steveno89

Reds say no. Senzel is in the upper echelon level of prospects.

From a marketing standpoint, signing Bryce Harper does put you back on the map so to speak.

What he said is being blown out of proportion. Bryant is not getting dealt. Theo Epstein, the head of baseball operations, was asked earlier this week at the GM meetings about the availability of Bryant and first baseman Anthony Rizzo in trades. "We've never operated with untouchables," he said. "It sends the wrong message. Given what we're trying to accomplish, it would be virtually impossible to envision the deal that would make sense to move them. I just don't believe in untouchables. Why limit yourself?"

I don't think the Cubs would give up Bryant for nothing like that though, even if it meant shedding all that bad money. Cubs aren't exactly hurting for cash.

Interesting thought, but I just do not see it happening. I genuinely hope that the fanbase is prepared for the possibility that this does not end up being a splashy offseason for the Sox. Could we go all in? Sure, but I still think continuing the rebuild and signing veteran bridge type players is more likely. The money is there to spend, but this team still has holes all over the place that cannot be addressed in one offseason.

If the Cubs feel he won't resign, aren't they still best served to ride out the next few seasons with him as a contender anyway? Sure, you can flip him for prospects, but the Cubs are very much in win now mode. I see very low chance a deal for him gets done.

Being completely honest, lets say we sign Harper + Machado + Corbin for $700+ million...do we even make the playoffs in 2019? I still doubt it given the rest of the roster That would add $100 million in payroll for at least the next 5 years as well, killing any flexibility down the line

I would imagine a December signing, as a good portion of the market might wait to see what happens with the two biggest FA's before moving on. Hahn seemed to suggest that things will move along quicker this offseason than last

That's cheap

Cleveland may see this as an opportunity to reload and not go through a full scale rebuilding?

Brantley, if healthy, would be a helpful addition to the roster on no more than a 3 year deal. He's not getting any younger, but I think he still has 2-3 productive season left in the tank.

Harper/Machado? Yes, of course. But Brantley is a quality supplemental piece, but not a game changer for me.

Harper was nowhere near a 1.100 OPS in 2018

Only issue with signing Machado, assuming he would play 3B, is where do you fit Moncada and Madrigal into the lineup in 2020? No, I still do not know if we would be a .500 team. I really hope the Sox don't try for some catch lightning in a bottle crap and stick to rebuilding the right way.

Their plan could be short term help a la Donaldson/Brantley + FA starter + FA relief, but all signed to relatively short deals to not block prospects and give long term financial flexibility?

I wouldn't due to positional value. 1B/DH types are not all that difficult to find or to sign as a free agent for much less than Harper will command. Maybe Harper converts to 1B/DH down the line, but I'd hope he can handle the outfield until age 30? With his agent being Boras, I can't really picture Harper signing with the White Sox right now

I think it's too soon for the Sox to go all in on 2019. Remember we lost 100 games in 2018 and have a long way to go towards fielding a competitive roster. We need starting pitching, bullpen help, and offense. I'd rather skip the stopgap guys like Brantley, unless they feel our OF prospects won't get the job done down the line?

50 for Harper? haha

Depends what Donaldson you are getting and if Brantley can stay healthy?

21 Donaldson + 15 Brantley + 8 Allen = $44? Or did I screw something up?

No way I am paying a 1B over $300 million^

Figure Brantley gets 3/45, Donaldson 2/42 and Allen 2/16? How much more would you expect them to add after spending $44 million per year on those guys?

Yes, and no^ It's something for sure, but we still would be nowhere close to contending with teams like the Yankees, Red Sox and Astros in the AL

You would think that many free agents would wait for Harper/Machado to sign prior to signing themselves^ Teams might feel pressured to react to a division rival making a big move?

"Sox go all in by signing Brantley, Donaldson and Cody Allen!" = the headline Sadly that would excite no one here