Chicago White Sox

Kopech should be ready by opening day and Nova is a on a one year deal. It will be interesting to see what the Sox do with the rotation next year. Right now, Lopez, Kopech, & Cease appear to be locks if healthy. The same applies to Rodon, except there is a control issue with him. Dunning should be ready by OD next year if Giolito flames out. The problem is if we’re trying to compete in 2020, that’s a lot of young starters to be relying on. IMO, you’d ideally add a TOR starter to anchor the rotation and let Kopech & Cease serve as your #4 & #5 starters.

I mean, let’s be honest, there’s an objective reason for any rumor. In our case, I feel pretty confident Boras is leaking this “Sox are in the lead” narrative to force teams to pony up, while we’re using to Nightengale to counter that. To me, this is all good news because everything aligns to sugest we’re currently in the lead.

Probably in relation to Harper. Wouldn’t be surprised if a move broke later tonight like say Ottavino.

And I’m guessing our current offer isn’t necessarily as high as we’d go, but $50M should be enough to force Harper’s hand.

Great write-up. I don’t know why, but hoping we take Forrest Wall after reading it.

Predictions: Harper - 10/$400M Grandal - 4/$65M Ottavino - 3/$30M

I’ll be happy if they add him or someone with some upside.

I seriously doubt it. I’m positive Harper is our preference.

And I’m totally fine with that. But damn do relievers scare me. I guess I still have nightmares from Scott Linebrink.

I think you’re right but not certain about that.

I don’t know, paying a $12M+ AAV for a reliever feels a year early. Lot of dead money throughout the league after last year’s run on relievers. If I’m being honest, I’d much rather use those dollars toward adding Grandal. Now, if we end up adding Harper or Machado, I’m much more open to something like this.

There’s zero chance the Sox haven’t made an offer yet. With an open bidding process, you force an indication of interest to weed out the players that don’t matter. And it’s clear as day that we’re prioritizing Harper over Machado.

Morosi on MLBN: Believes we’ll be the high bidder for Harper or Machado Looking to improve the bullpen & in on Familia & Ottavino White Sox have strong argument to make to Harper

I’m really surprised by us being this aggressive with high-end bullpen arms.

Exactly, it’s a bizarre comment and seems like obvious misdirection planted by the Sox.

Obvious White Sox plant...the Sox aren’t a clown show, they wouldn’t be talking with Harper without permission from Jerry to negotiate a contract.

The only other team that would consider $400M is the Phillies and I’m not even sure they would go that high.

Not anymore, 20% of the contract value I believe.

He’s got balls because he knows he has a $400M check to play with. No other reason to be so candid / confident.

Thanks skip!

Look at this smirk on Rick’s face at the end. We’re finally getting our Moby Dick.

Who is available next year other than Sale, Cole, & Bumgarner?

Good god; these Winter Meetings have gotten so boring the GMs have resorted to joke trades.

Not taking that long bro.

Great add for the Rays. Can’t believe the Astros didn’t push for something like this.