steveno89

I'm still intrigued by Pineda. He'd be a great #4 or 5 for us even with the suspension.

That would have me pleased as well. There are plenty of backend starters that are available: Roark, Hamels, Teheran, Gibson, Pineda, Nova, Gonzalez, Porcello, Wood, Miley, etc. that could fit the bill. Calhoun is not flashy, but makes sense on a one year deal. Encarnacion could make sense on a one year deal. Far better than any in house DH options, and Collins cannot be trusted at this stage.

Oh hell yeah Either option would thrill the fanbase majorly. #2 is a little more realistic, but I can't see them handing out four multi year contracts this offseason? Smith might take the QO?

Both would require us spending vast amounts of money. Cole would certainly be splashy and sexy, but I think our team would be better overall with option 2. ZERO chance either happens

Sadly, almost any additions will be viewed as upgrades to a pretty mediocre 2019 roster. I'm cautiously optimistic that our offseason does not result in: Keuchel, Calhoun, Encarnacion, a backend starter (take your pick) and pen arm. That would be the most White Sox offseason ever.

Sox need to ask themselves are they currently good enough to attract premium free agents short of an overpay? Sure we are improving and have talent in the pipeline, but is that enough to persuade FA's with many suitors? I'm not certain we are there yet.

The real crap fiesta has not even started yet. Buckle up, just wait until everyone's "sources" start spewing out.

It's totally fair to question whether a player like Odorizzi is worth giving up draft pool money and second round pick for what it might take to sign him. He's good, but IDK how good.

Absolutely we should. His health has been a bit of a question mark, but he's a really good pitcher when healthy. Not sure he's the kind of guy we can bank on pitching 180+ innings though.

Figure Rendon would cost us $35 million AAV long term Grandal will cost at least $18 million AAV on a multi year deal Moose would be a bit cheaper, but the point is that to acquire two of those guys means $50 million added to the payroll annually and we still badly need to add at least two starting pitchers, one top tier arm and a backend starter. I just do not see it happening, especially in a single offseason.

I am just as leery about giving a pitcher that fifth guaranteed year, but if we are serious suitors we have to realize risks will have to be made to improve. Wheeler will have so many suitors, I'm sure one team will be willing to give him five years near $20 million AAV, or perhaps more?

I’d much prefer MBum or Wheeler to Odorizzi on a multi year deal.

No way you pony up for Rendon to stick him at 1B. He's a quality 3B. Rendon to the Sox is not happening, lets put that idea to bed

Assume fantasyland and we sign Rendon, move Moncada back to 2B, where the heck does Madrigal play? Or would he just become trade bait in this situation? Rendon is getting at least $30 million AAV long term, plus we still badly need to add one premier free agent starting pitcher, another backend starter, RF, DH, pen arms. We have financial flexibility, but it would be a stretch to achieve all than and ink Rendon.

It would be irresponsible to go multi year on Puig. He just has not been good enough lately to deserve that sort of a deal.

Love Rendon as a player, but he's not signing anywhere where he is not the unquestioned starting 3B day one. Also, he has already been offered 7/210-215 to remain with the Nationals. It would take far more to get him on the south side. Can't see us ponying up.

I'd be pretty shocked if the Sox were serious about Rendon. He's a great player, but why move Moncada off of 3B? We need pitching first and foremost

Just saw that. What a load of crap. Sox are not going to be in on Rendon/Cole/Stras beyond an initial phone call that goes like "...you're talking US dollars right? Thanks very much, we'll be in touch" *click* LOL at Yolmer trade value

It's all lip service until they prove otherwise

Ryu's injury history likely will frighten the Sox. If they are going multi year they are going to want a guy they can reasonably expect to pitch 180+ innings.

I agree. Not sure I can justify going multi year on Puig. There may be interest for him to take a one year prove it deal and hit the market again next year?

I do not either, but he's a tier above other starting pitching options.

Reality = Sox are totally out on Cole/Stras for obvious reasons We need to sign one of: Wheeler/MBum/Ryu/Kuechel/Odorizzi (at a minimum). This has to be a top priority, our rotation needs veteran help. Multi year signing. We need to sign another starter, although the second one will likely be more of a backend/innings eating option, although hopefully with upside. Perhaps a guy like Porcello on a one year deal? Wheeler's market is going to be really robust, which has me concerned about our ability to separate from the pack.

I'm admittedly terrified of going five years for nearly any pitcher, especially given that he missed a ton of time between '15-17' with injuries. Huge amount of risk in a deal that long.

Agreed. Pretty much every team could use a starter like Wheeler to bolster their rotation. He will cost far less than Stras/Cole as well, giving him widespread appeal. Expect 5-10 suitors, with 3-5 getting serious about him. He might be able to squeeze that fifth year out of a team at an AAV between $18-22 million. Wheeler's floor should be 4/$75 million, ceiling might be 5/$115 million? I do not see any club that will be willing to go to six years on him though like Corbin got.