Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show - "What Will Be the Next Big MLB Trade?"

Release Date: November 25, 2024
Host: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Introduction

In the episode titled "What Will Be the Next Big MLB Trade?", the host, Jake Storieli, delves deep into the intricacies of recent and potential Major League Baseball (MLB) trades. This comprehensive discussion offers listeners an insider's perspective on the evolving landscape of MLB trades, player performances, and the strategic maneuvers of various teams. The episode not only analyzes past transactions but also forecasts future trade possibilities, drawing insights from America's GM, Jim Bowden.

The Singer-India Trade: A Comprehensive Analysis

One of the focal points of the episode is the recent trade between the Cincinnati Reds and the Kansas City Royals involving Brady Singer and Jonathan India. Storieli provides a nuanced examination of this exchange, highlighting its potential impact on both teams.

Jake Storieli [03:33]: "The MLB hot stove kicked into gear a little bit. We had the first fun trade of the MLB season—essentially two MLB guys get traded straight up for each other. Joey Weimer will throw you in the Reds Royals India Singer deal."

Storieli underscores the strategic fit for both franchises:

• Kansas City Royals: Acquiring Jonathan India, a proven MLB leadoff hitter with a .350 on-base percentage last season, bolsters their offensive lineup. India’s ability to get on base provides a significant advantage, especially when placed ahead of key hitters like Bobby Witt, Vinnie Pasquintino, Salvador Pérez, and Michael Massey.

  Storieli [04:25]: "For the Royals, they get a bona fide MLB lead-off hitter in Jonathan India. He got on base at a .350 clip last year. He's shown himself at the major league level for a few years now."

• Cincinnati Reds: Obtaining Brady Singer brings substantial pitching depth. Singer has consistently been a workhorse in the rotation, logging between 24 to 32 innings over the past few seasons. Despite a fluctuating Earned Run Average (ERA), his ability to provide innings is invaluable.

  Storieli [05:15]: "Brady Singer has thrown 150 innings the past three years. He's thrown the starts last three years. 24, 29, 32 and 27 the year before that. So, he's got three seasons with 26+ starts on their resume."

He also touches on the defensive implications and potential lineup adjustments that the Royals might face with India’s addition, noting concerns about India’s defensive versatility as he transitions to the designated hitter role.

Storieli [05:50]: "Defensively, right now they have Jonathan India slotted as their DH on FanGraphs. He can play second base. He hasn't graded out well there."

Jim Bowden’s Trade Scenarios and Mailbag Insights

The episode further explores insights from Jim Bowden, America's GM, who presents various trade scenarios and responds to listener inquiries regarding prospective MLB trades.

Storieli [07:12]: "America's GM Jim Bowden did a trade scenario mailbag that I want to sift through. Cause you know I respect his thoughts and I like seeing what the people have brought together for him."

Bowden's analysis includes potential three-way trades, particularly focusing on high-value players like Garrett Crochet. Storieli discusses the feasibility and attractiveness of these scenarios:

Storieli [23:30]: "A first-round pick, Garrett Crochet, two years of Crochet, which Brady Singer was just traded for. Jonathan India, Garrett Crochet kind of peaking right now and had the best strikeout rate in baseball. So, he's his value significantly higher."

The discussion also touches on the Red Sox's pursuit of Crochet, the Orioles' potential involvement, and the challenges teams face in acquiring top-tier talent without overextending financially.

Storieli [25:45]: "Red Sox have a path this off-season to not necessarily win the off season because that's not normally what gets it done. I think Tristan Casas—how many teams could have a player like Tristan Casas even available to trade?"

Future Trade Possibilities: Teams and Players to Watch

Storieli evaluates several other teams and players that might be part of significant future trades:

• Los Angeles Angels: The signing of Kei Kikuchi is scrutinized, with concerns about his fit and performance consistency.

  Storieli [14:16]: "Kikuchi's career WAR 12.4.1. The bad years were bad, huh?"

