steveno89

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?

50 for Harper? haha

Depends what Donaldson you are getting and if Brantley can stay healthy?

21 Donaldson + 15 Brantley + 8 Allen = $44? Or did I screw something up?

No way I am paying a 1B over $300 million^

Figure Brantley gets 3/45, Donaldson 2/42 and Allen 2/16? How much more would you expect them to add after spending $44 million per year on those guys?

Yes, and no^ It's something for sure, but we still would be nowhere close to contending with teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Astros in the AL

You would think that many free agents would wait for Harper/Machado to sign prior to signing themselves^ Teams might feel pressured to react to a division rival making a big move?

"Sox go all in by signing Brantley, Donaldson and Cody Allen!" = the headline Sadly that would excite no one here

Brantley does not have draft pick compensation attached, which is noteworthy to a degree

Brantley is a good player when healthy for sure, and would come much cheaper than Harper. I would imagine a realistic Sox plan would revolve around Brantley, a starting pitcher or two and bullpen help.

No chance the Cubs are able to trade those contracts without eating gigantic amounts of salary

I don't think the Cubs will be in on any big free agents given their existing payroll obligations

I could totally see the Yankees lying in the weeds...only to sign Corbin and Machado to big deals I doubt they take kindly to Boston winning it all

Paying Corbin to be more than a #2/3 starter would be a mistake in my opinion. He's good, and coming off a great year, but I don't think he's likely to continue to be quite that good moving forward.

Agreed. I think we roll with Castillo/Narvaez for 2019 and then evaluate. I don't think Zavala or Collins will be ready until late in the season.

Mets system seems pretty thin to me at first glance, not that Castillo would have tremendous trade value or anything

I'm sure the Sox are interested, but I doubt they end up signing Corbin given the lack of starting pitching available in free agency right now. Contenders like the Yankees and Astros should be all over him. I think 5/100 with an opt out after year two or three will end up being what Corbin signs for. Not sure if that is a deal we should make or not, but I'm open to considering it.

Doubtful a player would send an ultimatum about a prospect like that.

Cruz would be a 1 or 2 year addition, for what? 10-15 million per year? Sure he would make them better, but if we really aren't contending in 2019 what is the point?

I really really hope that the front office uses enough restraint to not go balls out this offseason to try and speed up contention. As agonizing as losing is, 2019 should be another rebuilding season as we try to usher more of our prospects to the mlb level by end of the season. The goal should be to build sustained success, and I realize that some additions must happen this offseason to help supplement our home grown talent. Sensible additions this offseason, combined with further player development at both the major and minor league level should provide us with a solid idea of shopping needs next offseason.

I don't get why the Yankees would do with Andujar if they sign Machado? He's a perfectly good, young, cheap third base solution for them moving forward.