Free Luke Adams!

[CheezWizHed]

I think it is time and just about everything aligns for it to happen...

Needed - a third baseman that can hit above average OPS while providing solid/excellent defense. No, Ji Hwan Bae doesn't match that description. I get that this might've been a convenient temporary move... and maybe one that hints at how minor of an injury Cooper might've had than anything.

But why not call up Luke Adams now? 

In a couple of years, we are going to be looking at our LH/RH 1B combo and have a bit of deja vu... no, Jake Bauers and Andrew Vaughn didn't suddenly grow 4 inches... its Luke Adams and Blake Burke. 

Adams has done nothing but hit (and maybe get injured) at AA and AAA.  860 OPS at AA in 2025 (when Cooper Pratt's 691 was just above league average) and currently mashing 906 at AAA this year. 

Adams is only playing half of his innings at 3B, so there are some defensive concerns there...   but we are also playing Vaughn at third, so Adam's has to be a step up there. 

Adams will need to go on the 40-man at the end of the season anyway, so it isn't like we are starting his clock much earlier anyway. 

I know it is unlikely since we will soon have Cooper/Hamilton/Ortiz covering the left side and Bauers/Vaughn at 1B and Yelich at DH.  But honestly, wouldn't a lineup of Adams/Cooper/Turang/Bauers/Vaughn(DH) look much better in the box? 

If Cooper's injury keeps him out until September, then Adams makes a much better option on the team than Bae. 

[GAME05]

As far as I can see he's not on the 40-man roster, so someone would have to be DFA'd for the sake of bringing someone up for a small amount of time. 

Plus if there's a lockout next year, he wouldn't be able to play and keep developing for being on the 40-man. Off it he could mash in AAA while everyone else whines they're not rich enough.

[DonBarclay]

I don’t think the DFA is of any concern, as Bae would be the guy sent packing. It has to be either that they don’t think he can play 3rd base defense at all, or they really want to protect against the lockout at all costs. 

[MilwaukeeBeers]

He is such an analytics darling that I cannot wait to see how that translates to an everyday role. I think the glove is a bit better than people give him credit for. Still not plus or average but he has come a long way. Would be a fun story! And part of me has to wonder will the HBP trend continue. The dude is an absolute magnet. The power potential in the lineup would be a welcome addition as well. 

[cragi]

As much as I want Adams and the other young stars to get the opportunity, it seems they prefer covering these injuries with stopgaps and are very hesitant to bring a position player from AAA to the parent club unless they are on the 40-man

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

1 hour ago, GAME05 said:

As far as I can see he's not on the 40-man roster, so someone would have to be DFA'd for the sake of bringing someone up for a small amount of time. 

Plus if there's a lockout next year, he wouldn't be able to play and keep developing for being on the 40-man. Off it he could mash in AAA while everyone else whines they're not rich enough.

Like it or not, this is the correct answer. 

[Brew Kricket]

The theoretical lockout would/could begin on 12/1, correct? So before the rule 5 draft, meaning Adams could go through the offseason not needing to be added to the 40 man?

[wiguy94]

5 minutes ago, Brew Kricket said:

The theoretical lockout would/could begin on 12/1, correct? So before the rule 5 draft, meaning Adams could go through the offseason not needing to be added to the 40 man?

During the 21/22 lockout the Major League portion of the Rule 5 draft was postponed and then eventually cancelled. I think they could technically postpone it and then have it when the lockout ends. They didn't do that before but not sure I'd want to take that risk.

[Brew Kricket]

To me, it seems Adams could help if injury to Vaughn, Pratt, or Ortiz. Possibly Bauers as well despite righty. 

I understand avoiding adding prospects to the 40 in heneral, but one with looming rule 5 status as a right power bat, Adams would be one I would like to start getting some ABs to see how he looks. 

[CheezWizHed]

Adams is one of those prospects who isn't a can't-miss guy, so I'd hope we'd be willing to waste a year of control for the upside he might bring to the club this year... when we have WS hopes. 

[rickh150]

As much as I stick up for the front office with the Skubal criticism, I roll my eyes at this.  We are in a pennant race and want to win. Loaded minor league system.  Just get the better player up now, if that is Adams so be it.  Murphy doesn’t like playing Black and Baddoo could easily go from the 40 man, giving more cushion when injured guys return.  

So, yes I vote playing the AAA 3B hitting .951……and if not please stop using the phrase “next man up.”

And I don’t care if Adams has a longer vacation in 2027 when the lockout happens. Oh, the horror. I’d rather just get Fish now since he did so well in the WBC and error on this side of caution.

[cragi]

Part of this of course is they put a higher value on defense which is why they have been willing to part with some guys who could hit. If they view Adams & Fischer as only 1b, they are even less likely to make a move when they want spots for Vaughn, bauers, and yelich

[greenlawler]

Skubal has been pedestrian since going to LA. Pretty mid starts.