Senior MLB writer at The Athletic Jayson Stark tells Jody Oehler on The Drive the Arizona Diamondbacks are aggressively shopping star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. The Hot Stove could start heating up in a few weeks at the MLB Winter Meetings from Las Vegas.
They’re more than just open to moving Paul Goldschmidt. They appear to be telling teams they will move him in the right deal, for the right price.
Stark mentions the D-Backs have little leverage by potentially earning a draft pick if Goldy leaves via free agency following the 2019 season. The veteran MLB writer believes the odds are the Snakes strike a deal.
My guess is, they’re not going to keep him. Talking to some of the teams that have been involved in this, I know one of them told me that if “I’m a betting man, I would bet that he gets moved.”
There’s more than just noise here. This is real trade talk.
Stark says the Houston Astros is the best fit given their window for winning could be nearing an end with key veteran players entering the twilight of their careers.
I think this is likely to be a team with a short window to win.
The Athletic writer points to a changing league, including the D-Backs, that isn't willing to spend or agree to lengthy contracts for veteran players.
It’s hard for me to foresee the Diamondbacks, in their situation, giving out a contract to him or anyone that takes that player beyond their 35 (years old) season.
Stark also thinks the Diamondbacks could find a trade partner for starting pitcher Zack Greinke.
I’d say there’s a real chance he gets moved. I think you can find teams that will take on salary dumps. The question is can you find one that Zack (Greinke) will go to.
LISTEN to the entire interview for more on the MLB offseason.