The thrilling first game of the World Series just wrapped up with Washington pulling off a 5-4 victory in Houston. If you’re a neutral observer, you may be hoping for six more games just like that one. However long the series lasts, though, both teams stand to see some key contributors reach the open market thereafter. Let’s start with a review of the Nationals’ pending free agents… Anthony Rendon, 3B:
I’m not going to tell you anything you don’t already know in regards to Rendon. The 29-year-old is coming off yet another world-class season, perhaps an MVP-level campaign, and is finally getting the national recognition his play has long warranted. As hands down the premier soon-to-be free-agent position player, Rendon has a strong case for a guarantee worth $225MM or more.
Dozier was an elite second baseman with the Twins for a few years leading up to 2018, but he hasn’t been the same player dating back to then. After a down season divided between the Twins and Dodgers, the Nationals signed Dozier to a one-year, $9MM contract last winter. Dozier enjoyed somewhat of a bounce-back regular season, hitting .238/.340/.430 with 20 home runs and 1.7 fWAR in 482 plate appearances. That’s still not great production, though, and odds are the 32-year-old will have to settle for another single-season guarantee (very likely for less money) in his next trip to free agency.
As with Dozier, Kendrick’s likely heading for a one-year deal. However, in Kendrick’s case, that has far more to do with age than performance. After all, the long-solid Kendrick, 36, has been an offensive machine all season. Kendrick slashed a jaw-dropping .344/.395/.572 with 17 homers in 370 PA during the regular campaign, when Statcast more than backed up his bottom-line output. Just four qualified hitters (some names you may recognize in Mike Trout, Cody Bellinger, Christian Yelich and Nelson Cruz) outdid Kendrick’s .418 expected weighted on-base average. Kendrick has further cemented himself in Washington lore with a productive postseason, with his decisive grand slam in Game 5 of the team’s NLDS victory over the Dodgers sure to count among the franchise’s greatest moments for decades to come.
The 33-year-old Cabrera has been an outstanding in-season pickup for Washington, which grabbed him off the scrapheap after Texas released him in early August. Cabrera was only a .235/.318/.393 hitter at that point, but he slashed an excellent .323/.404/.565 in 146 regular-season PA after donning a Nats uniform. Cabrera’s D.C. production should be enough to earn him another guaranteed deal in the offseason.
It’s hard to believe, but Parra has turned into a folk hero in Washington since the club brought him on a low-cost deal toward the beginning of May. At that point, Parra was the owner of a paltry .546 OPS and someone the Giants understandably jettisoned despite obvious needs in their outfield. Not only has Parra hit a much-improved .250/.300/.447 in 204 trips to the plate since then, but his “Baby Shark” intro has helped make him a fan and clubhouse favorite. It doesn’t look as if Parra would be a bad investment on what’s sure to be another low-paying deal.
The hard-throwing Hudson didn’t appear to be an exciting addition for the Nationals when they acquired him from the Blue Jays at the July trade deadline, but he has since established himself an indispensable part of their bullpen. Hudson pitched to a 1.44 ERA (with a 3.53 FIP) and totaled 23 strikeouts against two walks in 25 regular-season innings as a Nat. The brilliance has largely continued in the postseason for the 32-year-old, who has thrown seven frames of one-earned run ball and converted all four of his save chances. Hudson had to settle for a $1.5MM contract with the Jays right before the season started, but he should do far better next time. A two-year deal in the $10MM range could be in the offing this winter.
Hellickson was a quality member of the Nationals’ pitching staff in 2018, which led the club to bring back the former AL Rookie of the Year on a $1.3MM guarantee last winter. At that price, it was a gamble worth taking for the Nationals, but it didn’t work out. The 32-year-old Hellickson struggled into May before missing the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Assuming Hellickson signs somewhere in the offseason, he’ll be getting a minor league pact.
This season has been a wild ride for the 42-year-old Rodney, who bombed with the Athletics in the early going, got his release in late May, signed a minors deal with the Nats a week later and is now part of a World Series roster. The nomadic arrow slinger tossed 33 1/3 regular-season innings of 4.05 ERA/3.72 FIP ball and posted 9.5 K/9 against 4.3 BB/9 after the Nationals brought him up in late June. Rodney has added 2 2/3 scoreless frames during the playoffs. Will that be enough for Rodney to pick up a major league deal over the winter? Perhaps, but he’s obviously not going to break the bank.
