You probably already know that the 2018-19 free agent class is going to be historic. There's no doubt some teams already began lining up their payrolls to prepare for it, and you could argue that the Price and Hanley signings and the Kimbrel trade each reflected that.
It's still two years away, but as we begin this offseason, it's worth considering who among these players the Sox would realistically be interested in. It could help guide roster decisions and strategy.
Of course, there's no guarantee a FA signs here. But DD has shown a willingness to get his guy at all costs, maybe more than any Sox GM in history.
Committed payroll in 2019 (in millions):
Price – $31
Ramirez – $22 (if option vests)
Porcello – $21.12
Sandoval – $18.6
Pedroia – $15
Total – $107.72
Bogaerts, Betts, Bradley, Holt, EdRod, Carson Smith, Wright, Swihart, Shaw, Barnes, and a few others are all arb-eligible. Bogaerts, Betts, and Bradley could each individually push $10-12 million a year. Benintendi is still cheap.
If you choose a player in a cluster (like Keuchel/Harvey/Richards/Shelby Miller), feel free to clarify in your comment.
*This poll is imperfect. I've had to cluster players a little awkwardly into profiles and separate the big fish into a class of their own. Also recognize that some might think it's unhelpful to speculate this far out. Happy to hear a dope weigh in.
It's still two years away, but as we begin this offseason, it's worth considering who among these players the Sox would realistically be interested in. It could help guide roster decisions and strategy.
Of course, there's no guarantee a FA signs here. But DD has shown a willingness to get his guy at all costs, maybe more than any Sox GM in history.
Committed payroll in 2019 (in millions):
Price – $31
Ramirez – $22 (if option vests)
Porcello – $21.12
Sandoval – $18.6
Pedroia – $15
Total – $107.72
Bogaerts, Betts, Bradley, Holt, EdRod, Carson Smith, Wright, Swihart, Shaw, Barnes, and a few others are all arb-eligible. Bogaerts, Betts, and Bradley could each individually push $10-12 million a year. Benintendi is still cheap.
If you choose a player in a cluster (like Keuchel/Harvey/Richards/Shelby Miller), feel free to clarify in your comment.
*This poll is imperfect. I've had to cluster players a little awkwardly into profiles and separate the big fish into a class of their own. Also recognize that some might think it's unhelpful to speculate this far out. Happy to hear a dope weigh in.
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