PREAMBLE
The Sox are in a year where they at least need to be in the “In the Hunt” screen come mid-August. They need to make moves that will benefit them in the short term. No more “let’s see what we have in this guy”.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
Write “tender” or “non-tender” after each player and their projected 2020 salaries. Feel free to offer explanation afterward if necessary.
- Alex Colomé, $10.3M - Tender
- Yolmer Sánchez, $6.2M – Non-Tender
- James McCann, $4.9M - Tender
- Carlos Rodon, $4.5M - Tender
- Leury García, $4M – Non-Tender
- Evan Marshall, $1.3M – Tender
- Josh Osich, $1M – Non-Tender
- Ryan Goins, $900K – Non-Tender
CLUB OPTIONS
Write “pick up” or “decline” after the option.
- Welington Castillo: $8 million/$500,000 buyout - Decline
OTHER IMPENDING FREE AGENTS
Try to retain, or let go?
- Jose Abreu (made $16M in 2019) - Retain
- Iván Nova (made $9,166,167 in 2019) – Let Go
- Jon Jay (made $4M in 2019) - Let Go
- Hector Santiago (made $2M in 2019 on split contract) - Let Go
FREE AGENTS
List three free-agent targets you’d pursue during the offseason, with a reasonable contract. A good example of a bad idea:
No. 1: Madison Bumgarner (5 years, $100 million). He’s a proven veteran that seems to finally have his health back on track. He’s still just 30 and has a world of experience that he brings to a young clubhouse.
No. 2: Jose Abreu (3 years, $45 million). There doesn’t appear to be a world where he doesn’t return. Not sure what his market would be but this seems like fair term and value.
No. 3: Jason Castro (3 years, $18 million). Even with Mitch Garver becoming the number one guy in Minnesota, Castro still put up a solid year in a backup role with a 103 wRC+. He’s a great defensive catcher and gives the Sox a formidable catching duo.
No. 4: Leury Garcia (1 year, $1.5 million). I like Leury, just not for the number he’s projected to get through arbitration. His numbers are not inspiring but he’s as versatile as it gets and I still think there is a spot for him on this team.
No. 5: Tony Sipp (1 year, 1 million). Tony was bad with the Nationals this year but he is just one year removed from a career year with the Astros. A guaranteed contract might not even be necessary but I certainly trust him more than Fry and Osich at this point. It’s not a bad risk.
TRADES
No. 1: Trade Thyago Vieira to the St. Louis Cardinals for Matt Carpenter and $19 million. The Cardinals are going to be looking to get out from under at least some of Matt Carpenter’s contract. With the emergence of Tommy Edman at 3rd, Kolten Wong as a premier 2nd baseman and Goldschmidt at 1st there is no place for him. The Cardinals have been willing to eat a big chunk of a contract in the past to open up a roster spot. This leaves the Sox on the hook for 2 years and $20 million. Despite a horrible year last year, Carpenter still had a very good walk rate and the power is still there. He fills in nicely at DH, 1st, 2nd until Madrigal is up or 3rd if (God help us) Moncada gets hurt.
No. 2: Trade Konnor Pilkington and Kodi Medeiros to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Joc Pederson. Rick finally gets his man. He immediately fills a gaping hole in right field and is that left-handed power bat they so desperately crave. I’ve got him getting $10 million in arbitration.
SUMMARY
Lineup
Robert CF
Moncada 3B
Abreu 1B
Carpenter DH
Jimenez LF
Pederson RF
Anderson SS
Castro/McCann C
Madrigal 2B
Bench: Garcia UTL, Engel OF, McCann/Castro C, Mendick INF
Rotation
Bumgarner
Giolito
Kopech
Cease
Lopez
Bullpen: Colome, Bummer, Herrera, Sipp, Marshall, Cordero, Frare, Johnson
Payroll: $101.98 million (you're welcome, Jerry)
This is not the sexiest team on paper but it does fill the immediate holes that the Sox had last year and should make them competitive in 2020. The payroll also is low enough to where they have some flexibility come the deadline or next offseason.
