The lack of understand on team building astounds me sometimes.
You don’t trade guys who are arguably top 5 hitting prospects for a reliever with a high risk of injury. It’s just non sensical.
You know why Elias always drafts hitters? Because they are far more of a sure thing and we are seeing doctors and coaches, etc..talking about how these guys throwing this hard are going to break down because the arm just can’t take it.
I would love to add Miller but there is a stopping point on what you give up and Mayo and Basallo are that clear line of stopping.
You absolutely, 100% do not even consider making that move.
Before the Burnes deal, I would've said a deal like this is impossible. Now, I say, it's just highly unlikely. Obviously, Burnes and Miller are vastly different given service time. Helsley, being closer to free agency, seems to be more up Elias' alley and the leader in the clubhouse right now for who I expect to be the acquisition. That said, Miller would be absolutely insane. Imagining a Bautista/Miller backend in 2025 is just sick. But...the control, injury risk and potential for him to be transitioned into a starter all complicate things so much. If it's Mayo+ to get it done, I'm out. If it's Kjerstad+ I reluctantly do it (provided the + isn't that much). I do think it's possible the A's would look for more solid quantity than one big piece to help them build the club. The Orioles certainly have the depth to offer more than any other team if they're willing to go with back-end top-100 guys to get more MLB-ready (or near MLB ready) quantity.
My understanding is that saves are something that arbiters look at. If you reduce the number of saves an arbitration eligible pitcher accumulates it should be an advantage to the team.
Also, if you are the only team acting in this fashion it isn't the "new normal".