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Wonder a little if the prices are going to get out of hand for what the Royals want to do. Still see them getting one. But wonder if that second/third pitcher more of the trade route after the FA sign. Part of the problem with FA I guess. What you think you can do can quickly get out of hand as everyone in the league is looking for pitching.

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I honestly don't think they are really getting out of hand. At least not yet. Maeda signed for $12 million per year. I had him at 1/12. Gibson and Lyles were in the range of where guys like him were last year. I think the market, so far, is sort of as expected. That could obviously change as the supply lessens and teams get a little desperate, but it sort of feels like things for the tier the Royals are playing in are going as expected.

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I'd be really happy with them adding Stroman and Wacha and signing Bobby and Vinnie. That would be a successful offseason and would meet my expectation for a team that's trying to prove it wants to win as it begs voters to support a new stadium. Obviously they'd still need to fill in the bullpen spots that are up for grabs, but I tend to think of bullpen arms as pretty fungible; how you use them is as important as who you get (within reason).

Would I love to see them add 1 more bat? Sure, but I honestly don't think it's crucial. I believe they can send out an above-average offensive team with what they have right now, especially with Vinnie coming back and MJ (hopefully) settling into an outfield role.

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That would actually be a pretty bonkers winter and I'd obviously love it. I think they're going to get a bat in a trade and I'd guess that bat won't cost more than $5-$7 million. I also think they sign at least two more relievers, but they're doing a nice job with some minor league deals too to try and piece it together. The news that McMillon is healthy is pretty big. I think you're looking at McArthur, McMillon, Anderson, Clarke, Hernandez, Cruz, Sauer, Klein, Snider, Taylor, Cessa, Altavilla and any of the rotation candidates right now as options. Theoretically they should be able to put together a competent bullpen. I'd like to see a little more in the way of proven arms, but I do agree that it can be done in a different way than spending big.

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Fungible is now my word of the day

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Dec 7, 2023Liked by David Lesky

Thanks for all of your Winter Meeting work, David. Despite how slow the meetings have been, and how frustrating, it just makes me dream about the future. Some of them depressing and paranoid dreams. Some of them exciting dreams. I can live with our full roster of hitters but wow do I wish we had some pitchers we could count on. I was hoping we'd sign Maeda. I wish we could sign Giolito. But they are both aging and okay, I'm going to talk myself into a depressing thought-cycle. I will just wait and see and try to Be. Here. Now. OMMMM

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I'd have absolutely been on Maeda for what he signed for, but Giolito could still happen and is still young. I'd be all over that even if it's a risk given how he finished the season.

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Yeah, Maeda seemed the right price.

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But, as you know, it takes two to tango. Maybe he likes Comerica. Maybe he loves AJ Hinch. Maybe the Royals didn't want to give a guy two years who hasn't stayed healthy. Hard to say.

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