ChiSox59

I sure hope not. Would be such a bad long term play.

When is the last time the Sox went out and signed a top 5 free agent - who was arguably the best position player fit on the market for the org - to a record breaking contract by outbidding their competition before Thanksgiving?

Yah, its so easy to say who cares about years 5-6. But the people who say that will definitely care when years 5 and 6 come around.

Yah, I mean obviously you don't sign high end FAs for surplus value. But there is just no upside in a deal like that. Sox need SP. Sox need to stick their neck out a bit on Wheeler. But they also cannot afford to massively overpay a guy. If he ends up producing like 6-8 WAR over the course of a 6 year $130M contract, that could be a serious hindrance to this upcoming contention window from 2020-2025.

To me, it all depends on the price. If he signs elsewhere for 5/$115M or less, I'd be pretty disappointed. I have previously said 5/$100M would be my max on Wheeler, I would be willing to stretch to 5/$115M to make it happened. If it starts getting much over $23M AAV for 5 years or more, and you just have the looks of what could be a very bad contract if Wheeler doesn't continue his 18-19 performance.

I agree, but it is a step in the right direction. It is is certainly better than sitting here today with Grandal having signed elsewhere. Let's not forget Thanksgiving was less than a week ago, the winter meetings have not even occurred yet, and all of the major FAs are still available outside of Grandal. The sky is not falling because other teams are also interested in Wheeler.

Not really. I think the Sox dispelled a lot of narratives with the Grandal signing, and I fully expect them to sign at least 1 more impact FA this offseason. Cole was never going to happen - but yes, we all know that signing the most unattainable FA on the market was the only way you'd be pleased with the offseason.

To date, the Sox have signed the most premium FA that has been signed this offseason. So maybe its time to put this narrative away for the season, even if someone decides to give Zack Wheeler a stupid amount of money and he signs elsewhere.

I don't see any realistic scenario that Straburg signs for 5/$175M if Wheeler is truly approaching Corbin territory. edit: and if that is realistic, signing Wheeler for anything over $110M is insane. Just give it to Strasburg.

Ryu very well get less than half of what the Sox have already offered to Wheeler. so try again buddy.

It’s well documented the Sox already have an offer on the table for 5/$100M+. Which is an aggressive offer. I’m sure they have some wiggle room, but at some point you have to draw the line in sand when you’re talking about a good but definitely not elite pitcher.

Stoppppp

At double the years and more than twice the cost?

Because Cole and Strasburg aren’t signing until February. Maybe the Sox change course and start talking to those two if Wheeler signs elsewhere. Wheeler are 6/$125M+ is more than likely going to be a rough contract.

Good thing there are 3 other SP better than Wheeler.

Lol, a lot of whining in here today. Relax fellas. Honestly if Wheeler approaches Corbin territory, give me Ryu.

$125-130 million range before the “few lesser FAs”.

If Wheeler signed, Sox payroll is slightly over $100M. They definitely have room for another $13-16M AAV player.

Terrified of what that deal may look like after the Moustakas contract.

I mean if the price is a guy like Sheets or Gonzalez..who cares?

A little early to call that Corbin contract a reward. But generally, I agree with what you’re saying outside of the Puig nonsense.

I didn’t see him getting to $100M. I was definitely wrong there. Felt 4/$80M was a legit price with competition entering offseason. But he’s definitely getting that 5th year.

I could get into that assuming Joc was added. Adam Engel as AAA insurance is good by me.

Honestly though, I wouldn’t trade Adolfo for Joc. Adolfo is going to be a dude at some point. We’ve made it this far with him, you can’t move him at his lowest value in years.

LOL