Venters, who has seemingly overcome one awful injury after another during his career, will have to do so yet again. No stranger to the operating table, Venters underwent yet another serious procedure (on a torn capsule in his left shoulder) in August. The 34-year-old’s career could conceivably be over, though he’ll try to get off the mat one more time.
Comment
ApricotSinner32
Restricted User
11-28-10
10648
#3573
Astros are about to get swept. It's all over baby
Comment
jrgum3
SBR Hall of Famer
07-21-17
7005
#3574
Originally posted by ApricotSinner32
Astros are about to get swept. It's all over baby
A little early to say that. I still think this series goes 6 or 7 games because both these teams are pretty evenly matched. Not saying that the Nats won't win after they took game 1 but this series is a long ways from being over.
Comment
JAKEPEAVY21
BARRELED IN @ SBR!
03-11-11
29311
#3575
Cole lost for the first time since May...better win tonight or it's a huge uphill battle.
Comment
Otters27
BARRELED IN @ SBR!
07-14-07
30760
#3576
Nationals look to be a team of destiny
Comment
Chi_archie
SBR Aristocracy
07-22-08
63172
#3577
Originally posted by Otters27
Nationals look to be a team of destiny
Starting to look that way
Comment
mr. leisure
SBR Posting Legend
01-29-08
17507
#3578
Lets go Nats
Comment
BigSpoon
SBR MVP
11-04-10
4113
#3579
Go Nats, don't want that Astros AGM to get another ring.
Comment
Cross
SBR Hall of Famer
04-15-11
5777
#3580
Astros will even it up tonight at home.
Comment
JMobile
SBR Posting Legend
08-21-10
19074
#3581
That was a close one for the Nationals.
Comment
koz-man
SBR Hall of Famer
11-21-08
7102
#3582
Sources: Cubs hiring David Ross as manager
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs are hiring David Ross to be their new manager, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. The official announcement is expected to come on Thursday.
Ross, 42, beat out five other candidates to replace Joe Maddon, who was hired by the Angels. Ross played under Maddon in 2015 and 2016, helping the Cubs to a World Series title before becoming a member of the team's front office and an ESPN baseball analyst.
He'll be asked to manage several players he once called teammates, including Kris Bryant.
Comment
JaimeMiro
SBR MVP
03-14-17
2515
#3583
Nats flat out dominating this series. Just have to take care of business at home
Comment
mr. leisure
SBR Posting Legend
01-29-08
17507
#3584
Hope the Nats sweep them .
Comment
Carseller4
SBR Posting Legend
10-22-09
19627
#3585
Wow, I did not see this at all.
Comment
jrgum3
SBR Hall of Famer
07-21-17
7005
#3586
I thought the Nats would be competitive but I’m flat out blown away how they’ve looked fantastic through two games.
Comment
ApricotSinner32
Restricted User
11-28-10
10648
#3587
Nationals going to win in 7 games
Comment
EmpireMaker
SBR Posting Legend
06-18-09
15582
#3588
After a 2018 offseason that saw them largely sit out the open market auctions for Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, it appears as if the Yankees will take a more active role in pursuing a top free agent in the 2019 offseason. According to Andy Martino of SNY.tv, the “early feel” from conversations with sources is that the New York organization will at least “engage” with Astros ace Gerrit Colethis winter. At the same time, Martino downplays the likelihood of a successful pursuit.
The Yankees-Cole connection is a longstanding one, so it’s no surprise to see it continue now that Cole is nearing the open market. It was Yankees GM Brian Cashman, after all, that almost landed Cole from the Pirates in 2017–although Pittsburgh ultimately passed on a trade package that was said to center around outfielderClint Frazier. The Yankees also pursued Cole, a lifelong Yankee fan, back in 2008 when it made him the 28th overall pick in the Rule IV draft (Cole ultimately opted to attend UCLA). After two near-misses, the 2019 offseason should offer Cashman his clearest shot yet at bagging the now-29-year-old Cole.
