drewski6

Regarding the original article - why trade when you can sign guys. Well, when you sign guys, guys will get blocked. So for example, I lean no on trading an infielder - but if we sign Bregman or Adames thats going to have a downstream effect. The need to open up a 40 man spot, prospects getting blocked, guys losing their role to a signing. But I, unlike many here, do not seem are problems are pitching exclusively and we have all these wonderful position players. I think we could use a lot of free agents on the position side, a righty outfielder, potentially a middle infielder, a catcher. And I dont think our projected batting order for next year is great and its far too left handed and our D stinks.

Yeah but refusing to make longer term non-discounted commitments has been part of the problem. With story they were in on despite a longer term contract because they believed he was undervalued and they smelled discount. Then you have these 1-2 year contracts for pitchers, and they are ignoring the top of the market because those guys generally (last year was weird) wont accept 1-2 years. So when you offer short term contracts you get guys who will accept them. And when you go for these 1-2 year contracts , back to back , you dont save much because the AAVs are not that far off from than the top tier guys (who just get more years). Dont bet against inflation. Need I remind you all that we laughed at Adrian Beltres Rangers contract as an overpay , then 1.5 years later everyone is trying to trade for it. Longer term contracts come with inflation protection. Look how Pivetta just turned down 21M. If you offered a 6 year deal to a #3 starter at 17M 4 years ago, everyone would have laughed at you. But if that guy is still a #3 starter today, that deal has trade value. I understand not wanting to be stuck with an underwater commitment, but scared money dont make money. Gotta trust the scouts, GMs and pull the trigger even if theres risk.

After the meeting, I got caught up in the hype. Started feeling like we were a threat to land him, but after a few days (and a few meetings with rivals), Im less confident.

Dont think we'd have to part w Anthony, willing to part with Mayer. TY for engagement

Some combo of Abreu, DHam, minor leaguers traded for Crochet (not extended immediately) and Devin Williams. Along with Williams, Martin resigned to shore up pen (also added Wilson). Surprise signing of Bregman (lefty/righty balance), and Soto (too good to pass). Estimated minor leagues and player benefits = 20M, so I think this is right at (but just below) lux tax), but I think they are willing to go over it this year. Feels different. Durran Soto Bregman Devers Story Casas Campbell Yoshi/Ref (DH) Catcher C: Kyle Teel ($0.80M) 1B: Tristan Casas ($0.80M) 2B: Alex Bregman ($26M) 3B: Rafael Devers ($27.07M) SS: Trevor Story ($22.50M) LF: Juan Soto ($48M) CF: Jarren Duran ($4.9M) RF: Kristian Campbell ($0.8M) DH: Masataka Yoshida ($18.60M) 4th OF: Rob Refsnyder ($2.25M) Utility: Vaughn Grissom ($0.80M) Utility: Ceddanne Rafaela ($1.25M) Backup C: Connor Wong ($0.80M) NA: Add Dead Money Here ($0.00M) SP1: Garrett Crochet ($3M) SP2: Tanner Houck ($4.5M) SP3: Brayan Bello ($2.66M) SP4: Kutter Crawford ($3.5M) SP5: Lucas Giolito ($19.00M) RP: Liam Hendricks ($6.00M) RP: Zack Kelly ($0.80M) RP: Josh Winckowski ($0.80M) RP: Chris Martin ($2M) RP: Justin Wilson ($2.25M) RP: Devin Williams ($10.5M) RP: Justin Slaten ($0.80M) RP: Brennan Bernardino ($0.80M) NA: Add Dead Money Here ($0.00M) Payroll is 5.29% over budget

Good addition because I was thinking the only argument that could give me pause is he bats lefty

Last year Soto's OPS+ was 178. Highest on the team was Devers in the 130's, meaning Soto was as much of a better hitter than our best hitter as our best hitter was to a league average hitter. Ortiz never had an OPS+ of 178. And last year wasnt even Soto's best year at the plate, as he has a year where his ops+ was 217. Only player to ever have a higher single season OPS was Ted Williams. Soto is entering his prime at 26. Would you not sign Ortiz or Williams because you have "depth" at their position. Sox had plenty of depth at 1B/DH when they signed Ortiz (Giambi, Millar). Would you roll back the Ortiz signing? No offense intended but not going after truly elite hitters because you have solid players is how you stay "mid"