South Side Fireworks Man

Offer Harper a straightforward 10/360 with an opt out after 5 years.

It better be from the White Sox.

They should have gotten both.

"The White Sox have just agreed to terms with Bryce Harper."

10/360 with an opt out at 5 years is totally reasonable for Harper. There is no reason the Sox shouldn't offer that to land Harper.

Then do it!

Hahn is the worst GM the Sox have had in a very long time.

Jerry Reinsdorf and his entire organization suck.

Swap Machado and Harper, and Jay and Moncada and we're good to go.

There will be opt outs after 4 years.

Say Hahn has a commitment from Manny for 8/250, with the understanding that if they also sign Bryce, he'll get the same deal. Hahn: Hey Scott, how about 8/250? Scott: Nope, not nearly enough, we need at least 10/375. Hahn: How about 10/350? Scott: Are you done with Manny then? Hahn: No, we're going for both, but I can guarantee you that his contract will not exceed Bryce's Scott: OK, 10/350 it is! Hahn signs Harper then immediately changes Manny's terms to 10/350 and announces both signings together. {Change the actual figures to whatever the market truly is.}

Consider this scenario: Machado has already agreed to terms with White Sox, say 8/250. Sox tell him they are all in on Harper. Both parties agree that if Sox should sign Harper for more than what Manny has agreed to, the contract will be amended to match Harper's salary. So the Sox know they have Machado committed, maybe even signed a "letter of intent" or a contract for 8/250 with terms pending. Now they are negotiating with Boras who demands Harper get 10/350. Sox sign Harper and immediately amend Machado's contract to match, then announce both signings simultaneously. Maybe a pipe dream, but this is what I'm hoping. ?

I'd rather the Sox get Harper.

I'd hope the Sox sign both, but if they only sign one, I would rather it would be Harper. There's no reason they shouldn't be the high bidder for both when all is said and done.

Bryce.

I'm sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family.

Well, I'll be upset if the Sox don't sign both.

Hahn should sign Machado then go hard after Harper, allowing no one to outbid the Sox.

Man, I hope the Sox and Machado agree tonight.

Harper will keep him in line.

Now sign Ottavino. If they do manage to get Machado and or Harper, they will need a strong bullpen to compete. If they strike out on the "whales" they'll have some nice flippable pieces to continue the rebuild.

I still want Harper too.

Yes, but if the Yankees offer 275 and the Sox counter with, say 300, I'd bet Machado would go with the Yanks.

Then Hahn better be putting on his running shoes because I doubt Machado would sign with the Sox for much less than that if the Yankees offer 275M.

Just as I thought. Sox need to go 7/325M.