ChiSoxFanMike

Unless he's willing to take a discount, this isn't going to happen.

Is Senzel really that much more valuable than Cease? The Reds are always desperate for pitching and Cease's upside is as high as any prospect in the game.

I'd give serious thought to trading Cease for Senzel straight up.

I still love the idea of trading for Nick Senzel. I don't know how realistic that is though.

Yes, really.

Harper is coming to the Sox. I've never been more confident about it than I am right now.

The Yankees can have Machado. I want Harper.

Agreed. He's been a great player his entire tenure with the Sox but last year was his worst season by far and he's getting up there in age. Like I said, I'd do a 3 year and $30 million extension. No more.

I wouldn't give him $15 million a season moving forward. But maybe that's just me.

3 years/$30 million.

In a perfect world, this is what I want the Sox to do: Get Harper or Machado. A superstar in their prime to anchor the lineup and be the face of the franchise long term. AND Sign a couple of the bridge guys (Donaldson/Brantley/McCutchen/Moustakas/Happ/Cahill/Familia) to 1 or 2 year deals. This would make the team much more formidable in the short term, but these guys wouldn't be blocking any prospects. The Sox would once again have a substantial amount to spend in a couple years once these contracts are up to use towards filling holes when the team should be closer to being a legit contender. This would be the best of both worlds in my opinion.

Money would change that real fast.

I would actually consider that Trout proposal if he signed an extension immediately after, but that would never happen.

It's going to happen. I'd bet one of Greg's houses on it.

I might be in the minority but I don't even want Arenado. He'll be just about 29 on Opening Day 2020 and his stats away from Coors aren't all that special.

At worst, Donaldson is probably an ~.800 OPS guy for the foreseeable future assuming he can stay on the field. I'd take that production in a heartbeat.

I'd do 2 years and $40m. Or maybe even 3 years and $45m. Donaldson is a stud and adding him to this lineup would be huge.

Agreed. Just imagine the massive increase in OBP just from adding Harper and Donaldson. The Sox would have so many more guys on base every game.

I'd be thrilled with Donaldson as well if the Sox can get Harper too. Injuries are obviously a concern with him but his upside is tremendous. When healthy, he's one of the best hitters in this entire free agent class.

For shits and giggles, let's say the Sox are able to get Harper. Would you guys target someone like Josh Donaldson to play 3rd base? Or would you keep Yolmer there?

In all seriousness, I can't see the Sox cutting ties with Avi unless they are planning on upgrading that position. If nothing else, they'll probably sign someone like Michael Brantley to replace him, though I still think Harper is a definite possibility.

Making room for Bryce Harper.

I know but I think Harper's skill set/attitude will age better. We've already seen some character concerns from Machado. I wouldn't be surprised if he mailed it in and became fat and lazy once he lands that big contract.

The thing with Harper is that he is so young that he could conceivably still be good towards the end of his next contract, even if it's a 10 year deal. Signing him is a no-brainer. Get it done Rick.

I think you're being extremely pessimistic here. The Sox will have to overpay to get either of them but not $75 million more than the 2nd highest bidder. Just my opinion.