Manny, Eloy, the improved bullpen, and hopefully leaps forward from the core guys should at least make this team somewhat respectable, especially in a terrible division.
The only real threat the Sox face are the Indians, and they're the worst they have been in awhile. I don't think the Twins will be anything special.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have to deal with the Braves, Nationals, and maybe even the Mets.
Boozer wasn't even that bad, but that signing felt disappointing since the Bulls had to settle for a second tier player because they missed on an elite talent. Moustakas would be the same way.
If nothing else, I'm confident on Machado just by the process of elimination. Philly is more interested in Harper, the Yankees almost certainly aren't happening, and the Padres are probably just being used for leverage. That leaves the Sox. Just gotta make a fair offer and he's most likely ours.
Well yeah, money is probably the deciding factor but I'm just wondering if they would be willing to share the spotlight if the Sox offered each of them the most.
Is there any evidence that Harper and Machado are friends or even on speaking terms? I suppose there's a possiblility (however slim it might be) that they would want to team up together a la the 2010 Miami Heat.