2023 Free Agents

[redsoxrules]

Holy crap

[a700hitter]

That is a huge name coming off the board.

[dgalehouse]

That is a huge name coming off the board.

 

Great pitcher who has trouble staying healthy.

[moonslav59]

$37M x 5!

 

There is no way I see the Sox coming close to an offer like that.

[Larry Cook]

Rule 5 draft coming up: 3 pitchers that might interest Hang’em Chaim are: Murray, grammes and Sikkima.

[Bellhorn04]

$37M x 5!

 

There is no way I see the Sox coming close to an offer like that.

 

That is one crazy, splashy signing. Good for the game, in a way.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

$37M x 5!

 

There is no way I see the Sox coming close to an offer like that.

 

He did ask the Sox to match it, but Bloom told him to take it to Tampa.

[Hugh2]

The fact that the Sox were in on Eflin makes me think they are also in on the rest of the middling starters. Which there are a lot of.

 

I suppose they could make another bullpen addition (Jensen) if they wanted Houck to start next year.

 

But I wonder if they switch the focus to SS/SP/OF now

[notin]

The fact that the Sox were in on Eflin makes me think they are also in on the rest of the middling starters. Which there are a lot of.

 

I suppose they could make another bullpen addition (Jensen) if they wanted Houck to start next year.

 

But I wonder if they switch the focus to SS/SP/OF now

 

I do wonder how much SP they sign. With Paxton, Sale, Pivetta, Whitlock, and Bello, I certainly see the need to add more starters in case someone gets hurt, but then what happens if everyone is healthy?

[Hugh2]

I do wonder how much SP they sign. With Paxton, Sale, Pivetta, Whitlock, and Bello, I certainly see the need to add more starters in case someone gets hurt, but then what happens if everyone is healthy?

 

A good problem to have. Let’s say they sign Senga/Kluber and everyone is healthy. You can push a guy to the pen and roll out with a 6 man for a month.

 

That might help down the stretch as you put innings on the arms of Sale, Paxton, and Bello.

[Hugh2]

Sale

Senga

Bello

Whitlock

Pivetta

Kluber

 

Paxton as a long man? Again, how often is everyone healthy? Maybe Bello looks like he can use a few more innings in AAA to start the season.

 

No rotation is perfect, even with some good luck on the health front, a small injury could push someone out for a 2-4 weeks.

 

I think it’s obvious the Sox get 1 starter, probably 50-75% chance they get two.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Sale

Senga

Bello

Whitlock

Pivetta

Kluber

 

Paxton as a long man? Again, how often is everyone healthy? Maybe Bello looks like he can use a few more innings in AAA to start the season.

 

No rotation is perfect, even with some good luck on the health front, a small injury could push someone out for a 2-4 weeks.

 

I think it’s obvious the Sox get 1 starter, probably 50-75% chance they get two.

 

... but maybe not free agents, whose costs are sure to rise, including Eovaldi's. What may be more likely is a plan that promotes a guy like Mata to the rotation by summer.

 

Also, any blockbuster trade may focus more on a cost-controlled catcher and/or outfielder.

 

All depends on if they have to go to Plan B because Bogaerts leaves... unless, of course, Bogey bolting means they get their intended Plan A, after all.

[Hugh2]

... but maybe not free agents, whose costs are sure to rise, including Eovaldi's. What may be more likely is a plan that promotes a guy like Mata to the rotation by summer.

 

Also, any blockbuster trade may focus more on a cost-controlled catcher and/or outfielder.

 

All depends on if they have to go to Plan B because Bogaerts leaves... unless, of course, Bogey bolting means they get their intended Plan A, after all.

 

You can’t plan a season to have Mata a starter by June, I like Mata but he he may never be a starter in Boston. A lot of scouts see him moving to the pen, and FWIW they think he can very good there, a future star closer. I see a possible mid season Mata call up to strengthen the bullpen.

 

I don’t ever want to see the Sox have to rely on their 7th 8th and 9th options to start ever again.

 

Bogaerts could influence their plans for starting pitching. But that may come down to whether they sign one or two guys. Also, if Bogaerts walking is their plan A, I’d have to believe they want to make a serious run at Turner/Correa.

 

If that’s the case, they’re probably only signing one starter from the (Senga/Taillon/walker/Eovaldi/Bassit) class, maybe still two if they could get a guy like Kluber/Heaney on the cheap.