  He expresses skepticism about the Angels' ability to integrate Kikuchi effectively, questioning whether this move will translate into on-field success.

• Milwaukee Brewers: The potential trade involving Devin Williams for Gavin Lux and Landon Knack is analyzed, although Storieli remains uncertain about Brewers' interest in such a deal.

  Storieli [40:32]: "How much does that change their floor? It's baseball."

• New York Yankees: A speculative discussion arises around trading for closer pitchers and maintaining valuable prospects like Juan Soto.

  Storieli [39:21]: "The Yankees would get the closer they've been looking for on the back end. But Jim Bowden says he doesn't see the Yankees doing it because Dominguez is the Yankees best prospect."

• Minnesota Twins: The possibility of trading Byron Buxton is explored, considering his injury history versus his high performance potential.

  Storieli [48:20]: "Byron Buxton and getting traded would be really interesting for a Twins team that's trying to clear up their books."

Evaluating Player Performance and Team Needs

The episode dedicates considerable time to assessing player performances and how they align with team needs:

• Tristan Casas (Red Sox): Considered a versatile first baseman with solid hitting capabilities, Casas is viewed as a critical asset for teams looking to enhance their offensive lineup.

  Storieli [25:45]: "Tristan Casas was a first baseman who's hit at a pretty solid level his whole career. Two years."

• Gavin Lux (Brewers): His resurgence in the second half of the season makes him a valuable trade commodity.

  Storieli [44:30]: "Gavin Lux play some second base. Hit a little bit for you. Seemed like his light bulb really came on the second half of this year."

• Garrett Crochet (Mets/Red Sox): With his high strikeout rate and current performance peak, Crochet is highlighted as a prime candidate for future trades.

  Storieli [23:34]: "Timothy W., a Mets fan wrote in said Beatty, Luis Angelicuna, Blade Tidwell and Marco Vargas Love when we're getting in the real prospect weeds."

Strategic Implications and Team Strategies

Storieli discusses the broader strategic implications of these trades, emphasizing the importance of financial considerations, team depth, and future prospects:

Storieli [49:45]: "Depends. It all depends what else is happening and what your current situation is."

He underscores that successful trades require a balance between acquiring immediate talent and maintaining long-term team health, especially concerning contracts and player potential.

Conclusion: Anticipating the Next Big MLB Trade

As the episode wraps up, Storieli synthesizes the discussions, highlighting the key takeaways and forecasting potential big moves in the upcoming MLB season.

Storieli [55:00]: "Still need to see more and decide anything for real. That's where I want to get to with college football."

He expresses optimism about the evolving trade dynamics, particularly with teams like the Royals and Reds positioning themselves strategically through recent trades.

Storieli [50:00]: "If the Phillies did it tomorrow, we'd be like, you'd love it."

The episode concludes with an anticipation of more strategic trades as teams continue to bolster their rosters in the offseason, ensuring a competitive and exciting MLB season ahead.

Notable Quotes

• Jake Storieli [03:33]: "The MLB hot stove kicked into gear a little bit. We had the first fun trade of the MLB season—essentially two MLB guys get traded straight up for each other."

• Jake Storieli [05:50]: "Defensively, right now they have Jonathan India slotted as their DH on FanGraphs. He can play second base. He hasn't graded out well there."

• Jake Storieli [14:16]: "Kikuchi's career WAR 12.4.1. The bad years were bad, huh?"

• Jake Storieli [39:21]: "The Yankees would get the closer they've been looking for on the back end. But Jim Bowden says he doesn't see the Yankees doing it because Dominguez is the Yankees best prospect."

• Jake Storieli [48:20]: "Byron Buxton and getting traded would be really interesting for a Twins team that's trying to clear up their books."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show provides an in-depth exploration of the MLB trade landscape, offering listeners valuable insights into player performances, team strategies, and potential future moves. By leveraging expert analysis and engaging discussions, Storieli equips baseball enthusiasts with the knowledge to anticipate and understand the next significant trades that could shape the upcoming baseball season.