steveno89

The article isn't telling us anything we don't already know. My concerns are the same as most, that teams like the Phillies will spend whatever it takes to land at least one of Harper/Machado (maybe even both).

If the Cubs are in on Harper that is pretty disastrous news for the Sox chances of signing him. Philly seems hellbent on inking Harper/Machado. With the Yankees, Giants, Phillies, Cubs, Nationals, etc I'm not liking the chances of us landing Harper/Machado

Not a good deal for the Sox, especially with an opt out after year three At what point should the Sox draw the line? I haven't seen concrete answers about how much is too much? Beyond 350-375 over 10 years would get very hesitant for me

Of course, but when is blatantly paying over market a good idea for a franchise? These contracts could become an albatross for the franchise that signs them. I'd almost consider a high dollar value, shorter term deal to dangle? 5/200 or a 4/160? You get the players throughout their prime, and do not pay for declining years

I just hope the fanbase doesn't mistake interest for what might actually happen. Machado/Harper might just not want to sign with the White Sox?

I really hope the fanbase keeps expectations in check. Do I believe the front office will try hard for a Machado/Harper? Of course, but chances of signing either are still pretty low.

I'd rather talk trades as well. Big game hunting in free agency is a process that will likely drag out well into December at a minimum.

Strong chance Avi gets non-tendered I believe

Reds say no. Senzel is in the upper echelon level of prospects.

From a marketing standpoint, signing Bryce Harper does put you back on the map so to speak.

What he said is being blown out of proportion. Bryant is not getting dealt. Theo Epstein, the head of baseball operations, was asked earlier this week at the GM meetings about the availability of Bryant and first baseman Anthony Rizzo in trades. "We've never operated with untouchables," he said. "It sends the wrong message. Given what we're trying to accomplish, it would be virtually impossible to envision the deal that would make sense to move them. I just don't believe in untouchables. Why limit yourself?"

I don't think the Cubs would give up Bryant for nothing like that though, even if it meant shedding all that bad money. Cubs aren't exactly hurting for cash.

Interesting thought, but I just do not see it happening. I genuinely hope that the fanbase is prepared for the possibility that this does not end up being a splashy offseason for the Sox. Could we go all in? Sure, but I still think continuing the rebuild and signing veteran bridge type players is more likely. The money is there to spend, but this team still has holes all over the place that cannot be addressed in one offseason.

If the Cubs feel he won't resign, aren't they still best served to ride out the next few seasons with him as a contender anyway? Sure, you can flip him for prospects, but the Cubs are very much in win now mode. I see very low chance a deal for him gets done.

Being completely honest, lets say we sign Harper + Machado + Corbin for $700+ million...do we even make the playoffs in 2019? I still doubt it given the rest of the roster That would add $100 million in payroll for at least the next 5 years as well, killing any flexibility down the line

I would imagine a December signing, as a good portion of the market might wait to see what happens with the two biggest FA's before moving on. Hahn seemed to suggest that things will move along quicker this offseason than last

That's cheap

Cleveland may see this as an opportunity to reload and not go through a full scale rebuilding?

Brantley, if healthy, would be a helpful addition to the roster on no more than a 3 year deal. He's not getting any younger, but I think he still has 2-3 productive season left in the tank.

Harper/Machado? Yes, of course. But Brantley is a quality supplemental piece, but not a game changer for me.

Harper was nowhere near a 1.100 OPS in 2018

Only issue with signing Machado, assuming he would play 3B, is where do you fit Moncada and Madrigal into the lineup in 2020? No, I still do not know if we would be a .500 team. I really hope the Sox don't try for some catch lightning in a bottle crap and stick to rebuilding the right way.

Their plan could be short term help a la Donaldson/Brantley + FA starter + FA relief, but all signed to relatively short deals to not block prospects and give long term financial flexibility?

I wouldn't due to positional value. 1B/DH types are not all that difficult to find or to sign as a free agent for much less than Harper will command. Maybe Harper converts to 1B/DH down the line, but I'd hope he can handle the outfield until age 30? With his agent being Boras, I can't really picture Harper signing with the White Sox right now

I think it's too soon for the Sox to go all in on 2019. Remember we lost 100 games in 2018 and have a long way to go towards fielding a competitive roster. We need starting pitching, bullpen help, and offense. I'd rather skip the stopgap guys like Brantley, unless they feel our OF prospects won't get the job done down the line?