steveno89

What quality starting pitcher is even available via trade right now? That is a genuine question. I scoured fangraphs and am not seeing any obvious fit. Jon Gray possibly?

We can all hope for better, but the way this market might quickly shape up should concern Sox fans. Missing on Wheeler was a big blow.

I shudder to think what this board will do if Keuchel is our marquee free agent acquired outside of Grandal. There's a decent chance it becomes a reality.

Known facts now: -Cole is going to be paid massively. I'd predict 8 years, approaching $300 million with full NTC. LAA and NYY heavily involved. -Rendon is unlikely to return to the Nationals. LAD, ATL, TEX are clear suitors, others possibly?

The deferments do include interest though to account for the NPV loss

This deal helped every FA starting pitcher's value quite a bit. Cole is going to shatter records, Ryu now look like a bargain, as do MBum and Keuchel. Sox better be ready to play ball here soon

At these absurd values? Buying a season or two of free agency might be an extremely good idea

Every FA pitcher just got even more expensive after Strasburg inked a 7/245 with full no trade clause. Cole is getting 8/300 with full no trade now all day. Wow.

My first thought is a potential Giolito extension might be a really good idea right now.

You had to figure he was getting seven years at an AAV over $31 million. Rendon and Cole are next up to get majorly paid.

Major domino falls, will other moves follow?

A young arm coming off of reconstructive elbow surgery that missed the entire 2019 season? Sox will park Kopech in AAA and see how it goes. At this stage I do not know how they could have him penciled into the rotation until they see how he does. Most players are able to make a full recovery, but not all.

Meaning that Rendon would be highly unlikely to return to WAS. #whitesox Stars aligning for a major signing?

I wouldn't call potentially signing Ozuna desperate. He's an above average starter that is way better than any current Sox mlb or farm internal option.

Zero chance Kopech would win a grievance against the Sox coming back from TJS, not pitching at all in 2019 and only having 14 MLB innings to his name. He should be kept in AAA for a bit regardless of health to build his arm back up facing hitters.

Kopech tossed 14 MLB innings before going down with injury, hardly enough to say he's clearly proven to be MLB ready. He has not faced professional hitters since Sept 2018 either, perfectly reasonable for the Sox to bring him back slowly and monitor his innings by having him throw a month or two in AAA to see where he is at.

It is not as obvious as you might think. Kopech is returning from TJS, you honestly think he's ready to step back into the MLB after not playing all 2019? Madrigal/Robert were promoted late in the season to AAA, it would be pretty reasonable to say the organization wanted to see how they perform early in 2020 before calling them up to the MLB.

http://m.mlb.com/glossary/transactions/service-time This explains it all^

Yes I also want the Sox to regain the additional season of control over Kopech they lost due to TJS. Unless extended early, Madrigal/Robert/Kopech should all be in AAA to start 2020.

It is not immediately clear which above average starting pitcher(s) may be available via trade either, but you never know for various reasons.

There's a difference between hearing some things and knowing specifics. He has been really credible and measured in what he chooses to reveal. I believe it.

Exactly. Robert has bust potential for sure, and does not draw many walks currently, which may frighten some evaluators. The upside is immense, because if Robert continues to improve you are looking at an absolute five tool force. Let Robert prove himself in AAA for the first month or two of 2020, and if he does as expected call him up to the show.

Robert at #18 on fangraphs list is criminal after the 2019 season he had

Trading with the Rays would make me pretty nervous after they fleeced the Pirates in the Archer deal. Their limited budget forces their scouting and player development to be top notch in order to compete. I would be interested in who the Rays would ask for, knowing they clearly see something in those guys. Tampa has the best farm in baseball right now.

Of course, hence why I'm not diving all over Ozuna/Castellanos at current exorbitant asking prices