One thing the SOX pitching and hitting this year have in common; they're both very offensive. Of course, the word 'offensive' has two very different meanings.
Betts, like all the other mercenaries in baseball, will test FA. There is no doubt of that. Trade him during the winter when his return value will be higher than at the trade deadline.
If, and it's a big IF, Sale and Price can come back healthy next season and stay healthy and they do acquire Cole, that would be a top starting staff. The SOX would definitely be competitive even w/o Betts and JD.