steveno89

It's only money, which the Red Sox have plenty of. With a pretty weak farm they don't have trade chips to go out and make significant moves other ways than free agency. Solid move if healthy.

A 4 year deal for him is a considerable risk, especially for him to stay healthy

That is alot of money for a guy with two tommy john's, yikes

You only go out and splurge on Grandal if you feel neither Collins or Zavala can be a long term option behind the plate. I see a veteran stopgap being a solid option to back up Castillo for 2019.

Corbin frightens me on a six year deal. Handing a pitcher a contract that long without a longer track record of success can really come back to bite you. The Zimmerman comparison is a good one.

or Rutschman perhaps? Narvaez really seemed to overachieve in 2018, and I think he will come back down to earth eventually.

Colome can always be flipped at the deadline should we choose to cash him in for prospects or to fill a need I don't mind giving up Narvaez, who is a solid hitter, but not very good defensively.

What does “being in on everyone” even mean at this point for Sox fans? Unless they plan to drastically raise the payroll as soon as 2019, I am tempering my expectations greatly. Only way we land premium free agents is opening the checkbook. Very simple.

I'm not that upset Donaldson signed with the Braves for one year. Hypothetically, if the Sox signed him to the same deal, or even slightly more, what good would it do for us? Not much, as we won't be ready to compete in 2019 even if we went crazy in free agency

Stephens is 26 years old already, ceiling is a 5th starter, but he might be ok in middle relief? I wouldn't be heartbroken if he got selected. Same goes for Adams at this point.

Maybe, but teams seem to be smarter than they used to be. Without the injury history? He likely does get 4-5 years. Going beyond 3 years is too great a risk in my opinion.

Eovaldi is a guy that will cash in due to his age in free agency. I expect him to land a three year deal worth around $45 million at the end of the day. His injury past will scare teams away from going beyond three years I feel.

Those guys will get protected. I'm ok with leaving the others unprotected at this point.

A move that the Yankees were predicted to be all over. Makes sense for each team.

Plenty of teams interested in adding starting pitching. Eovaldi should certainly be able to land a three, maybe even four year deal on the open market. I'd guess 3/45 is the starting point

Who is available via "Big trade" right now? Also, I read "Big trade" as having to part with one or two of: Madrigal/Cease/Robert, which I am not necessarily comfortable with at this point. I'd be ok dealing from the Adolfo/Dunning/Rutherford/Gonzalez tier

Not signing Harper/Machado could be a blessing is disguise, as the contracts will almost assuredly become burdens down the line. I'd much rather heavily load a 4-5 year deal if possible.

The article isn't telling us anything we don't already know. My concerns are the same as most, that teams like the Phillies will spend whatever it takes to land at least one of Harper/Machado (maybe even both).

If the Cubs are in on Harper that is pretty disastrous news for the Sox chances of signing him. Philly seems hellbent on inking Harper/Machado. With the Yankees, Giants, Phillies, Cubs, Nationals, etc I'm not liking the chances of us landing Harper/Machado

Not a good deal for the Sox, especially with an opt out after year three At what point should the Sox draw the line? I haven't seen concrete answers about how much is too much? Beyond 350-375 over 10 years would get very hesitant for me

Of course, but when is blatantly paying over market a good idea for a franchise? These contracts could become an albatross for the franchise that signs them. I'd almost consider a high dollar value, shorter term deal to dangle? 5/200 or a 4/160? You get the players throughout their prime, and do not pay for declining years

I just hope the fanbase doesn't mistake interest for what might actually happen. Machado/Harper might just not want to sign with the White Sox?

I really hope the fanbase keeps expectations in check. Do I believe the front office will try hard for a Machado/Harper? Of course, but chances of signing either are still pretty low.

I'd rather talk trades as well. Big game hunting in free agency is a process that will likely drag out well into December at a minimum.

Strong chance Avi gets non-tendered I believe