UTK Special 11/9/23

Two Pitchers at the Same Time

Scott Boras got ahead of the market, telling the media that seven teams have indicated to him that they want to sign two pitchers this off-season.

It’s not hard to figure out who these teams likely are. The Dodgers might need more than two, even if they get Clayton Kershaw back. The Phillies need two, though one is likely to be Aaron Nola. Boston needs one, maybe two if Craig Breslow gets money to spend, and doesn’t trade Chris Sale. The Cubs could likely use two, but they have some young depth and could go with that. The Mets, definitely, though they could also go young. The Yankees could use at least one, but it appears they’re committing more to youth. San Francisco and St Louis round things out, though you could argue that Colorado, Oakland, or the White Sox could also be in the market, but aren’t likely to be.

So with this many teams in need of pitching, there’s not enough arms to go around. That means the few teams with pitching depth - the Brewers, the Guardians, and theoretically the Rays, depending on how you look at their injuries - could be in great position.

But let me suggest another tactic for some lucky teams. In a market with thin free agents, a thin trading market, and big thicc needs around the league, zig while they zag. And remember what TINSTAAP stands for.