained by his 82 stolen bases, but he also has showed sub-4.00 times to first base out of the righthanded batter's box. Even though he showed well in his brief time with high Class A, he ended the season on the disabled list with an injury sustained while running the bases. He's likely to head back to Tampa to start the year, where he'll pair up the middle with fellow prospect Abiatal Avelino. If he shows well there, he could move up to Double-A Trenton after the all-star break, where he'll get his first taste of the upper levels at 21 years old and is likely to be paired there with fellow infield prospect Tyler Wade. If he reaches his ceiling, he could be an above-average shortstop in the mold of current Yankee Didi Gregorius with a little more offensive potential and a little less glove.

[Angels 1961]

I wonder if some players have animosity towards Ohtani. When fans mention Angels first thing that comes to mind is Ohtani. The Angels have promoted him so much (rightfully so) do other veteran players on team get tired of it. Trout was face of this team for years but now it has become Ohtani. A veteran pitcher like Thor comes here and sees Ohtani basically the center of attention. This is one reason I think he signed with Dodgers because he like the limelight. Not everything Dodgers touch turns out to be gold. (Trevor Bauer)

[Angels 1961]

10 minutes ago, Chuckster70 said:

Would love to be able to acquire Mateo. He was once the Yankees top prospect just a few years back! 

Funny, he was ranked ahead of Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge heading into 2018 for the Yankees top prospects. 

1. Jorge Mateo | SS

 

Born: Jun 23, 1995

Bats: R Throws: R

Ht.: 6'0" Wt.: 182

Drafted/Signed: Dominican Republic, 2012.

Signed By: Juan Rosario (Yankees).

Minors: .278/.345/.392 | 2 HR | 82 SB | 449 AB

VIEW PLAYER CARD

Mateo was signed for $225,000 in January 2012, and blazed past injured catcher Luis Torrens to become the jewel of the Yankees' international signing class of that year. However, Mateo's development has taken a while. He took time to get out of the Dominican Summer League, in part due to a broken arm in 2012 that limited him to just 14 games. Once he came to the U.S., a broken hand cost him all but 15 games in 2014 in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Even so, the Yankees were aggressive with Mateo in 2015, jumping him over both short-season Staten Island and Pulaski, the system's new affiliate in the Rookie-level Appalachian League, in favor of low Class A Charleston. Despite the relative lack of experience, Mateo thrived in his first taste of full-season ball. With the RiverDogs, he showed off plenty of tools, the foremost of which was his blazing speed. He stole 71 bases before being moved to high Class A Tampa, where he debuted with a four-hit game and added 11 more steals to finish with 82, the best figure in the minor leagues. At midseason, he was one of the main players rival teams sought when trying to strike a deal with the Yankees, along with outfielder Aaron Judge and righthander Luis Severino. Even though he's nowhere close to a finished product, Mateo still gave evaluators plenty to like in his first year in full-season ball. A wiry strong player, the 20-year-old showed above-average range and hands and well above-average arm strength, a combination that gives him plenty of tools to stick at shortstop in the long term. As with any young shortstop, there were areas to iron out. He made 30 errors between the two levels 2015 and needs to learn to slow the game down. Coaches at Charleston worked with Mateo to improve his technique on backhanding balls in the hole to his right. And while his arm strength his plus, his accuracy could stand to improve. Once he learns to set himself instead of rushing his throws, improvement should come quickly. He also saw a little bit of time at second base during instructional league, but only for future versatility. At the plate, he needs to develop more of an approach, which is to be expected for someone of his age at that level. When he does learn to refine his plan at the plate, he'll be able to more easily and frequently tap into the above-average raw power evaluators see. He shoots plenty of balls out of the yard in batting practice all across the field, but homered just twice in 449 at-bats in 2015. He's got 80 speed on the basepaths, which clearly plays as ascertained by his 82 stolen bases, but he also has showed sub-4.00 times to first base out of the righthanded batter's box. Even though he showed well in his brief time with high Class A, he ended the season on the disabled list with an injury sustained while running the bases. He's likely to head back to Tampa to start the year, where he'll pair up the middle with fellow prospect Abiatal Avelino. If he shows well there, he could move up to Double-A Trenton after the all-star break, where he'll get his first taste of the upper levels at 21 years old and is likely to be paired there with fellow infield prospect Tyler Wade. If he reaches his ceiling, he could be an above-average shortstop in the mold of current Yankee Didi Gregorius with a little more offensive potential and a little less glove.

