And the reason for the silence becomes apparent. Conforto had shoulder surgery last week and will miss all of the 2022 season. 

The silence on Conforto rumors strikes me as odd.  Usually Boras can generate some smoke even if nothing is brewing. Thoughts?  For me, clearly an overplayed hand.  Kinda like Keuchel a few years back.

Michael Conforto (OF) - Mar. 30
https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player.php?id=13371

Agent Scott Boras said Wednesday that Conforto is now healthy and in contract discussions after suffering a right shoulder injury in January, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Conforto picked up the injury during a workout in January when he landed awkwardly on the shoulder, and he wanted to be fully healthy before attempting to sign with a team. The 29-year-old resumed talks with clubs last week, though it's unclear if he's expected to land a deal before the start of the regular season next week. Regardless, he'll have a delayed start to the season since he's already missed nearly the entirety of spring training.

I don't see ANY chance of Boras going for a contract like that, Seadogs.  But many teams surely would.  Hopefully Conforto will be the LAST player ever to suffer from the QO scarlett letter.

The latest player to be bit by the QO. Ignoring destination, it's just difficult to see a contract that Conforto and a team would agree to sign at this point.

Boras is probably pushing for his "standard" 3-Yr with two opt outs which is just fine for Correa. If I was a team, I would offer a deal structured like this:

Year 1 -- 18M (to mimic the QO).

Year 2 -- 23M (team option or $1 million buyout)

Year 3 -- 25M (vesting or mutual option)

Team gets a chance to audition him at a "low rate" in what becomes a contract year. If he does well then the team gets rewarded for it's lost pick with a second year of Conforto. Not cheap overall but cheap if it's like 2020. If not, Conforto gets another million.

Year 3 depends on who.

Rangers still best fit since it's 4th for them, but they don't want to add payroll. 

Jim Bowden at The Athletic a few days ago, imagining 30 bursts of activity when the lockout ends.

Chicago White Sox

Offseason needs: bullpen, 2B, possibly RF

Biggest moves pre-lockout: Signed RHP Kendall Graveman; re-signed INF/OF Leury García

First move they should make post-lockout: Sign RF Michael Conforto to five-year, $90 million deal

The White Sox could really use a left-handed hitter to better balance their lineup and a full-time upgrade in right field. Conforto checks both boxes and also brings strong leadership qualities. He’d fit nicely in the White Sox clubhouse and could be the final piece they need to return to the World Series.

2020: EV 88.4 HardHit 37% Barrel 11% HR/FB 22% LA 11.0 Pull 32% Cent 39% Oppo 28%
2021: EV 88.5 HardHit 39% Barrel 9% HR/FB 14% LA 13.2 Pull 41% Cent 37% Oppo 22%