The Boston Red Sox continue to remain in headlines as more reports of their impending spending surface.
Although the Red Sox are among the top teams pursuing free agent superstar Juan Soto, their plan to spend reportedly does not end there.
"They have missed the playoffs three consecutive years, finishing last five times since 2014, and now are shouting to the world that they want to spend with the big boys, and plan to be involved in the bidding for all of the top free agents" wrote Bob Nightingale of USA Today, "This is why they met with Soto, told everyone how well it went, and informed agents that they not only want to sign one of the marquee free-agent pitchers in Corbin Burnes, Max Fried and Blake Snell, but actually want to sign two. They are adamant on signing at least one lefty between Fried and Snell."
Starting pitching has been a need for the Red Sox for years, with continuous injuries to their former ace Chris Sale and a minor league pipeline filled with primarily position players. The Red Sox signed Lucas Giolito last winter in an attempt to revive the career of the former All-Star, and traded Sale to the Atlanta Braves for infielder Vaughn Grissom. Those decisions did not play out as expected for the Red Sox, with Giolito missing the entire 2024 season after undergoing elbow surgery, Grissom playing just 31 games (and posting a 31 OPS+), and Sale winning the National League Cy Young with the Braves.
Even with Giolito slated to return in 2025, the Red Sox are in need of more frontline pitching, and are reportedly in the hunt for the best that this free agent class has to offer.
"They have been so outspoken about their intentions," Nightingale quoted one GM as saying. "There's no way you talk that way unless you're absolutely sure you're signing one of those guys. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them announce they've got one of those guys pretty soon. They're pretty confident."
The Red Sox have talked a big talk to agents, GMs, and to free agents, and making a move soon could have larger impacts than just acquiring starting pitching. Soto was reportedly impressed by the Red Sox's willingness to spend and contend in the years moving forward. What better way to prove that point to the superstar than to put their money where their mouth is and spend on free agents early in the offseason?
More MLB: Red Sox 'Very Interested' In Signing Juan Soto, Says David Ortiz
English (US) ·