The Spokane Fightin' Fish certainly lit a fuse on the off-season trade market Tuesday as they acquired the top scoring hitter and the second scoring pitcher from last season in a blockbuster move with the Mission Viejo Maulers.
Following the move, things are starting to come into focus as the Franchise has vaulted into clear title contention for the 2023 season.
- The club is currently planning on retaining Cal Raleigh (2FA/$5) and Mitch Garver (3/$8) behind the plate, leaving Danny Jansen (2/$2) as a potential trade candidate. Garver was mentioned as a top trade candidate in the Catching Market Overview late last month, but seems to have hopped over Jansen for now internally with the Fish.
- Fresh off a breakout season, corner infielder Yandy Diaz (2D/$5) is available in trade talks as a crowded Keeper Roster could push him out the door. Diaz is eligible at both first and third base and is projected for 347.5 points after posting 371.5 last season. Diaz should have a strong market before Draft Day with the Asti Grape Stompers, Burlingame Blue Ducks, Honolulu Hammerheads, Meinert Hops and Idaho Taters all potential fits.
- Both Gerrit Cole (3/$73) and Shane Bieber (2/$58) are currently out of the running for Keeper spots according to sources close to Tirabassi. Cole has been rumored to be heading for Free Agency for much of the Winter but Bieber could be a surprise addition to an already elite Free Agent Class provided he's not moved before Draft Day.
- There were few bigger surprises in 2022 than Martin Perez (2FA/$5) who came out of nowhere to produce 495.0 points. While he's currently projected for 396.0 this season, Perez is on the market with Tirabassi reportedly not buying into the surprise season. It would be a surprise to see Perez reach Free Agency given his $5 contract for 2023 making him a potential fit for the Las Vegas Aristocrats, Idaho Taters and Honolulu Hammerheads who could be in the market for an additional arm.
Around the RDBL
- As news of the Cloverdale Clovers offer for Judge and Verlander leaked, there was a great deal of surprise in GM Chris Ferraro's decision to take the Fish offer over a package of Marco Luciano, Taj Bradley and Alek Thomas and four 2023 picks including a pair of 1st Rounders. More GMs were reportedly surprised that Fish first baseman Vinny Pasquantino (1R/$1) was not included in the deal though his 2022 Playoff activation was reportedly a concern for Ferraro who is planning a full rebuild.
- The Maulers attempted to pivot talks with the Clovers to Nolan Arenado (2/$38) after turning down their offer but were quickly turned away according to sources. The Maulers are reportedly seeking a high profile prospect and early round selection in return for Arenado.
- The Maulers completed a similar overhaul in 2021 when they were actively shopping and trading players on Draft Night. The league instituted a "Trade Freeze" for future seasons shortly after, limiting trade activity until after Period 1 to prevent a repeat of a full firesale during the Draft.
While Ferraro will have to wait, expect most of their Active Roster to be on the trade block quickly in 2023 as the seek better results with their second full scale rebuild in three seasons.
- With pitchers and catchers set to report next week, GM Ross Horiuchi is getting quite nervous with expected Keeper Jurickson Profar (2D/$5) still yet to sign with a big league club. If his Free Agency lags further, expect the Hammerheads to jump into the trade market for additional bats with potential keeper Jose Iglesias (2FA/$5) also not signed.
- The Alamo Short Stacks are largely set on their 2023 Keeper Roster but continue to mull decisions around their catching group. The club acquired Joey Bart (Minors) while also holding Will Smith (2/$31) and activation-ready Luis Campusano (Minors). Bart has already drawn trade interest after being dealt to the Stacks from the St. Joseph Jokers last week, but the club is still evaluating their options for 2023.
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