I don’t get the big deal about losing a 2nd rounder. If he signs a pillow contract with an opt-out and does well, do we not believe we can trade him mid-season if we have no shot for the playoffs ? Even if he does bad (~4 ERA) someone will think they can turn him around for a playoff run.
I think that’s a false narrative.
His salary in 23’ was $30M. His salary in 24’ will be roughly a 23’ Ohtani, Loup and Tepera. We could have built out a team around that especially with the youngsters.
All that being said, I have my doubts he would have returned even if we matched. Oh well.
I’ll take my chances he will revert to his mean, which is a much better hitter than what Fletcher has shown in a while. As a super utility (3B, SS, 2B, 1B) hes already pretty valuable.
I like Marsh as a leadoff option more than Wade as he actually works counts. I think he’ll lower his strikeouts and turn those more into hits and walks.