ChiSoxFanMike

Anyone think Josh Donaldson could be a possibility for the Sox if they miss out on Machado?

IT'S HAPPENING!!!

I still think it's a lot more likely that the Sox get Machado than Harper, but who knows. That's why I love the hot stove. Anything can happen.

I like Patrick Nolan but the guy threw a temper tantrum because the Sox got rid of Kevan Smith. Like c'mon now.

Russell is never happening but I agree with his premise. Exploring bad short term contracts in order to get prospects/other MLB players isn't a terrible idea.

Another thing to consider as far as Machado goes is that the Sox would not have to forfeit a draft pick if they were to sign him. Being able to land a player of his caliber while keeping the draft pick has to be appealing from the Sox perspective, especially since they're still in the process of the rebuild.

I'd take him over Hector Santiago as the long man, but that's not really saying much.

Has it been said anywhere that the Phillies are out on him?

Eovaldi would have been great but he will be way too expensive. Either of the Gray's and Shields is fine, Cease will replace Shields at some point next season anyway.

Kicking the metaphorical can down the road is the worst thing the Sox can do at this point in time IMO.

Machado isn't going back to the Dodgers and from what I've seen, the Cardinals are more interested in Harper. That leaves the Phillies, the Yankees, and us as the top 3 for Machado as of now. I don't think it's as impossible as some of you think.

As of right now, what do you guys think the odds are that the Sox will get Machado or Harper? I'll say 25% for Machado and like 1% for Harper, I don't see it happening with him.

He has no power though and he's already like 30 years old. I don't know why people (especially on Twitter) are making such a huge deal out of this. He isn't that good and wasn't the future at the catching position anyway. Who cares.

Thanks guys. I can't wait for the frenzy to start. I think everything will happen much earlier this offseason that it did last year.

When can free agents begin signing with teams? Isn't it 10 days after the conclusion of the World Series?

I'd bring back Abreu and non tender Avi. Although I wouldn't care if Abreu didn't come back either. He's been the best player on the team since he signed here but he deserves an opportunity to play for a winning team and not having his salary on the books also benefits the Sox.

?????

Hopefully it involves placing a check on the table and telling Machado to write whatever dollar amount he wants on it.

100% agreed. In theory, Reinsdorf has motivation to spend even though he hasn't historically. He's getting up there in years so you'd think that he'd want to put a winning team on the field before he passes.

I truthfully would not give a shit if Adam Engel never played for the Sox again.

Good lord, that lineup would be amazing. And if Moncada were to move to CF (which I'm not opposed to at all), you could even sign a 2nd baseman like Daniel Murphy or Brian Dozier on a short term deal until Madrigal is ready. The possibilities are endless. Now we just have to sit back and pray that some of these ideas come to fruition.

I like Andrew McCutchen as a bridge option assuming he isn't too expensive. He obviously is nowhere as good as he used to be but he's still significantly better than Engel and it wouldn't be a long term commitment. A 2 year deal would be great as he could hold down the fort until one of Rutherford/Basabe/Robert/Walker/Adolfo is ready.

I'm not saying the Sox would be a playoff team next year if they got Machado, but he would make this team so much better. Adding a legit middle of the order bat at a position of need at 3rd base (if he's willing to play there) to this team would be absolutely huge. That doesn't even factor in Eloy, Cease, and hopeful improvement from Moncada, Giolito, Rodon, etc.

It sure would be. I don't think there will be as many teams involved in the bidding as originally thought because of his behavior recently. I'm personally able to overlook his flaws because he is a helluva player. I think it will ultimately come down to money. I would not be surprised at all if he is in a White Sox uniform on Opening Day.

Realistically, who would be in the market for Machado? The Phillies, Yankees, Dodgers, Cardinals, and us? Honestly, I think Machado's antics recently might help us get him.