Re: MLB The Show 19 Franchise Discussion Thread
The exclusive negotiation period has begun and the Cardinals have only 4 players to make a decision in regards to trying to get them to re-sign or letting them hit the open market.
SP - Jack Flaherty
SP - Carlos Martinez
RP - Pedro Baez
OF - Stephen Piscotty
Out of the 4, the only two the Cardinals are likely to negotiate with are Flaherty and Martinez. Baez and Piscotty were both extremely serviceable last year, but the Cardinals will let them hit the open market to see what the market sets their price.
Jack Flaherty
Seeking 4 years @ $17.3MM per year
The Cardinals had all the expectation in the world that Flaherty would one day be the successor to Wainwright, Wacha, and Martinez to become the Ace of the staff, but injuries have set the 30 year old back and now the club is comfortable with Kyle Funkhouser being the ace of the staff, despite his early season struggles this past season.
The Cardinals do expect to have some discussion with Flaherty but I don't see them meeting his asking price until they are "forced" to. Could be a case where the Cardinals offer him a one year deal to reset his value, if he's able to get thru a season completely healthy.
Carlos Martinez
Seeking 3 years @ $9MM per year
Carlos Martinez may have been the most consistent starter in the rotation in 2024. The 34 year old didn't have the best win/loss record (14-11), but his ERA was just slightly over 3, at 3.05 for the season. The Cardinals didn't know what Martinez would seek in free agency, as he made over $12MM last year, and the fact that he's willing to take a discount after having another solid season will likely mean the two sides reach an agreement without him ever hitting the open market.
Stephen Piscotty
Seeking 2 years @ $4.5MM per year
Stephen Piscotty was brought in to help the Cardinals make a run at the postseason, but unfortunately that run never materialized. Still, Piscotty was solid with the Cardinals and provided a much needed RBI threat in the lineup that struggled to do so at times. Still, Piscotty is in the situation where he's part of a crowded outfield and while he plays first base as well, really doesn't have a home on a club that doesn't use the DH. The Cardinals will likely let Piscotty hit the open market and see where things go from there. With the addition of a 26th man this year, its possible the Cardinals re-sign him, but highly unlikely.
Pedro Baez
Seeking 1 year @ $3MM per year
It could be argued that aside from Roberto Osuna, Pedro Baez was the most consistent arm in the bullpen last year. The bullpen lacked consistency all season as the Cardinals continued to plug and play guys in different roles all year. Baez was solid though, being at times a bridge to the 7th inning guy, the 7th inning guy, or the guy that gets the ball to the closer. Still Baez's age (37) is a concern for the Cardinals and they will most likely let him hit the market to see how sought after he is and the price other clubs are willing to pay. Still though, $3MM for another season like 2024 is a bargain.
So what will the front office do in regards to these 4 players? We will find out over the next 5 days.
#offseasonleadstopostseason
Cardinals Exclusive Negotiation Period Free Agents
The exclusive negotiation period has begun and the Cardinals have only 4 players to make a decision in regards to trying to get them to re-sign or letting them hit the open market.
SP - Jack Flaherty
SP - Carlos Martinez
RP - Pedro Baez
OF - Stephen Piscotty
Out of the 4, the only two the Cardinals are likely to negotiate with are Flaherty and Martinez. Baez and Piscotty were both extremely serviceable last year, but the Cardinals will let them hit the open market to see what the market sets their price.
Jack Flaherty
Seeking 4 years @ $17.3MM per year
The Cardinals had all the expectation in the world that Flaherty would one day be the successor to Wainwright, Wacha, and Martinez to become the Ace of the staff, but injuries have set the 30 year old back and now the club is comfortable with Kyle Funkhouser being the ace of the staff, despite his early season struggles this past season.
The Cardinals do expect to have some discussion with Flaherty but I don't see them meeting his asking price until they are "forced" to. Could be a case where the Cardinals offer him a one year deal to reset his value, if he's able to get thru a season completely healthy.
Carlos Martinez
Seeking 3 years @ $9MM per year
Carlos Martinez may have been the most consistent starter in the rotation in 2024. The 34 year old didn't have the best win/loss record (14-11), but his ERA was just slightly over 3, at 3.05 for the season. The Cardinals didn't know what Martinez would seek in free agency, as he made over $12MM last year, and the fact that he's willing to take a discount after having another solid season will likely mean the two sides reach an agreement without him ever hitting the open market.
Stephen Piscotty
Seeking 2 years @ $4.5MM per year
Stephen Piscotty was brought in to help the Cardinals make a run at the postseason, but unfortunately that run never materialized. Still, Piscotty was solid with the Cardinals and provided a much needed RBI threat in the lineup that struggled to do so at times. Still, Piscotty is in the situation where he's part of a crowded outfield and while he plays first base as well, really doesn't have a home on a club that doesn't use the DH. The Cardinals will likely let Piscotty hit the open market and see where things go from there. With the addition of a 26th man this year, its possible the Cardinals re-sign him, but highly unlikely.
Pedro Baez
Seeking 1 year @ $3MM per year
It could be argued that aside from Roberto Osuna, Pedro Baez was the most consistent arm in the bullpen last year. The bullpen lacked consistency all season as the Cardinals continued to plug and play guys in different roles all year. Baez was solid though, being at times a bridge to the 7th inning guy, the 7th inning guy, or the guy that gets the ball to the closer. Still Baez's age (37) is a concern for the Cardinals and they will most likely let him hit the market to see how sought after he is and the price other clubs are willing to pay. Still though, $3MM for another season like 2024 is a bargain.
So what will the front office do in regards to these 4 players? We will find out over the next 5 days.
#offseasonleadstopostseason
Comment