It’s obvious there’s some level of interest. But it’s equally clear there are significant barriers to Cole donning pinstripes. The New York org could find itself bidding against numerous other teams for Cole’s services, many of which play in or near his native Southern California. And luxury tax implications could prove fateful here. While the Yankees could clear roughly $30MM off 2019’s salary outlay merely by letting CC Sabathia, Dellin Betances, Brett Gardner, and Didi Gregoriushead for other pastures, the club would still have some bending to do if it wanted to both sign Cole and avoid a second consecutive year paying CBT overages.
The Yankees already have over $130MM in salary commitments on the books for 2019 before accounting for forthcoming arb raises (including those forAaron Judge andJames Paxton). Since they exceeded the luxury tax line by more than $20MM and paid a 20% overage with a 12% surcharge in 2018, they would incur a 30% tax on every dollar spent over the CBT threshold in 2020 if they again exceed the line, per terms agreed to as part of the 2016 CBA. Still, it’s worth noting that these considerations apparently won’t count the New York powerhouse out of the Cole sweepstakes unequivocally–even if Cashman will have to pull on his creative reserves to make such an acquisition feasible.
Comment
BarkingToad
SBR Hall of Famer
08-31-08
5913
#3589
Normal Verlander World Series performance
Comment
Otters27
BARRELED IN @ SBR!
07-14-07
30760
#3590
Nationals beat two huge Aces in a row with their own 2 aces
Comment
Chi_archie
SBR Aristocracy
07-22-08
63172
#3591
Originally posted by EmpireMaker
After a 2018 offseason that saw them largely sit out the open market auctions for Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, it appears as if the Yankees will take a more active role in pursuing a top free agent in the 2019 offseason. According to Andy Martino of SNY.tv, the “early feel” from conversations with sources is that the New York organization will at least “engage” with Astros ace Gerrit Colethis winter. At the same time, Martino downplays the likelihood of a successful pursuit.
The Yankees-Cole connection is a longstanding one, so it’s no surprise to see it continue now that Cole is nearing the open market. It was Yankees GM Brian Cashman, after all, that almost landed Cole from the Pirates in 2017–although Pittsburgh ultimately passed on a trade package that was said to center around outfielderClint Frazier. The Yankees also pursued Cole, a lifelong Yankee fan, back in 2008 when it made him the 28th overall pick in the Rule IV draft (Cole ultimately opted to attend UCLA). After two near-misses, the 2019 offseason should offer Cashman his clearest shot yet at bagging the now-29-year-old Cole.
It’s obvious there’s some level of interest. But it’s equally clear there are significant barriers to Cole donning pinstripes. The New York org could find itself bidding against numerous other teams for Cole’s services, many of which play in or near his native Southern California. And luxury tax implications could prove fateful here. While the Yankees could clear roughly $30MM off 2019’s salary outlay merely by letting CC Sabathia, Dellin Betances, Brett Gardner, and Didi Gregoriushead for other pastures, the club would still have some bending to do if it wanted to both sign Cole and avoid a second consecutive year paying CBT overages.
The Yankees already have over $130MM in salary commitments on the books for 2019 before accounting for forthcoming arb raises (including those forAaron Judge andJames Paxton). Since they exceeded the luxury tax line by more than $20MM and paid a 20% overage with a 12% surcharge in 2018, they would incur a 30% tax on every dollar spent over the CBT threshold in 2020 if they again exceed the line, per terms agreed to as part of the 2016 CBA. Still, it’s worth noting that these considerations apparently won’t count the New York powerhouse out of the Cole sweepstakes unequivocally–even if Cashman will have to pull on his creative reserves to make such an acquisition feasible.
where Cole goes will be interesting to watch
Comment
Cross
SBR Hall of Famer
04-15-11
5777
#3592
Astros down to Greinke or bust, crazy.
Comment
batt33
SBR Hall of Famer
12-23-16
6037
#3593
Originally posted by Carseller4
Wow, I did not see this at all.
Just seems like they have the "moxi" this year, Funny the local sports channel was showing the Giants 2012 run about the same time as the world series ....Watched Verlander give up a couple to Panda..
Comment
koz-man
SBR Hall of Famer
11-21-08
7102
#3594
President Donald Trump says he'll attend Game 5 of World Series
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump says he is planning to attend the World Series on Sunday if it goes to a Game 5.
The Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros are playing in the World Series, and Game 5 is scheduled for Sunday in Washington.
The Nationals have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and could conceivably wrap it up with wins on Friday and Saturday.
Comment
JMobile
SBR Posting Legend
08-21-10
19074
#3595
Originally posted by Cross
Astros down to Greinke or bust, crazy.
Cole can't pitch every game.
Comment
ApricotSinner32
Restricted User
11-28-10
10648
#3596
Who wins game 3? Astros or Nationals?
Comment
batt33
SBR Hall of Famer
12-23-16
6037
#3597
Originally posted by ApricotSinner32
Who wins game 3? Astros or Nationals?
Think Greinke brings his a game for once this playoff....
Comment
EmpireMaker
SBR Posting Legend
06-18-09
15582
#3598
Yankees GM Brian Cashman provided injury updates on several key players today, according to a tweet from Marc Carig of The Athletic (link). Starter Masahiro Tanaka had a procedure to remove spurs from his right elbow, and slugger Luke Voit had a procedure done to address an injury in his core. However, the most notable revelation is that outfielder Aaron Hicks will ultimately opt for Tommy John surgery to address the flexor strain in his right arm. That surgery will likely place him on an eight-to-ten month recovery timeline.
Needless to say, the last eight months have been something of a worst-case scenario in regard to the seven-year, $70MM extension Hicks signed with the club back in February. Coming on the heels of three mostly excellent years to start Hicks’ Yankees career, the extension appeared to lock in a defensively capable center fielder and top prospect finally rounding into offensive form. With Hicks sidelined for the majority of the upcoming 2020 season, the pact is now likely to be placed under the microscope by New York-area observers.
It’s fair to wonder how Cashman might proceed in attending to Hicks’ absence. Does this increase the chances of Brett Gardner resigning in New York? Gardner filled in capably in center for much of the 2019 season, logging acceptable UZR (3.1) and DRS (-2) metrics at the position. Mike Tauchman also shouldered a portion of the load in covering for Hicks this past season, but it’s uncertain if he would be counted on as a full-time option there for 2020.
In an injury-limited season that did see him manage a return for the Yankees ALCS appearance, Hicks logged a .235/.325/.443 batting line (102 wRC+) in 255 plate appearances. The outfielder will account for a base salary of $10.5MM in 2020.
Comment
Cross
SBR Hall of Famer
04-15-11
5777
#3599
Pressure maybe on the Nationals to close out Series now?
Comment
Carseller4
SBR Posting Legend
10-22-09
19627
#3600
Astros take Game 3.
Trump wants to attend Game 5.
Comment
JaimeMiro
SBR MVP
03-14-17
2515
#3601
Originally posted by Cross
Astros down to Greinke or bust, crazy.
Nats definitely looking scary. No sign of rust as they look prepared for anything Astros have tried so far
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jrgum3
SBR Hall of Famer
07-21-17
7005
#3602
Originally posted by Cross
Pressure maybe on the Nationals to close out Series now?
I honestly think they're feeling no pressure which is why they're looking like the best team in baseball right now. The Astros have to win game 3 obviously so I think all the pressure in the world is on them. Even if the Nats lose game 3 they still got two more at home to close it out in 5.
Comment
koz-man
SBR Hall of Famer
11-21-08
7102
#3603
Originally posted by jrgum3
I honestly think they're feeling no pressure which is why they're looking like the best team in baseball right now. The Astros have to win game 3 obviously so I think all the pressure in the world is on them. Even if the Nats lose game 3 they still got two more at home to close it out in 5.
Yep
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BarkingToad
SBR Hall of Famer
08-31-08
5913
#3604
Originally posted by Cross
Astros down to Greinke or bust, crazy.
Yeah, it's down to weird Zack
Comment
Chi_archie
SBR Aristocracy
07-22-08
63172
#3605
Originally posted by jrgum3
I honestly think they're feeling no pressure which is why they're looking like the best team in baseball right now. The Astros have to win game 3 obviously so I think all the pressure in the world is on them. Even if the Nats lose game 3 they still got two more at home to close it out in 5.