As we are just about a quarter of the way through the season, here are the team numbers. Read 'em and weep:
And the horrendous individual hitting numbers:
Just hard to believe how bad all these pretty decent hitters are, an offense which helped lead us to 115 wins last year. The new addition Lewin Diaz hasn't hit at all, despite being rated for 70 contact and 60 power. And Meadows, Lowe and Arozarena, who carried the offense the last two years, are only good for the occasional home run (very occasional in the case of Meadows, who got a nice contract extension). There's really not a lot for me to do other than wait for them to turn it around since much is invested in them.
However, one thing I have done is make a big trade. It's not going to help the offense but it's in recognition of the unlikelihood of us contending this year. So I did this:
As mentioned before, Flaherty is likely a free agent at year's end (it's possible he might qualify for another arbitration this season, but even if so, it's going to be 8 figures) so it was time to deal him and not run the risk of him getting hurt. Plus he's been a bit spotty this year, especially with his control. In return we get Skubal, who has quite the live arm. Detroit's been misusing him a closer this year but he's going into our rotation in Flaherty's place. These are Skubal's ratings as a starter:
It's not every day you get 70 stuff married with 60 control. Of course the price for this is 45 movement, and Skubal's been hit for a fair number of homers, about 1.8/9. Hopefully the Trop will help in that department but he was pitching in Comerica.
The other player on the block is Willy Adames. He's projected for $10M in arbitration next year and his bat isn't getting any better. I think Taylor Walls can do a decent job and if we acquire a 3B, Wander can always slide back there.