QUOTE (pablo @ Jul 21, 2017 -> 09:01 AM)
I have been thinking the same as well, especially in relation to Machado/Harper and the FA's of 2019.
Would it make sense for the Sox to grab one of the decent FA veterans this offseason? Looking at the list, it really boils down to one of Hosmer (27), Moustakas (28) and JD Martinez (29). My thinking would be:
Do Harper and Machado or whomever else really want to come to a team in 2019 that is coming off 90-100 losses as we assume the Sox will do next year? Next year could be epic-ly bad for the Sox - besides Abreu, Moncada and TA, the rest could get ugly with growing pains for Lopez, Giolito, etc. If Moncada has a great year and TA improves, it could be enough to lure a big name FA or two to come to the Sox in 2019. But I feel like both of those happening is best case scenario and not likely to happen. I believe the year Lester came to the Cubs, the Cubs were coming off a bad year with Renteria, but they showed a little promise at least. Then with Maddon joining and the Cubs "curse" thing, Lester bought in and signed with them.
Essentially, I picture one of the big name FA's saying "Alrite, I can see myself playing with Hosmer and Abreu plus the kids for the next few years" rather than "Abreu and the kids". I think it would have to be a situation similar to Encarnacion or Trumbo where the contract comes down to a reasonable price and so it makes sense for the Sox. I'd imagine Hosmer would be a great recruiter - seems like a likable guy. Realistically, Moose might make the most sense since we don't have a 3B waiting in the wings until the latter half of 2019 and we might have an 1B/OF/DH jam coming soon.
Might be dumb, but something to throw out and discuss and see what you all thought.
Those guys require long term deals. I'm fine taking some good vets on a more expensive 1-yar deal, but I want financial flexibility for when we actually know what our needs are.