MLB Winter Meetings - Rule 5 - Juan Soto Effect

The Scott Boras Effect & Player Disadvantages

Juan Soto's Big Contract and the 

Gambling Industry Influence on Salaries

Why Soto Chose the Mets

Steve Cohen's Impact on the Mets and MLB

Mark shares a conversation with Lou Schiff about Steve
Cohen's ownership, with Lou wishing Cohen owned every MLB team
for his commitment to winning and willingness to spend money.

Mat reflects on how Cohen’s approach contrasts with other
owners, driving the Mets to become true championship contenders.

The Blue Jays and Their Missteps

Blue Jays for focusing on signing Juan Soto instead of
solidifying their system by locking down Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
and building a competitive roster.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s potential departure, especially if
the Jays don’t show more commitment to winning.

Will White Sox be sold to a Montreal-based ownership group

Vladdy Guerrero Jr. could find a home with the Angels

MLB Spring Training and player signings

The influence of gambling on MLB contracts

The rivalry between the Mets and Yankees

Steve Cohen’s impact on the Mets' financial commitment

The Blue Jays' struggles to build a competitive team

Potential future for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Blue Jays never have exceeded the luxury tax

Should have forgottend Soto and signed Max Fried & Willy
Adames

Will Bo Bichette & Vlad Jr stick around

Blue Jays pitchers are aging

$23 million a year

Should have considered Ketel Martinez and saved 7 million
more to 2nd baseman Andrés Giménez

Will Vladdy Jr continue to stay with the Blue Jays

Montreal baseball expanded franchise – could that be a future
home for Vladdy

Red Sox & No Soto – decisions to be made – Rafael Devers

The Rangers have a deep roster including Nate Eovaldi

Peek over the fence with Rule 5

Orioles brought in Gary Sanchez & Tyler O’Neill

Will Orioles bring back Teoscar Hernandez to their young team

Trevor Rogers the best LHP for the Blue Jays

AL East – what it will look like in 2025

Shane McClanahan will be returning to the Tampa Bay Rays

How Rule 5 gives a lot of players into the show who otherwise
may not rise up on their current team

Anthony Santander was lifted up years ago on Rule 5

If you return a player you took from Rule 5 then original
team must pay you 50K to get them back

Rays in Rule 5

Bring in the Hammer – Dan Hammer from the Orioles & Jake
Brentz

Rays are committed to keeping open spaces for the guys that
they may bring back up including Carson Williams, Chandle
Simpson, Ahmed Rosario

Seiya Suzuki could anchor the Rays outfield - $19 million a
year

The Return of Tony Francona – now with the Cincinnati Reds

 

46: - Caitlin Clark – WNBA – Basketball Card – more than
annual salary

Dr. Leslie Heaphy, IWBC, on the Cooperstown, Hall of Fame
Eras committee

Expansion teams by 2030? 

 Montreal already vetted by MLB – Would Stephen Bronfman
show same commitment as a Steve Cohen

Montreal government is spending $870 million on a new roof
for their stadium – should they buy an existing franchise or be
part of the expansion – maybe White Sox or A’s

Montreal, Salt Lake City, Nashville

The Angels – Ron Washington – supports and builds his players
and holds them accountable

Ron wants hungry players that are teachable

Bring us a healthy season for Mike Trout

Just a reminder you can find Mat at  M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N
dot bsky social. That’s @matgermain.bsky.social  or Mark at
@baseballbizondeck.bsky.social

Special thank s to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward