The Asti Grape Stompers couldn't recreate the elite pitching staff that finished with a league-best 3.17 ERA in 2021, instead seeing regression across most of the rotation en route to a 4.37 mark entering play Tuesday and the 14th ranked unit in scoring.
With Walker Buehler already out the door and the combination of Freddie Freeman and George Springer not far behind, here's a look at what's next for the Asti Grape Stompers as GM Terry Shelley builds for next season.
Catching
The Grapes nailed their acquisition of Willson Contreras (2/$23) prior to the 2022 Draft as the backstop has rewarded them with a .276/.401/.515 line, leading scoring at his position by an eye-popping 29.5 points. While Contreras has been frequently asked about in trade discussions, Shelley doesn't appear interested in moving him as he looks to be a foundational piece of the 2023 roster.
Infield
Bobby Witt, Jr. is finding his footing in recent weeks as he works through the ebbs and flows of a Rookie campaign at 21 years of age. The ceiling remains as high as any with Witt serving as the key piece of the infield through 2024. The Grapes are excited about the contributions of Andres Gimenez (1D/$5) who has slashed .307/.329/.540 through 137 at-bats while seeing time at second base and shortstop.
Just as any seller should, the Grapes will continue to be active on the Waiver Wire as they claimed prospect Ezequiel Duran (1FA/$5) who was recently promoted by the Texas Rangers from Double-A. Duran has the type of upside and playing time that will allow him to play his way into a 2FA/$5 contract for 2023.
An additional name to watch is fellow Waiver Claim Brendan Donovan (1FA/$5) who qualifies at every position outside of catcher while slashing .319/.439/.447 in 94 at-bats. A continued breakout will solidify his place for next season as well.
Veteran Anthony Rendon (1/$24) has had mixed results thus far in 2022 and is currently on the IL with yet another injury. A big second half could push him back in the picture, but the more likely scenario is a pre-deadline deal to a contender for a second-tier prospect or draft pick.
Outfield
With Springer's deal expiring and Franmil Reyes (1/$23) falling apart at the plate, the Grapes will need to rework their outfield as an area of focus for next season.
Jorge Soler (1/$13) has displayed his calling card power with 11 home runs, but is hitting just .215 and is unlikely to return at this point. Christian Yelich (1/$31) was a solid Draft Day bet, but the former MVP looks to have left his best days behind him as he's slashed just .218/.313/.360.
Rotation
Expected to be the strength of the Grapes 2022 Roster, the starting staff has been an overwhelming disappointment leaving Shelley with some difficult decisions entering 2023.
Robbie Ray (2/$5) was expected to be among the league's top values following his 2021 American League Cy Young season but has posted a 4.97 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. The club scooped up buy-low candidate Jose Berrios (1/$38) who will need to put together a monster second half to be considered for 2023 given his sizable contract and current ERA of 5.24.
Luis Severino (2/$11) has proven to be a great move by Shelley as the right-hander has returned to form with a 2.95 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 55.0 innings. As currently constructed, he'll headline the rotation heading into 2023.
The club remains hopeful that expiring starters Trevor Rogers (2FA/$5) and Marcus Stroman (3/$6) can build back some of their lost trade value as both hold ERA's north of five entering Period 10.
Bullpen
Waiver Claim Ryan Helsley (1FA/$5) is a strong bet to return provided he can continue to eat into save chances in St. Louis. The right-hander has posted a 0.42 ERA and 0.52 WHIP over 21.0 innings in 2022.
Prospects
The Grapes have built a strong Farm System thanks to an excellent 2022 Reserve Draft, but the current group is unlikely to offer much help as soon as next season.
Hunter Greene has appeared to turn the corner with 40.0 and 35.0 point outings in two of his last four chances as he works through his Rookie season at just 22 years of age. With health, he'll certainly be a piece of the Grapes rotation next year.
The group of Jordan Lawlar, Kahlil Watson, recent acquisition Francisco Alvarez and breakout outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong are all highly regarded, but only Alvarez has reached Double-A and the odds of a big market club handing over the full-time catching reigns to the current 20 year old as soon as next season are unlikely.
Additional 2023 help could certainly be on the way for the Grapes with the expected deals of Springer and Freddie Freeman likely to bring back significant prospects in return. Shelley is likely to milk out every drop of the roster as well with Rogers, Stroman, Berrios, Rendon, Jose Quintana, Nate Lowe and Eduardo Escobar all candidates to be moved before the August 1st Trade Deadline.
Current 2023 Grapes Projected Keepers
*With 2023 Contract Status, Ranked by Value
C Willson Contreras (3/$23)
SS Bobby Witt, Jr. (2R/$3)
RHP Luis Severino (3/$11)
LHP Robbie Ray (3/$5)
RHP Hunter Greene (1R/$1)
2B Andres Gimenez (2D/$5)
MI Ezequiel Duran (2FA/$5)
3B Brendan Donovan (2FA/$5)
RP Ryan Helsley (2FA/$5)
Current 2023 Draft Picks
Own Goutfish's 3rd Round Pick
Traded 5th Round Pick
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