What About 2016?

The 2015 season hasn't begun. Yet, the Sox management has to be thinking about 2016. Why? Shane Victorino & Mike Napoli are on the last year of their deals, combined about $27 million in salary. Chances are that neither player will be extended beyond this year for that amount of money. David Ortiz is fighting old man time. There's a chance that he could retire after this season if his performance falls off. Rick Porcello is a free agent next year. If he takes another step forward & he has a great year, Porcello may be too expensive to resign. Justin Masterson is on a 1-year deal & chances are that he is one & done. Let's assume that Napoli, Victorino, Ortiz, Porcello & Masterson all go away after 2015. Now guys like Henry Owens, Matt Barnes, Edwardo Rodriguez, Mookie Betts, JBJ, Allen Craig, Yoan Moncada, Brock Holt & Daniel Nava all become more important in 2016 than they are in 2015. So any potential trade rumors linked to these players needs to be tempered by the Sox brass as they think about the roster & their needs for 2016 & beyond. It's quite a chess game when you think about it because no one can predict the future. All I know is that the Sox are stacked at every position & their farm system gives them many more options to consider than most other teams. How can you help the 2015 team, maybe at the trade deadline, without giving up a key piece for the future? That's why Ben Cherington & his staff get paid the big bucks. I would love a challenge like that!