Yes. Boring. We do all hope Xander Bogaerts’ excellent season has tempered any interest DD had in Machado.
I do expect DD to bring back Eovaldi, who is very much his type of pitcher and whom he did already trade for once.
Barring any trades or DFAs, this would leave the Sox with a full 12 man pitching staff but with no experienced closer. And only maybe $10-15mill to spend before the next CBA limit, which I’m going to assume is a factor. The Sox might bring back Pearce, although this probably leaves $3-8mill for any mid season acquisitions. And a closer. So maybe not.
So a trade for a closer could happen. The Sox don’t have much trade bait, but I assume Brian Johnson would go to create space for another pitcher. Other candidates to round out the package include Swihart, Chavis, and Dalbec.
For Johnson plus 1 or 2 of these players, maybe the Sox can acquire a Jose Leclerc or Will Smith. Or maybe one of the Brewers’ relievers not named Hader. (Jeremy Jeffress? Corey Knebel?)
In both Milwaukee and Texas, Swihart and Chavis/Dalbec might be able to step into starting roles.
If Swihart is not in this deal, the Sox might be done. If he is, the Sox probably have one bench spot open for a RHH 1b like Pearce or an actual fourth outfielder (Jon Jay? Gerardo Parra?). But spending a lot probably won’t be the goal here, just in case. Pearce is the bigger need, but he might be difficult if he wants a contract similar to Mitch Moreland’s...