 

FWIW, I don’t see Eovaldi getting a pay raise. Depending on the years, I think he gets something around $14 - $18 per year.

[Hugh2]

They can complete their roster with a trade for an outfielder, I think you’re right there. Also, there have been rumors the Sox are exploding the trade market for outfielders.

 

It makes sense, after Judge, the next tier of talent is slim, will be bid high on, and all carry some level of injury/durability risk.

 

Trading for an outfielder makes sense.

[notin]

They can complete their roster with a trade for an outfielder, I think you’re right there. Also, there have been rumors the Sox are exploding the trade market for outfielders.

 

It makes sense, after Judge, the next tier of talent is slim, will be bid high on, and all carry some level of injury/durability risk.

 

Trading for an outfielder makes sense.

 

Arizona is loaded with outfielders. The problem is - what do we have that they want?

[Hugh2]

Arizona is loaded with outfielders. The problem is - what do we have that they want?

 

In a perfect world of health, you could get away with trading for a LHH platoon bat with Refsnyder (who can smash lefties) and be fine. Heck, if they’re done with the bullpen and are determined to go big, they could do that while resigning Bogaerts and signing Verlander.

 

But maybe going big to them is Correa/Senga/Conforto.

 

That’s spreads the money around a bit too.

[notin]

You can’t plan a season to have Mata a starter by June, I like Mata but he he may never be a starter in Boston. A lot of scouts see him moving to the pen, and FWIW they think he can very good there, a future star closer. I see a possible mid season Mata call up to strengthen the bullpen.

 

I don’t ever want to see the Sox have to rely on their 7th 8th and 9th options to start ever again.

 

Bogaerts could influence their plans for starting pitching. But that may come down to whether they sign one or two guys. Also, if Bogaerts walking is their plan A, I’d have to believe they want to make a serious run at Turner/Correa.

 

If that’s the case, they’re probably only signing one starter from the (Senga/Taillon/walker/Eovaldi/Bassit) class, maybe still two if they could get a guy like Kluber/Heaney on the cheap.

 

FWIW, I don’t see Eovaldi getting a pay raise. Depending on the years, I think he gets something around $14 - $18 per year.

 

You do need 10 starters to start the year. Not all on the 40 man roster. But 10. That’s counting MiLB depth, emergency, etc. Teams will use more. But they need to know their first 10.

 

So if Sale, Paxton, Whitlock, Bello, Pivetta are the top 5 (for now) and Winckowski and Crawford are still around, that leaves 3 spots left. Mata, already on the 40, likely has one. Two openings. If everyone is healthy (not likely), only one would be on the 40 man roster…

[redsoxrules]

You can’t plan a season to have Mata a starter by June, I like Mata but he he may never be a starter in Boston. A lot of scouts see him moving to the pen, and FWIW they think he can very good there, a future star closer. I see a possible mid season Mata call up to strengthen the bullpen.

 

I don’t ever want to see the Sox have to rely on their 7th 8th and 9th options to start ever again.

 

Bogaerts could influence their plans for starting pitching. But that may come down to whether they sign one or two guys. Also, if Bogaerts walking is their plan A, I’d have to believe they want to make a serious run at Turner/Correa.

 

If that’s the case, they’re probably only signing one starter from the (Senga/Taillon/walker/Eovaldi/Bassit) class, maybe still two if they could get a guy like Kluber/Heaney on the cheap.

 

FWIW, I don’t see Eovaldi getting a pay raise. Depending on the years, I think he gets something around $14 - $18 per year.

 

If Bogey is gone I don't think they go after Turner or Correa. They will cost more.

[notin]

In a perfect world of health, you could get away with trading for a LHH platoon bat with Refsnyder (who can smash lefties) and be fine. Heck, if they’re done with the bullpen and are determined to go big, they could do that while resigning Bogaerts and signing Verlander.

 

But maybe going big to them is Correa/Senga/Conforto.

 

That’s spreads the money around a bit too.

 

I do doubt they’re done with the bullpen. Right now, that bullpen would have Winckowski and Crawford in it. Either or both could wind up as starter depth in Worcester.

 

Plus they might be forced to deal from that bullpen for other upgrades.

 

I’d hope to see more relievers. Jansen, Fulmer and Estevez are all available…

[notin]

If Bogey is gone I don't think they go after Turner or Correa. They will cost more.

