The WS isn't even here yet, and this is how I see it all playing out.
1. If JD Martinez isn't a legend in AZ,he should be. The man his 29 HRs there in slightly over 1/3 of a season, including 4 in one game. I would not be surprised at all if he stays there.
2. Despite the complete lack of rumors, my prediction is Giancarlo Stantonwinds up on the Dodgers. Clearly they don't care what they spend. He's from LA and has a full no-trade clause (I would think a $325mill contract is a pretty good NTC, but he has one anyway). Also they have the prospects and even the dirt cheap major league talent to send back. And Miami might be the only team willing to take multi-talented headache Yasiel Puig, where he could go from being clubhouse detriment to marketing icon. The stars are aligning here.
3. The Sox really shouldn't sign Eric Hosmer.
4. Nunez, the only Sox free agent worth re-signing, is probably only likely to return if he has a starting job. Simply put, if Boston doesn't offer him one, someone else will. While I haven't spoken to Nunez or read anything about his preferences, money and playing time are almost always the big factors in free agent's decision making. Playing for a championship, not so much. Unless there is a lot of money and playing time also involved. Sure, we might want him for a super sub, but I don't think that's what he wants.
There really isn't much left after that. Moustakas is certainly an option, albeit not a very enticing one. He did hit 35HRs last year, but his prevous career high was 22. Is he in the midst of a career changing breakout? Or is he Morgan Ensberg 2.0? How much does it cost to find out?
The Marlins firesale looks imminent this year. While Stanton is likely to head elsewhere, maybe Ozuna can be had. Maybe Bour can be had.
The real problem for the Sox is trade bait. The minor leagues have very little above A-ball. If they deal off the MLB roster, who should go?
With so little wiggle room for offense already, it dies make it unlikely the team can do anything to prevent Hanley's option from vesting. But if they can add a couple decent bats and drop him down a bit...