This trade obviously helps Seattle in 2024, and if Seattle really wants to contend this is a good deal. It does not help Cleveland much in 2024, so why do it? I don’t believe Cleveland will contend this year, so get younger talent that will help to win in the future. J. Naylor has 2 years of control and it seems clear they won’t extend him (maybe Seattle would). Hentges is very solid, but the bullpen will survive. The key is getting Ford, who should fly through the system. He can pair with B. Naylor, likely play some first and DH. Both good hitting, athletic catchers will get full time ABs. Hancock will fit nicely into the back of the rotation this year.

I vote a very loud and vociferous NO to this trade proposal. Hancock has never pitched more than 98 1/3 innings. He was mediocre at best in 2023 at AA. To say he is ready for this year is mistaken in my opinion. Ford has only reached high A last season. Cleveland would be giving up on a very winnable division in 2024 and likely 2025 and I just can't and won't support that.

I'm actually with TA on this one. You're reasoning behind trading Naylor is logical, but the same logic needs to be applied to McKenzie and should've been applied to Bieber. Had that been the case then we probably wouldn't be discussing what we need to the extent that we are. An even bigger hurdle in this deal for me is the inclusion of Hentges. I don't believe for one second that his value here is a good representation of the value Cleveland has on him. He's likely untouchable unless it's an unrealistic overpay.

So send Hancock to AAA. His value is only 3.8, and he will likely be a #5, a decent replacement eventually for the Quantrill role. That’s kind of what they need. Cleveland’s SP is going to be thin. I can’t see either Bibee, Williams, or Allen getting to 160 innings, to not tax them too much. McKenzie is a huge injury risk. I’m optimistic about Bieber, but he’s obviously an injury risk as well (and if healthy is a deadline trade). Cantillo was average in AAA. The leftovers (Gaddis, Curry), are swing men. No other minors starters are ready. All the new signings are long shots at best. Doesn’t strike me as a championship level rotation. And for Ford…he’s a very good prospect, athletic, likely future 20/20 guy, has an outstanding feel for the strike zone. Ranked #38 by MLB. Likely could play the outfield as well (but would have him at C, 1B, DH). Naylor is replaceable by Manzardo (and won’t stay long term anyway), and every guy in the bullpen can be replaced. I would like to keep Hentges, but if he nets the team Ford, then it’s what you have to do.