ChiSox59

This sucks. I feel like the Sox were shaping up to be a relatively interesting offensive team. Robert had a smidge of protection for the first time in forever. I think this outcome is better than simply declining the option and paying Robert $2M to go away, but I would have just held Robert. If he had a good season, the Sox could have been watchable and interesting-ish. If he didn't, we don't have Acuna - who was likely to be DFA or dumped for nothing in 2 months anyway as he is out of options. There is not a single player available for $20M that has the upside of Luis Robert, or could make the White Sox a better team instead of Robert. All this did was make the Sox worse, and lower the already brutally low payroll. I am pissed. Not at the return. Not that the Sox didn't time the market perfectly and trade him post-2023. But because it just feels like the Sox are a considerably worse team today than yesterday. And FFS, I am so ready to watch watchable baseball.

Fully expect a 3-4 WAR season from Robert. Or he plays 30 games. Itll be one of those.

Well because acquiring two players is better than paying $2M for him to go away???? Not saying this is a good move, but it's >>>> than not picking up the option.

I'd be fine with it if cheap. Traditionally has got on base. Should fit well in the park offensively. He may be toast, but Sox aren't exactly strong in the corners. Don't see the issue if they take a flier.

Teel DHs against RHP. They split the catching duty otherwise. Sprinkle Quero in at DH a time or two a week instead of Beni, and/or experiment with Quero at 1B or Teel in LF occasionally. I understand the concern, but Sox aren't deep enough for this to be a real concern. Injuries will quickly mean none of these guys will have issues getting plenty of at bats when healthy. Not saying I wouldn't move Beni - I would - but I'm def not just cutting bait, eating $ and DFAing like some want. Makes zero sense.

Posted elsewhere before I saw this thread where it's much more relevant: I don't really see the need to just dump Benintendi. Sox could certainly do worse than a league average bat at DH, as we've proven plenty over the past decade. When healthy, Benintendi is fine, and all things considered, his salary is high for the Sox, but not among his peers. Could the Sox do better? Yah, of course. Will they do better if they dump him for a shitty overpaid pitcher? Almost certainly not.

I don't really see the need to just dump Benintendi. Sox could certainly do worse than a league average bat at DH, as we've proven plenty over the past decade. When healthy, Benintendi is fine, and all things considered, his salary is high for the Sox, but not among his peers. Could the Sox do better? Yah, of course. Will they do better if they dump him for a shitty overpaid pitcher? Almost certainly not.

One thing I really love about this is it means they are committing to Vargas at 3B, hopefully, where he is a far more valuable player.

Is he a straight free agent in 2 years or controllable via arb?

He does hit left handed.

I am all for signing this guy (it's just Jerry's $) and admit I know next to nothing about him or really any NPB or KBO players. But after a quick glance at his NPB stats, I can't help but worry about his game translating to the bigs.

Obviously. I think the biggest signing of the offseason has already occurred.

While I can only assuming you're mostly joking (haven't been following closely enough this offseason to know), if you're going to sign Bellinger (or really any player of note), you may as well hold Robert and hope he's healthy and good. It's just money at this point and I'd be surprised if Sox got any notable prospects for him right now. But he's as high an upside $20M flyer as you could find in the league, so I'm holding (yet again).

Hate to see it.

Glad to hear it!

Is Sizemore no longer on the staff? Bummer if so. I like him.

It's literally impossible for the Sox to find a better player on the FA market with anywhere close to this upside on a 1 year $20M deal (really $18M because $2M was sunk cost), with an additional 1 year team option at the same rate. Absolute no brainer move imo. I get why a chunk of Sox fans want to move on, but this was an easy decision.

Sox were so due for some good fortune and it's suddenly showing up in spades.

That sense of believing sure is a welcome feeling.

He was not selected this am, fwiw. Maybe they let Bryce Wilson eat 5 innings today, then DFA and select Clevinger? Feel like Fegan probably didn't get bad info.

Really happy the Sox gave Lenyn a real shot this year rather than signing over him. Can't say he necessarily deserved it, but this is what happens when you let guys get comfy. Now we suddenly have a 2-2.5 war infielder with 4 more years of control.

My twins fan buddies are in shambles today with the Pohalds announcing they are not selling. Sweet sweet twin tears.

Good for AV. Happy for him. Sox have been much more interesting since he's been gone.

I am a big Kyle Teel guy. Kinda the epitome of what we haven't had for so long.

There is no reason to abandon Teel as a catcher at this point. But Lee should absolutely be on the roster and I have no issue letting Teel get reps in LF and 1B.