OOTP26 - What is your first sim going to be?

[AESP_pres]

Same as always... Start in 1871 with real trade / lineup major league only and simulate until 1969 where I'll take over control of the Expos.

On the other hand maybe I will continue my current OOTP25 simulation this time and finally pass the eighties in one in my game.

[WarningTrakPower]

Originally Posted by MathBandit

If Moreno is a fine hitter, then so is Varsho (99 wRC+ last year), who also brings with him generational defense. Kirk is *also* only 25, who has at least shown the ability to be a real impact bat. And even his 'zero power' down years are...basically the same pop as Moreno's full career (.107 vs .113 ISO)?

Personally, I would rather have the pre-arb Gabriel Moreno with his .740 OPS in MLB (804 PAs) compared to the "declining" (for lack of a better word) Alejandro Kirk (~$4m plus 1 arb year left) who's had a .685 OPS in his last two seasons (808 PAs).
That being said, I love the defender that Kirk has developed into, so I can understand why you'd want him behind the plate.
The problem being, you just can't run out a lineup of 7 hitters who hit below 100 OPS+ in MLB these days (Cleveland comes to mind as they were 92-60 with "only" four every day guys above 100).

A .740 OPS would've been third highest on 2024 Jays (behind Horwitz who was traded).

I can understand your point about Chapman and how expensive that would've been, but would you rather they spend that $20+ on a guy like Anthony Santander? I wouldn't.

I'll admit, I didn't realize Varsho had a .700 OPS last year and I absolutely agree he is an elite defender in CF.
He also falls into that catergory of ~$7m+ in arb with one year remaining though. How long can they actually keep him around?

Regarding George Springer - I think they more innings he plays in the OF, the less his bat stays in the lineup (he is over 35 now).
I actually think he would be a better value with the bat if he didn't have to be out in RF.

Originally Posted by MathBandit

since an arm isn't really relevant

I do think a corner OF with a strong arm is still valuable in MLB these days (why does a guy like Ramón Laureano keep finding a job?).

Originally Posted by MathBandit

Gurriel...doesn't really have a bat? 105 wRC+ isn't exactly knocking the cover off the ball

Again, a .758 OPS over his last three years (.784 career) would've been an improvement on the options remaining from 2024.
And he has actually been at least an average defender in LF (depending on what metrics you use). He had a very good year defensively in 2023 on his Baseball Savant page.

Hoping you get league average or better offensive production from: Joey Luperfido, Will Wagner, Ernie Clement, Davis Schneider etc. is flawed roster construction.
Admittedly, one or two might be able to, but to put all their chips down on that bet is worrisome to say the least.

[Bluenoser]

I'm considering the Ultimate Torture Test and taking the A's in manage only mode.

Of course my long running fictional will be continued in 26.