I think you get freese on an overpay for next year in exchange for a cheap team option or two. That said there is no way we outbid Toronto. Donaldson only leaves if he hates Canada. Machado is staying. But I agree we need the options open.
Not so sure on Machado staying. I know they're in talks on an extension, but the Orioles will have to offer up at least 250 million for him to stay, probably closer to 300 million like Stanton. IMO, if he tests FA, then he is the PERFECT player for us to get. He'll only be 25 years old next offseason and he will almost assuredly ask for an opt-out clause. The team that signs him this time will still get the best years of his career and then if/when he opts out, they won't have to pay for his decline years.