2025 Roster Retool + Payroll (Suggestions)

This years FA class is weak all around. After diggnig through the potential options, I have identifed 2 new targets (along with 2 familiar faces) that I think will enable us to retool our roster immediately and position ourselves well with payroll to be able to sign or extend Tucker before he hits FA in 2026.

New Targets:

Ryan O'Hearn:

• Slashed .264/.334/.427 (119 wRC+, 1.7 fWAR). Very low K%, WHiff%, and Chase %. Above average BB%.
• Plays 1B and OF. Put up 3 OAA in 2023, -2 this year. Potential is there.
• Will be everyday 1B. Can platoon OF or DH
• Spotrac estimates a $14mil price tag

Michael Conforto:

• Will be a cheap option a $4-5mil. Has excellent batting value on Statcast page.
• Slashed .237/.309/.450 (112 wRC+, 1.3 fWAR).
• Doesn't chase much, but has below average K% due to average to below average Whiff%.
• Slightly above average BB%
• Hits the ball hard and graded in 88th percentile for xSLG.
• -4 OAA is only downfall. Play him in LF. Has an excellent arm to overcome defensive shortcoming.

Familiar Faces:

Alex Bregman:

• I think we struggle to make the playoffs in 2025 without Alex Bregman. Signing him should be our TOP priority. I estimate $31mil AAV.
• Excellent defense (6 OAA), excellent K%, WHiff%, BB%, and Chase %.
• We all know about him. Pay the man.

Yusei Kikuchi:

• I was VERY vocal in my support og trading for him. I knew the Astros would turn him into a quality rotation piece. We made him an ACE.
• Sign him to bolster the rotation.

https://preview.redd.it/j60mly4klgsd1.png?width=1353&format=png&auto=webp&s=7e18bc2acaeb542c1f6a21ed4da8ae3f6de76839

Making the moves I outlined should keep us in decent shape for the CBT, retool the roster to have a VERY solid 1-9, and run a 6 man roation with key injured players returning. When 2026 hits, there will be $57mil free from the dead money table above. This will enable us to sign Tucker when the time comes.