If the Sox have to take on half of the salary, I'd just take the risk and hold onto Sale. If you trade him, you won't have even an outside shot at a full rotation at this point.
If anyone would jump above Romero, I'd bet on a pitcher like Perales, Wikelman or ERC. Even if Walter starts strong in AAA, he's more likely to just get promoted to MLB and lose eligibility than jump above Romero IMO.
@JeffPassan
Outfielder Wil Myers and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, a source tells ESPN. The deal jumps to $9.5 million based on playing time or if he's traded. There's a mutual option for the 2024 season.
The ticket cost is high (in large part due to demand because of the limited seating).
They own the Sports Network.
The owner has similar net worth to other owners that are signing big contracts (Yankees, Phillies).
I think that price goes down once the season starts.
if and only if:
1. That player has never received a qualifying offer previously in his career.
2. That player spent the entire season on that team's roster (in-season acquisitions are ineligible).
I think going for lower level prospects just because they aren't SS doesn't make sense. So what if the Sox have Mayer? Maybe Mayer doesn't work out? Maybe you move the Giants guy off position? Maybe you deal him to another team?
Valdez and Abreu have a little bit of potential. At the moment, I can't project them to be MLB regulars, but they are more likely to have an impact than Hamilton.