So what's the plan at trade deadline ?

[ICCFIM2]

Be bold and gutsy either way. If under or even at .500, sell off all you can. If we’re in first place and handling the Cubs well enough, go for the big transformative move(s).

Not this EXACT move but something in this mold:
Flip Wetherholt, Hence, and throw in our projects like Walker and Gorman for a James Wood-type and a bullpen arm or two.

A move that transforms now, but also opens a window. I know Woods is going nowhere but maybe a stud OFer closer to FA that we could trade+extend.

I know I’ll catch heat for mentioning JJW, but you gotta give to get. The team is closer than many think. A little star power and tighten up the pen and field a contender. Tired of waiting for prospects and dry powder and low hanging fruit nonsense.

If you are the Nationals would you trade James Wood for that? The Nationals probably think they are ready to contend next year. So, they have the coveted MOTOB who is under control for 5 more years. No way do I trade Woods for a line drive hitting prospect, who is good but not a MOTOB, a pitcher that is always hurt and projects as a BP arm, plus two prospects that may wash out at the ML level. I would love to have the guy. We are not getting him for that.

If the Cards are contending, my expectation is that they keep everyone and try to add 2 bullpen arms. They can make qualifying offers to Helsley and maybe Fedde to recoup draft picks for failing to trade them at the deadline.

The Cards just do not have a lot of depth in their minor league system to pull off a major coup. With all of their arms hurt and only JJ and Crooks looking like sure things at the minor league level, a small deal to bolster the pen. Some QOs to restock the farm system and then hope the players progress again next year. What we are seeing right now is that MO should have signed another BP arm along with Maton. On the other hand, it was hard to foresee the implosion of Fernandez. But, you never have enough bullpen arms...

[CorneliusWolfe]

Be bold and gutsy either way. If under or even at .500, sell off all you can. If we’re in first place and handling the Cubs well enough, go for the big transformative move(s).

Not this EXACT move but something in this mold:
Flip Wetherholt, Hence, and throw in our projects like Walker and Gorman for a James Wood-type and a bullpen arm or two.

A move that transforms now, but also opens a window. I know Woods is going nowhere but maybe a stud OFer closer to FA that we could trade+extend.

I know I’ll catch heat for mentioning JJW, but you gotta give to get. The team is closer than many think. A little star power and tighten up the pen and field a contender. Tired of waiting for prospects and dry powder and low hanging fruit nonsense.

No way I am trading JJW.

Wood and Walker almost had the exact same 21 y/o season offensively. Wood is having a much better sophomore year than Walker thus far. I know JWalk is not making it happen currently, but before I trade JJW for JWalk's replacement, I'd rather give JWalk a bit more time to see if he evolves.

Still bullish myself on JW (long-term) Problem is, I don’t see another position that can be upgraded that would be as transformative.

I doubt payroll savings will be reinvested, and trading vets weakens an already solid team. Add now and make a run before vets depart and rivals grow stronger.

We’re told the team will somehow contend next year with even more young inexperienced players, no big free agents, prospect acquisitions that won’t be ready (still no help from the big 2023 selloff) I see regression unless they build on what they have now.

[ClassicO]

Why hold on to free agents who won’t bring draft picks?
This is not a World Series team so start building one. Many teams need SP and a closer so go for it. Nado looks untradeable.

[thetank2]

Why hold on to free agents who won’t bring draft picks?
This is not a World Series team so start building one. Many teams need SP and a closer so go for it. Nado looks untradeable.

Unless we get a future young SP we don't need any position player. Mo's draft picks on the field are doing well.

[AtillaTheBlue1]

sell, sell, sell. if they can stay around .500 value of players stays on market price, they go on a 4-16 run heading into it, they will have lower leverage.


teams need starting pitching desperately, cardinals have 2=3 they should sell

a few teams need a closer, setup, you can get a lot of value from helsley


and you find a struggling top prospect and deal gorman for him, and see if there is a market for walker

[ClassicO]

Why hold on to free agents who won’t bring draft picks?
This is not a World Series team so start building one. Many teams need SP and a closer so go for it. Nado looks untradeable.

Unless we get a future young SP we don't need any position player. Mo's draft picks on the field are doing well.

They are 7th out of 15 NL teams, 13th of 30. That's far from a team that doesn't need anyone.
No superstars, except perhaps Herrera in the future.
LF and 2b are the only positions where they are in the top 5 in position-WAR, both at #4.
Their RF is 22nd in WAR; the OF as a whole is 10th. 1b is 14th. SS is 15th.
Nado on the decline - 13th in WAR. Walker and Gorman have not been hitting for over a year.
Their minor leagues are ranked #20 -- https://www.mlb.com/news/farm-system-ra ... -preseason
Three vet pitchers who will be gone and won't bring anything back w/o a trade.
Unless you're on droogs, they won't win a WS this year.
How do you build a team that can win a WS without getting something back for 3-4 players?
Or do you like mediocracy?

[CorneliusWolfe]

Be bold and gutsy either way. If under or even at .500, sell off all you can. If we’re in first place and handling the Cubs well enough, go for the big transformative move(s).

Not this EXACT move but something in this mold:
Flip Wetherholt, Hence, and throw in our projects like Walker and Gorman for a James Wood-type and a bullpen arm or two.

A move that transforms now, but also opens a window. I know Woods is going nowhere but maybe a stud OFer closer to FA that we could trade+extend.

I know I’ll catch heat for mentioning JJW, but you gotta give to get. The team is closer than many think. A little star power and tighten up the pen and field a contender. Tired of waiting for prospects and dry powder and low hanging fruit nonsense.

If you are the Nationals would you trade James Wood for that? The Nationals probably think they are ready to contend next year. So, they have the coveted MOTOB who is under control for 5 more years. No way do I trade Woods for a line drive hitting prospect, who is good but not a MOTOB, a pitcher that is always hurt and projects as a BP arm, plus two prospects that may wash out at the ML level. I would love to have the guy. We are not getting him for that.

If the Cards are contending, my expectation is that they keep everyone and try to add 2 bullpen arms. They can make qualifying offers to Helsley and maybe Fedde to recoup draft picks for failing to trade them at the deadline.

The Cards just do not have a lot of depth in their minor league system to pull off a major coup. With all of their arms hurt and only JJ and Crooks looking like sure things at the minor league level, a small deal to bolster the pen. Some QOs to restock the farm system and then hope the players progress again next year. What we are seeing right now is that MO should have signed another BP arm along with Maton. On the other hand, it was hard to foresee the implosion of Fernandez. But, you never have enough bullpen arms...

I admit I wouldn’t trade Woods for that, but I’m not up on trade values like some, and haven’t had time to look at rosters and play armchair GM properly. Maybe Mathews over Hence + another top prospect.

While I did say not exactly THAT trade, I did mean I’d be willing to trade whatever we do have for a similar player of his caliber, albeit not as young (can’t have it all). But maybe a stud OF’er in arb years and maybe do a trade and sign-type of thing.

You’re also probably right about them pursuing bullpen arms and the lack of depth to overwhelm for a star addition.

I’m usually all for a patient approach but something about this year’s team is intriguing and I think they could win with one big move and a couple smaller ones.