The Brewster

While there are no free agent extensions that will be made this off-season, there are two players that are eligible for arbitration.

First off is 28 year old starting pitcher Sam Macpherson. The southpaw picked up on waivers from Louisville as a one year stopgap in the midst of a rebuild made the most of his opportunity as he posted a 7-8 in 48 games with 15 of those being starting appearances. Sam posted a 4.95 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP while pitching 149 innings. His War for the season checked in at 1.2. Sam's arbitration estimate for 2064 is $1.3M which would be a good deal if Sam can repeat his 2063 performance. Sam has 3 years and 99 days of service in the big leagues.

The other player is the Stars' arbitration discussion is also a pitcher but of the reliever variety. Alphonse Lease went 2-2 with a 5.21 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP. Not overly impressive numbers by any means but he did pitch well against lefties with an ERA of 3.82. The 26 year old may be kept and use in more controlled situations since his arbitration estimate is currently at $800K for the 2064 season. At the end of the day, the decision may end up being more about the spots available on the 40 man roster than it is around Alphonse's expected performance.

MacPherson was much more effective as a starter.

I can’t remember seeing another player like Lease who supposedly has two more potential stuff but all his pitches are maxed out. I’d be surprised if he reaches that stuff potential.

BaseClogger wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 04, 2025 10:06 pm

MacPherson was much more effective as a starter.

I can’t remember seeing another player like Lease who supposedly has two more potential stuff but all his pitches are maxed out. I’d be surprised if he reaches that stuff potential.

I am not sold on him but I am not sure I can fill the 4 or 5 open bullpens slots with someone better without paying double the price.

Lease just keeps getting new leases on life, as it were

I couldn't stand the underperformance any longer. I agree with Kurt that he's never hitting his full potential.

Trebro wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 11, 2025 11:58 am

Lease just keeps getting new leases on life, as it were

I couldn't stand the underperformance any longer. I agree with Kurt that he's never hitting his full potential.

At $800K-ish, I am willing to take the chance - as ill-fated as it may be.