Summary of "The Dan Patrick Show" Episode: "The MLB Offseason is in Full Swing!"

Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Overview

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, hosts delve deep into the bustling MLB offseason, highlighting significant moves by major teams, particularly the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. The discussion offers insightful analysis of player acquisitions, potential trade scenarios, and the strategic implications these moves hold for the upcoming season.

Mets' Offseason Moves

Frankie Montas Re-Signs with the Mets

The show kicks off with a comprehensive discussion about Frankie Montas's return to the New York Mets, marking the team's first major move of the offseason.

• Jake remarks, “Frankie Montas gets extended. I don't like, yeah, Dodgers just get to do stuff like that. It's kind of, I have that as one of the major advantages of being a big, big market team that you could take a chance on whatever Tommy Edmond looks like the next five years” (02:15).

Montas's performance has been a focal point:

• After a solid 2021 with Oakland and a challenging stint with the Yankees, Montas has bounced back, pitching 150 innings in 2024.
• Jake highlights, “Frankie Montas, the Brewers are a good pitching team. I believe they raised his arm angle. The numbers on his sinker were good. The numbers on his four-seamer were bad” (02:15).

Implications on Pitching Strategy

Montas’s re-signing signifies the Mets' commitment to strengthening their pitching roster:

• Jake observes, “Jeremy Hefner, David Stearns, their GM... came over from Milwaukee. Obviously, that if Milwaukee thought Montas had more in there. If these version of the Mets think there's more in there, there's a chance there's more in there” (02:15).

Potential Future Trade Scenarios

Speculation arises around potential trades involving Montas and comparisons to other pitchers like Louis Severino:

• Jake posits, “If Montas is bad then he's going to opt in and you have bad Montas for another year. So this is Frankie Montas getting two years $34 million” (02:15).

Cubs' Offseason Moves

Signing of Matthew Boyd

Shifting focus to the Chicago Cubs, the acquisition of Matthew Boyd is analyzed for its potential impact:

• Jake states, “Matthew Boyd just went 2 years $29 million to your Chicago Cubbies” (19:36).

Analysis of Boyd's Performance and Fit

Boyd's previous performances and fit within the Cubs’ rotation are scrutinized:

• Jake points out, “The problem with Matthew Boyd, he hadn't been out there a lot since and I did this on talking baseball since 2020... he's been injured” (19:36).
• Despite limited innings, Boyd showed promise by maintaining a strong ERA during his starts.

Cubs' Rotation and Depth

The Cubs' current pitching depth is assessed:

• Jake notes, “They have kind of eight starting pitchers that they'd feel comfortable putting on a mount” (19:36).
• This depth provides the Cubs with flexibility but also raises questions about the need for further acquisitions.

Potential Trades Involving Luis Castillo

Possible trade scenarios involving Luis Castillo are explored, with the Cubs considered a potential suitor:

• Jake speculates, “Boston Red Sox have made sense for Luis Castillo. I think the New York Mets are in on Luis Castillo. I think the Cubs should be in play for Luis Castillo” (19:36).

Speculation on Future Trades

Possible Packages and Key Players

The episode contemplates various trade packages and their feasibility:

• A hypothetical trade involving Cody Bellinger and Nico Horner for Luis Castillo is discussed:
  • Jake muses, “Castillo, Luis Castillo for Cobell and Nico Horner. Do you like that? Does it scare you?” (19:36).

Impact on Team Dynamics

Such trades could significantly alter team dynamics and performance:

• Jake emphasizes, “Having the Mets maybe eat a little bit of it to get stroman down to one year... He's going to have more K per 9 and he's going to be a weapon for them” (19:36).

Analysis of Team Strategies

Mets as a Pitching Factory

The Mets' strategy revolves around building a formidable pitching staff:

• Emphasis on high strikeout pitchers and leveraging player options to maintain flexibility.
• Jake comments, “Mets are positioned to win this off season” (02:15).

Cubs' Focus on Starting Pitching and Lineup

The Cubs prioritize strengthening their starting rotation while maintaining a balanced lineup:

• Jake critiques, “Cubs are positioned to make a move. Make their rotation a strength or make their lineup a strength. Don't try to do it all” (19:36).

Comparisons and Future Prospects

Comparing Montas to Severino

The comparison between Frankie Montas and Louis Severino offers insights into the Mets' pitching depth:

• Jake notes, “Don't know if Seve's success next year will kind of be compared to Montas” (02:15).

Implications for Both Teams

The strategies adopted by both teams set the stage for an intriguing season:

• The Mets aim to harness Montas’s potential while exploring further enhancements.
• The Cubs, with Boyd and their existing depth, seek to create a balanced and competitive roster.

Conclusion

The MLB offseason is proving to be a pivotal period for teams like the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, with strategic signings and potential trades shaping their prospects for the upcoming season. The Dan Patrick Show provides an in-depth analysis of these moves, offering listeners a clear understanding of the implications and future directions these teams might take.

Notable Quotes

• Jake: “Frankie Montas gets extended. I don't like, yeah, Dodgers just get to do stuff like that. It's kind of, I have that as one of the major advantages of being a big, big market team that you could take a chance on whatever Tommy Edmond looks like the next five years.” (02:15)

• Jake: “If Montas is bad then he's going to opt in and you have bad Montas for another year. So this is Frankie Montas getting two years $34 million as his floor was…” (02:15)

• Jake: “Matthew Boyd just went 2 years $29 million to your Chicago Cubbies.” (19:36)

• Jake: “Luis Castillo for Cobell and Nico Horner. Do you like that? Does it scare you? Comment below.” (19:36)

Note: Timestamps refer to the moments within the transcript where the quotes were made.