ChiSoxFanMike

Do you guys think the Sox are still interested in Machado or are they putting all their time and resources into Harper at this point?

Who is the source?

It's entirely possible that Rick Hahn could have an account on this forum *mind blown*

I would be happy with either, but the 5 year opt-out is great. It ensures that the Sox would have him through the 2023 season which aligns perfectly with their window.

I would love if that 12 year/420 million with an opt-out after year 5 is true. That would be perfect for the Sox.

peavy44 is a SoxTalk legend if Harper signs here

In hindsight, it actually worked to the Sox benefit to not get Cespedes. He is constantly injured and that contract would not look pretty right now.

This whole thing reminds me so much of Cespedes and how Sox fans were clamoring for him a few years ago.

Like I said yesterday, the fact that no reporter or insider is saying much of anything about Harper to the Sox is probably a good thing. The Sox front office is usually stays quiet when they're about to make a big move.

If Harper is willing to sign here, you cannot go into next season with Adam Engel as the starting CF.

Bryce Harper.

Honestly, I don't think this will amount to much. That tweet was more from the Dodgers perspective than anything else. Nowhere does it say that the Sox are actively looking to trade him.

I'll take Cody Bellinger.

I'd rather pay more and get someone like Sale or Bumgarner who are established top of the rotation guys than take a gigantic risk in Eovaldi who has already had 2 Tommy John surgeries and has never had a 200 inning season.

Agreed. Get one of Harper/Machado now, then focus on Sale/Bumgarner next offseason.

I think Seager is a really good change of scenery guy in the right deal. Get him out of Safeco and let him play in a hitter friendly ballpark.

Kinda off topic, but do you guys consider Carson Fulmer to be a bust? Or do you think he could still be a productive player at the MLB level?

I'd honestly be perfectly fine with that. If the Sox win a World Series with him on the team that contract is a success no matter what.

The Sox should just outbid everyone for Harper. Problem solved.

How do you figure? If anything, wouldn't they have more incentive to go all-in on Harper or Machado now that the top pitching target is off the board?

I don't know what to think of this as far as the Sox go.

I don't see the Sox signing Corbin, but I like where your head is at. Even if they got JA Happ instead, I still like their chances to compete in this division. I think this team will benefit greatly from having no expectations as well as Eloy's arrival early in the season.

The Indians lost Donaldson, will probably lose Allen, Miller, and Brantley, and might trade Kluber or Bauer. Those are significant losses, and given the Indians payroll situation, those free agent departures likely won't be replaced adequately. It's also debatable whether Lindor and Ramirez will be as good next year as they were in 2018. I would be shocked if they were as good as they were last year. I think they're like an 85 win team at most in 2019.

Well said. I feel like SS2K5 just tries to pick fights with people that don't agree with him.

Not to mention that he included James Pazos, who had a nice season last year and is a left handed reliever under cheap team control for several more years. The guy is an idiot. I want Hahn to try to take advantage of him next.