2053.4: Stalemate

[Rubaboo]

The league is in the midst of the 2053 playoffs, with the Aztecs in the final four, set up with a Cartwright match with the division rival Phoenix Talons. While the postseason has been a riveting spectacle, as always, wise GMs always have an eye to the future. Looking at that future for the Mexico City franchise, it's hard not to see who is, at the current moment in time, not included.

Mexico City stars Fernando Moreno and Ryan Geauxinue are not currently under contract for the 2054 campaign; the 2 year deal Moreno signed in April of '52 is expiring and Geauxinue's period of team control is coming to an end. Both players are looking for star level money, both players have been key cogs in the 2053 edition of the Aztec baseball machine. The major question for the Mexico City front office is whether to re-sign these players and what the number is.

Moreno has firmly been entrenched as Mr. Aztec since franchise legend Juan Pablo retired. He's a favorite of the front office and has been a quality player throughout his career. You could also argue he's been a bargain for Mexico City throughout his career, as his post-arb contracts have come in at a $9M AAV for his 6 year extension in 2045 and an $11M AAV for the two year deal he signed in free agency in 2052. All of this for a player that has been a sure bet to hover around 4 WAR in a corner OF spot. Reports from around both camps have his current demand at 6 years and close to $13.5M AAV, suggesting that perhaps this is a player who is done with the hometown discount plan. Complicating negotiations are the fact that Moreno turned 34 in July, meaning his desired 6 year contract would take him through his 40th birthday, and that 2053 was a career season for Moreno. He posted the best offensive numbers of his career on the way to a personal best WAR. The fact that a 34 year old who has produced at the level he has throughout his career and had a career year is asking for the term and the money he is isn't surprising but it does put the Aztecs, who were over the cap after the trade deadline, in a tough spot. Sources indicate that the team has been working with Moreno's reps to find compromise that works for everyone and both sides seem to want to extend their relationship and keep Moreno in Mexico City for the rest of his career. Expect this to get done at some point before Moreno hits the market, even if it makes Mexico City brass a bit uncomfortable.

Geauxinue's case is perhaps less clear than Moreno's. He's been a solid contributor at both 3B and 2B and has been healthy. His production, however, has been less consistent than his availability. His two best seasons have come at wildly inconvenient times from a management standpoint. His 4.5 WAR campaign in 2050 was his last pre-arb season, putting him on track for higher arb payments than the team was anticipating, and his 2053 season has seen him post 5 WAR and lead the JL in batting average in his last arbitration year. He has definitely helped the Aztecs hit the 100 win plateau for the second year running but has also definitely hurt his chances of being back in 2054. His ask is reportedly similar to Moreno's, 6 years and around $13M AAV. For a management team that craves performance consistency, paying Geauxinue for two outstanding years and 4 meh years would seem untenable. Also consider the presence of Carson Stauffer in the Aztec lineup not a great omen for Geauxinue's return. The team likes his profile and positional versatility but there's only so much money available. With Moreno needing an extension, several young arms needing a raise shortly and the presence of big earners like Roman and Corfield on the roster, early indications seem to point towards Geauxinue testing the market this offseason.

No one likes to lose homegrown, star players. They are an extremely marketable, and therefore valuable, commodity. It would seem as though Mexico City is preparing to lose one of theirs. Who leaves an who replaces them may well define the 2053-54 offseason and the 2054 season for the Aztecs. Stay tuned.

[trmmilwwi]

Moreno has been so darn consistent. He'd look good in an Outlaw uni. Come north Fernando! (is that tampering??) Spot on with bad timing for career years with Geaux. Where did this year come from?!

[Rubaboo]

Moreno has been so darn consistent. He'd look good in an Outlaw uni. Come north Fernando! (is that tampering??) Spot on with bad timing for career years with Geaux. Where did this year come from?!

Spoiler Alert - Moreno isn't going anywhere. I'll cave and pay him and figure it out later. It would make me physically ill to see him in another uniform at this point, especially a division rival.

[trmmilwwi]

Moreno has been so darn consistent. He'd look good in an Outlaw uni. Come north Fernando! (is that tampering??) Spot on with bad timing for career years with Geaux. Where did this year come from?!

Spoiler Alert - Moreno isn't going anywhere. I'll cave and pay him and figure it out later. It would make me physically ill to see him in another uniform at this point, especially a division rival.

For sure, reading between the lines I planned on him staying put. I'm a sucker for the storylines and history so he had better keep that Aztec bonnett on his chest.

[jiminyhopkins]

Totally expected the sweep, bro. We've always been owned by the Aztecs. Rep the JL well in the Finals!

[lordtoffee]

Congrats on winning the pennant.

[ae37jr]

Hot Take: Some random team is going to sign Geauxinue to a big money contract and play him at shortstop.

[Trebro]

Hot Take: Some random team is going to sign Geauxinue to a big money contract and play him at shortstop.

That's a big hit on defense if they do. Looks like the Aztecs tried that already.