MLB rumors: Top Black Friday deals and red flags for 2018

MLB rumors and signings are in full effect. Which one would make the best Black Friday deal? What would put you in the danger zone of red?

MLB rumors are starting to heat up, with big names flying around MLB’s black market. Speaking of “black,” with Black Friday in full effect, what a perfect opportunity to get the best deal possible for your favorite MLB team.

Who would you like to see on your team’s roster for the 2018 season and beyond, even if it’s only just a dream?

We believe these Black Friday deals would be the best value for MLB teams looking to climb that next step in 2018.

How did Black Friday get its name?

“Black Friday” originated with a financial crisis when the U.S. gold market plummeted on September 24, 1869.

Two Wall Street Wizards, Jay Gould, and Jim Fisk acquired much of the nation’s gold, with dreams of driving the prices as high as Giancarlo Stanton‘s contract, selling it for crazy gains.

Naturally, their plans were foiled, with stock market spiraling out of control, causing bankruptcy from lowly farmers, to wealthy business people.

After a full calendar year of dealing with a loss, or “in the red,” retail stores then earned a profit when they fell into “the black” on the day after Thanksgiving.

Since desperate consumers wasted money on the hottest items on the market. Hence, the term “Black Friday” got its name. MLB has its version of Black Friday, which runs the entire 2017-18 offseason.

MLB rumors: Best bargains of “Black Friday.”

Neil Walker, Second Baseman

2017 stat line .265/.362/.439, 448 PA, 14 HR, 55/77 BB/K
Career statistics: .272/.341/.437, 375/754 BB/K in 4,332 PA
Estimated annual worth: $9 million per year

Info: Maybe the steal of MLB Black Friday bargain shopping is Neil Walker. The underrated second baseman continued his steadiness while providing solid defense as an extra perk. Cash in your Black Friday coupon on this hidden gem.

Pat Neshek: Relief Pitcher

2017 stat line: 71 G, 62 1/3 IP, 5-3, 1 save, 1.59 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 2.6% BB, 29.4% K
Career statistics: 445 2/3 IP, 2.75 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 7.1% BB, 25.1% K
Estimated annual worth: $5 million.

His unconventional sidearm delivery is insanely stingy on righthanded hitters over his career. With a price tag of about $5 million per season, he could be the missing link in your team’s bullpen. Put this quirky “toy” into your shopping cart ASAP.

MLB rumors and Black Friday deals that will put you in the red. Red is bad. Very bad.

Jeremy Hellickson: Relief Pitcher

2017 stats: 30 GS, 164 IP, 8-11, 5.43 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 6.8% BB, 13.8% K
Career stats: 1,139 IP, 4.12 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 7.2% BB, 17.4% K
Estimated annual worth: $12 million

Hellickson does have bright spots, three to be exact, with a trio of fastballs which typically render ground ball outs.

However, 2017 wasn’t as kind to the hurler, whose ERA rose to 5.43. With an overpaying asking price, stay away from him and his $12 million annual asking price.

Seung-hwan Oh: Relief Pitcher

2017 stat line: 62 G, 59 1/3 IP, 1-6, 20 SV, 4.10 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 5.7% BB, 20.5% K
Career statistics: 139 IP, 2.85 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 5.7% BB, 27.2% K
Estimated annual worth: $ 6 million

Oh came from Korea to the Cardinals in 2016 and had a phenomenal “rookie” season.
In 2017, he couldn’t get lefties out and saw his ERA spring over 4.00. At the age of 35, Oh is no spring chicken anymore.

It’s not the Benjamins and asking price which is a “red” alert for Oh, but his age and ineffectiveness in crucial situations. Don’t let the bargain cost of this Black Friday dud fool you. Stay away. Stay far away.

Giancarlo Stanton. Stay away from the brand-new Ferrari. It looks sexy but is fools gold.

More from Call to the Pen

The contract of Stanton is the only reason not to buy this fancy toy.

2018: $25 million
2019: $26 million
2020: $26 million
2021: $29 million
2022: $29 million
2023: $32 million
2024: $32 million
2025: $32 million
2026: $29 million
2027: $25 million
2028: $25 million team option, $10 million buyout

No financial plan of Dave Ramsey could save you with that insane contract. Stanton is a once in a lifetime player, but if you buy him during Black Friday, he will be the only transaction you make for years upon years. It’s not worth it.

Next: What if the holidays were an actual baseball team?

Which Black Friday aka offseason deals are you hoping your team accomplishes? Stays away from? Tell us in the comments below and on our social media pages.

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