I’m all on board with Tanner Scott, who I think should be the Sox top priority. Very hesitant on Fried or Burnes.
The latter two will likely want 7-9 years, pitch effectively for maybe 2 or 3, and then spend the remainder of their contracts dragging down the payroll disallowing the Sox from replacing their production.
Last year I wanted Sean Manaea, who turned out to be a great signing for the Mets on a one year deal. Manaea will likely now want a long term deal as well. Probably not loooking at 6-8 years, but he might get five.
If the Sox want the 2025 Manaea - someone who can pitch effectively and not morph into an albatross for 3-4 (or more!) years, my first thought is Nick Martinez, who had a terrific second half for Cincinnati. Martinez would first have to opt out of his last year (at $12mill), but won’t be pushing the bidding into the 6-7 year range. Hard to see a team going beyond three…