PREAMBLE
Even after a successful 2026 campaign, we are still unsure how our first year players will show their worth in their second years. Even with the surprising 2026 campaign, 2027 is still a year where we figure out what sticks and what doesn't. This means another year of catching lightning in a bottle! The Jerry special. Anything less than contending for a division championship would be a major disappointment with the ultimate goal of setting up 2028 for THE year.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
- Miguel Vargas: Tender
- Brenton Doyle: Tender
- Joey Bart: Tender
- Huascar Brazobán: Tender
- Jordan Leasure: Non-tender
- Chris Murphy: Non-tender
A lot of investment went into bringing Brenton Doyle to us, and I believe there is something the hitting side of our front office sees that is worth exploring. He provides great defensive value, and could be a part in the solution against left handed pitching.
If father time can stave off another year, the 37 year old Brazobán can provide value for that price. His health is the biggest question mark.
Bart can bring balance to the catching position. Although his catching peripherals are lukewarm at best, he is likely the best internal option to backup Teel.
Vargas is a no brainer.
OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
- None
I am not retaining any of the impending free agents. After Grichuk's 2026 campaign, I have a hard time believing he won't seek a contract for a starting role, as well as one that guarantees multiple years. I believe the same is true with Sean Newcomb. I was tempted to bring back Fedde for a bullpen role based on his performance against Houston, however it is unclear if he would want a chance to be a team's back of the rotation starter.
I am also DFAing Andrew Benintendi and eating his $15 million contract. This is not something I expect Jerry to sign off on, however for the rest of the plan to work with roster construction and budget constraints, this needs to happen. He is eating money regardless of if he is on the roster or not.
FREE AGENTS
Luis Robert Jr (1 year, $5 million + incentives) - After showing struggles staying on the field, I believe Robert will sign for a 1 year deal to prove his worth and rebound his value. His numbers against LHP have been stellar throughout his career and he can also provide value late with late inning defensive substitutions. The incentives would have to be achieveable for a bench role. I would much rather have Grichuk return, however I feel he will cost more in the near term.
Brandon Woodruff (1 year, 15 million + incentives) - Another player looking to improve their potential earnings, Woodruff would be a solid gain for the rotation. This would be the higher class of dumpster diving, but one that could pay dividends if he proves himself healthy.
Adrian Morejon (4 years, 48 million) - Filthy lefty that would be a solid replacement for Newcomb. To appease the budget gods, this contract would be backloaded (6 million, 14 million, 14 million, 14 million)
TRADES
Trade William Bergolla Jr (15) and Jeral Perez (17) to Houston for Isaac Paredes - Paredes would be a solid addition to the lineup and could be penciled in every day due to his production against both LHP and RHP. His whiff rate is low which will play out well in the middle of the order, as well as give protection to Miguel Vargas. With the Astros seemingly about to enter rebuild territory and Paredes in his final year, a package with intriguing infield prospects could be a start to acquire him. The Astros are lacking in infield prospects, and with Altuve aging, Bergolla would be a good start to negotiations. If these two players are not enough to seal the deal, Dylan Campbell or Ky Bush would be intriguing 3rd pieces.
Trade Anthony Kay to Los Angels Angels for Barrett Kent - Retaining all of Kay's salary, we would provide Los Angeles a starter to likely deal at the MLB trade deadline. This is purely a salary dump, but Kent is intriguing. He did not pitch in 2026 due to TJS.
SUMMARY
The following roster aligns with the 2027 budget constraints of 130m while providing flexibility into making a bigger splash in 2028 after we have an idea of how our young players develop in their second seasons. This is still a development year if we follow Getz' plan, and by the end of it we will know who is worth keeping or moving on from. The bench provides a good amount of defensive versatility while providing enough platoon potential against LHP. Depending on Robert's health or Tanner Murray not being useful, Bonemer can be called up when ready. This is the year to gauge Colson's future with this team. A collapse in production can be "covered" with Tanner Murray, or the addition of Caleb Bonemer. This is also the year where we have a better understanding if Braden's woes against LHP are worth sticking with or not going forward.
Lineup
Sam Antonacci
Miguel Vargas
Munetaka Murakami
Isaac Paredes
Colson Montgomery (prove it year - health and return to form)
Chase Meidroth (leadoff vs LHP)
Kyle Teel
Tristan Peters
Braden Montgomery (prove it year vs LHP - must show improvement)
Bench:
Joey Bart
Brenton Doyle (sometimes start over Antonacci/Peters/Braden vs LHP, provide defensive replacement)
Luis Robert Jr (sometimes start over Antonacci/Peters/Braden vs LHP, provide defensive replacement)
Tanner Murray
Pitching will require some good luck with hopes of Castillo regaining some sort of his old self while also keeping your fingers crossed that Woodruff can provide enough quality innings before his body falls apart (Sandlin would slide in here). I want to see what Davis Martin can give you while healthy, his Mar/Apr/May of 2026 was elite. How much did his calf injury affect him?
Starting Pitching
Sean Burke
Davis Martin (prove it year)
Brandon Woodruff
Luis Castillo
Noah Schultz
The bullpen is strengthened with the addition of Morejon, replacing the loss of Newcomb. Potential future starters Hagen and Taylor continue their roles in long relief, preparing one or both for future starting roles in late 2027 or 2028. Sandlin can also be used in emergency or long relief situations, and is the 6th starter. Jayden Woods makes his the team out of spring training, his numbers since July 2026 show he might be ready to make the next step.
Bullpen
Grant Taylor
Adrian Morejon
Hagen Smith
Jordan Hicks
Bryan Hudson
Jaden Woods
Huascar Brazoban
David Sandlin (McDougal should Sandlin need to fill in the rotation)
