The Maltese Falcons are working to pair down their deep crop of Keeper eligible players and according to sources, the club is engaged with multiple clubs as the official start of the 2023 season looms. Fresh off their RDBL-Record tying fourth Division Title and seventh cash finish, GM Gary Falzon and Assistant GM Erik Nielsen are faced with the task of trimming an impressive group of big leaguers down to 12 Keepers before Draft Day.
As talks have started, the group expected to be available includes IF Max Muncy (3/$17), Anthony Rizzo (2/$17), Mitch Haniger (3/$11), Andrew Benintendi (2/$10), Ian Happ (2/$13) and Rowdy Tellez (2D/$5) on offense while right-hander Tyler Mahle (3/$8) and relievers Scott Barlow (2/$5) and Peter Fairbanks (2FA/$5) could all garner interest.
The Falcons have poked around the catchers market while maintaining an interest in bringing back Jonah Heim (2FA/$5). With a glut of offensive needs, the Asti Grape Stompers could line up nicely with the Falcons if Falzon and Nielsen have interest in Willson Contreras (3/$23) who is entering his final season under contract at a reasonable value.
The two clubs reportedly had preliminary discussions on left-hander Robbie Ray (3/$5), but talks quickly cooled with Ray expected back for 2023 in the green and purple.
The St. Joseph Jokers have been most active on the starting pitcher front and have had initial discussions on Mahle according to sources. The Jokers own nine of the top 44 picks in the 2023 Reserve Draft, but are looking to hold onto their 1st and 2nd Round selections in talks according to those familiar with talks.
Around the RDBL
- The Lake Merced Goutfish are exploring the possibility of retaining three relievers with Edwin Diaz (2/$7), Clay Holmes (2FA/$5) and Felix Bautista (2FA/$5) all currently projected to return. CBS Sports has the trio projected for 949.0 points in 2023 with Diaz leading the way at 354.0 points.
GM Ryan Atkinson is confident they will have a quick deal for first baseman Matt Olson (2/$46) when the 2023 Season officially opens on February 1st with the Lunatic Fringe appearing to be the most interested party according to sources. The club will leverage Spring Training to pair down their starting rotation with Roansy Contreras (Minors) pushing for an Opening Day activation while the allure of Noah Syndergaard (2/$1) with the Los Angeles Dodgers brain power behind him will be given every chance to impress.
The club also faces an interesting call on Blake Snell (2/$10) who posted a 2.19 ERA in 14 second half starts while punching out 105 in 78.0 innings over that span.
Comments