MLB Winter Meetings - Rule 5 - Juan Soto Effect

BaseballBiz On Deck

• The Scott Boras Effect & Player Disadvantages
• Juan Soto's Big Contract and the
• Gambling Industry Influence on Salaries
• Why Soto Chose the Mets
• Steve Cohen's Impact on the Mets and MLB
• Mark shares a conversation with Lou Schiff about Steve Cohen's ownership, with Lou wishing Cohen owned every MLB team for his commitment to winning and willingness to spend money.
• Mat reflects on how Cohen’s approach contrasts with other owners, driving the Mets to become true championship contenders.
• The Blue Jays and Their Missteps
• Blue Jays for focusing on signing Juan Soto instead of solidifying their system by locking down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and building a competitive roster.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s potential departure, especially if the Jays don’t show more commitment to winning.
• Will White Sox be sold to a Montreal-based ownership group
• Vladdy Guerrero Jr. could find a home with the Angels
• MLB Spring Training and player signings
• The influence of gambling on MLB contracts
• The rivalry between the Mets and Yankees
• Steve Cohen’s impact on the Mets' financial commitment
• The Blue Jays' struggles to build a competitive team
• Potential future for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Blue Jays never have exceeded the luxury tax
• Should have forgottend Soto and signed Max Fried & Willy Adames
• Will Bo Bichette & Vlad Jr stick around
• Blue Jays pitchers are aging
• $23 million a year
• Should have considered Ketel Martinez and saved 7 million more to 2nd baseman Andrés Giménez
• Will Vladdy Jr continue to stay with the Blue Jays
• Montreal baseball expanded franchise – could that be a future home for Vladdy
• Red Sox & No Soto – decisions to be made – Rafael Devers
• The Rangers have a deep roster including Nate Eovaldi
• Peek over the fence with Rule 5
• Orioles brought in Gary Sanchez & Tyler O’Neill
• Will Orioles bring back Teoscar Hernandez to their young team
• Trevor Rogers the best LHP for the Blue Jays
• AL East – what it will look like in 2025
• Shane McClanahan will be returning to the Tampa Bay Rays
• How Rule 5 gives a lot of players into the show who otherwise may not rise up on their current team
• Anthony Santander was lifted up years ago on Rule 5
• If you return a player you took from Rule 5 then original team must pay you 50K to get them back
• Rays in Rule 5
• Bring in the Hammer – Dan Hammer from the Orioles & Jake Brentz
• Rays are committed to keeping open spaces for the guys that they may bring back up including Carson Williams, Chandle Simpson, Ahmed Rosario
• Seiya Suzuki could anchor the Rays outfield - $19 million a year
• The Return of Tony Francona – now with the Cincinnati Reds
• 46: - Caitlin Clark – WNBA – Basketball Card – more than annual salary
• Dr. Leslie Heaphy, IWBC, on the Cooperstown, Hall of Fame Eras committee
• Expansion teams by 2030?
• Montreal already vetted by MLB – Would Stephen Bronfman show same commitment as a Steve Cohen
• Montreal government is spending $870 million on a new roof for their stadium – should they buy an existing franchise or be part of the expansion – maybe White Sox or A’s
• Montreal, Salt Lake City, Nashville
• The Angels – Ron Washington – supports and builds his players and holds them accountable
• Ron wants hungry players that are teachable
• Bring us a healthy season for Mike Trout
• Just a reminder you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot bsky social. That’s @matgermain.bsky.social or Mark at @baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
• Special thank s to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward