Chicago White Sox

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.

Right? It’s pretty easy for them to say “we feel the White Sox are in a position to compete for multiple championships in the coming years” after he signs his $400M deal.

I’m sure they do, someone on Scott Boras’ payroll.

What contracts are you referring to and which ones didn’t involve taking back money?

If these aren’t obvious plants to make the Sox bid against themselves, then I don’t know what is.

I don’t buy the Cubs can pull off a Harper pursuit based on this article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-bullpen-help-winter-meetings-20181212-story.html

I hope so, not like there is anything else to cover at the moment.

Do we think he announces us signing Harper now or waits until SoxFest?

It’s really, really bad.

Define “short-term”, because $300M over four or five years would be ridiculous and would make a 10/$400M deal far more attractive IMO.