Is it legal to negotiate that you will not use the QO on someone?
I still think people forget that CK had some struggles last year and has a lot of miles on his arm. It's unlikely he's up to form until almost half way through the season. I'd pay big money to get him on a one year deal and maybe some 20+ million dollar team options. I'd be very very concerned about anything more than two years.
I don't see why DK would be a fit at all.
I don't see why ppl want Bumgardner so bad. If the Giants want to give him away, fine. I wouldn't give up anyone in our top 20 for Bumgardner. I'm not sure that I'd sign him as a FA now.
I like Folty, Soroka, Fried and Gausman as my 1-4 this year and next year. I'm worried about health with the first 3, but it is what it is. I still have Touki, Wright, Wilson, Newk, Weigel, etc , etc as 5th starter options for the minimum. I'd much rather spend my money on high annual value but low guaranteed years Relief Pitchers or a LH bat with an OPS north of 800 (if I can figure out where to play him). Maybe it's a high annual value, low year Grandal move.
I don't see how you can spend more than 10 million on a pitcher unless he's an absolute stud AND you have a trade where you turn some of the Touki,Wright, Wilson, Newk, Weigel etc folks into something at really upgrades your team. Honestly they'll maybe think about flipping Gausman because there is a decent chance they can get his production from one of those guys.