agree with the sentiment that we will be going aggressively after SS and C. If we flail on signing Correa/Seager/Story/Semien, I could see us looking at Andrelton Simmons. I think defense will be the priority if we can't get a big bat there.
Not a lot of realistic or good options in free agency for a C--might have to be a trade. I'd probably target Yan Gomes in free agency on a 1-2 year deal (OK to go two years--can always trade from depth, if necessary). Ironically, Alex Avila would have been a perfect fit on this team, if he had decided to play one more season.
We don't need to acquire an OF--very comfortable next season with Grossman in one of the corner positions. I'm assuming Greene will get the other at some point. I like the combination of candidates we have in Baddoo, Hill and Cameron for the third spot (with Reyes at Toledo). If we are contending at the trade deadline, and none of the young guys are panning out, then we can look to make a deadline deal to round out the OF.
Lots of good starting pitchers available in free agency--I'd target a very good one, and try and sign a Peralta-type for the 2nd spot. I'm assuming that Mize, Skubal, Manning all have spots, and Tyler Alexander is a candidate depending on who we can acquire. Fulmer maybe, too. I'd like to keep him in the pen, but he is a rotation option again. Wentz will be in the mix, but he'll need to go to Toledo and prove him. Probably not someone you count on at this point, but provides depth if any injuries. I also think we'll sign Boyd to a surgery-friendly deal, and he might be available at some point in the 2nd half.
On the subject of Justin Verlander--my heart says sign him, and my head does, too, if there is no qualifying offer attached to him. If the Astros do that, I'd punt--bring him back in 2023 or 2024, when he's less risky and more attainable. I have very low expectations for him at this point, but would like to see him have a role on the 26-man roster in the next couple of years.
My ideal offseason:
SS: 1) Correa 2) Semien (cause he'll be cheaper) 3) Story. Love Seager, but doubt he stays at SS after a few more seasons.
C : Yan Gomes (good WAR, more attainable). Really don't have any good trade targets here, but hope we emphasize defense after seeing Ramos earlier this season).
SP: 1) Marcus Stroman, 2) Robbie Ray, 3) Alex Cobb