He would be nice pickup him or Vidal Brujan

[jsnpritchett]

1 minute ago, Angels 1961 said:

He would be nice pickup him or Vidal Brujan

[Warfarin]

3 minutes ago, Angels 1961 said:

He would be nice pickup him or Vidal Brujan

I think Mateo's top prospect status has sailed, but I think he offers strong defense and speed.  With the rule changes now banning shifts and increasing the base sizes, his strengths could play up a bit further.  I don't think he'd be a game changer for us, but he'd be a nice complementary piece and should be an improvement over what we already have.  He would not, however, help our offense out at all.

As a side note, I also appreciate that you are the founder, president and CEO of the Vidal Brujan fan club.

[Angels 1961]

33 minutes ago, Warfarin said:

I think Mateo's top prospect status has sailed, but I think he offers strong defense and speed.  With the rule changes now banning shifts and increasing the base sizes, his strengths could play up a bit further.  I don't think he'd be a game changer for us, but he'd be a nice complementary piece and should be an improvement over what we already have.  He would not, however, help our offense out at all.

As a side note, I also appreciate that you are the founder, president and CEO of the Vidal Brujan fan club.

I'm hoping for a Brujan bobblehead night. Andrew Velazquez same as Mateo.

[mmc]

 

[mmc]

 

[Inside Pitch]

I am the biggest run prevention whore on this site but if this team were to spend actual players to acquire someone like Jorge Mateo....

[Angels 1961]

13 minutes ago, mmc said:

 

Another back-end rotation pitcher off the board. !79 inn last year. I belief many pitchers do not want to pitch in 6-man rotation

[T.G.]

18 minutes ago, Inside Pitch said:

I am the biggest run prevention whore on this site but if this team were to spend actual players to acquire someone like Jorge Mateo....

 

So… you’re a maybe?

[Warfarin]

19 minutes ago, Inside Pitch said:

I am the biggest run prevention whore on this site but if this team were to spend actual players to acquire someone like Jorge Mateo....

That 650 OPS not doing it for you, eh?   

[Docwaukee]

what a buzzkill Mateo would be.  I'd rather just sign Iglesias for 5m or so for the year instead of giving up prospects.  

[HanfordGuy]

 

[Angels 1961]

12 minutes ago, HanfordGuy said:

 

Arte Moreno was one of the owners who voted against Cohen becoming an owner. I wonder if this is a reason, he is selling team

[Erstad Grit]

I like Mateo more than Velazquez, I'll give him that. 

[Pancake Bear]

1 hour ago, Docwaukee said:

what a buzzkill Mateo would be.  I'd rather just sign Iglesias for 5m or so for the year instead of giving up prospects.  

You really think that's happening after Minasian dropped him? I don't see a reunion happening there at all. 

[Erstad Grit]

22 minutes ago, Pancake Bear said:

You really think that's happening after Minasian dropped him? I don't see a reunion happening there at all. 

There was awkwardness there too. We dropped him the day after he would not be eligible to be on a playoff roster.  Seemed like a FU to Iglesias from angels.  

[Warfarin]

Fangraphs has started posting its annual top prospect lists.  The Brewers are the first ones up:  https://blogs.fangraphs.com/milwaukee-brewers-top-38-prospects-2023/

While I know the Brewers have said they are not looking to trade Adames, just looking at their farm system, they basically have a replacement for Adames ready to go, and are short on SP prospects near the majors, which will likely be an issue for them soon, as I doubt they will re-sign either Burnes or Woodruff.  At least on paper, we would seem to be a decent match for them.

[Erstad Grit]

38 minutes ago, Warfarin said:

Fangraphs has started posting its annual top prospect lists.  The Brewers are the first ones up:  https://blogs.fangraphs.com/milwaukee-brewers-top-38-prospects-2023/

While I know the Brewers have said they are not looking to trade Adames, just looking at their farm system, they basically have a replacement for Adames ready to go, and are short on SP prospects near the majors, which will likely be an issue for them soon, as I doubt they will re-sign either Burnes or Woodruff.  At least on paper, we would seem to be a decent match for them.

Great post.  I hate it when people just throw trade ideas out.  It needs to make sense for both teams.  He'd be the SS I'd want most since it looks like Anderson won't be traded

[Chuck]

43 minutes ago, Warfarin said:

Fangraphs has started posting its annual top prospect lists.  The Brewers are the first ones up:  https://blogs.fangraphs.com/milwaukee-brewers-top-38-prospects-2023/

While I know the Brewers have said they are not looking to trade Adames, just looking at their farm system, they basically have a replacement for Adames ready to go, and are short on SP prospects near the majors, which will likely be an issue for them soon, as I doubt they will re-sign either Burnes or Woodruff.  At least on paper, we would seem to be a decent match for them.

BRING BRICE TURANG HOME PERRY!!! 

Can you imagine, that would be a slick future middle infield of Neto and Turang.