 

Elvis Andrus is coming off a season in which he recorded 8 OAA defensively (second in MLB behind Swanson) and also had a 103 OPS+ and hit 17 HRs. And is getting 0 buzz.

 

If the Sox want to spend on Senga, Nimmo, Conforto, Contreras, Narvaez, Jansen, whoever, Andrus is the cheap way to fill a hole effectively…

[Hugh2]

If Bogey is gone I don't think they go after Turner or Correa. They will cost more.

 

Yes they will, but the Sox won’t leave 35 million laying around to not go after those guys.

 

Contrary to popular opinion the Sox DO actually spend a lot of money. They have one of the largest if not the largest amount of money coming off the books below the luxury tax line, and they know they’ve f***ed up recently.

 

I remember almost a decade ago I predicted the Sox would make a big move on the pitching front after failing to sign Scherzer/Lester the year before. People didn’t believe Henry would budge and switch direction while I argued he has a long history of doing exactly that, switching directions and then they went out and set the market by signing Price.

 

If the Sox are NOT signing one of the big four I’d be willing to bet it’s because they’re signing a stop gap (Iglesias/Andrus) to go big elsewhere (Judge/Verlander).

 

I also don’t think those guys costing more scare the Sox off, the question is how much more? If Correa is getting $100 million more I’m staying Bogaerts and it ain’t even close. But if Turner/Correa are only getting $40-50 more I’m seriously considering the upgrade and I think the Sox do too.

Edited December 3, 2022 by A Red Sox fan named Hugh

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

You do need 10 starters to start the year. Not all on the 40 man roster. But 10. That’s counting MiLB depth, emergency, etc. Teams will use more. But they need to know their first 10.

 

So if Sale, Paxton, Whitlock, Bello, Pivetta are the top 5 (for now) and Winckowski and Crawford are still around, that leaves 3 spots left. Mata, already on the 40, likely has one. Two openings. If everyone is healthy (not likely), only one would be on the 40 man roster…

 

The Sox really need a good starter, a #1, someone at the top of the rotation, and it should be someone new going into a new season trying to climb out of the cellar.

 

This, to me, is the priority -- even over replacing SS, RF and C. It all starts with who starts.

 

Fans, writers, and even the incumbent players need more than status woe.

[Hugh2]

I do doubt they’re done with the bullpen. Right now, that bullpen would have Winckowski and Crawford in it. Either or both could wind up as starter depth in Worcester.

 

Plus they might be forced to deal from that bullpen for other upgrades.

 

I’d hope to see more relievers. Jansen, Fulmer and Estevez are all available…

 

 

I wouldn’t be surprised either way, but I’d bet they’re not making any other major moves there.

 

I’d like to see at least one if Wink/Crawford make the move full time to the bullpen and start the season In AAA. I mean….they both need to start the season in Worcester, but one of those guys needs to start transitioning to reliever.

[Hugh2]

The Sox really need a good starter, a #1, someone at the top of the rotation, and it should be someone new going into a new season trying to climb out of the cellar.

 

This, to me, is the priority -- even over replacing SS, RF and C. It all starts with who starts.

 

Fans, writers, and even the incumbent players need more than status woe.

 

You’re not wrong but here’s the problem. There are only two guys who fit the bill in free agency. Verlander/Rodon

 

Verlander will eat up 40 million a year and Carrie’s significant age risk

 

Rodon will eat up 30-35 a year and will carry significant injury risk.

 

Your other option is to trade for an ACE. Which if we are going that route the asking price is one of Bello/Casas and then Mayer/Yorke+

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

You’re not wrong but here’s the problem. There are only two guys who fit the bill in free agency. Verlander/Rodon

 

Verlander will eat up 40 million a year and Carrie’s significant age risk

 

Rodon will eat up 30-35 a year and will carry significant injury risk.

 

Your other option is to trade for an ACE. Which if we are going that route the asking price is one of Bello/Casas and then Mayer/Yorke+

 

Yup, it would probably be a trade, and you have to give up something to get something. I just wouldn't deal Bello, who could evolve into Dwight Gooden by mid-summer for all we know -- and that would defeat the whole purpose.

 

But we do know Bloom's not digging up and shipping out any of his best crops. He'll spend instead; just be prepared for Kluber, Heaney and half a Hill.

