The St. Joseph Jokers waved a mini-white flag on Monday, shipping off their $19 catcher Yasmani Grandal as well as injured outfielder Kyle Lewis (1/$10) to the Lake Merced Goutfish who had lost Mitch Garver to a flexor strain.
With blood in the water, RDBL Front Offices don't hesitate to pounce as GM Rick Steen's phone flooded with message Monday afternoon after the deal was announced.
Here's the latest based on sources close to the Jokers.
Sell High Options?
LHP Madison Bumgarner (1D/$5)
Bumgarner is posting his best season since 2019 through seven starts with a 1.78 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 30 1/3 innings. He has punched out just 20 against 12 walks, indicating some regression on the ERA is likely but he certainly could step into a contender's rotation immediately and be of help.
RHP Nathan Eovaldi (2/$1)
A Keeper at $1, Eovaldi has been excellent this season with a 3.15 ERA and 1.07 WHIP through seven starts. The Jokers have struggled to build rotation depth over the past few seasons which could limit Eovaldi's availability, especially at $1 and under control for 2023.
In-Demand
LHP Andrew Heaney (1D/$5)
Heaney might have just 10 1/3 under his belt for 2022, but you can bet he will be one of the most asked about players on the Jokers roster. Steen will likely have to be bowled over to move him given Heaney is under the new 1D/$5 contract, giving him control through 2024. A change to his arsenal led to excellent results early and Steen is likely to want to see more of him on the mound before deciding his future. Heaney is set to throw a bullpen this week as he works back from shoulder soreness.
1B Eric Hosmer (1/$3)
Given his contract and early performance (.350/.412/.512), Hosmer might be the most attractive piece on the Jokers roster. But much like Heaney, the Jokers still need to build a contender for 2023 and a $3 first baseman with 400+ point upside is more valuable on your roster than receiving a prospect or pick in return so expect Hosmer to remain in place.
Big Names
RHP Yu Darvish (3/$26)
Darvish is the most-likely to go given he is in the final year of his contract at a price ($26) that most clubs could fit under the in-season $325 cap. It's been a mixed bag for Darvish in 2022, much like it was a season ago. He has a 4.62 ERA and 1.18 WHIP overall but has produced four starts of 24 or more, giving him great upside if you pick your spots correctly.
SS Trea Turner (2/$49)
Turner's 513.5 point season in 2021 made him well worth his $49 price tag. He's been productive so far, but is on pace for 414.5 points which might have offers coming in below his true value. With an additional season of control, Turner is likely to be held until he heats up and increases his value before Steen decides to move him.
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