Anytime we question how someone really feels, we suggest employing a lie detector even though most of us don’t have access to one. Spouses under threat of major arguments will often fudge a little to keep the peace or use specifically vague terms.

Front offices of professional sports teams will blatantly lie when discussing plans or how they feel about specific players. The media and some fans accept this as some part of gamesmanship or not wanting to disclose true thoughts about players. Case in point, four ML ballplayers did something extremely rare, and accepted qualifying offers from their teams. Since 2012, only 10% of players offered deals accepted.

Within the last few days, Trent Grisham, Gleyber Torres, Brandon Woodruff, and Shota Imanaga accepted offers from the Yankees, Tigers, Brewers and Cubs respectively. We have to assume that the players took the $22.025 million because they believe the market isn’t there for them. The number is a cost certainty for both sides. The players won’t have to stress out over the offseason, and they can move on. Likewise, the teams know what that particular slot or position will cost them for the upcoming season and can plan accordingly. The GM’s are saying all the right things about how happy they are to have the players back even though they really lost the game of chicken. How the GMs feel is often different than the particular fan bases. I know the return of Shota to the Cubs isn’t a positive development in every fan’s eyes. We believe they could have done better. I wonder if Jed & Company really are happy to have him back. Grisham arguably had his best offensive season, but knowing the Yankees and their fans, they almost always feel they can do better. In his first season in Detroit, Torres has had his ups and downs much like Javier Baez. And given their small market status, the Brewers have to be happy to lock up Woodruff for another season. Unlike the other three players, I don’t think there is a Brewers fan that doesn’t want him back.

I think the four teams offered these guys the qualifying offer because they were willing to take the compensatory pick and free up that roster spot and money for other resources. I’m no different than any other Cub fan when I question whether the Cubs will spend any more real money on other starting pitchers and as a Brewer fan, I know that securing Woodruff for 2026 they are ahead of the game.