Oh's price just skyrocketed
As St. Louis Cardinals fans sit around, frustrated with the lack of action taken by general manger John Mozeliak, there is plenty that can be learned from this “Hot Stove” season. As rumors continue to swirl around the St. Louis Cardinals and what they might still do to fill a gap in the outfield, improve the defense overall and “become more athletic,” I believe it is important to start looking ahead to some possible future issues. Such as the fact that Seung-hwan Oh‘s price has likely sky rocketed greatly thanks to big deals signed by Mark Melancon, Aroldis Chapman and soon by Kenley Jansen.
First of all, take a minute to tap Mozeliak on the hiney for making a solid investment in Oh to begin with. Sure there were some questions on whether the “Stone Buddha’s” success in Korea would translate to Major League Baseball. Those questions were answered quickly. The deal was believed to be for two-years and $5 million when signed, with some incentives built in. The details of the second year (2017) are vague, but from all accounts it looks like the Cardinals have him on the cheap again next season.
Well done by Mr. Mozeliak.
But what about after 2017?
Frankly, after watching Melancon sign a four-year, $62 million deal followed by Chapman’s five-year, $86 million deal, Mozeliak will find himself in a bind when it comes to either negotiating an extension with Oh now, or signing him back after 2017.
The price of shut-down relievers is at an all-time high thanks to Andrew Miller‘s post-season heroics. While Oh may be a notch down the spectrum of dominance when it comes to pure stuff as compared to Miller, Jansen and Chapman, he surely has the track record back in Korea and now in MLB to justify a contract like the one Melancon got.
So while Cardinals fans complain that the franchise is swimming in money and has it to spend, keep in mind that Mozeliak is likely factoring in the large raise he needs to give Oh, Carlos Martinez, Stephen Piscotty and likely Alex Reyes sooner rather than later.
As the drooling continues regarding the upgrade free agent utility infielder Justin Turner may represent over Peralta at third base, I think it is important to not forget how great of a deal Peralta has been for the Cardinals.
Sure, Peralta was disappointing after missing some time with a severe thumb injury in 2016, but he was arguably one of the club’s most important players during the first two year of his deal. Peralta led the club in home runs in 2014 with 21. He was second on the club in RBI in both 2014 and 2015. And while many complain about his defense today, it was just in 2015 where many professional commentators were singing his praises defensively at the more difficult shortstop position.
I’m not preaching that Peralta is going to be the best third baseman in the world, or even in the National League Central (Kris Bryant). I’m simply wondering, besides a freak thumb injury that obviously limited him in 2016, why Peralta has gone from adored to expendable so quickly?
Peralta is 34 years of age and in a contract year. He likely is playing for his last two-year deal before retirement. The last time Peralta had a contract year, he posted a .303/.358/.457. I am only suggesting how likely it will be that Peralta outperforms the fans (and experts) artificially low expectations for him in 2017.
I continue to see pros, bloggers and fans include Bader in various trade offers for the likes of Charlie Blackmon and Lorenzo Cain. But after yesterday’s trade involving Adam Eaton and the haul he garnered, I ask myself why?
Did you guys not see the price a young, athletic, cost-controlled outfielder can fetch via trade? The Cardinals would be crazy to trade Bader, who is likely a season away from making a splash in St. Louis.
And while he may not be a perfect fit for center field, neither is Eaton. I say hold on to this kid and continue to develop him because in a post-CBA world, the value for his kind of talents could be immense sooner rather than later.
Alex Reyes
I just would like to point out just how happy I am that he is still a St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher. And I am ever so happy that it looks like he will continue to be one.
Thoughts? Comment below and thanks for reading, @CoreyRudd
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