 

ps. we're shooting for a wild card, anyway, and Baltimore is no lock to keep improving -- not when they just signed Franchy

Edited December 3, 2022 by 5GoldGloves:OF,75

[notin]

Yup, it would probably be a trade, and you have to give up something to get something. I just wouldn't deal Bello, who could evolve into Dwight Gooden by mid-summer for all we know -- and that would defeat the whole purpose.

 

But we do know Bloom's not digging up and shipping out any of his best crops. He'll spend instead; just be prepared for Kluber, Heaney and half a Hill.

 

ps. we're shooting for a wild card, anyway, and Baltimore is no lock to keep improving -- not when they just signed Franchy

 

I love the Kluber/Senga tandem being thrown around out here. I really wouldn’t know what to expect from Senga, but Kluber is still pretty good.

 

I don’t see the Sox getting involved with Verlander or Rodon. Who was the last free agent ace-type the Sox signed who wasn’t a complete disaster of a contract?

[Hugh2]

Yup, it would probably be a trade, and you have to give up something to get something. I just wouldn't deal Bello, who could evolve into Dwight Gooden by mid-summer for all we know -- and that would defeat the whole purpose.

 

But we do know Bloom's not digging up and shipping out any of his best crops. He'll spend instead; just be prepared for Kluber, Heaney and half a Hill.

 

ps. we're shooting for a wild card, anyway, and Baltimore is no lock to keep improving -- not when they just signed Franchy

 

I think you have the money to where if you spend it wisely you’re competing for a wildcard, but if you have a clean bill of health you compete for the division.

 

Regardless, you should be a playoff team.

In absence of Bello, I think you have to ship out Casas and that makes Hosmer/Dalbec your 1B platoon (is high might not be as bad as people think) but I still think Mayer/Bleis ship out too. They could be the next Correa/Trout. Two very talented guy.

 

I’m ok with it, if we are already a championship caliber organization….which we are not.

 

I would still like to explore trades with teams to take on some salary to reduce the prospect cost. Florida always comes to mind there, but there are others.

[redsoxrules]

Yes they will, but the Sox won’t leave 35 million laying around to not go after those guys.

 

Contrary to popular opinion the Sox DO actually spend a lot of money. They have one of the largest if not the largest amount of money coming off the books below the luxury tax line, and they know they’ve f***ed up recently.

 

I remember almost a decade ago I predicted the Sox would make a big move on the pitching front after failing to sign Scherzer/Lester the year before. People didn’t believe Henry would budge and switch direction while I argued he has a long history of doing exactly that, switching directions and then they went out and set the market by signing Price.

 

If the Sox are NOT signing one of the big four I’d be willing to bet it’s because they’re signing a stop gap (Iglesias/Andrus) to go big elsewhere (Judge/Verlander).

 

I also don’t think those guys costing more scare the Sox off, the question is how much more? If Correa is getting $100 million more I’m staying Bogaerts and it ain’t even close. But if Turner/Correa are only getting $40-50 more I’m seriously considering the upgrade and I think the Sox do too.

 

They do spend a lot for sure but what's the biggest they have given someone? If I'm not mistaken it's Price at 217 Million. After that it goes to 160 for Manny. And that was a very long time ago. I just can't see it . If DD was still here I'd say they might but not with Bloom

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I love the Kluber/Senga tandem being thrown around out here. I really wouldn’t know what to expect from Senga, but Kluber is still pretty good.

 

I don’t see the Sox getting involved with Verlander or Rodon. Who was the last free agent ace-type the Sox signed who wasn’t a complete disaster of a contract?

 

You mean, other than Sale, Price, Lackey, Dice K, Matt Clement, Matt Young, Frank Viola and Mike Torrez? Holy Red Sucks. David Wells I can't remember, but couldn't stand him.

[Hugh2]

They do spend a lot for sure but what's the biggest they have given someone? If I'm not mistaken it's Price at 217 Million. After that it goes to 160 for Manny. And that was a very long time ago. I just can't see it . If DD was still here I'd say they might but not with Bloom

 

Which means they’re overdue. When’s the last time they were $100 million under the cap?

 

The Sox think longer than our short term memories. I don’t think it’s a bloom/DD thing. It’s a John Henry thing. Bloom has never been given the chance to spend, until this year.