Neal Huntington always talks about “payroll flexibility” and “resource allocation.” Once again, after trading left-handed starter Francisco Liriano, those terms were once again used. With Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, Tyler Glasnow, and Drew Hutchison being four fifths of the rotation, odds are they’ll go with Chad Kuhl or Steven Brault while they wait for Nick Kingham to be ready.
Their starting catcher, second baseman, shortstop, third baseman, and all three outfielders are set, with Jordy Mercer being arbitration eligible, and the first base job will likely be Josh Bell.