steveno89

I'm shocked at how many here do not seem to be on board with exploring a Grandal signing. He has been one of the best starting catchers in the league and is available for only money (and draft/international pool money). He would be a substantial upgrade for the Sox.

Not a terrible deal. Cutch is still a solid player, just not elite like he used to be. Still likely has a few productive seasons left in the tank.

I don't feel this impacts their pursuit of Harper/Machado/etc

If I am Harper/Machado I would be in zero rush to sign a contract, and even dragging things out into January could to to their advantage as teams get more desperate to make a splash.

it's not even 10:00 am in Vegas right now, sit tight

Heavily frontloaded as well, right? That bid should get it done hahahaha

Harper is not getting 450, and 400 is pretty questionable in my mind as well

I have my doubts teams will give an offer that is 10/400, as that is a crippling amount to pay one player long term

Machado or Harper to the Yankees would really piss off the baseball world...the rich get richer. Would certainly bring back the evil empire sentiment around baseball.

The public nature of the Harper/Machado interest is a bit strange to me, as the Sox have typically preferred to fly under the radar. I won't be upset if they come up short in signing a Harper/Machado, as they cannot control what the player ultimately decides to do. I worry the fanbase will revolt if we do not land a big fish though with so much smoke, which isn't exactly fair.

I like Nova, but he's pretty far away to make sense for our contention window. If I am dealing Abreu, I would like to try and help boost the team in the next 2-5 years with talent.

Madrigal?

It's only money, which the Red Sox have plenty of. With a pretty weak farm they don't have trade chips to go out and make significant moves other ways than free agency. Solid move if healthy.

A 4 year deal for him is a considerable risk, especially for him to stay healthy

That is alot of money for a guy with two tommy john's, yikes

You only go out and splurge on Grandal if you feel neither Collins or Zavala can be a long term option behind the plate. I see a veteran stopgap being a solid option to back up Castillo for 2019.

Corbin frightens me on a six year deal. Handing a pitcher a contract that long without a longer track record of success can really come back to bite you. The Zimmerman comparison is a good one.

or Rutschman perhaps? Narvaez really seemed to overachieve in 2018, and I think he will come back down to earth eventually.

Colome can always be flipped at the deadline should we choose to cash him in for prospects or to fill a need I don't mind giving up Narvaez, who is a solid hitter, but not very good defensively.

What does “being in on everyone” even mean at this point for Sox fans? Unless they plan to drastically raise the payroll as soon as 2019, I am tempering my expectations greatly. Only way we land premium free agents is opening the checkbook. Very simple.

I'm not that upset Donaldson signed with the Braves for one year. Hypothetically, if the Sox signed him to the same deal, or even slightly more, what good would it do for us? Not much, as we won't be ready to compete in 2019 even if we went crazy in free agency

Stephens is 26 years old already, ceiling is a 5th starter, but he might be ok in middle relief? I wouldn't be heartbroken if he got selected. Same goes for Adams at this point.

Maybe, but teams seem to be smarter than they used to be. Without the injury history? He likely does get 4-5 years. Going beyond 3 years is too great a risk in my opinion.

Eovaldi is a guy that will cash in due to his age in free agency. I expect him to land a three year deal worth around $45 million at the end of the day. His injury past will scare teams away from going beyond three years I feel.

Those guys will get protected. I'm ok with leaving the others unprotected at this point.